I'm not a gourmet cook but want a pro-style range

13 years ago

I'm not a gourmet cook, and I don't ever plan to be one. With that said, I like good quality products, at a reasonable price (read: DON'T need HIGHEST quality $$$). We are building a house and the kitchen plan calls for a 36" range or range top.

The one "look" that I like is the GE Monogram. Couple concerns I have is 1) price - expensive for something that has GE stamped on it 2) price in general, I was quoted $6,200 3) I want the biggest bang for my buck and I'm not sure that the Monogram will give me that.

I have looked at the KitchenAid, Thermador, Capital (just online), and GE and honestly, they all look about the same. I want a gas range that will be good-looking, easy to clean, and won't break down on me. Too much to ask?

I am not opposed to any brand, I just know the look I'm after is gas pro-style, and I'd like to spend $5k at the most.

Would love to hear your advice!

Featured Answer

pggirl

13 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Long post alert, but hope it helps. First I'm going to say that I'm not going to push a certain range as the one to have.

I'd go with the advise above. Visit your local vendors. A simple blip through the phone book should give you a list and with your location you should not have any problem finding something local or within a delivery range for a vendor. By that I mean, actual appliance stores/specialty kitchen stores, that are not the big box stores. NOTHING BEATS BEING ABLE TO ACTUALLY SEE, TOUCH, TEST, PROD, POKE AND GENERALLY GIVE A RANGE A GOOD GOING OVER IN PERSON!!!!

I'm sure the GE is a nice range, but my first gut reaction was that seemed a LOT of money for it. Others can be had for less. Keep in mind that you'll need to plan for some good ventilation for a 36" gas range. Vents are expensive too. If you can find a good range in the 4-5k area then the money you would have saved off that $6200 one can be put towards the vent.

We looked at the big box stores and then started looking at smaller specialty appliance stores. That is where we found Wolf, Thermador, Viking, DCS by FP and other "pro style" brands etc.

We looked at many ranges and brands at these stores. You may also find that many of these dealers will be willing to work to shift older models or stock that has been sitting a while. Some brands are stuck on map price and you won't find a "deal" on it unless it is a last seasons model or something. We found quite a few deals (and that was even before the economy took a real hit) on brand new ranges that a new model was out to replace it.

Some stores have a sort of clearance warehouse type store where you can find some deals. Some may be older models that they had not sold stock before the new ones came out and some may be scratch and dent, but still covered under factory and sometimes store warranties as they are still new. We saw quite a few that had pretty significant price cuts on them.

Here is a few things that we did while looking that others may scoff at, but really gave us a feel for what range we liked over others.

First, look at what it takes to clean it. Some were easy to clean, but you had to take a lot of stuff apart to get in and clean anything that spilled over. We had to think how much of a chore that might become after the newness had worn off of having and using the range. Others had black or dull stainless flat pans with sealed burners on them. These are good for catching the spill, but present their own issues with keeping clean.

One of the biggest things we did was actually take a few pans and baking items that we use regularly along with us. Sounds funny and I'm sure we looked funny walking in with five pans and a couple of baking sheets, but you would be surprised how useful that was!

We found some ranges had 6 burners (we were not interested in a griddle), but when you got pans stacked on there the space was really too tight to have the pans align with the burners well. Now, we have to admit we rarely use over 4 burners on a go, but we have used 6 at once as well. The important point, if you needed to use all 6 is it realistic to do so.

We also found some ovens so narrow/shallow that even at 36" we could still only get a single half sheet baking pan on a shelf. This shocked us no end. Don't remember the model, but we found it had the same or less usable rack space as our bog standard 30" range!

The other thing we did was look how the design roughly matched the rest of the items in the kitchen.

We looked and looked, poured over brochures, talked with sales people, compared online and generally tried to make the best decision at the least cost. Basically what anyone does. An interesting point though, if you make multiple trips around the stores looking, comparing and relooking you can also get a feel for how that particular store/company/salespeople are to deal with and their general attitude.

All of the places we visited looked rosey on the first visit, but by our third visit a "comfort level" perhaps was reached with the employees so while looking around we got to hear how they dealt with customer issues, their attitudes and generally how they really operate. Makes for quite an interesting education on quality of service after the sale you can expect.

Above all I still say the best thing to do is actually look, feel, touch, smell..... in person any range you are considering. That way you know exactly how things work, how it looks, sizes etc. Good to get suggestions and go from there, but make your own mind up. Debates on the best range are like many other topics in that everyone is going to be a fan of certain ones and not everyone is going to like the same ones.

