The Best 36-Inch Professional Ranges for 2025: Real Reviews, Smart Comparisons & Buying Advice  

Your key takeaway: No brand is best at everything. The best range is the one that fits how you cook.

In our showrooms across Boston, Framingham, the Cape, Hanover, Hyannis, and Nantucket, nothing confuses customers more than professional ranges.

With so many features, fuel types, and brands competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Every brand claims to be the best. Every website ranks things differently. And you’re left wondering who to trust and what actually matters.

Here’s the truth.

There is no single best professional range.

Some are better for baking, others for high-heat searing. Some offer powerful simmer control or advanced tech.

Others are built like tanks but have zero tech.

The right one for you depends on how you actually cook.

Do you bake every weekend or roast once a year? Do you want smart features or a simple setup that just works?

In this guide, you’ll see the real differences between gas and dual fuel.

You will read detailed reviews of the most popular 36-inch ranges you can buy in 2025, along with reasons not to buy each one.

📌Skip Ahead

• Full Product Reviews
• Gas vs. Dual Fuel Ranges
• Professional vs. Pro-Style Ranges
• Which Range Is Best for You?
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

The Best 36-Inch Professional Ranges for 2025

Before diving in, here’s a quick comparison to help you see what’s out there.

1. Best Overall 36-Inch Professional Range: Wolf DF366 Dual Fuel ($12,320+)

Review

If you're looking for the professional range everyone else is trying to catch, start with the Wolf DF366.

It’s one of the most requested models in our Boston and Framingham showrooms - for good reason.

Tri-Stack Burners

Wolf’s Tri-Stack burners give you three flame levels for searing, simmering, and melting on the same burner.

Each of the six dual-stacked burners delivers high heat when you need it, up to 20,000 BTU, and drops down to an ultra-low simmer of just 300 BTU.

You can boil water fast, then melt chocolate without burning it, all on the same burner.

VertiFlow Convection

Inside the oven, Wolf’s Dual VertiFlow convection system uses twin fans to circulate air evenly with extended elements.

You can bake cookies more evenly on three racks at the same time, and they’ll all finish perfectly. No hot spots. No burnt bottoms.

Wolf Gourmet

Wolf’s Gourmet Mode is one of the best smart features in any range.

It includes 50 built-in cooking programs that automatically set time, temperature, and mode for dishes like roast chicken, lasagna, or prime rib.

You can also cook by food type. Select the food and how you want it cooked, and the Gourmet Mode will figure out the time, temperature, and rack position.

The Wolf Knob

And of course, there are those signature red knobs. If red clashes with your kitchen, you can swap them for black or stainless to match your style.

What You Might Not Love About the Wolf DF366

Wolf’s DF366 is one of the most balanced professional ranges you can buy, but it’s not without a few tradeoffs depending on how you cook and what you prioritize.

Only one burner reaches 20,000 BTU. While all burners offer excellent low simmer control, you don’t get the 25,000 BTU capability of a BlueStar.

If you do a lot of high-heat searing across multiple pans, that’s worth considering.

Limited finishes and style options. Wolf gives you three finishes: stainless, black, and white.

Customization is modest: choose Wolf’s classic red knobs or switch to black or stainless steel, but brands like BlueStar and Viking give you many more options.

No advanced specialty cooking features. You won’t find induction zones, sous vide, or steam assist built into this range.

If you’re looking for tech-driven precision, something like Miele or SKS may be a better fit.

Key Features

• Dual fuel range (gas burners with electric oven)
• 6 dual-stacked burners: 20,000 BTU max, 300 BTU simmer
• Dual VertiFlow convection system
• Gourmet Mode with 50 guided cooking programs
• Optional infrared grill or griddle
• Red knobs standard (black or stainless available)
• Finishes: stainless, black, or white

Pros

✔️Excellent high-to-low burner control across all burners
✔️Even baking on every rack with dual convection
✔️Intuitive smart cooking with Gourmet Mode
✔️Exceptional service and support in New England

Cons

❌Only one burner reaches full 20,000 BTU
❌Limited finish and trim customization compared to BlueStar or Viking

Best For

Home cooks who sear, simmer, and bake often, and who want a dependable range with strong heat, gentle low-heat control, even baking on every rack, and simple built-in cooking guides.

