After Wolf was purchased by SubZero, the quality has suffered according to many range experts. If you've narrowed it to these two ranges, however, I'd go with Blue Star without hesitation. I'm also buying a new range and have narrowed it down to American Range or Blue Star. I've decided on American Range only because of the sealed burners. Hope this helps.

Wolf owner here, and I disagree with the statement about quality suffering after its merge with SZ. Wolf stands behind its products, and if something were to go wrong, the response is immediate and decisive. On this forum, you will rarely read about repeated problems with a Wolf range or oven.

Do a search on this website and you'll get lots of input on the attributes or disadvantages of a Wolf range v other brands.

Only you can decide how you'll cook, what you want in a range, etc. Most people are really happy with what they've purchased (regardless of brand) because they spent so much time doing research. Good luck figuring it out.

thanks. i'd still love to hear from anyone who could speak to bluestar's customer service - are they responsive?

I've found Bluestar customer service to be very responsive by email.

I was just at my local appliance store, asking the owner this same question. He said both Blue Star and Capital were very good on service. But it also depends where you live. I'm in CA and Blue Star in manufactured in PA, so it can take time to get replacement parts trucked out here. While Capitals are made in SoCal, so you can get parts in just 1 or 2 days. My other trusted appliance lady at the big fancy showroom says Wolf has one of the best service reputations. She wants to trade in her Viking for a Wolf. I know this is all 2nd hand info. It's better to hear from people with direct experience.

I have had very quick response from bluestar either by phone or e-mail.

thanks. i am seriously leaning toward the 30" bluestar with a colored front. some deep dusky blue for our sweet 1925 brooklyn house. and i confirmed that the grates on our old 1940's (maybe early 50's) kenmore are cast iron so we're pretty comfortable with dealing with those and will also like the bs grates.