dcs or capital: btus on propane/lp?

16 years ago

I was considering a DCS 48" range, but when I was looking at the specs, noticed that it said, "Btu ratings shown for Natural gas only. Propane Btu ratings may vary."

Do you think the difference could be significant? (I want to stir-fry and sear.)

Might this also be true for Capital Performance ranges, since they are similar? I couldn't find any reference to fuel type in regard to any changes in BTUs on their ranges.

I would like to be able to consider BlueStar and Wolf ranges, since they seem to know how to adjust their appliances specifically for the different types of fuel, so there is no loss of BTUs. But if I go that way, I can only afford a rangetop. The DCS and Performance ranges are already pushing the budget...

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Comments (4)

weissman
16 years ago
I can't speak specifically to your issue but on my DCS natural gas range I have one 17.5K burner and four 16K burners and I really don't notice any difference between them - I often wok on the 16K burners. I believe that DCS ranges for propane are acutally made at the factory - you should call their customer service and Capitals and ask them directly.
rhome410
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, Weissman. I am concerned about calling and relying just on someone's word, since there have been many stories here of people calling manufacturers and getting different stories depending on who they speak to. I just now found a chart on US-Appliance.com that says the higher output burners only have a max of 15,000 Btu/hr on propane, instead of the 17,500. I wonder when it starts to make a difference with woking?

The higher output burners have lower output with propane, but the lower ones are the same with both types of gas, at 12,500 Btu/hr.

It doesn't say how this might affect the grill or the ovens...

I'm still worried, too, about what I read on searches here last night about the hot front on the DCS ranges. I don't want to burn a bare foot or leg on the hot kickplate area, and I assume if it gets that hot, it really starts to affect the comfort level while you're cooking on the rangetop with the oven going? Are other ranges that much cooler?
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weissman
16 years ago
If you call DCS, ask to talk to one of their techs - they've been very helpful and knowledgeable in my experience. I have the older model RGSC-30, self-cleaning with 4 16K burners and 1 17.5K burner. I think the newer model has some smaller burners. The front of my range doesn't get hot at all except if you stick your finger between the toe kick and bottom of the oven door - but it may be better insulated because it's the self-cleaning model.

I've been very happy with the DCS for 5 years, but if I were looking now, I'd seriously consider the Capital Precision model.
rhome410
Original Author
16 years ago
I've decided to go back to Plan A (which is actually more like Plan F), and stick with a rangetop and dbl wall ovens. The Capital Precision is sure in the running for the rangetop with BlueStar and Wolf... I'm just not sure I'm into taking everything apart to get things clean. I have a coil burner stove in our temporary quarters after having a ceramic top. I hate the coil burners and taking it all apart and everything still not coming clean. I'm afraid the open burners would be like that... But I can see their positive side, too.

dcs or capital: btus on propane/lp?

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dcs or capital: btus on propane/lp?

Comments (4)

weissman

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