🔍Read More: Are Wolf Professional Ranges Worth It?

2. Best for High Heat and Customization: BlueStar BSP366 Platinum 36-Inch Gas Range ($16,085+)

Review

If you cook with intensity - stir-frying, searing, or using big pots daily - the BlueStar BSP366 should be at the top of your list.

This range is all about raw power and control.

BlueStar Burners

It starts with the burners. One cranks out a massive 25,000 BTU, while two more hit 22,000.

That kind of heat gets a cast iron pan ripping hot in seconds.

PowR Pure Convection Oven

The oven uses BlueStar’s PowR Oven gas convection system.

A PowR Oven is pure convection, blowing air from the back instead of relying on bottom elements.

It maintains the most even heat for a gas range.

Editor’s note: Our then-chef won the Martha Stewart Challenge because she understood this oven while the contestants did not.

Customization

But what really sets BlueStar apart is customization.

Choose from over 1,000 colors, dozens of knob finishes, and even custom trims. You can match your cabinetry, your backsplash, or your mood.

Just keep in mind, this is a purist’s range.

You won’t find Wi-Fi, touchscreen controls, or a self-cleaning oven here. But if you want serious performance and a style that’s all your own, BlueStar delivers.

What You Might Not Love About the BlueStar BSP366

The BlueStar BSP366 is a serious range for serious cooks, but it doesn’t work for everyone.

No self-cleaning oven. If you roast or bake often, be ready to clean the oven by hand.

BlueStar doesn’t offer a self-clean feature, even on their highest-end models (except their dual fuel).

Open burners require more upkeep. The open design gives you excellent flame control, but spills and boilovers mean more cleanup and more time pulling apart grates and burners.

No smart features or built-in timers. This range is entirely analog. If you’re used to guided cooking or smart controls, it will feel old-school in every sense.

No built-in grill or griddle. Despite its size and power, the Platinum Series doesn’t offer a built-in top configuration.

For that, you’ll need to look at BlueStar’s RNB Series with 22,000 BTU burners and standard convection.

Not as widely serviced as other brands. While we support BlueStar throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest, Rhode Island, and the Cape, national coverage is limited.

Make sure service is available in your area before you commit.

Key Features

• All-gas professional range with open burner design
• One 25,000 BTU burner; two 22,000 BTU burners
• Low simmer capability at ~130°F
• PowR Oven gas convection for even baking
• Removable grill and griddle accessories
• Over 1,000 body color options and multiple knob finishes

Pros

✔️Hottest surface burners in the 36-inch category
✔️Huge range of colors and custom finishes
✔️Excellent low heat control for simmering
✔️Large oven cavity with true gas convection
✔️Interchangeable griddle and grill on cooktop

Cons

❌No self-cleaning feature
❌No smart features or digital cooking modes
❌Open burners require more maintenance than sealed options
❌No Gourmet modes or specialized cycles

Best For

Home chefs who want higher output, a personalized design, and don’t mind skipping the smart tech in favor of pure performance.

🔍Read More: Best BlueStar Professional Ranges

3. Best for Baking and Precision: Miele HR 1934-3 G DF CTS Dual Fuel Range ($10,499)

Review

If you love to bake or prefer contemporary design, the Miele HR1934DF is a solid option.

What makes it different is control.

Twin Convection

Miele combines twin convection fans for even heat distribution, similar to Wolf.

But Miele adds steam with Moisture Plus, keeping bread light and crusty and roasts juicy and golden.

Moisture is the key ingredient in baking bread. Electric ovens use dry heat, so adding moisture is great for roasting too.

It’s the kind of tech you find in commercial pastry kitchens, now built into a home range.

Miele MasterChef

Then there’s MasterChef, Miele’s guided cooking system.

It automatically sets time, temperature, and even moisture levels for more than 100 recipes. Just choose the dish, press start, and the range handles the rest.

Even the temperature probe is cordless. No wires. No guesswork. Just accurate internal temps and perfect doneness alerts. Especially helpful for big meals and holiday roasts.