Write a list of the things most important to you on the range. Then arrange the list by importance from 1 to whatever. Is it price, prestige/wow factor, ease of use when you do, reliable etc. All purchases are going to be a compromise, but if you are able to focus on the list of most important then you should make a better choice.

Hope that helps.

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Comments (20)

deeageaux
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You can get a 36 Capital Precison off the bay for under $4k

http://home.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=capital+precision&_sacat=71250&_odkw=&_osacat=71250&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

You can get a 36" Capital Culinarian for $5020 after the $300 rebate/installation allowance. EVEN IF YOU SUCK AS A COOK FOREVER, still nice to have the power.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAPITAL-CULINARIAN-SERIES-36-GAS-RANGE-CGMR366-/320688168853?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0amp;hash=item4aaa811f95

If you are patient and methodical you can get a nice 36" pro-style range in the $3-4k range off the bay.

Below is a link for a 36" DCS. DCS and Capital have a shared history though IMO the DCS is not quite as nice as the Precision. Currently the bid is $710 but will probably sell in that $3-4K range. This seller has something nice every couple of weeks or so.

Here is a link that might be useful: DCS RDS364GLSSL
Tim
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Where are you located? Costco in Canada has the 36" Bluestar RCS for $2999 which is an awesome deal.
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RoxySD
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm in San Diego, CA
RoxySD
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm in San Diego, CA
djg1
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
If it's about looks, yeah, they all kind of look about the same in stainless. I mean, sure, there are design differences and some folks will fight to the death over the relative superiority or inferiority of the appearance of the oven door handle on the Capital Culinarian to that of an alternative product. I salute them as I skim quickly past their posts. But yes, from across the room, one stainless steel 36" x 36" box with grates on top and a handle on the front door looks a whole lot like another. The French ranges really do look a bit different, but not for under 5 grand they don't. BlueStar (U.S.) always (I think) comes with a stainless range-top to their ranges as well as their stand-alone ranges, but also offers a choice of 192 colors for the rest of the range at no up-charge on the RNB model -- not sure if that floats your boat or not (probably more like 5 - 5.5k for a 36" RNB, however).

Really, if you don't care about the functional differences, you could look at Consumer Reports and cross off a few models that have poor service statistics, tour a few local vendors and pick something that fits the budget and looks right to you.

I wouldn't look down on GE gas ranges. We recently upgraded to a higher-powered, open burner pro-style-ish range, but we replaced a GE Profile gas range that had given us good dependable service for a dozen years. But if you don't want a GE logo, than I guess you don't. And 6K is not cheap -- high end options from BlueStar, Capital, Wolf, and others can be had in 36" for a bit less than that (let's say 5-something). Bertazzoni might be less, if it's available locally (or you want to have it shipped).
weissman
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
fyi - GE Monogram is a much different product line than GE or GE Profile. They also have a separate service department.
ayerg73
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm thinking about the AGA Pro+ right now. I've heard great things about it, and with the current rebate you can get one for less than $4000
User
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Maybe one of the Italian ranges? I'm very happy with my Bertazzoni--solidly built, good flame control, nice array of burner sizes. They have a slightly different look than most of the other pro-style ranges, not as chunky. Overall they're not as powerful, though if you're not a super-serious cook the one 15K Btu burner might suffice. The 36" Bertas start at about $3K, and range higher for some designs and colors.

A search of the forum for "Bertazzoni" should lead you to several posts about them, and their few quirks. I seem to recall a current promotion about a free matching vent hood, that you might want to check out, too. Good luck with your decision.
gigi7
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We just purchased a house with all GE Monogram appliances; evidently a "package" deal. The first thing I noticed was that the refrigerator (built-in) was extremely warm....certainly was not pointed out on inspection..hmm? Anyway, the service dept. at GE for the Monogram appliances will NOT stand behind their warranty! Clearly it states that the compressor is covered...they will not cover it. Cost us $2000 and I have to be without the fridge for 4 days so they can pull it out and replace and test it. I know that you are not asking about a refrigerator, but I do question the integrity of the company in the service area. Never would I purchase this simply because of "attitude". If I had to replace this unit, it would cost us over $6k or way more for SubZ. We are taking the cheaper way out right now and I'm getting a new range (already ordered and in) anyway to replace the gas cooktop that IS the 36". I will save it for one of the kids if they want it. This being said, haven't had a problem necessarily with the cooktop...it has a grill in the middle, 4 burners. The oven/warming oven/microwave combo has been just ok. We have only lived here 3 weeks, so I can't say for sure about the long-term.
mojavean
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Since they have not been mentioned yet, there is a brand of range called "NXR" built in a pro style that you might want to look at. I have not made a study of them personally but if I recall, they are built to spec in China, making them quite a bit less than competing brands, yet still built with decent quality.

