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At a Glance
It is easy to see why many people are unhappy with their 36-inch pro ranges. It is a confusing process because there are so many different kinds.
Like many people, you can buy the wrong range. When I was selling these, I could often sense people's anxiety about not wanting to buy the wrong range. Let me help you out.
There is no single best range for every feature.
It may contradict many manufacturers' marketing departments and other websites, saying every range is great. However, the best pro range for you and your family depends on how you cook.
Understanding how you cook or use the range is the only way to pick out the best range and be happy with your purchase.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you like to bake or broil?
- Do you like a powerful burner or a more cleanable one?
- Are you buying this for the griddle or grill?
- Do you need self-cleaning?
- How about clocks and timer mechanisms?
If you don't know, it's OK.
You will learn the differences between all the best pro ranges from JennAir, Thermador, Wolf, BlueStar, Miele, and SKS.
Reliability will also be a part of this analysis. You won't find reliable information anywhere else because most companies don't service what they sell. We logged over 40,000 service calls just last year and well over 120,000 over the past three years.
Most salespeople will push dual fuel. It's a mistake if you like to broil and roast.
We will explain the difference between all gas and dual fuel ranges at the end. They are not only different ovens, but manufacturers have a different approach to both.
This is a thorough article with over 3,000 words. You can read each section or flip to the parts of interest. Videos are also provided for most of the brands.
Before you read about the best 36-inch pro ranges, you should know what a pro range is NOT. So many brands tout "Professional Cooking" products but aren't even close in terms of output and features.
Let's get started.
What Is Not a Professional Range
If you were to Google “best pro ranges”, the number one response was a site with this range as its best, the Forte freestanding professional gas range FGR366BSS. It's a private Italian brand like Smeg, Bertazzoni, Verona, or Ilve.
These ranges are beautifully styled and priced well at $2,099 or about 1/4 of the price of a professional range. However, pro-syle ranges lack high output and performance.
The burners are 20,000, 15,000, 12,000, 6,000, and two burners at 9,000 BTU, so you only have two higher output burners. The broiler is 10,000 BTU, or less than half of the Miele 23,000 BTU infrared broiler. Also, infrared is a directed heat versus the more diffused types.
With a pro-style range, you do not have a grill or griddle option. The oven size at 4.5 cubic feet is much smaller than the average professional oven at 5.7 cubic feet.
Additionally, controls are minimal like some on this list, and reliability is a concern. Who will fix your pro-style range if something goes wrong? However, if you are looking for a basic 36-inch range, then any pro-style range will suffice.
Now let's look at the real stuff.
Read More: Best Gas Slide-In Ranges
Best 36-Inch Professional Gas Ranges for 2022
Wolf Pro Gas Range with Charbroiler GR364C or Griddle GR364G - $8,195
Wolf is a premium appliance brand owned by Sub-Zero. Wolf is traditionally known for red knobs and their dual-stack burners.
Wolf's gas ranges are reliable, and they have the best service network on this list.
Wolf has one of the hottest infrared broilers, along with an excellent infrared grill and griddle. Their simmer is also one of the best. Thermador has an intermittent simmer on two burners while Wolf simmers a bit higher at 500 BTU on all burners.
Wolf Gas Range Problems
Their output at 15,000 BTU per burner is slightly less than the other pro ranges on the list. You have 25,000 BTU on the BlueStar, but Wolf's max is 15,000. Similar to Thermador, Wolf has a single convection system. Additionally, Wolf does not have any clock and timer functions or Wi-Fi.
Read More: Are Wolf Professional Ranges Worth the Money?
Miele Professional Gas Range HR1136 - $7,299
Miele is a family-owned appliance company out of Germany. They are known for their attention to detail and meticulous quality control. To achieve this, they produce almost every part of their appliances, whereas most will outsource to other companies.
Miele is best known for its cleaning products (dishwashers, laundry, and vacuum cleaners). However, they have worthwhile products in the cooking category as well.
With decent controls, Miele has a self-cleaning dual convection oven like JennAir and an infrared grill and griddle like Wolf.
The grates and racks are the simplest to clean. You can even place them in your dishwasher while the racks can stay in the oven during the self-clean cycle.
Miele's burners are half powerful at 19,500 BTU, along with less powerful burners at 9,000 and 8000 BTU. Miele's infrared broiler is the hottest at 23,000 BTU.
Miele Pro Range Problems
Miele's downside is no Wi-Fi. It's odd for such a progressive company. Then again, neither is Wolf. BlueStar will probably never be. The 19,000 BTU burner is good, but Miele's other burners are underpowered at 9,000, and 8000 BTU is not.
