I am not sure how useful this will be. I replaced an electric smoothtop (I hate them!) in my house in Oregon with an Electrolux Wavetouch 5 burner dual fuel LP range. I only lived there full time for about a year with the range before relocating to Maine. Am not sure what the fascination with smooth tops, but I ended up with another one in the place I have purchased in Maine, its dual burner died after 4 months of use. I decided to replace it with the 30" all LP Berta range and am taking advantage of the hood promotion (BTW, they retail for $1,200). My place is heated with an LP based European type hydronic radiant heat units and a LP fireplace, so adding cooking should not tax my 300 gallon LP tank, LOL! I was looking for a range that is decidedly "manual" without an electronic interface due to the wind and subsequent power outages that are to common in this part of the state. I was also advised of service problems with the electronic interfaces on the Electroluxes, even though my range in Oregon has not had a service problem as of yet, knock on wood (am a reluctant landlord). Initially, I planned to purchase an Electrolux dual fuel floor model but could not pass up the hood promotion Bertazzoni is currently offering. I am only hoping when the range is installed, the oven temp will be adequately calibrated. I previously owned a Viking, but really did not want to spend the extra money for what I thought would be of marginal benefit. I also do not miss cleaning the Viking grates which were an exercise in weightlifting too! I visited friends of mine a few years ago in Europe and I believe they have a Berta (the knobs are pretty distinctive). I do about 70% rangetop and 30% oven cooking. My old Viking had gas convection and an infrared broiler and I really liked the oven and understand that the Berta is similar, though I believe the heat control is different (regulated by flame instead of on and off).

I really want a range with a good grill and seems to keep coming back to these two. What does anyone think? Am I overlooking something? I also considered going less expensive with the GE Cafe but don't think the griddle will work as a grill and was a bit leary of the pink -ish look to the stainless. Also, what hood would you recommend on the 36" models? this appliance thing is mind boggling. I am dreaming appliances!

I have very strong opinions against the GE Cafe line. I’ve commented on it a few times here but the summary is 4 of 4 needed multiple service calls with in the first few months. I was successful in getting GE to finally take back the dual fuel range and the dishwasher. I thought I had succeed but failed on returning the convection microwave and fridge. The fridge still has the same problems after the warranty expired and the microwave is on a shelf. The poor repairman who was here at least twice a month said mine was not an unusual situation in his experience. Parts arrived randomly at my house from different counties and were backordered once something became a known issue. I realize that is sort of how parts orders work. I hope you have much better luck than we did.

No too much help but I went with Monogram 36”. I was able to get a good deal and a rebate toward a speed oven which is why it made sense over Cafe but they’re similar. I liked the small timer and huge oven , which I believe blue star does have ( I went to stores with my pans/cookie sheets) I think the Bertazzoni was shallower so the pans didn’t fit well if I remember correctly.