Do a search on NXR in the bottom search field on the page to see some of the posts about them. From what I recall, the people who had them liked them and considered them a good value.

Also, since you are located in SoCal, you might do what my wife and I did and that was to hit the appliance liquidators for bargains. Craigslist or ebay are also ways to get more for your money so long as you are flexible as to make and model.
kaysd
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have seen the Bertazzoni at both Kiva and Pacific Sales in San Diego. They are beutiful ranges and the 36" would likely cost between $3000 and $4000. I am seriously considering it, although I think I might occasionally want more powerful burners than 15,000 BTU.

Pacific Sales often has floor models for sale. You might also want to try the Standards of Excellence "outlet" (near the Sears outlet near USD), as they sometimes have good deals on discontinued models.
sayde
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Another thought entirely -- you say you are not a gourmet cook and do not plan to become one. And, you say you are building a house and "the kitchen plan calls" for a 36 inch range. When I read that I wondered if you yourself really feel that you want and need a 36 inch range. Why can't you go with a 30 inch range -- you're building the house, you should be able to get the size range you want, and of course a 30 will cost less than a 36. Sometimes less is more.
RoxySD
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Good question, sayde. Even though I am not gourmet cook, I do have two growing boys and a hungry husband, family and friends. We will have the biggest house of the family and most friends once the house is built so I will be doing a fair share of entertaining. The kitchen ins quite large and a 30" range will not look right in my large space.
weissman
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
gigi7 - I'm curious - on what basis did GE Monogram refuse to honor the warranty on the compressor - it's illegal for them to do so - did you try pursuing this with the attorney general's office in your state? You should have.
User
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would recommend the Bluestar range. They are very similar to the (Garland commercial) range that Julia Child used and loved and they come in almost any color.

They have a highly impressive star shaped burner, instead of the usual circle of flame. Most of the top is porcelain cast iron that is easy to clean and food doesn't burn onto it like the other ranges mentioned.

There's some pictures at their website-

Here is a link that might be useful: BlueStar ranges
Nunyabiz1
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
YOu can get a great NXR 36" stove for $2800.00 no tax free shipping.
As good as any other stove listed here so far for a whole lot less.

We have ours now for about 6 weeks and absolutely love it, no way you can find a better deal on a quality stove.

Here is a link that might be useful: NXR stoves
deeageaux
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
At the Sears Outlet in Torrance CA they have a 36" DCS Range with grill for $3150.
swisscook
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
not sure if you decided yet; but were were in the very same place and decided upon the DCS. Next to the Berta, the Capital Precision the DCS seemed to have stronger bones, better racks, much more solid burner components, grates, and in general heavy grade stainless. That said, we did not buy a self-cleaning model, so we looked for one that seemed solid and easy to clean (great closed burners). We like the Blue Star, but read a lot of threads here, and felt the open burners were not for us. Price wise, the new 2011 DCS seemed like the best bang for our buck; just over 3000 for a 30" all gas...not self cleaning. Hope that helps...
gigi7
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi, Weissman, I do plan to do something here...this is not right! Like you said, I think it's illegal, too! I asked this woman on the phone (the number they make you call to start) and she couldn't be bothered with anything....can you say "Lazy"? But, neither she (nor I at the time) had any idea whatsoever what the heck would have been wrong, therefore, how could she tell me that it (the warranty) would not be honored?? Go figure. I think the deal is that I live in a small-ish city (180,000 people) that does not have a warranty tech that works here. (There is one that would work on my Lacanche Sully! But not GE Monogram??) SO, they have to wait until they have enough warranty work to fly some guy from Dallas to my town, put him up in a room, and let him work non-stop on all the cases. Could take months to do this! Can you believe that? This is enough of a reason for me not to ever purchase from them again! And, why do they even sell them here if this is the case?? But since I got someone to come service it they won't honor the warranty anyway...even if I can pursue it...because it was not by one of "their" reps. I do not like warranty stuff because of all the little technical details that always come back to bite you. Our new house warranty? Oh, gosh....that covers almost everything...but certainly not the refrigerator! That, of course (and we didn't know) was an extra! Go figure! I believe they call it Murphy's Law...

I'm not a gourmet cook but want a pro-style range

pggirl

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