After spending $10,000-$20,000 on a 48-inch professional range, you would think that it meets all your needs.
With so many options available, it's easy to make the wrong choice. Most people don't know that choosing the right range depends on how you cook.
The key to buying the right 48 professional range is determined by how you use it.
For instance, if you love to broil, you need an all-gas range with an infrared broiler, not a dual fuel range with an electric broiler.
To help you choose the right professional range, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the best 48-inch professional ranges.
We'll explore popular brands such as Wolf, Thermador, Monogram, and Miele, as well as some lesser-known but intriguing options like BlueStar, SKS, and Fisher & Paykel.
We've also included a section on La Cornue, which offers a high-end customizable range.
This article is long and detailed, with plenty of videos to help illustrate the features and benefits of each range. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of which range is best suited to your cooking style and needs.
As always, feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below.
Let's dive in.
Wolf is a well-respected cooking brand owned by Sub-Zero and made in the USA. They are best known for their professional-style ranges with signature red knobs.
Wolf's 48-inch pro gas range is an excellent range for those looking to elevate their kitchen or for the experienced chef. Let's look at Wolf's best features.
One of the best features of this range is its infrared grill and griddle that can reach temperatures as high as 15,000 BTU.
Wolf's grill operates like an outdoor grill's sear zone. Futhermore, both the grill and griddle are easy to clean as the infrared technology burns off drippings or residue.
In addition to the grill and griddle, Wolf offers a French top option, which looks like a griddle but functions differently.
While a griddle is designed to provide consistent heat across its surface, a French top is designed to vary the heat outward, so you can cook many items at different temperatures.
You can also leave the food in the pans on a French top instead of placing it directly on the surface.
This allows for greater versatility in cooking, making it a popular option for those who want to achieve professional results at home.
Another impressive feature of the Wolf 48-inch pro gas range is its convection ovens, which allow for even baking and roasting.
This model has 30-inch and 18-inch ovens to accommodate multiple dishes at once..
The Wolf 48-inch pro dual fuel range offers more benefits and features than Wolf's all-gas pro ranges.
Wolf Pro Range Stovetop
The Wolf 48-inch pro dual fuel range features upgraded burners that are much more powerful than the gas models.
Wolf's dual fuel ranges have multiple 20,000 and 18,000 BTU burners compared to the 15,000 BTU burners in Wolf's all-gas models.
Having more powerful burners make cooking faster and more efficient, allowing you to prepare meals in less time.
The oven in the Wolf 48-inch pro dual fuel range has the VertiCross blower convection system, which is an upgrade over the single convection of the gas model.
The VertiCross blower convection system moves air faster than fans for more even heat distribution and more space in the oven.
This convection system has been in Wolf wall ovens for six years, and it has proven to be highly effective.
In the Wolf 48-inch pro dual fuel range, the clock and timer have been replaced with an LCD screen. The controls are easy to use and provides a more modern appearance.
This range also features Wolf Gourmet, a guided cooking program that allows you to select the food and how you like it cooked.
Wolf's Gourmet program will then choose the exact time and temperature for your meal and determine the best rack position for optimal cooking.
Additionally, Wolf Gourmet features 50 automatic recipes that can simplify meal preparation.
The new Wolf Wi-Fi system is available in the Wolf 48-inch pro dual fuel range, allowing you to control your Sub-Zero refrigerator, Cove dishwasher, and Wolf range on the same app.
This feature provides more convenience and ease of use, allowing you to control all your appliances from one place.
Being a family-owned American company, Wolf is renowned for its exceptional after-sale service.
If you ever have any issues with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, you can count on the company's outstanding customer support to help you resolve the problem.
Thermador, owned by BSH Home Appliances Corporation, is a popular cooking brand that offers professional-style ranges, kitchen package offerings, and rebate programs.
Although BSH is a German corporation, Thermador products are manufactured in the United States.
Thermador offers 15 different 48-inch ranges, ranging from $10,499 to $16,599, which can make choosing the right one confusing.
However, the decision can be made almost by process of elimination. The first choice you need to make is whether you want a Pro Grand or Pro Harmony series range.
The Pro Grand series is the premium offering of the two, with a larger capacity oven, a high BTU burner of 22,000 BTU, and is self-cleaning in all gas.
Additionally, the Pro Grand series offers steam ovens and warming drawers, as well as an induction option for the stovetop.
On the other hand, the Pro Harmony series is more popular because it does not protrude from your cabinets, unlike the larger capacity Pro Grand. The Thermador Pro Harmony is also less expensive.
Both ranges have star burners, which can simmer at 100 degrees on two burners. Thermador's star burners are raised for easy cleaning as well.
However, in 2019, they changed the style and dropped the back burners from 18,000 to 15,000 BTU, while adding Wi-Fi connectivity.
Thermador Pro Range with Electric Griddle
Both the Pro Grand and Pro Harmony series come with electric griddle and grill options.
However, electric is not as responsive as gas, and the "grilling" is not as good since you do not have the higher temperatures.
Lastly, there are some differences between the Thermador dual fuel and all gas ranges.
