Some thoughts for the OP. 1. "Value-priced" and "lower-priced" 36-inch ranges Seems almost an oxymoron unless you meant "lower than $7k." The only "value priced" 36" ranges that I know of are all-gas models: (a) the NXR DRGB3601 available for $3k (delivered) from Costco.com and several other on-line vendors like Dvorson's, Austex, AJ Madison, Plessers, and others I can't recall right now. It has a reasonably sized oven. Friends of mine have had one for about four years and like theirs a lot. I've had a 30" NXR since last year and have generally been pleased with the stove's performance. Do note that, as you might expect from a small-market share company, warranty service can be very slow and cumbersome. Numbers of threads here about NXR stoves for more info. BTW, one of the 36" NXR models can be had with a built-in griddle. (b) the 36" Bertazonni which is the same price from AJ Madison, etc. IIRC, it has a small oven. I think I've seen a thread or two which disussed it. (c) The Frigidaire Pro FPGF3685LS, a five burner unit with a dinky oven that sells (I think) for something like $2100. Ran across one of these this last year when I was stove shopping. Think I saw it at Lowe's. Was not impressed. You might try searching on sites like AJ Madison. I think I've seen some 36" pro-style models from Verona and Fisher & Paykel and they might have been even less than $3k, but I don't know anything about them. You might try posting a thread with specific model numbers in the thread title. That may bring users out of the woodwork who might not respond to a more general inquiry such as this one. (Or, there might turn out not be anyone here with experience). IIRC, the Verona can be had in colors for an upcharge. I think Peerless may still have have a 36" "Premier Pro" range which is probably around $1600 to $2000. Costco.com offered them for a while but the stoves got negative reviews and COstco dropped that line of product. My recollection is that it had a smallish oven (as in smaller than on may 30" stoves) and seemed underpowered. If you are willing to spend in the next level up ($4k to $5k), American Range has one its "Performer" line and Five Star has several 36" models that some people seem to like. Seems to me that Five Star actually made the old Viking ranges for a decade or so ago, before Viking had ramped up its factory, a and the current models may seem similar to the old VIkings. I believe we have had some threads on both the AR and Five Stars here within the last couple of years but I have not been able to locate them. If you are looking for a pro-style dual fuel range, my recollection is that only some Italian brands like Verona and Betrazzoni (and maybe Smeg) have anything below $5k. Occasionally, you may find a deal at dealer who is selling floor model or closing out a line. Thirty inch and more counters/cabinets versus thirty-six-inch range --- the idea of a "real" griddle For a small kitchen, my vote would be for counter and cabinet space and going with a 30" range. By a "real griddle" do you mean a built-in one? Seems to me that the built-in griddle on 36" ranges that I have seen have been pretty narrow and cumbersome to clean. Those factors would limit its usefulness for me. My personal preference would be for something like a Chef King 7-gauge carbon steel griddle plate which is 14" w x 23" long. Larger space, use it when you need it, unpright handles for easy moving, and easier to clean. Also only around $100 (less on Amazon if you shop there), Other Suggestion For staying only five years and wanting cooktop space and dual fuel, I would suggest that you consider GE's Cafe dual fuel line. It is a backsplashless free-standing range with continuous grates so the space functions like a pro-style stove. For about $2800 you get a dual fuel oven and a stovetop with a 17k btu burner and a 20k btu burner. Also has a center girddle burner and a smallish griddle plus two simmer burners in the back. Good prospect of reliability and durability. Something to consider. I've you've already considered this and rejected it, then never mind.

Well, I've seen them and I just was not impressed. If you do a search, you might find some old discussions about them. They sell them at a building supply store in San Francisco, and I've seen them at a small appliance store nearby. They make gas or electric. Some have windows and some have stainless fronts. I needed a small range once, so I had to look at these because they make cheap apartment ranges, like Brown, or Hotpoint. I just think G.E. or Kitchenaid, or Bosch or any of the major brands you can find at Lowes,Best,Sears,Home Depot/Expo Center,, etc is going to be a better value..esp if it's a 30" range. The major appliances just make and sell more and compete with each other for features and appeal. If you're looking at high end, the brands are different- Wolf,G.E.Monogram, DCS, Bluestar, Capital, American, AGA, LaCanche, etc, etc.

Tin can build quality with delusions of grandeur. You can buy a cheap crappy Americana at Home Depot for $300 and at least you won't be wasting the extra $200. I don't understand why you'd want a coil top though? If you are in an all electric home, look at induction. It's 100 times more functional than the range you're looking at, and only about double in price if you catch Sears in a sale.

Thanks. The thread was interesting as I'm buying a range to replace a 1950's Roper. I'm very dubious about all the electronics on today's ranges. I bought myself a DCS 10 years ago and love that it has no touch pads or buttons to fail. The Premier Pros look really old fashioned, but there is very little information about them so I won't be buying one. I'm actually sorry to be getting rid of the Roper, but it is 48" wide and has a small oven and isn't really right for a rental apartment. I hope to find a good home for it....someone who will refurbish it and keep it cooking for another 60 years.