And yes, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, so you can preheat from the car or get notified when your sourdough is done rising.

What You Might Not Love About the Miele HR1934DF

The Miele HR1934DF is one of the most refined professional ranges available, especially for baking and guided cooking.

But it may not be the right fit if your focus is burner firepower or cooktop flexibility.

Burner output is lower than every range on this list, especially in the back. The burners max out at 19,500 BTU.

That’s solid, but lower than the 23,000 to 25,000 BTU found on BlueStar and SKS. You won’t notice it when sautéing or simmering, but for heavy searing or wok cooking, it could feel underpowered.

No induction or sous vide capability. If you're looking for hybrid features or modern cooktop tech, Miele keeps it classic.

There’s no built-in sous vide well or induction zones like you’d find with SKS or Thermador. You have two options: all burners or four burners with a griddle.

No color or finish flexibility. It comes only in stainless steel. If you're designing a kitchen with bold colors or custom finishes, other brands offer more visual flexibility.

Key Features

• Dual fuel range with gas burners and electric oven
• Twin convection fans for even, fast heat
• Moisture Plus steam assist for perfect baking
• M Touch controls with MasterChef cooking programs
• Cordless temperature probe
• Wi-Fi enabled with Miele@home app
• Only available in stainless steel

Pros

✔️Steam boost delivers ideal baking and roasting results
✔️MasterChef takes the guesswork out of gourmet cooking
✔️Cordless probe is precise and easy to use
✔️Excellent build quality and finish
✔️Remote control and alerts via Wi-Fi

Cons

❌Limited style options (only comes in stainless steel)
❌Burners max at 19,500 BTU, not the highest in this group

Best For

Precision-focused cooks and serious bakers who want high-tech features and top-tier results without needing a culinary degree to operate their range.

4. Best for Simmering and Easy Clean-Up: Thermador PRD366 Pro Harmony Dual Fuel Range ($11,999)

Review

If you simmer sauces regularly, melt butter without a second thought, or want a range that’s easy to clean, the Thermador PRD366 is worth a serious look.

Thermador Star Burners

At first glance, the cooktop stands out.

Thermador’s signature Star burners are raised so you can wipe underneath the grates without removing a single burner.

It’s one of the most user-friendly surfaces in any pro range.

Burner output is solid, with three burners at 18,000 BTU and three at 15,000 BTU.

You also get two dedicated simmer burners that hold at 100 degrees for gentle heating and melting.

What You Might Not Love About the Thermador PRD366

The Thermador PRD366 is a practical, well-built professional range with standout simmering and a cooktop that’s easy to maintain.

But it has some limitations that might matter depending on how you cook.

Lower maximum burner output. Burners top out at 18,000 BTU, which is solid but lower than the 20,000 to 25,000 BTU you’ll find on Wolf, BlueStar, or SKS.

If you cook with high heat often, this could be a drawback.

Single convection fan. Dual convection systems like those in Wolf and Miele are better for consistent results across multiple racks.

Electric griddle heats more slowly. If you choose the griddle configuration, it’s electric—not gas. It takes longer to preheat and doesn’t recover heat as quickly when loaded.

No advanced cooking programs. Unlike Wolf’s Gourmet Mode or Miele’s MasterChef, Thermador doesn’t offer built-in automatic cooking guides.

You’ll need to manage time and temperature manually.

No finish customization. Stainless steel is your only option. If you’re looking for bold colors, trim choices, or custom styling, other brands offer more flexibility.

Key Features

• Dual fuel range with gas burners and electric oven
• Two 18,000 BTU Star burners
• Two ExtraLow burners for ultra-low simmering (~100°F)
• Raised burner design for easy clean-up
• Convection oven with self-clean and temperature probe
• Wi-Fi enabled with Home Connect app
• Decent rebate program

Pros

✔️Excellent simmer control with ExtraLow feature
✔️Star burners provide even flame and wide pan coverage
✔️Raised burner platform is easier to clean than most
✔️Solid convection performance and included temperature probe
✔️Smart control features without overcomplication

Cons

❌Max burner output (18,000 BTU) is lower than Wolf or BlueStar
❌Only available in stainless steel
❌Single convection fan vs. dual convection in some competitors

Best For

Cooks who want a more affordable, easier-to-clean range with excellent simmer control and solid performance.

