What can a Bluestar do American Range Performer can't?
julieste
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (18)
julieste
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Any feedback on American Performer range yet?
Comments (7)I've been researching the same and was pretty sure I was getting the performer. I went and looked at the residential model and was quoted a price on a 36" Performer w/an 11" griddle. I had previously been all set to get a BlueStar RNB but for the assumed price difference and the AR oven I figured I was all set to get the AR. I then went and looked at a 36" BlueStar RNBV1 and priced it out too. When it comes right down to it, adding backguard and color it's nearly a wash. Color on an AR is $750, it's $349 on a BS. You can't move the griddle location on an AR (center), you can on a BS but it'll cost you a little over $300. It's about $500 difference for the base SS models, add color and the difference is negligible once you see the BS in action. Finish on the BS is much nicer, I like the way it all comes apart, the catch tray on the BS has 3 compartments so you only have to clean the dirty one, the AR is just one tray. I'm ordering my 36" BS RNB w/griddle on the right in color #6024 tomorrow w/a matching canopy 42" hood....See MoreBluestar Range Top vs. American Range
Comments (24)I've had my 36" range Bluestar for almost seven years and we have replaced every single ignitor at least two times, many three or more. We've also had issues where we have had to replace the entire burner because the screws had rusted into place (our original range was built without stainless steel screws ... oops) and then they've broken off when we tried to make the ignitor change. In addition, we've had to have the spark modules (ignitor control boxes) replaced twice on one side, once on the other. On several occasions, "shorts" (that's the term we were told by repair people), have caused the wires to melt and fuse together--meaning the ignitor wire that goes from the ignitor itself and then plugs into another wire that goes into the spark module fused--requiring replacement of not only the ignitor, but the second wire (which also requires removal of the front plate). We also continue to have issues with all of our burners clicking constantly, even when the lit burner is fully on, unless the flame is on full high. (But only on two of the six burners.) So, yes, replacing an ignitor is a fairly trivial, if annoying and potentially expensive prospect, IF you don't also have melted wires, rusted screws that shear off when you try to remove the ignitor or broken spark modules. Oh, and you can actually get Bluestar to send you the ignitors you order and pay for in the first place. That's never really gone smoothly for me, either. In my experience, 6-12 week waits are the norm for parts from Bluestar. Plus, once you get the parts, you better hope they're right. We've had at least four replacement ignitors that didn't work, right out of the bag: cracked in shipment. The fragile, unprotected ceramic ignitors are sent loose--hitting against each other, if you order more than one--in small bubble mailers. A little rough handling in route and you're bound to get at least one pre-cracked ignitor per-batch ... At $25/pop, for what I've been told by several service people is a "$3 part." (But we've also not found off-brand ignitors that fit the Bluestar without modification.) "Stooxie," and others, I'm glad it hasn't happened to you but the ignitor issue (no air quotes) is, or at least, was, NOT "nonsensical." It's possible they've addressed these problems in later models, but I can attest the issue is most certainly a legit one. I don't have one, but I was very impressed with the Capital Culinarian, for many reasons, but at least in part because they had a large metal shield covering part of their ceramic ignitors, making me think they'll be a LOT less fragile. Oh and, in terms of Bluestar issues ... I will also say that, it's likely these are not current concerns, but we were certainly not thrilled to need two oven door replacements (locking itself shut) and a new oven bottom (support collapsed) ... Just more "non-issues" experienced by myself and many other Bluestar owners of the same generation. When the range works, it's impressive, but the shoddy build-quality I've seen (mine also came with loose screws floating free and missing parts) and abysmal customer service means I would never, ever buy another Bluestar, no matter what their next, latest-greatest is. They may have cleaned up their act now, but they treated their early adopters like Beta testers ... Without the service and support such positions usually come with. EDITED TO ADD: I'm not saying no one else should buy a Bluestar, or that they haven't solved the problems I've described above in later builds (I haven't cooked on one built later than mine, but I've read anecdotal evidence seems to indicate at least some changes have been made). I'm simply saying that I, personally, based solely on my own experience, would not. This post was edited by applnut on Tue, Apr 30, 13 at 8:57...See MoreJust ordered an American Range Performer - will post feedback
Comments (5)Hey greats, finally somebody bought one so we can gets a review that means something. Hope if performs well for you. Everybody gains when there is competition, with just 2 players in the game now, they charge what they pretty well please, and both BS and Capital have been guilty of raising prices in spite of our lousy economy, that's gotta stop!!!---sooner the better! Gary...See MoreAmerican Range or BlueStar- 24" gas range
Comments (4)I'd def suggest bluestar over the American. Bluestar is just a more commercial product that you will be pleased with. And given your space considerations, the 24" would be a great fit. I actually prefer the 24" to the 30" in general, as any 30" range has that useless dead space in the middle whereas with the 24", you can have the "slideability" on all 4 burners (ie, sliding the pots and pans around without having to lift them up). And if you think a 24" isn't big enough, then swing by Dmitris restaurant in 2nd and Catherine in Philly (which by your handle on here makes me think you're familiar with it), and see how they run a packed restaurant day in and day out using a 4 burner 24" range....See MoreLeCake
11 years agojulieste
11 years agododge59
11 years agoLeCake
11 years agojulieste
11 years agojwvideo
11 years agonumomi2005
11 years agojulieste
11 years agocgold
9 years agolmarie97
9 years agoUser
9 years agoFelicia Saucier
9 years agoElle Ryan Design
7 years agoThe Maine Spruce House
3 years agojanice Crews-Dearing
3 years agoThe Maine Spruce House
3 years ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNTrending Now: 25 Kitchen Photos Houzzers Can’t Get Enough Of
Use the kitchens that have been added to the most ideabooks in the last few months to inspire your dream project
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNWhat the Heck Is a Ha-Ha, and How Can It Help Your Garden?
Take cues from a historical garden feature to create security and borders without compromising a view
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESYes, You Can Grow Food in a Shady Yard
Your shady garden doesn’t have to be forever barren. Berries, herbs and other shade-loving plants can produce a delicious bounty
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe '70s Are Back. Can Ya Dig It?
No need to cringe. These 21 groovy blasts from the past are updated to look fabulous today
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESThese Hedges Can Add Interest to Your Winter Garden
Evergreen trees and shrubs provide structure and color in the winter months — and can attract wildlife too
Full StoryBOOKSCan Tidying Up Result in Life-Changing Magic?
Organizing phenom Marie Kondo promises big results — if you embrace enormous changes and tough choices
Full StoryMOST POPULAR9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire
Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES5 Ways Art Can Improve Your Room Design
Artwork can bring together the elements of a room by being a focal point, a color inspiration, a harmonizer and more
Full StoryLIFEHow Your Landscaping Can Keep Burglars Away
Prevent home break-ins with strategic landscaping and good practices instead of menacing — and maybe less effective — measures
Full StoryPOOLSPool Slides: What's Possible, Who Can Build It and What It Will Cost
These slippery slopes will make a splash and offer an exhilarating ride that's the stuff of childhood dreams
Full Story
LeCake