I would try to go for looks AND performance! In this economy, it is pretty easy to find deals on Craig's List, E-bay, etc. Find your ideal oven and then shop around. I was able to get my Viking dual fuel for less than half price...good luck...

What kind of cook are you? Do you regularly need a bigger oven, or 5 burners? I would pick based on usefulness first, or you can end up with a expensive and pretty appliance that you hate cooking on. Lookswise, I like the Berta. I don't like the GE profile's rear controls and funky curved lines.

I have the KitchenAid one in Black and I'm happy with it, especially the high-powered burner that has a reversible wok grate (stir fries are excellent). The grates going completely across the top make it easy to slide pans across to other burners. I don't like the high backs of freestanding stoves, so it especially appealed to me because it looks more like a slide-in stove.

If you're lucky enough to have an ApplianceSmart nearby, you may find one for less. Mine was about $400 less than the retail shown and had a couple of little dings in the side that are not visible, of course. The warranty is the same as a cosmetically perfect one.

The reviewers mention the sound it makes when the burner comes on and it is strange, but I've gotten used to it. It's a good value for the money, from what I've experienced so far.

Catlike - my first choice for money and looks was the kitchenaid model, only because most of my other appliances will be Kitchenaid and the color of the stainless should match better from one to the other. (I know I'm wierd). If you have the slide in version without the back on it, did you need to have a countertop piece behind it or did you just slide it against the wall? Do you happen to have a photo of it against your wall? I don't know what to do in the event that sauce splashes everywhere and starts running down the drywall/tile in the back.

idrive65 - yes the berta is nice looking but the oven is only 2.4 !!

tigernyc - do u mind if I ask how much u were able to get your viking for? which stores should I be looking at?

We are in the same situation, desires and budget-wise.
We looked at several ranges in person, and have spent several weeks researching, asking Qs here and on the appliance forum, and combing craigslist for the surrounding states.

We need a 30" gas (LPG)

We narrowed it down initially to (with approximate best-deal prices as memory serves:)
GE Cafe ($2550)
Jenn Air Premier Line Pro Style ($2300 plus extra granite work since its a true slide-in)
Bertazzoni ($2600)
NXR ($1875)
Capital Performance (discontinued) floor model ($2300)
American Range floor model ($2500 + $275 shipping)

We also originally looked at Bosch, KA Architect, and the Fisher Paykel 36" but quickly ruled all those out.

We then ruled out the GE and Jenn Air, because we've had the electronic touch-pad modules fail on previous low-powered ranges and we don't feel like its a good idea to combine sensitive electronics with high-powered burners. Seems like a recipe for disaster. We prefer the simpler, less-high-tech ranges.

we absolutely LOVED the look of the Bertazzoni, but it has a really small oven -2.9 cu ft- and I wasn't sure I could get a turkey in there, let alone multiple cookie trays or turkey plus side dish. It was sad but we crossed it off the list. (It was really too mych money, anyway!)

Looked at the Capital and NXR in person (in the same showroom with Thermador, Blue Star, etc) and we decided that for the $$, the NXR won. It has slightly less polished fit-and-finish, but nicer burners. It LOOKS professional and purposeful (blue enamel oven interior is cool) and it has 4x 15k BTU stacked burners... so I think I will have fun cooking on it! That's what we're going with.

Stacey

dreamywhite,

I have the freestanding one that you linked to. The back is low, compared to most freestanding stoves, so it has the look of a slide-in (along with the controls being in the front). I don't have a backsplash up yet (I have a sheet of stainless sitting behind it now until I figure out what I want for a backsplash), but I haven't been splashing anything behind it, so maybe that little part in the back is just enough. I imagine you'd have to put a filler piece or countertop filler behind it if you got the slide-in version.

Stacey,

Thank you for posting. You have been so helpful. I looked into the NXR also and the only thing I did not like is that the grates didn't run all the way across but I thought about if that would really bother me or not. I have read it has exc reviews and the looks are amazing. Where did you find it for $1875? The lowest I can find is $1999 and it looks like it's being discontinued at that price.

Hi dreamywhite.
There are 2 NXR models. One is the NXR NRG 3001, which is being discontinued from what I can tell. It has a more commercial looking handle and exposed screws on the face plate/knob panel (which Five Star also has so I guess that's not too weird). It is everywhere for $1999 free shipping, and I found a floor model for $1850 locally. But I much prefer the DRGB3001, which has a redesigned handle (looks like the Electralux Icon handle, I think they may have made Electralux for a while??) and flat face plate with no screws showing. I think it looks nicer, but most places sell it for $2500.

I combed craigslist and found a place in TX that had it for $1999 and would ship it for $99. Good deal. http://austin.craigslist.org/hsh/961926238.html

A local place in Boston has it for slightly less if I pick it up myself.

I also wanted continuous grates. But I feel like that is a reasonable compromise for getting everthing else I want at a great deal. Who knows, maybe they will come out with an insert in the next year or so and we can order that seperate? (I saw that the Capital we looked at normally didn't have continous grates but you could order the insert as an upgrade...)

Also- everyone I have spoken with seems to think that this low price won't last, and that, like other newer companies (American Range (?), Capital) they will quickly raise their prices to be more in line with their competition. Who knows if that's true? Still- we're willing to give it a shot!