Thermador Pro Grand Range with Griddle PRG364WDG - $8,849
Thermador Pro Harmony Pro Range with Grill PRG364WLH - $7,249
Thermador is a premium appliance brand presently owned by Bosch. They are best known for their star-shaped burner (for better pan coverage) and great packages with free dishwashers and hoods with qualifying purchases.
Thermador manufacturers two styles of gas ranges, their Pro Grand Series and their Harmony Series. The Thermador Pro Grand Series is Thermador's premium all-gas range.
The Pro Grand series adds a clock and a 22,000 BTU burner vs. 18,000 in the Harmony, a proof (low temperature) mode for baking bread, and a bigger oven based on depth.
You can also buy an induction set of burners on the Pro Grand. Induction is by far the best for simmering and speed. For Mass residents, induction is also easier to vent. The Thermador Pro Grand gas range is also self-cleaning and about $1,500-$2,000 more expensive than the Pro Harmony.
However, the Harmony is more popular because it sits flush in the cabinet, whereas the Pro Grand protrudes by 3 inches.
Their Star Burner is raised, so it's the easiest to clean. Their simmer is the best for gas at 100 BTU. However, the simmer is only on two burners and is an on/off, whereas Wolf is continuous at a higher temperature.
Thermador's range has Wi-Fi functionality. You can control your range through an app on your phone. Thermador also integrates recipes and your ability to change temperature and turn your range on or off remotely.
It is also one of the least expensive pro ranges and adds a free dishwasher with other qualifying purchases.
Thermador Pro Range Problems
An electric griddle is not terrible once it reaches temperature. The electric grill does not have the output to sear like an infrared.
The Pro Grand has a basic clock, but the Harmony has no clock and timer functions. As for the oven, Thermador has an older single convection system. JennAir and Miele have twin convection systems. BlueStar has pure convection in their Platinum series.
BlueStar Platinum Pro Range BSP366B - $9,395
BlueStar RNB Series Pro Range RNB364CBV2 - $8,295
BlueStar is the only brand to specialize in all gas ranges in five different series. The top two - the Platinum and RNB series - are their most popular ranges by far and look almost identical.
The BlueStar Platinum is more powerful with a 25,000 BTU max output versus a still extremely hot 22,000 for the RNB.
It also has pure convection or heat blown in from the rear for a more even heat, whereas the BlueStar RNB is regular convection. On the other hand, the RNB has an integrated Charbroiler, whereas the Platinum has six burners with an add-on reversible grill and griddle.
Between the two, if you want the grill or griddle, then opt for the RNB series because the grill or griddle will be integrated. Grilling is over an open flame, not on a griddle with lines.
Open burners could be good or bad, depending on personal preference. Open allows for better heat output, which is good.
The cleanability is mixed. If you spill a lot, you have to clean both the top and underneath. On a sealed burner, it stays on the top. However, you can remove all its stovetop parts and clean them in the sink instead of scouring them in the range.
BlueStar has 1000 colors and ten trim options.
BlueStar's ranges can be any color imaginable in terms of having a unique range. You can also customize your range based on a high-quality photo with BlueStar By Design. It adds tons of design opportunities like wallpaper, flooring, or even a family photo.
BlueStar Pro Range Problems
You don't buy BlueStar for any modern amenities like a clock or timer. It emulates a commercial range. BlueStar is not self-cleaning in any of the five series.
The grill and griddle are regular gas, not infrared. The heat is less direct and intense. For the grill, it is also tougher to clean. Infrared evaporates most of the drippings.
BlueStar advertises their broiler as 1850 degrees. However, the actual BTU is only 15,000 for the broiler, whereas the average for the other brands is 20,000. Miele is the highest at 23,000 BTU.
Most professional ranges don't have Wi-Fi, including BlueStar. Only Thermador, SKS, and JennAir have Wi-Fi functionality.
Read More: Best BlueStar Professional Ranges
Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) Pro Range with Griddle SKSGR360GS - $8,999
SKS bills itself as the range for the "Technician." It is a pretty technical range complete with LG's ThinQ Wi-Fi package along with an advanced clock and timer.
The burners are a combination of 23,000 and 15,000 BTU with a simmer burner at 10,000 BTU. Two burners can hold a consistent simmer as low as 100 BTU. Ironically, 100 degrees is the same temperature as Thermador.
The griddle is the easiest to clean chromium. Ironically, it's the same material as JennAir’s pro-range griddle.
SKS has the largest oven capacity at 6.3 cubic feet, along with a 23,000 BTU pure convection element.
