I've had my 36" range Bluestar for almost seven years and we have replaced every single ignitor at least two times, many three or more. We've also had issues where we have had to replace the entire burner because the screws had rusted into place (our original range was built without stainless steel screws ... oops) and then they've broken off when we tried to make the ignitor change. In addition, we've had to have the spark modules (ignitor control boxes) replaced twice on one side, once on the other. On several occasions, "shorts" (that's the term we were told by repair people), have caused the wires to melt and fuse together--meaning the ignitor wire that goes from the ignitor itself and then plugs into another wire that goes into the spark module fused--requiring replacement of not only the ignitor, but the second wire (which also requires removal of the front plate). We also continue to have issues with all of our burners clicking constantly, even when the lit burner is fully on, unless the flame is on full high. (But only on two of the six burners.) So, yes, replacing an ignitor is a fairly trivial, if annoying and potentially expensive prospect, IF you don't also have melted wires, rusted screws that shear off when you try to remove the ignitor or broken spark modules. Oh, and you can actually get Bluestar to send you the ignitors you order and pay for in the first place. That's never really gone smoothly for me, either. In my experience, 6-12 week waits are the norm for parts from Bluestar. Plus, once you get the parts, you better hope they're right. We've had at least four replacement ignitors that didn't work, right out of the bag: cracked in shipment. The fragile, unprotected ceramic ignitors are sent loose--hitting against each other, if you order more than one--in small bubble mailers. A little rough handling in route and you're bound to get at least one pre-cracked ignitor per-batch ... At $25/pop, for what I've been told by several service people is a "$3 part." (But we've also not found off-brand ignitors that fit the Bluestar without modification.) "Stooxie," and others, I'm glad it hasn't happened to you but the ignitor issue (no air quotes) is, or at least, was, NOT "nonsensical." It's possible they've addressed these problems in later models, but I can attest the issue is most certainly a legit one. I don't have one, but I was very impressed with the Capital Culinarian, for many reasons, but at least in part because they had a large metal shield covering part of their ceramic ignitors, making me think they'll be a LOT less fragile. Oh and, in terms of Bluestar issues ... I will also say that, it's likely these are not current concerns, but we were certainly not thrilled to need two oven door replacements (locking itself shut) and a new oven bottom (support collapsed) ... Just more "non-issues" experienced by myself and many other Bluestar owners of the same generation. When the range works, it's impressive, but the shoddy build-quality I've seen (mine also came with loose screws floating free and missing parts) and abysmal customer service means I would never, ever buy another Bluestar, no matter what their next, latest-greatest is. They may have cleaned up their act now, but they treated their early adopters like Beta testers ... Without the service and support such positions usually come with. EDITED TO ADD: I'm not saying no one else should buy a Bluestar, or that they haven't solved the problems I've described above in later builds (I haven't cooked on one built later than mine, but I've read anecdotal evidence seems to indicate at least some changes have been made). I'm simply saying that I, personally, based solely on my own experience, would not. This post was edited by applnut on Tue, Apr 30, 13 at 8:57

>>They are major marked up to begin with, like all pro look ranges. Big margins. >> Welcome to retailing! No, seriously...everything you buy, pretty much, is hugely marked up as it passes from raw commodity to processor to warehouse to distributor to store. Buy a $800 cashmere suitjacket and you're getting less than $100 of fabric there. As an amateur seamstress I cringe when I see $40+ baby clothes, knowing there's about 50 cents worth of fabric, at most. But you know, it isn't worth my time to sew baby clothes, any more than it's worth it for you to farm goats and spin their wool into sweaters. Grudging manufacturers their profit margins, when so many people are fixated on the Wal-Mart model of constantly declining prices that has driven so many other retailers out of business, is pointless.

I purchased my Viking cook top, oven and microwave nine years ago. The cook top lettering decals came off twice in about the first 18 months and the whole cook top needed to be replaced each time. Whole decals literally came off on my hand as I was cleaning it. A Google search showed that several other people had the same issue. I was told that I needed to be careful and not to use any stainless steel cleaners, etc. when cleaning the appliances. Since then I use nothing but a damp cloth and when grease is an issue I add a tiny bit of dish soap. After the last replacement the number decals have remained on the cook top. I do like the way the cook top functions. The oven had problems right out of the gate and needed tweaking and then replacement. I was very careful while cleaning my oven so by the time the oven numbers started to come off it was too late to be covered by warranty. I inquired about purchasing new decals from Viking and was informed that wasn't an option. While some of the markings remain, others are made with a Sharpee. Very high-end and precise, don't you think? The oven tends to run hot so I need to keep an oven thermometer handy. So far the microwave has been fine (although my old GE did a much better job with popcorn) but this last week the door has been balking when I try to open it. We'll see what happens next. While Viking covered the cost of the replacements during the warranty phase, we had to pay the cost of labor. That was not an inconsequential expense. The second repair guy messed up the retractable vent behind the cook top and the oven guy messed up the protective metal cabinet shield that my contractor installed on my cabinets. I must say the appliances work well but I won't be buying Viking when I need to replace them.

I would not go with either of those. Like jgopp, I've had awful experience with Viking. Ten years of repairs. The horror stories on Blue Star are legion and go back for years on the AF. Brand new ranges often require repairs --- what's that all about? The company doesn't seem to be able to fix some things and the back and forth with the company goes on for months. Our DD has a Wolf dual fuel. I've cooked on it and it does a very good job. There's enough power to sear and the simmer is good. Ovens are huge but steady. Previously they had a Viking a-g and it took half an hour to boil 2 quarts of water. Lacanchers love their ranges -- it's difficult to remember complaints and the importer manages to provide superior service. They have options for a big burner or simmer plate as well. Plus grill/griddle. I think the "pro" range market is a bit of a scandal. Prices are astronomical and the best quality on many of those ranges is looks. Drink the kool aid if you like. But it's kool aid.