Wolf R304 or GR304?
dmeah
9 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
dmeah
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Question for R304 Wolf owners
Comments (7)I also purchased a 30 inch floor model recently and I couldn't be happier with this range. I haven't used the oven a lot, but I did bake a layer cake and some cookies and they came out perfect ... the oven temp is spot on and it bakes evenly. I've always had a gas stove, so if it vents hot air into the kitchen, I haven't noticed it. I LOVE the way the top comes apart for cleaning if things should get really messy. The burners function very well, and I agree with needinfo1 that they have plenty of power. The simmer setting works very nicely, too. I really enjoy cooking on this stove! It's a shame that Wolf discontinued this model and I am happy that I got one before they were all gone....See MoreBluestar 30' Gas RNB v. Wolf 30' Gas R304
Comments (5)Years ago I cooked on a Wolf open burner (converted to LP) and it was fine. Good even heat distribution. Very much like the old restaurant ranges I was use to. This was back in the mid/late 90s so Wolf has likely changed their design since then. Back then they were still the up and coming brand and their ranges had a bit of a utilitarian restaurant look. I love the Bluestar. Best cooking machine you can get for the home. The open star burner is wonderful. Comparing the Wolf from the mid '90s and the BS, BS wins hands down. Nothing really wrong with the Wolf (as long as it's an open burner) and if I never tried the BS, I'd probably be happy with it. Now that I have, there's no going back. With regard to reliability... You'll here horror stories about every brand. Bluestar is no exception. I think BS went through some growning pains about a year or so ago but I think things are getting better. The thing I like about their design is that it's completely accessible. I pop the top and the plumbing, electronics, and burners are all easily reachable. There's no secret panel that you have to use the magic screw driver to open. The reason I say this is that I'm confident if the ignitors or the spark module ever fails (which is the most likely thing to fail since everything else is just plumbing), I'm sure I can buy the parts and replace them myself....See MoreWolf 30 inch gas range GR304
Comments (8)I found a 30" Wolf DF on ebay for $4K. It's in immaculate condition. I was a little over a yr old & looked like it hadn't been used once. The story is the woman hurt her back & couldn't bend down to get into the oven so they were remodeling w/ wall ovens & a cooktop. They went w/ Wolf again, so they were obviously happy w/ the one I bought from them. All of this being said, you really need to do your due diligence when buying something online in this price range. You'll have to pay for shipping & make sure you have insurance on the item. My homeowners covered any problems if it was damaged in shipping, so I didn't have that cost. I was also lucky that the owners wrapped it better than a store would have & I found a great moving co that put it in it's own box. Shipping ended up costing $400 +/-, so I could have bought a gas only for the same I pd for this used DF. My advice....don't buy emotionally! If you pay thru Paypal, you have insurance w/ them, as well as, ebay. You do need to do your due diligence in buying such an expensive item online. I saved a few thousand on a DF & it turned out great. I've read others have bought on ebay, as well, so there are good things to come from there. There are a lot of appliance co's that sell floor models or refurb w/ the full original warranties, on ebay, as well. Most of them ship free, but make sure to inspect before letting the shipping co. drive off. Any dents, scratches, etc, reject & send it back. You can possibly find floor models cheaper than regular price. Call around to see if any stores in your area have any they would be willing to sell. I believe Wolf is coming out w/ new models in January - I could be wrong on that, but I think that's what I heard. If I'm correct, your odds of finding a floor model might be good. And, you can bargain w/ the stores. They all want your service! Good luck!...See MoreAre Wolf ranges more of a "status" thing? Considering Wolf or Viking.
Comments (56)I am always curious why people feel so strongly about dual fuel. It just feels like something that is more prone to failure. The appeal of the traditional Bluestar is its very straight-forward and rugged design. It's a true workhorse, and personally I wouldn't pick any other brand; but everybody has different preferences. As for fuel source, it doesn't make a big difference in practice. Every oven needs some adjustments to your cooking technique anyway. And it's a much bigger deal adjusting to an oven that doesn't heat evenly (just to give a common example), than adjusting to a different fuel source. We have a Bluestar gas range, and two electric Miele wall ovens (SpeedOven and CSO). And you know what, fuel source never even is a consideration when I have to pick one or the other. Each one of these three ovens has its own strengths, and I love this particular combination, though. If you have the money and space, I can't recommend it highly enough. Technically, an electrically heated oven has the advantage of higher moisture, which can help with things like baking bread. But that's so easy to compensate for; it's why people love making bread in a Dutch oven. What else do you make where you prefer electric over gas? In full fairness, the Bluestar gas range does have a known downside. It takes a long time to preheat. The upside is that it heats very evenly, is very predictable, and has the most amazingly powerful broiler, second only to commercial salamanders....See Morecookncarpenter
9 years agobarryv_gw
9 years agodmeah
9 years agohvtech42
9 years agojellytoast
9 years agobarryv_gw
9 years agodmeah
9 years ago
Related Stories
CONTRACTOR TIPSBuilding Permits: 10 Critical Code Requirements for Every Project
In Part 3 of our series examining the building permit process, we highlight 10 code requirements you should never ignore
Full StoryGREEN BUILDING11 Reasons to Live in a House of Straw
Don’t be fooled by the old folk tale. Straw bales are a strong, functional and good-looking building material
Full StoryFUN HOUZZ4 Hobbit Houses Bring Charm to the Landscape
These quirky outposts look like they sprung up from fantasyland grass — or a movie set. Take a peek inside
Full StoryGREAT DESIGNERSDesign Icons: Rudolph M. Schindler, Evolving Architect-Artist
Breaking ground with collective dwellings and indoor-outdoor living, Schindler had a distinctive style that influenced architects to come
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Buoyant Style on the New England Coast
Cheerful and bright, this Massachusetts kitchen celebrates the glorious seascape just outside its windows
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGHow to Clean Stainless Steel
Protect this popular kitchen material with a consistent but gentle cleaning routine
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHow to Find the Right Range for Your Kitchen
Range style is mostly a matter of personal taste. This full course of possibilities can help you find the right appliance to match yours
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN9 Popular Stovetop Options — Plus Tips for Choosing the Right One
Pick a stovetop that fits your lifestyle and your kitchen style with this mini guide that covers all the basics
Full StoryKITCHEN APPLIANCESFind the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen
For a kitchen setup with sizzle, deciding between gas and electric is only the first hurdle. This guide can help
Full StoryKITCHEN OF THE WEEKKitchen of the Week: More Storage and a Better Layout
A California couple create a user-friendly and stylish kitchen that works for their always-on-the-go family
Full Story
jellytoast