With SKS’s pro range, you have a good combination of output with 23,000 BTU burners, a good simmer, and the largest oven capacity. SKS has the best warranty at three years, guaranteeing no longer than a five-day wait for service.
We tested the SKS on their 48-inch model with sous vide top and steam combi oven and found this product works.
SKS Gas Range Problems
You can't buy a grill for your stovetop with the SKS. Also, SKS promises a 5-day guarantee for service. Let me just say I am more than skeptical. LG may have one of the best service managers, but five-day service is a pretty bold claim. They also don’t say “guaranteed repair.”
JennAir Professional Gas Ranges Rise JGRP436HL and Noir JGRP436HM - $6,499
JennAir is a premium appliance brand owned by the Whirlpool Corporation. In 2018, JennAir updated their whole line with two designs - the Rise and the Noir.
On the top, it is powerful for a pro range with three 20,000 BTU burners, two 18 000, and a 9,000 BTU. The grill is now infrared at 16,000, the same as Wolf. For the oven, there is twin convection for more even heat.
Their whole Wi-Fi experience is the best, at least with functionality. It has tie-in recipes designed to enhance your cooking experience.
Also, JennAir will give you $1,000 towards any second item with the purchase of their range.
JennAir Pro Range Problems
The main problem with JennAir is finding one. They have had availability issues since their inception. Their app is functional but not highly rated. This is a competitive range. However, their App experience is not rated well.
Fisher & Paykel RGV3-366-N - $6,499
Fisher & Paykel is a division of Haier who also turned around GE over the last few years. This range has been updated as well. Burner Output is the reason to buy this range with two 23,500 BTU sealed burners and four 18,500 BTU burners.
Fisher & Paykel Pro Range Problems
You do not have a grill or griddle capability with Fisher & Paykel. The oven is smaller at 5.3 cubic feet. The controls are basic as well.
La Cornue Le Château 90 – Starting at $40,000
If you equate the best professional range as the best range, then La Cornue could be a consideration. La Cornue is French-made but American-owned.
It is a fantastic appliance, completely customizable on the top with different burners, a grill, griddle, French top, or induction.
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The oven is exceptional. You will cook with natural convection. The air is introduced at the bottom of the range and keeps a consistent temperature without fans. The arched top better distributes the air.
You also have 48 colors and eight trims, so the range is like an heirloom. It is that beautiful.
La Cornue Pro Range Problems
The range is over $40,000 plus shipping from France.
Which Professional Range Is the Most Reliable?
Thermador is the most reliable pro range, followed closely by JennAir and Wolf. Miele and BlueStar had more service, but it was a minor burner repair.
Wolf may be the most impressive. Most of their range sales are larger 36, 48, and 60-inch sizes, yet the repair percentage is comparable to Thermador's more widely sold 30 and 36-inch units.
Read More: Most Reliable Professional Ranges
Which 36-Inch Professional Gas Range Should You Buy?
| Max Output (BTU) | Simmer | Self Cleaning | Clock or Timer | Wi-Fi | Grill BTU | Griddle BTU | Convection Type | |
| Wolf | 84,200 | 500 BTU's | No | No | No | 16000 | 15000 | VertiCross Convection |
| Thermador Pro Grand | 111,200 | 100 °F/375 BTU's | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1,630 Watts | 1,630 Watts | True Convection |
| Thermador Harmony | 104,000 | 100 °F/375 BTU's | DF only | Yes | Yes | 1,630 Watts | 1,630 Watts | Convection Bake |
| Miele | 84,500 | 650 BTU's | Yes | Yes | No | 19000 | 13000 | Twin Convection |
| BlueStar Platinum | 111,000 | 130 °F | No | No | No | Interchangeable | Interchangeable | True European |
| BlueStar RNB | 98,000 | 130 °F | No | No | No | 15000 | 15000 | Convection Bake |
| SKS | 76,000 | 310 BTU's | Speed Clean | Yes | Yes | N/A | 18000 | ProHeat Convection |
| JennAir | 124,000 | 500 BTU's | Yes | No | Yes | 16000 | No Griddle | True Convection |
| Fisher & Paykel | 121,000 | 140 °F | No | No | No | No Grill | No Griddle | Convection Bake |
You don't have a clear winner for every facet of cooking. So, let's break it down by feature.
Best for Style and Color: BlueStar and La Cornue
BlueStar is the clear winner due to the endless custom color and trim combinations you can choose. You can design your range to be truly yours to match your style and preference. Want orange with brass trim? You can do that only with BlueStar. La Cornue has "only" 48, but the range is beautiful.
Most Powerful: BlueStar and Fisher & Paykel
Most of the ranges are hot enough. BlueStar has the hottest burner at 25,000. However, FisherPaykel has the total output.
