Older model Wolf ranges have been appearing fairly regularly on eBay and they are posted as "New", so that might be an option.

Plesser had a couple for sale and you might want to Google appliance stores as they sometimes have floor models that they are changing out. This channel is shrinking though.

If you don't have an aversion to one that has been installed, in our area craigslist often has a few that were installed in homes but rarely used and are being sold by firms that buy appliances from foreclosures, etc.

Eliza6eth, I would do as Winnetka suggests ... wait to see if you can locate a floor model of the older style AG. One poster on GW found one recently, so there may still be some out there. I would also make some calls on my own to other stores rather than relying on one dealer to find one for me.

The older style Wolf AG still has the black shiny top that you aren't fond of. However, I've found that it is a snap to clean, and a final wipe with a microfiber towel gets rid of any smudges and fingerprints. The entire top comes off if you needed to soak it in the sink, but I haven't made any messes that required more than a soapy sponge to the surface.

In response to your 2nd question ... is Wolf's new design a mistake for them? I tend think so, because a lot of people who would have been attracted to their old-style range are not going to appreciate the new, sealed burner model and are going to look elsewhere. Because they no longer offer that option, Wolf is going to lose out on that entire demographic that does not want sealed burners.

Personally, I wouldn't want one of the newer Wolf AG ranges ... the top no longer comes apart and there are too many cracks and crevices on the cooking surface for food and liquids to fall into. The grates are gigantic! I prefer the single grates on the older version because they are easier to lift off, clean, etc. and I really like the beefy look and feel of them as opposed to the newer grates.

The new style AG oven has a spark ignitor which "click, click, clicks" each time it relights, whereas the old style has the glowbar style that doesn't make any noise at all.

I looked at every little thing on both the old-style and new-style Wolf's when I was shopping for a range, and IMHO, the old-style is far superior in build quality and design. I don't know if performance has been sacrificed, because I haven't cooked on the new version.

Thank you both.

Wolf still has all gas open burners- 2012 models which is a relief-- and yes with that shiny surface. I wasn't aware however, that you can pull it apart to clean that's actually very interesting...

I absolutely see that isolated demographic-- I am in it! Now the question is, would I be happier with the Capital since they seem to understand my demographic. Did Wolf just committ brand suicide with the new models and in 5 years will I have an outdated machine where everyone talks about the days when Wolf made the best...

Everyone says just go with the name, but look at what happened to the Viking brand in just a few years (no offense to anyone who owns and loves their Viking). You can't count on name alone.

Well, you'll be in good company in 5 years because lots of people have them. Even if they are discontinued, they should still last for a good long time beyond that 5 year mark, and parts will be available for a long time to come. I did not get my range based on the name. I looked at everything that was out there, and this particular range filled all my requirements.

The range will only be "outdated" if it no longer does the things you want it to. I prefer simple, functional things, so I don't worry about it becoming outdated ... I see it as being classic and timeless. Perhaps 10 years down the road Wolf will see the error of their ways and bring back a "vintage" version of the old style all-gas range. Get one now and you'll be ahead of the game. :-)

100% what jellytoast said... get it and enjoy

I would certainly take the time to investigate how the porcelain is holding up in the oven on the Wolf range.

We have seen quite a few posts about porcelain problems on their current wall ovens, (circa 2012-2013) and also a post or 2 about the same problem with the oven in the ranges.

Goggle Wolf oven porcelain or chipping . etc. You can also check here in Garden Web, and Chowhound.

I can not recall a single complaint about chipping on any Capital Ovens, whether wall ovens, Range ovens (GAS or Electric).

Course if you really wanted something that "Always looked pristine" and with the absolute minimum effort, You would get an Induction range.

Good luck with your pending decisions!

Gary

I thought the porcelain chipping issue was confined to the units with the blue porcelain. I haven't heard of any complaints about the Wolf all-gas ranges which have a black interior.

You are correct on that, I,m pretty sure JT. I believe the range oven problems were the dual fuelies.

Gary

Thank you all! I believe I read every single posting on this site and elsewhere about wolf and capital-- all the positives and negatives of both. I was completely torn between them both and ended up deciding on the Wolf because it's an amazing piece of equipment that would be great for a first time "commercial" range owner like myself, it is a safe "gamble". However fate took over when my appliance guy put in the model number and saw a 1k increase on pricing. It was last years model (still at the factory so it wasn't a floor model) open 8 burner all gas. Honestly, I didn't see the value for an extra 1k just for brand-- I saw the value when the Wolf was priced $75.00 higher than the Capital but not 1k. The old Wolf is actually priced higher than the 2013 model (which was not even a contender). My guy called wolf, they were confused as to why it increased, they checked with finance, turns out the pricing stood. So I said well that makes what was a difficult decision much easier, I guess the Capital was meant to be. If i made a mistake and should have spent the extra 1k then there is always next time and hopefully by then Wolf will have an offering for someone like me again. My house will be completed in September so I won't know if I was wrong until October or November.

Thanks again everyone!

I agree wholeheartedly that spending an extra thousand dollars "just for the brand" doesn't make sense. If you like both ranges equally, and they both offer the same features and aesthetic that you like, spending less makes perfect sense.

Seeing all the choices in person ... opening the oven doors, moving the burner grates, getting a first-hand look at the fit and finish, checking out the burners and their placement, seeing how the range tops were put together and whether or not they'd be easy to clean ... all these things really helped me to cement my decision about which range I wanted. I needed a balance of form and function.

I do believe there was an increase in price when the new Wolf model came out, but the available units of the older model were being liquidated at their regular prices (at least around here), but certainly not at raised prices. Floor models were discounted. I find it very strange that Wolf has raised the price on a few remaining units ... something doesn't sound right to me.

Regardless, the CC is a fine choice, so enjoy the fact that you have made a decision. I'm sure you'll love it!

Hi,

We are currently in this situation now... What did you end up getting? Can you post an update :). Did you you look into other 48" commercial style ranges (dacor, thermador, dcs, bluestar, kitchenaid) before narrowing down?