🔍Read More: Should You Buy a Thermador Professional Range?

5. Best Hybrid Gas and Induction Professional Range: SKS SKSDR360SIS ($12,899)

Review

At first glance, the SKS SKSDR360SIS looks like a standard 36-inch professional range. Then you lift the grates and realize it’s unlike anything else on the market.

This is the only range that gives you gas, induction, and sous vide cooking zones built right into the cooktop.

23,000 BTU Burners

One side features a powerful 23,000 BTU Ultra-High burner paired with a 15,000 BTU companion.

Like Thermador, two of the burners simmer at 100 BTU for ultra-low heat control, but you may not need that with the induction zones available.

The Induction Advantage

The center includes two induction zones for fast, precise heating.

Induction is faster than any gas burner and offers better simmer control.

It’s also one of the safest options since it only activates with a pan on the surface.

And because the cooktop doesn’t heat the same way as gas or electric, stains won’t bake in.

Built-In Sous Vide

Sous vide gently cooks food in water at a set temperature for restaurant-style results.

I was amazed watching a sous vide demo.

The meat was perfectly cooked on the inside using water immersion—and leftovers kept the same texture when reheated the next day.

Steam-Assist Oven

Below the cooktop, you get a 6.3 cubic foot convection oven with steam assist. Like Miele, it helps keep roasts juicy and baked goods crisp.

What You Might Not Love About the SKS SKSDR360SIS

The SKS SKSDR360SIS is the only 36-inch range that combines gas, induction, and sous vide. It’s incredibly versatile, but that versatility comes with a few tradeoffs.

Non-traditional layout. The hybrid cooktop splits into zones—gas on one side, induction in the center, and sous vide on the other. If you're used to six burners, this takes some adjustment.

Sous vide has a learning curve. If you’re not already using sous vide, the built-in bath may go unused.

No built-in grill. While some SKS models offer a griddle, you won’t find a grill option here.

No customization options. Stainless steel is the only finish. No alternate knobs, trim, or body colors.

Newer brand with limited long-term data. SKS is backed by LG, but it's still relatively new in the luxury appliance market.

Key Features

• Hybrid cooktop: gas, induction, and built-in sous vide
• One 23,000 BTU and one 15,000 BTU gas burner
• Two induction zones for fast, precise heat
• Integrated sous vide bath with temperature control
• 6.3 cubic foot steam-assist convection oven
• Wi-Fi enabled with guided cooking programs

Pros

✔️Combines three cooking methods in one range
✔️Powerful 23K burner plus fast-boil induction zones
✔️Sous vide built into cooktop—no extra appliances needed
✔️Steam-assist oven enhances roasting and baking
✔️Smart cooking guides via app

Cons

❌Layout may not suit traditional cooks
❌No alternate color or trim options
❌Learning curve if you’re new to sous vide or induction

Best For

Adventurous home chefs who want the freedom to use gas, induction, and sous vide in one streamlined appliance. If versatility and precision matter more than tradition, SKS delivers something truly different.

🔍Read More: Should You Buy a Signature Kitchen Suite Professional Range?

6. Best All-Gas Professional Range with Broiler Power: Viking VGR5366BSS ($7,999)

Review

If you’re looking for an all-gas range that’s built to perform without getting too fancy, Viking’s VGR5366BSS is a solid choice.

We don’t sell Viking at Yale.

This range is all about traditional pro-style cooking: strong burners, solid construction, and a powerful gas broiler that gets steakhouse results.

Burners

Viking gives you one 18,500 BTU high-output burner and five others at 15,000 BTU, all equipped with their VariSimmer system for controlled low heat.

That means you can crank up the fire for a sear, then drop it down to hold a delicate sauce without scorching.

Colors

You won’t find smart features or digital controls here, but you do get serious durability and the option to skip stainless steel.

Viking offers more than 20 color finishes, so if you’ve always wanted a cobalt blue or racing red range, this is one of your few choices.