Best Simmer Performance: Wolf, SKS, and Thermador
If you value having a low simmer to melt chocolate, Wolf and Thermador have the best burners for simmering. Wolf has a dual-stack burner or two gas ports to every Wolf burner. When you want to simmer, you ignite a simmer port completely independent of that burner's high heat capability. This creates many variations in Wolf's simmer performance on any burner.
Thermador's and SKS simmer performance is intermittent and technically the lowest. At the lowest setting, the flame will ignite and then go out and ignite again.
Thermador Pro Grand with the induction burner is probably the best, but it isn't popular. Induction doesn't have a flame extinguishing at a low temperature and can't simmer the lowest of any type.
Best Grill: Miele, JennAir, and Wolf
All use an infrared gas grill and griddle for faster, more intense heat. Infrared is better than regular gas for cleaning because it evaporates the drippings.
Why not BlueStar? BlueStar's grill uses straight gas and diffuses heat. That's not great for grilling or cleaning.
Best Griddle: JennAir and SKS
The JennAir and SKS griddles are chromium infused and the easiest to clean. Food just slides off a chromium surface.
Best for Self-Cleaning: Thermador, JennAir, Miele, and SKS
These ranges have self-cleaning modes. The others do not.
Best for Oven Performance: BlueStar, La Cornue
BlueStar's Power Oven is arguably the best gas oven on the market, pro or regular. It is known for speedy preheat, quick cook, and even oven temperature due to the air being blown from the back. The La Cornue natural convection is the best. They do not have any fans to possibly dry out the food.
Honorable Mention: Miele and JennAir
Both have twin convection for even more heat distribution.
Best Broiler: Miele
An infrared broiler on a gas range is the best broiler-type for intense and directed high heat. Many have infrared, but Miele is the hottest at 23,000 BTU.
Best for Value: Thermador
Thermador is reasonable, reliable, and offers you free dishwashers and hoods with qualifying purchases.
Key Takeaways
First, just know, there is no one best range. It would have been a much simpler article to write. I don't expect you to spend $40,000+ for a La Cornue. However, there is probably one range that suits your cooking style best.
Before going online or going to your local appliance store, take some time and understand how you currently cook.
- Do you bake or broil?
- Do you want a more powerful burner or an easier-to-clean range?
- Do you want self-cleaning?
- Do you want more controls and smart functionality?
- Do you grill, griddle, or just use burners?
Answering these questions will help you choose the best range for you.
Make sure you tell your dealer what you want instead of them showing you what they consider "the best." Often, you will be unhappy with their choice because it won't match how you use it.
You have some good options in the more familiar brands. The newer ones like SKS and Fisher & Paykel are also worth considering.
Also, service can be a problem with more specialized products like pro ranges. Inquire about service before you buy any range or at least way before your next Thanksgiving dinner.
Dual Fuel vs. All Gas Professional Ranges
Baking
Dual fuel is a more precise heat. It is better for baking. Straight gas is better for roasting and broiling.
Broiling
There is an enormous difference in broiling with gas or dual fuel. Most of the gas pro ranges have an infrared broiler. It's a more concentrated, direct heat than a regular gas broiler.
Many commercial-style broilers are infrared, as are the sear elements in professional grills. Here is a video explaining how it works in a grill.
The differences between an infrared broiler and an electric broiler are substantial, with infrared being way better.
Roasting
Gas with its moister heat is technically better than the drier heat of an electric oven.
Self-Cleaning Oven
Every dual fuel range is self-cleaning, but less than half of all gas ranges have a self-cleaning option.
Cooking Programs
Wolf, SKS, and Miele upgraded their dual fuel ranges. Miele has its MasterChef guided cooking program with push-button control. They also added steam and 17 bread baking programs. If you like California sourdough, there is an option to bake it automatically.
Best Dual Fuel Pro Ranges to Consider
Wolf Dual Fuel Pro Range
Wolf will have their VertiCross convection system using blowers. The BTU output on the burners is higher in dual-fuel than all gas at 20,000 BTU vs. 15,000 BTU output. They will also add Wi-Fi with a computer touchscreen.
SKS Dual Fuel Pro Range
SKS has their steam and steam assist models in their dual fuel and Sous Vide and induction on the top.
Fisher & Paykel Dual Fuel Pro Range
They add a touchscreen and Wi-Fi on their dual fuel ranges.
Read More: Best 36-Inch Dual Fuel Professional Ranges
Additional Resources
Looking for more information on pro ranges? Get the Yale Pro Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, BTU Outputs, and detailed profiles of the major brands. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.