I have a pro-style 30" range with 5-burners - it's a DCS and out of your price range - but the point I want to make is that the least useful feature of it is the 5 burners. I've never used more than 4 at once and frankly to use all 5, some of the pans would have to be fairly small. I do use the center burner a lot but then don't use all of the side ones. The one thing that is really nice is the continuous grates which make it easy to move pans around.

Personally, if you like to cook, the range is the thing to splurge on in your kitchen and you should focus on the features that you want and will use rather than the looks.

Well....even cheap junk will "work" or function at it's proposed use....but will it be fun to cook on? Does it excite you as a cook to use it? Does it complement your remodel or hold back on the "look"? I say splurge, your gonna be stuck with this "look" for a long time AND it's a tool....cheap tools suck to use!!!!

Stacey - so did you purchase and receive it from this company in TX ? Did it arrive perfectly with no dents etc? Did they bring it into your house for you? Sorry for all the questions, the butcher block island we are buying states we have to have men on site ready to haul off the truck - causing a problem since my DH works like normal people do during the day.

The only thing I really like about the 5th burner is the ability to slide it across, don't know if I would actually use it or not but even a grate there would be wonderful.

Stacey - so did you purchase and receive it from this company in TX ? Did it arrive perfectly with no dents etc? Did they bring it into your house for you? Sorry for all the questions, the butcher block island we are buying states we have to have men on site ready to haul off the truck - causing a problem since my DH works like normal people do during the day.

The only thing I really like about the 5th burner is the ability to slide it across, don't know if I would actually use it or not but even a grate there would be wonderful.

Made the list - starting scratching them off as all of you gave me great suggestions.

I am thinking this model will work hopefully. There is only 1 thing about it that I do not like and it is the back panel on it, but I think I may be able to live with it since the other features are nice.

Siemens Convection Gas Range - Priced at $2100
5.1 cu feet in oven plus 1.3 in warming drawer below
4 Burners with cont grates

But I do think it has electric panels which someone mentioned isn't the best idea.

Does anyone know anything about this model? It was kinda hard to find online for $2100. Doesn't look like I'd be able to see it in person before purchasing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Siemens Range Photo & Specs

dreamywhite -

I love my GE Cafe dual fuel and paid $2,200 for it at Sears.

happytobehome - just got off the phone with the local appliance store and they told me that they have 3 GE CAFE models in the scratch and dent department for about $2000 each. I hadn't even heard of that model before today and it looks pretty nice, has everything I want. When did you get yours at sears for $2200? I just looked at sears.com and it stated $2800.

Sears runs sales *all* the time. Stop by a store and ask, the sales person will have a list of every sale coming up in the next few months.

We bought 3 GE Cafe appliances (range, fridge, microwave) last January when Sears offered a "buy 3 or more and get 20% off" deal. We weren't ready to install then, but Sears will hold appliances for as long as you want, and deliver them when you're ready. Sears has great sales if you can wait for one.

Dreamywhite- To answer your question, my range (a duel fuel 36 inch) was $3500. I purchased from an ebay seller. Disregard their listed price and contact them directly with your offer. It often works! My seller was local so I picked it up and did not need to pay shipping. Also check out Craig's List. I just have a big problem paying retail for anything these days, sale or no sale haha Good luck....

Dreamy
I didnt read the other posts so sorry if I'm repeating -

Re: Pro vs other gas range

Since cost seems to be the greatest barrier there are a few things that need consideration
- W/Pro range you typically would need better ventilation system than with reg models - higher btus, manufacturer suggestions do request that - A good hood depending on your application, cost of install etc.. will start at minimum of $500 (perhaps more) -
- Install - that should be figured into cost for range, ?is there gas line presently there & hood (depends on type/complexity of install)
- If you have budgeted for the above then I would inquire how you cook - do you cook a lot, use oven more than rangetop, searing, wok cooking etc... Do you use/need 5 burners
- Once you have decided those - your choices for ranges should be narrowed -
- I would search your area appliance stores scratch & dent departments as well as showroom which get changed out - that is a great way to get a high quality range at a serious discount - just make sure to understand the manufacturers warranty

Good luck

Spent last night finding great deals out there. As for the question about the range hood is 600 CFM good enough? I tried to stay away from the lower numbers like 200. I found a great deal at the Sears Outlet center by us. Only $380 after coupon - online price $700+. Brand new special order item. Really exciting. We don't have to pay installation since my DH is a pro at everything.

Kinda looking into the GE CAFE model now. Didn't know it existed until yesterday. My local store has 3 on clearance for $2000. My new neighbor has one and it's a pretty good looking range with 5 burners and a total of 6.0 cu feet for the oven/warming drawer. I think for the money and the look it's the best deal around. I want something that looks good, but do not want to sacrifice for a small oven or small burner area. I have a smooth electric top now and love that I can use the entire surface top when taking hot pans out of the oven etc.

Do these sound like good deals?

The only thing is I am wondering if that Kitchenaid range hood will be a totally different stainless color than the GE Cafe range. Does anyone think that will look funny?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchenaid 600 CFM Range Hood

"The only thing is I am wondering if that Kitchenaid range hood will be a totally different stainless color than the GE Cafe range. Does anyone think that will look funny?"

I don't think anyone will notice, it is pretty common to have a different brand hood over a pro-style range. I have a Capital range, a Vent-a-hood, and a locally made SS backsplash/shelf and they look fine together.

Thank you for that commment, it makes me feel better. I don't know why I actually care if they exactly match or not. From a previous thread someone said if you get all the same brands it looks too "showroom" or something. Glad to hear I can step outside the box.