What You Might Not Love About the Viking VGR5366

Viking’s VGR5366 is a classic all-gas range with solid performance, a serious broiler, and real presence. But it’s not as feature-rich or powerful as some of the newer players in the luxury market.

Burner output is modest. You get one 18,500 BTU burner, while the rest max out at 15,000 BTU. That’s fine for everyday use, but lower than most brands in this review.

No built-in grill or griddle. At this size, Viking offers a six-burner layout only. If you want a factory-installed grill or griddle, you’ll have to step up to a 48-inch model.

Single convection fan. The oven uses Viking’s ProFlow convection, but it’s not as even or consistent as the dual convection setups found in Wolf or Miele.

No smart features or guided cooking. This is a manual machine. No Wi-Fi, no timers, and no cooking presets. That’s fine for some cooks, but limiting for others.

Mixed brand reputation for service. Viking has improved in recent years, but long-standing concerns about reliability and parts availability still make some buyers hesitant, especially in New England.

Design is more traditional. You do get a wide range of color options, but the styling hasn’t changed much over the years. It leans more classic than modern.

Key Features

• All-gas range with six sealed burners
• One 18,500 BTU burner, five 15,000 BTU burners
• VariSimmer system for low-heat control
• ProFlow convection oven
• Gas infrared broiler
• Available in over 20 factory colors

Pros

✔️Strong burner power and reliable simmer control
✔️Infrared broiler cooks fast with steakhouse-style heat
✔️Large oven with convection for even results
✔️Available in bold color options, not just stainless
✔️Simple mechanical controls, no digital learning curve

Cons

❌No smart features or guided cooking tools
❌Lower total burner output than BlueStar or SKS
❌Single convection fan

Best For

An iconic brand with decent color options.

Should You Buy a Dual Fuel or All-Gas Professional Range? 

Let me tell you about my mom's pot roast.

My mom’s pot roast and London broil were legendary. They were also the reason I was a vegetarian for almost seven years.

She cooked on an all-gas range, which actually makes sense.

Gas ovens use moist heat, which is great for roasting.

Gas broilers get extremely hot, especially in a professional range, but they’re not very forgiving if you forget to check the steak.

And my mom often forgot to check the steak.

That said, gas ranges still make a lot of sense.

They cost about 10 to 15 percent less than dual fuel models and only require a standard 120-volt outlet.

If you mostly roast or broil and want to save some money, an all-gas range is worth considering.

So why does every appliance store push dual fuel?

Dual fuel ranges give you the best of both worlds: powerful gas burners on top and a precise electric oven below.

Electric ovens offer drier, more consistent heat, which is better for baking.

Dual fuel models often include added features like steam assist, guided cooking programs, and even induction burners in some cases.

Gas vs. Dual Fuel: Which Professional Range Is Right for You?

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to go with an all-gas or dual fuel range. There’s no universal best. It depends on how you cook.

Baking

If you bake often, a dual fuel range is the better choice.

The electric oven delivers steady, dry heat that helps with even browning, puff pastry, and other dishes that require precise temperature control.

Brands like Miele, SKS, and Wolf offer smart modes and steam features that make baking easier and more consistent.

Gas ovens, by contrast, create moister heat, which works well for roasting meats or cooking multiple dishes without drying them out.

But for cookies or pastries, gas ovens tend to be less reliable because of wider temperature swings.

Broiling

My mom used to broil and burn everything.

Gas infrared broilers are similar to those in restaurant kitchens. They provide intense, focused heat that sears steaks and finishes crème brûlée with ease.

Electric broilers in dual fuel models don’t deliver the same level of searing power.

If you broil often, a gas range is the better choice.

Self-Cleaning and Convenience

All of the dual fuel ranges on our list include a self-cleaning oven.

That’s not always true for all-gas models. Fewer than half include that feature.

Dual fuel ranges also tend to offer more convenience: smart tech, guided cooking, steam assist, and better digital controls.

If you value ease of use or bake regularly, the added features may justify the higher price.

Installation Considerations

Gas ranges are typically 10 to 15 percent less expensive and only need a standard 120-volt outlet.

Dual fuel ranges require a 240-volt connection, so you’ll want to make sure your kitchen is wired for it before buying.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose gas if you roast or broil more than you bake, want high power at a lower price, and don’t need smart features.

