If you don't need dual fuel (search for numerous threads in this forum) then there are many "AG" options, most of which are more cost-effective, at least in the US market, than a "DF" option.

Some that I like include:
* BlueStar RNB (or RCS, for a little less, possibly through CA Costco)
* American Range
* Capital
* NXR (budget option)

In my opinion, five burners on a 30" cooking surface is no more usable than four. You just can't fit much on that center burner if you are using even two of the "main" four. If you were looking at the units with the wok burners in the middle, I think you're better off with a BlueStar RNB.

I should have mentioned as well that I'm using Propane, not NG. So it is important that the unit does it without a conevrsion kit as you lose to many BTUS.

That was one of the selling points the salesman mention on the Wolf, it maintained a high BTU for Propane as compared to DCS, and even the GE Cafe whcih ahd all the bells and whistles I was looking for, but I would pay for it with much lower BTUS.

BlueStar will build you a propane range. From what I understand, there is no loss in output compared to NG and the cost is the same as NG. BlueStar isn't for everyone, but it does offer a lot of performance and probably comes as close to a commercial range as you can legally install in the home these days.

I also need to know if the Wolf DF 30" is kid safe, will little hands be burnt when touching the oven glass, or are there any places (aside from the top of the raneg) where little fingers will be burned?

I was always amazed at my Kitchenaid wall ovens, it never got hot enought to even be uncomfortable when touching the glass.

Anyhow it is not a deciding factor but a really nice to have.

I'm a delighted owner of the Wolf DF 30-inch range for the past 4 years. Please type Wolf DF into the Search section of the appliance forum and you'll see the many posts I've made about this great product, the reasons I'm so delighted, etc.

The Wolf DF oven door never gets hot to the touch, and it is safe for toddlers. When the oven is on, there's a warm spot under the front of the oven (I've never noticed it iin my shoes), but my cats love to sit under the front of the oven and soak up the warmth. This is very subtle, because I've never noticed the oven heating up the kitchen on hot summer days.

Again, please do a search on this forum and you'll read many comments about the 30-inch Wolf range.

I have natural gas...I can't speak about propane.

Self-cleaning ranges generally have more insulation than manual-clean ranges (since their internal temperatures run several hundred degrees hotter in the self-clean cycle). They tend to run cooler to the touch during normal operations, but you still need to teach "hot" to the touch-curious, especially if you run the self-clean.

Thanks, great to know that it won't be hot to touch the glass, a real bonus.

Also, I forgot to ask how quiet it operates, I remember my Kitchenaid doubles convections ovens were loud when the fan was running, how's the fan noise on the Wolf?

Also, did anyone order the backsplash guard? I like the idea of having shelves, but I would also want something that I could hook stuff to, like accessories you use to mis sauxes, etc.

Did you order any additional acessories.

I see they offer a full extension ball bearing oven rack, sound nice, too bad it isn't offered standard.

As well does it come standard with the broiler pan and probe because I see them offered as accessories.

The glass may still be hot -- just potentially less insanely hot on a self-clean than on a manual-clean. The door (and even more so, glass) still gets hot, and if someone were to press their hand against any of them and leave it there, eventually they would likely get burned.

I enjoy the full-extension rack on my BlueStar. I don't know if the Wolf is full extension. It makes handling large (8qt or more) stew/stock pots a lot easier.

I think I might avoid self cleaning on the Wolf, I can't tell you how many times I messed up my Kitchenaid double ovens by using the self cleaning, I'm positive it kept having issues after each time.

It's funny because at the time on the forum it seemed some people recommended doing self cleaning prior to your warranty ending and I can understand why, I don't know if I will be brave enough, might just stick to the easy off self cleaning (no heat needed).

Self-cleaning works very well, with absolutely no problems on the Wolf DF 30-inch range. I've used it many, many times in the 4+ years I've had my range. As a result, my oven looks new. I can't imagine having a self-cleaning function in the range, and not using it.

The range comes with full extension rack on the bottom, which tracks along the oven door for additional support. This rack is very nice when removing heavy roasts from the oven.

Sounds as if you've not seen the Wolf range in person, so you can fully observe and assess what they have. I recommend you do that, because I think that will make up your mind for you.

Another feature of the Wolf, aside from its great performance in cooking/roasting/baking is the superb quality of construction, and the attention paid to finishing detail. You should physically examine every range you're considering so you can sort out what is important to you, and what's not. With a Wolf, you will never have to worry about unfinished edges, or sharp edges, etc.

I also recommend you take the time/make the effort to make an appointment to visit your area SubZero/Wolf regional distributor so you can see all of the products in person, AND so you can attend the cooking demonstrations on the Wolf, so you can see for yourself how the range works, how the cook top works, etc. These are free sessions, and are very helpful in giving practical info on the range to help you decide whether this is the range for you.

I am in the midwest (US) and just purchased a Wolf 304 DF for $5149. DH and I attended a cooking demo with gourmet meal and received our choice of pizza stone kit or full extension rack by filling out paperwork. In our area the offer is good through the end of the year. The evening was very low pressure and quite informative. We are doing a renovation right now.
I too wanted 5 burners but like the spaciousness of the 4 on this model. I have a second oven in different location for those few times a year I need it.
Whatever range you decide on, make sure good service is available in your area for that brand.

Hi Wolf DF owners/users. My30" DF range just arrived and will be hooked up today. I can't wait to start cooking and baking! Any tips or suggestions on the different baking modes based on your experience? I'd also love to hear how you all like the pizza/baking stone. I don't have one yet and am trying to decide if it is worth the extra cost compared to other pizza stones.