A Review Of The Best Professional Ranges
Many professional ranges all have a commercial appearance and very similar features:
- Convection: Fan forced heat to maintain an even temperature.
- High Output Burners: BTU output ranges from very hot at 15,000 to an inferno-like 22,000 BTU.
- Simmer: Low temperature output for sauces and soups. Thermador is the lowest, but it is intermittent. Wolf and Viking maintain temperature more evenly.
Now lets look at the unique specs of each range. We will use dual fuel 48". 30" and 36" ranges have similar features just smaller profiles.
Wolf DF486 Professional Range: Wolf is the only company offering twin convection in the main oven, which allows for more precise cooking. Wolf also simmers extremely well with each burner maintaing a constant simmer of 500 BTU. The top is available with an infrared grill and french top configurations. Buy a Sub-Zero with a Wolf and receive a $1000 rebate (and $300 for every additional Wolf product, up to $2,500 total).
Thermador PRD48JDSGU Professional Range: Thermador has really changed this industry in terms of features with a steam oven and warming drawer standard on their 48" range. Steam is the most healthy way to cook, as it injects moisture so the nutrients are not baked out like traditional ovens (subscribe to our cooking newsletter if you want to be invited for a steam oven demo). The Thermador Harmony also adds a warming drawer, which can maintain food without dehydration for up to three hours. The top has a powerful 22,000 BTU burner and two burners with ultra low simmers of 200 BTUs. Thermador offers rebates of free dishwashers and hoods with purchase of a stove and refrigerator.
Viking VDSC4856GSS Professional Range: The original professional range has been improved with an 18,000 BTU burner and improved simmering on every burner. Viking is also available in every color of the rainbow and has a $750 rebate (which ends January) and another $150 for liking them on Facebook.
Jenn-Air JDRP548WP Professional Range: The retooled Jenn-Air is a very interesting range with two 20,000 BTU burners and state of the art controls. The JDRP548WP has a LCD screen for clock, timer and "doneness" control. The griddle is infused (love that word) with chrome, so it is much easier to clean. Jenn-Air has rebates and a free dishwasher with the purchase of the range.
For more information, download our Professional Range Buyers Guide.
For an invitation to a private chef cooking demonstration sign up for our Cooking Newsletter.