The dual fuel option allows for the steam oven and warming drawer, and all dual fuel models are self-cleaning, unlike the all gas option where only the Pro Grand has self-cleaning.
Monogram Pro Dual Fuel Range ZDP484NGTSS - $15,000
Monogram, a luxury appliance brand owned by GE, has recently launched new professional ranges, including a new 48-inch Smart dual fuel range.
Let's start there.
The Monogram Smart range allows for connectivity via their SmartHQ app to numerous recipe sites. T
he front burner is connected to the Hestan Cue system, which provides users with step-by-step recipe guidance.
The Smart range is one of the few in the market to offer such advanced technology features.
Monogram's burners are made of brass, making them durable and long-lasting, and only the La Cornue range, priced at over $50,000, features brass burners.
The burner outputs are impressive, with one 23,000 BTU burner, one 21,000 BTU burner, and two 15,000 BTU burners.
Monogram Pro Range with Griddle Option
The Monogram pro range comes with an infrared grill and griddle as well.
The grill and griddle both offer high heat output, with the grill capable of producing up to 18,000 BTU and the griddle up to 14,000 BTU.
Monogram is known for its promotions and currently offers a $3,500 credit to be used towards the purchase of other Monogram appliances.
Monogram offers both dual fuel and all-gas models in their pro range lineup, with the all-gas models offering the same level of power and function as their dual-fuel counterparts.
Both models use steam for self-cleaning, which is a convenient feature that makes cleaning up after cooking much easier.
Fisher & Paykel offers a range of five pro ranges that are very similar to one another, except for the fuel type: all gas or dual fuel.
However, their RHV3-484-N range stands out as the most unique offering.
It features a combination of 23,500 BTU and 18,500 BTU gas burners and four induction burners, offering a glimpse into the future of larger ranges.
The other dual-fuel models come with either eight burners or five burners with a powerful 24,000 BTU griddle.
The griddle is particularly noteworthy as it heats up unusually fast.
Dual-fuel models also offer more cooking modes and Wi-Fi connectivity, but no grill. The grill is only available in all-gas models.
When it comes to newer kitchen appliance brands, it's common to see a similar playbook of taking the best features from existing products and adding a few new features.
However, SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite) has taken this strategy to new heights with their professional range. It's now one of the most feature-packed ranges on the market.
One of the standout features of the SKS pro range is its burner output. The burners are capable of producing 23,000 BTUs of power, with a combination of 15,000 BTUs.
In addition, three of the burners have a 100 BTU output, which matches the high and low output of Thermador's professional range.
If you're looking for a range with a griddle, the SKS pro range has one option in all gas. If you prefer a dual fuel range, SKS offers two options, one with the griddle and the other with an induction set and a sous vide water bath option for the stovetop.
The griddle is chromium, which is known for its easy-cleaning surface, and SKS has added induction to the stovetop, similar to Thermador.
The induction burner on the SKS pro range is a standout feature. It's faster than a professional gas burner and has a better simmer.
In addition, it requires less venting, which is why more companies are adding induction to their professional gas ranges. With cities like New York and Cambridge banning gas, we can expect to see more induction ranges in the future.
In the smaller oven, you'll find a combi-steam oven like Thermador. However, SKS' unique feature is its sous vide capability.
With this feature, you can cook with precise results. Simply add your protein and marinade in a vacuum-sealed bag, then wait for it to reach the core temperature for a perfectly cooked meal.
Lastly, SKS has made their pro range Wi-Fi enabled through LG's ThinQ app. This allows you to control and monitor the range remotely.
BlueStar is a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in commercial cooking appliances. Among the various professional ranges available on the market, BlueStar is renowned for its commercial style and high BTU power.
The company's latest dual-fuel range features four burners at 25,000 BTU and four at 18,000 BTU, and a griddle model is also available.
BlueStar Pro Range Burners
One of the standout features of this new range is the sealed eight-point burners, which provide a larger cooking surface than competitors' models.
Another impressive feature is the LCD clock and timer, which offer seven-inch control panels and eight different cooking modes.
The main oven can accommodate 18-26-inch commercial sheet pans.
The BlueStar range is highly customizable, with over 1,000 color options and ten trims available.
Over 75% of the BlueStar ranges are purchased in a color at Yale. In addition, you can customize the cooking surface for an additional cost.
BlueStar's all-gas range has five different lines, with the Platinum and RNB series being the most notable.
The Platinum series features open burners, which are ideal for high heat but can be challenging to clean. The range uses pure convection in its ovens, with the heating element located at the back.
The RNB series has a built-in grill and griddle, slightly lower BTU output, and no pure convection in the element. French tops are also available in the RNB series.
Miele is a relatively new player in the professional range market, having started producing professional ranges in 2014.
Despite being a newcomer, Miele has managed to incorporate several standout features in their 48-inch pro ranges.
Miele Pro Range Stovetop with Infrared Griddle
One of the standout features of Miele's pro ranges is the infrared griddle with great heat distribution.
You can make anything on Miele's griddle from fluffy French toast and eggs to perfectly seared fish and steaks.
Additionally, Miele has added several other useful features, including self-cleaning racks and dishwasher-safe grates, which make cleaning up after cooking much easier.
