Our range is many years old and for a number of reasons it is time to replace it.

It is a 30" slide-in, all gas range. I like the slide-in style and I like a gas stove top.

My question is what do you think about the dual fuel types? Originally it seemed like a slam dunk, but I've read some product reviews that suggest that gas ovens provide tastier food. Also, that the convection ovens have more parts to break.

If you feel like it I'd also be interested in product recos. We'd prefer stainless.

Thanks,

Aja1

My wife and I replaced our 30'' freestanding range about a year and a half ago. We checked consumer reports and opted for the Kenmore Elite Dual-Fuel model. It has been fantastic. The GE Profile was also considered. My aunt had the Kenmore (for about 5 years now) and had nothing but great things to say about it. We went with it and couldn't be happier. I think it set us back about $1,500.
I am convinced you don't have to spend a ton of money on a range to get a great product. Many models have similar features to ones costing 3 times as much. Ours has a warming drawer, 5 sealed burners, convection oven, etc. It is available in stainless too.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your decision.

If you are not locked in to 30 inch width, I’d take a look at the Vulcan:

http://www.vulcanhart.com/product_detail.cfm?pid=84&pgid=28

With so much emphasis on “commercial style” home ranges and ovens, (and there are quite a few very good products on the market), why not consider the real thing? My personal preference is a gas-fired unit. As for deciding on convection or standard, I would look to your personal experience and cooking expertise as the deciding factor.

One thing to note, the potential for repairs and service for either is in my experience less with a unit designed for heavy-duty use. I’ve only required the replacement of one thermocouple in 16 years. Granted it was a long time ago, but the purchase price was actually less for commercial grade than for a residential unit.

Good luck and welcome to the boards!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gentleman farmer,

If you can go high-end, get a DCS.

I prefer electric ovens, especially for broiling and convection, but gas are fine.

Personally, I prefer gas, and I've never been happier than with my Wolf. I would purchase the same again in a heartbeat.

Just my .02

I second the DCS recommendation. We have dual fuel 36" (six burner) DCS and love it. While I don't know the details, the expert at the high-end appliance store stated that the electric oven was superior to the gas one.

Neil

Hey great info. It'll have to be a 30", I'd have no wine budget if I had to cut away cabinets and counter tops. Our budget will be under $3,000...which probably means something from Sears or Best Buy, yes?

So no negatives in your eyes to the dual fuel type? Is it worth the extra money?

My 30" Kitchen aid complete with warming drawers has been great for the last year and can be had for what looks like 2K in the US. There is this InstaWok feature that they try the sell but I haven't had to use it once.

It is nice looking. Water boils fast? I can't wait to have an accurate oven and some legitimate BTU's.

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
If you can go high-end, get a DCS.

I am happy with my dcs 5 burner cooktop.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by winetarelli:
If you can go high-end, get a DCS.
[QUOTE]
DCS used to be a client of mine. They do quality stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by Aja1:
Hey great info. It'll have to be a 30", I'd have no wine budget if I had to cut away cabinets and counter tops. Our budget will be under $3,000...which probably means something from Sears or Best Buy, yes?

So no negatives in your eyes to the dual fuel type? Is it worth the extra money?

I think you can get a DCS 30" range for just about 3k. You needn't only look at Sears and Best Buy...

I saw the DCS 30" models online, they look awesome. There was no dealer in my area...where do you buy?

I have read about industrial type appliances (Vivking, Sub Z, Jenn Air) being much less reliable...does DCS fit in this category? I literally have never had a problem with an oven (other than getting old),

Viking, Wolf, Dacor, I know to have frequent problems. Thermador Professional, DCS, GE Monogram (made by DCS) are not known to have problems at all.

Also, if you live in Newton, I swear you could probably throw a rock... well maybe not quite to that extent, but I bet if you called them up they would tell you where to go.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: winetarelli,

MA company eh? I'll do as you say.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Aja1:
I have read about industrial type appliances (Vivking, Sub Z, Jenn Air) being much less reliable...does DCS fit in this category? I literally have never had a problem with an oven (other than getting old),

I've 'heard' this as well. I can only speak from personal experience regarding Sub Z Fridge and Wolf stove.
Not one problem in the past 5 years.

We have had the Kenmore Elite dual/convection for about 2 years, still love it. For the price for a 30" it's a great value, particularly with the warming drawer.

Wondering what kind of installation a slide-in range requires. Plumber for the gas hook-up, but is there need for a contractor?

I'd check to make sure, but I wouldn't think it would be a big deal. I've gone from electric to gas and back to electric in the last 10 years.