Would you buy the 'safe' product even it it wasn't ideal?

14 years ago

I want a gas open burner range top.

I really only need four burners but am leaning toward Wolf (which is 36 inches in the open burner model) because it is the "safe" choice (from the perspective of customer service and reliability). The alternatives, which offer 30 inch open burner, are Viking, BlueStar, maybe Five Star.

The 16000 BTU's of the Wolf are enough for me. I am separating the ovens and getting electric wall ovens to avoid the issues with the AG range. (and also to get electric ovens).

One advantage of the 36 is having the center two burners right in the middle of the hood. So for my needs that might make a 36 inch (rather than a 42 inch) hood quite adequate.

This will be a kitchen remodel so either 30 or 36 can be accommodated. It just feels a little silly to get the 36 when I don't really need it, and yet the other choices make me nervous.

Am I being overly cautious? Is my thinking about this flawed? Would appreciate any guidance.

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Comments (5)

59 Dodge
14 years ago
Well, alto I am glad to see you buying US Products, "Wolf", You are not buying it as a "Safe Bet"
Unfortunately Consumer Reports still reports on much above average failure rates for both Wolf and Sub Zero, in fact 4 times as many failures for Sub Zero as appliances made by Whirlpool. Now I know there are those that say Consumer Reports is "Biased against" the higher price brands, but we are not talking "Ratings" here, just failure rates as reported by their readers.Checking this site, except for some flaking of the cobalt interior of the Wolf oven---which you aren't getting anyway, We dont see many negative posts about either brand(Wolf or Sub Zero) alto I know of at least one user here, that did have a Suz Zero failure, but really didn't mention it Until was talking about appliances in "General" then casually mentioned the SZ was the only appliance that needed service.
Get what makes You happy and what you think will fit your style of cooking--I just didn't want you to be under the misconception that the Wolf was a safer bet than others you mentioned

Gary
gizmonike
14 years ago
Even tho you can't see yourself ever using all 6 burners, we're very happy we went with 36" because the extra space is really handy when you have more than 1 cook and if/when you use big pots/pans. We're now deglazing roasting pans & using big stockpots that we could never have considered before.

SubZeros & Wolfs get repaired, while brands like Whirlpool usually get replaced. We've had multiple SubZeros still running strong after 18+ years of service -- at that point most need a service call or two, but it's not like buying a new one. SZ/Wolf has superior warranty coverage.
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59 Dodge
14 years ago
I'm glad to hear about the good service gizmonike. That is "near and dear" to me, after running a service business myself for 16 years. I see your point about something that gets repaired, rather replaced too!!! If my Honda breaks (anything serious), thenh it gets replaced with another used one butttttttt--my 64 Dodge or59 Dodge breaks--and my 59 just did, They get fixed.
Don't really mean to "Rag on SZ or Wolf" just , and you did it very well, let the poster here know, that maintenance/repair is a possibility regardless of price.

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rnest44
14 years ago
Sayde, think long term and choose what makes the most sense dollar-wise, consider service and daily use and whatever other measures are important to you. I was in the same place as you and chose 30" BUT I am okay with sealed burners and am doing a dual fuel range so that oven would be so big and wasteful for my family. I think your idea of the 36" hood would work too if you go with a deep hood. I've been reading your threads and you seem thoughtful so your answer will come to you as you continue to be stuck in decision making...

Wolf and Subzero are the 'locals' in my area. I ended up with one of each even though that is not where I started. The GE's we are pulling out are from 1980 when the house was built! I am hoping for the same lifespan with these new appliances and am willing to pay for the service which I know is good for these products in this area.
sayde
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you all for your input. There are so many factors to consider -- it really helps to hear from people who have been through this nerve wracking decision making process.

Would you buy the 'safe' product even it it wasn't ideal?

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59 Dodge

gizmonike

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Would you buy the 'safe' product even it it wasn't ideal?

Comments (5)

59 Dodge

gizmonike

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59 Dodge

rnest44

saydeOriginal Author

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sayde
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