Choose dual fuel if you bake regularly, want precise oven control, or are interested in extras like steam assist and guided cooking.

Still unsure? Visit one of our showrooms or download the Pro Cooking Buying Guide. You’ll see side-by-side comparisons and get installation tips based on your layout.

What Makes a Range “Professional”?

Not every range that looks like a professional model actually performs like one.

I’ve been to KBIS the last few years and saw a number of pro-looking ranges from brands like ZLINE, Forno, ILVE, Verona, Forté, and Thor.

Here’s what separates a real professional range from a good-looking impostor:

1. Burner Power and Control

A true professional range offers multiple high-output burners, usually in the 18,000 to 25,000 BTU range - strong enough to get a cast iron pan smoking in seconds.

Equally important is low simmer control.

The best ranges can drop to 300 BTU or lower, or hold a steady 100 to 130°F, allowing you to melt butter, hold sauces, or warm food without burning it.

Pro-style ranges may have one power burner, but the rest are often limited to simmer burners topping out around 10,000 BTU.

2. Oven Size and Performance

Professional ranges typically feature larger ovens (5.5 to 6.3 cubic feet), sometimes with true convection, steam assist, or dual-fan technology for even heat.

Pro-style ranges may look the part but often have smaller ovens - closer to 4.5 cubic feet -along with weak 10,000 BTU broilers and basic controls.

3. Build Quality and Materials

Pro ranges use heavy-duty grates, thicker stainless steel, better insulation, and durable components built for serious use.

They’re designed for longevity. And yes, they’re heavier, which matters for installation and stability.

Pro-style ranges are much lighter.

4. Customization and Features

Many professional ranges offer interchangeable tops (grill, griddle, wok rings), color options, temperature probes, or smart features like guided cooking and Wi-Fi control.

In contrast, pro-style ranges are more limited. You get the look, but not the flexibility.

So What’s the Catch With Pro-Style Ranges?

They’re cheaper, and if you only cook occasionally or don’t need high output or advanced features, they might work fine.

But if you’re investing in a range to use every day, especially for entertaining or larger meals, you’ll notice the difference in performance, reliability, and support.

Bottom Line

If you just want a basic 36-inch range that looks great, a pro-style model like Forté, Bertazzoni, Verona, or ILVE might be fine.

But if you’re looking for real performance, durability, and support, you’ll see the difference with a professional range, especially once you start cooking for a crowd or prepping holiday meals.

🔍Read more: Professional vs. Pro-Style Ranges

Final Verdict: Which 36-Inch Professional Range Is Right for You?

There is no single “best” range. What matters most is how and how often you cook, plus which features actually save you time in the kitchen.

Quick Picks

• Best Overall Performance: Wolf DF366 Dual Fuel – Well-rounded power, gentle simmer control, and guided cooking programs.
• Most Powerful Burners and Custom Options: BlueStar BSP366 Gas – Open-flame searing, 25,000 BTU power, and more than 1,000 color choices.
• Best for Baking and Precision: Miele HR1934DF Dual Fuel – Twin convection, steam assist, and 100+ guided recipes for perfect bakes.
• Best Simmer Control and Easy Clean-Up: Thermador PRD366 Dual Fuel – Star burners wipe clean easily and hold sauces at 100 °F.
• Best Hybrid Cooking Technology: SKS SKSDR360SIS – Combines gas, induction, and built-in sous vide on one cooktop.
• Best All-Gas Broiling and Color Variety: Viking VGR5366 Gas – Infrared broiler and more than 20 finish colors for a custom look.

Key Takeaways

Before you scroll back up or head to a showroom, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you bake more than you broil?
• Would you use a grill, griddle, or steam function regularly?
• Do you want Wi-Fi and cooking programs, or just raw power and simplicity?
• Does your kitchen have the right electrical and gas setup for dual fuel?

The answers will lead you to the right range, not what’s trending or what someone else tells you is “the best.”

And finally, don’t forget to ask about service and installation.

These ranges are heavy, powerful, and precise. But you need skilled delivery on soft floors, solid installation, and ongoing service.

Additional Resources

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