[Zeke]

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.