Looking for a new gas stove.

North86 · 07-11-2021, 05:04 AM

Hi all.

I am looking for a new gas range (30" with oven) for the kitchen. I would like something with 4 equal sized burners (at least close). I didn't think it would be so difficult to find that for less than $3k.

I like to cook a lot, and my daughter likes to bake. So lots of BTUs on the top are important to me, and good temp control is important for her.

We have 220V already in that spot, so we could do a dual fuel (gas/elec).

Trying to not spend more than $3k if I can help it.

Wolf is $5k
Thor is $2.2K (never heard of them before, seem to have mixed reviews)

Anyone have any recommendations?

TIA

.ps getting quotes for the gas line, and including an option to support BTUs >60k.

jyl · jyl's Garage

30” with high BTU burners is doable, to have all burners the same high BTU is probably not doable.

I’d recommend American Range ARROB430. I have the 36” model, ARROB436. This is a “civilianized” version of American’s commercial range. Burners are 25K BTU, 18K x 2, and 12K. The 12K would be used as your simmer burner. I think you may be able to replace the 12K burner with a larger burner, in an unauthorized DIY way, but there’s no real need. Open lift off burners, lift out tubs, so everything removes and cleans like a commercial range. Dead simple with no “displays” “buttons” “circuit boards” or “electronics” at all, unless you count igniters and convection fan. Which means less to fail, and a range that will last a lifetime, like kitchen appliances used to. They’ve gone up in price since I got mine (7-10 years ago?) but still less than Wolf etc.

https://www.americanrangehome.com/product/30-performer-range/

https://www.jesrestaurantequipment.com/american-range-arrob-430l.html

Oops, that link is the propane version (“L”), you want the nat gas version (“N”).

North86 · 07-11-2021, 07:18 AM

Thanks for the recommendation. Will take a look.

Any others?

Zeke · 10:18 AM

Beware of ranges that have the 'look' of a high end unit, e.g., big burner grates, that really aren't very powerful. Also, since I have an older (vintage) Wolf, simmering is difficult using smaller cookware. They just aren't designed for that.

You want to be in the middle somewhere. At least 20,000 BTU's A switchable convection option is good. You might move to up your budget just a bit. I think with some hard bargaining you can get a Thermador dual fuel 30" 4'4 cu ft range close to your target price.

That's the Cadillac of ranges burner wise. Thermador MSRP will scare the pants off you, but appliances are one thing that bargaining is very possible. Find a non stocking, sale-by-order place and you'll save big. Go to some place like Best Buy for feel and touch and then leave.

Also, if the sides are hidden by side cabinets, look for damaged units. They are really good deals. If you take some time with this, you can score what you want/need.

I bought a discontinued GE Speedcook microwave/halogen oven that listed for over 2K for 200 bucks. New. We use this in conjunction the the Wolf top burners 99$ of the time. The oven gets fired up on holidays mostly. It's gas as well, a bit of a drawback until the POCO bill comes.

1990C4S · 07-11-2021, 08:57 AM

I would be looking for a scratch and dent outlet on that budget. Or used.

LWJ · 01:22 PM

First. I am a total tightwad. So there is my credibility.

Second. I have a wolf. LOVE it.

Look for a second hand one. They come up. Parts are easy to get. They don’t really wear out.

Had a dacor in the last house. Total garbage.

Here is a second hand 36 in Portland for 1550. https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bfd/d/wolf-c36s-6b-36-burner-gas-range/7345128259.html

Get what you want. It may just take patience.

Gogar · 07-11-2021, 02:07 PM

I got a used wolf R304 (the slightly older open burner kind) for just under $3k on Craigslist and it's great. Simmers better than the newer sealed burner wolfs and all 4 burners are 16.5k.

I think appliances are going through the same kinds of issues re: availability as many things right now. Not much inventory and good used stuff is hard to find cheap.

ltusler · 07-11-2021, 02:50 PM

I just got a Bosch dual fuel, works great.

North86 · 07-11-2021, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gogar

I got a used wolf R304 (the slightly older open burner kind) for just under $3k on Craigslist and it's great. Simmers better than the newer sealed burner wolfs and all 4 burners are 16.5k.

I'd jump at that, but not a lot of options in Central/Northern Wisconsin

I am not in a huge rush, but eager, if that makes sense.

Thanks for the advice.

jyl · jyl's Garage

There is a trick with the American Range, you can get the flame so low that there are just little nubs of blue flame barely emerging from the burner’s holes.

Bill Douglas · 07-11-2021, 09:34 PM

I'd check to see if Miele does something that may suit you. In my old age I've stopped looking for a bargain and enjoy quality.

North86 · 07-12-2021, 11:37 AM

Has anyone heard of the Thor brand?

https://thorkitchen.com/

I am seeing mixed info on them. Seems too god to be true??

jyl · jyl's Garage

Sealed burners are a negative, to me.

"Sealed" means the entire burner surface is covered, so the flames come from the perimeter of the burner. This is meant to protect against spills. It means that the heat distribution will be less even, and limits the BTU available - here, to 18K - and the actual heating power of that BTU. Commercial ranges use "Open" burners. See https://blog.eliteappliance.com/sealed-vs-open-burners-range-compared/

That said, few people actually need 25K or 33K BTU burners. Depends how much very-high-heat frying / searing you do, and the size of your stockpots.

Not heard of the brand so this is just a general comment.

North86 · 07-12-2021, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyl

That said, few people actually need 25K or 33K BTU burners. Depends how much very-high-heat frying / searing you do, and the size of your stockpots.

Thanks for the input.

I am just a home cook. Stock pots aren't that large. Searing a little faster would be nice

I'm on electric now, and can't stand it. Bought the house with it. Finally getting around to the upgrade. Running a gas line, and want a nice stove. Didn't think it would be so difficult

TimT · 07-12-2021, 03:01 PM

They have most everything...

A J Madison

I have purchased a fridge from them

TimT · 07-12-2021, 03:11 PM

Quote:

There is a trick with the American Range, you can get the flame so low that there are just little nubs of blue flame barely emerging from the burner’s holes.

I have an 80 year old Chamber model B inmy kitchen,

one burner you can get so low it pops on occasion..

Another burner you can get Wok Hei