A Review of Jenn-Air vs Wolf Professional Ranges
Jenn-Air vs Wolf is an interesting comparison of two different products and very different companies competing in the same niche. Let's look at the companies:
Jenn-Air at one time was a forgotten brand, part of the disastrous Maytag acquisition to Whirlpool in 2001. Three years ago, they invested 300 million dollars back into the brand, mostly in cooking. Their pro range is a good value with a powerful burner of 20,000 BTU with a really robust LCD clock and timer. The clock is actually inspired especially for a pro range and is simple to use(there is a video link at the bottom)
For years, Wolf has been the luxury standard and for good reason. Ever since Sub-Zero purchased the brand and completely retooled the products, Wolf has excelled, especially in professional gas ranges.
Their claim to fame is the double convection oven technology. Both JennAir and Wolf have twin convection or two fans in the oven, which will more evenly spread air than the standard single convection. Wolf fans cycle differently than the JennAir allowing the air to be spread even more precisely for proofing and dehydrating
Their tri stack burner also allows for a constant simmer of 500 BTU on every burner, whereas the JennAir has only one dedicated simmer burner
Every Wolf is also tested at the factory. Every component of every unit is rigorously checked before it leaves the factory. Only two companies have testing this stringent: Sub-Zero and Miele.
How does the Wolf stack up against Jenn-Air in real features?
Let's look at the dual fuel 30 inch professional.
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Wolf DF304 $5,949:
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Top configuration: Three 15,000 BTU burners, One 5,000 BTU. Simmer is 500 BTU per burner
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Oven: Twin convection with different modes
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Clock/interface: Decent clock timer and mode indicator
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Rebates: Up to $2,500 with purchase of a Sub-Zero refrigerator
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Jenn-Air JDRP430WP $4,799:
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Top Configuration: One 20,000 BTU, Two 15,000 BTU burners and One 5,000 BTU...only one has the low 500 BTU simmer
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Oven: Double convection
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Clock interface: 7 inch LCD screen with virtually any setting. Click this video for futher info
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Rebates: This $1,249 dishwasher for free - JDB8200AWS.
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It's an interesting contrast. Jenn-Air has one more powerful burner with better controls and a really incredible incentive for 1,200 dollars less. It's a new product and a great value. Wolf, however, is a better quality product (quality meaning fit, finish and manufactured to a higher standard) with a better convection oven and simmer control.
I like them both...for different customers.
What do you think?
For all brands...Check out our Pro Range Buyers Guide inside our Resource Center.