Miele's dual fuel ranges include a steam assist feature and a speed oven that can cook food as a microwave, convection, or combination, allowing you to save time while cooking.
Furthermore, the warming drawer can keep food warm for up to three hours without dehydrating it.
However, the real highlight of Miele's 48-inch pro ranges is their MasterChef controls.
These controls simplify the cooking process by allowing you to select the food and weight, and the oven calculates the time and temperature required.
Additionally, Miele offers many automatic cooking presets, including 15 different bread modes, ranging from focaccia to sourdough.
You probably have a sense of what we said in the beginning. No one range has the best of all features - except for the La Cornue Chateau.
For some people, it won't be the best of the best.
La Cornue Stovetop Options
Unlike other ranges, it's fully customizable, allowing you to choose from a range of options for the stovetop, including wok burners, induction burners, a grill, a griddle, or a French top.
La Cornue Le Château 120 Ovens
The range also features both gas and electric ovens, with the gas option providing moister heat for broiling and the electric option providing dry heat for baking.
One unique feature of La Cornue's ovens is their natural convection design, where the air is emitted from the bottom, creating even heat without using fans.
The range comes in 56 different colors with eight trim styles, so you can customize it to your heart's content.
The coloring process is also noteworthy, using a dripping process to wet enamel that results in a richer color.
However, the one major drawback of the La Cornue range is its price, starting at over $60,000. But if you want the best of the best, this range is worth considering.
When it comes to buying a 48-inch professional range, there are many factors to consider, including:
With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which range is the best fit for you.
Below, we'll break down the most popular considerations when buying a range and highlight the top performers in each category.
| Burner Output | Self Cleaning | Clock or Timer | Wi-Fi | Grill Output | Griddle Output | Convection Type | |
| Wolf All Gas | Up to 15,000 BTU | No | No | No | 15,000 BTU | 15,000 BTU | Convection Fan |
| Wolf Dual Fuel | Up to 20,000 BTU | Yes | Yes | Yes | 15,000 BTU | 15,000 BTU | VertiCross Convection |
| Thermador Pro Grand | Up to 22,000 BTU | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1,630 Watts | 1,630 Watts | True Convection |
| Thermador Harmony | Up to 18,000 BTU | DF only | Yes | Yes | 1,630 Watts | 1,630 Watts | Convection Bake |
| Miele | Up to 19,000 BTU | Yes | Yes | No | No Grill | 15,000 BTU | Twin Convection |
| Monogram | Up to 23,000 BTU | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18,000 BTU | 14,000 BTU | True European |
| BlueStar | Up to 25,000 BTU | No | No | No | 14,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU | Convection Bake |
| SKS | Up to 23,000 BTU | Speed Clean | Yes | Yes | No Grill | 18,000 BTU | ProHeat Convection |
| Fisher & Paykel | Up to 23,500 BTU | Yes | Yes | Yes | No Grill | No Griddle | Convection Bake |
If you're looking for a range with powerful burners, BlueStar, SKS, and Fisher & Paykel are your best options. BlueStar's open burner has an impressive 25,000 BTU output, while Fisher & Paykel and SKS offer multiple sealed burners that deliver 23,500 BTU of power.
For those who want plenty of options for their cooking surface, Wolf and BlueStar are the top brands. Wolf offers the most cooktop configurations of any 48-inch range brand. However, keep in mind that once you commit to a specific configuration with Wolf, you're married to it. La Cornue offers the most options for a range, providing even more flexibility in customization.
If you're looking for a range that can simmer at low temperatures, Thermador, SKS, and Wolf are excellent choices. Thermador's XLO burner and SKS Ultralow burners can drop down as low as 100 degrees. Wolf's dual-stack burner can simmer well on all burners.
For indoor grilling, gas-powered grills are better for searing and taste than electric grills. Wolf, Miele, and JennAir are the top performers in this category. Ensure that the grill is infrared so that drippings burn off for easier cleaning.
SKS, Miele, and Wolf offer the best performance for griddles. SKS's chromium surfaces make cleaning and maintenance a breeze, while Miele and Wolf's infrared heating provides faster, more directed heat.
For those who need a range with ample oven space, Thermador and BlueStar are the best choices. Both can hold a commercial sheet pan, while other brands cannot.
Miele, Thermador, and SKS all offer some version of steam, but it depends on your specific needs. Miele has the best controls and is great for steam-assisted cooking, but it's not a full steam oven. Thermador and SKS offer combi-steam features, with Thermador also including a warming drawer at the bottom.
Monogram and Thermador offer great package promotions for those looking for a 48-inch pro range that doesn't break the bank.
Miele, Thermador, and Wolf all offer powerful broiling options, with Miele being the hottest at 23,500 BTUs.
Miele, Wolf, and Monogram all have excellent tech and controls, with Miele being the easiest to use and Monogram having the best Wi-Fi app in SmartHQ. Wolf offers both features.
Miele is the most cleanable professional range, with easy-to-clean grates, racks, and burners.
BlueStar and La Cornue are the only options that offer a range of colors for their professional ranges.
Professional Ranges at Yale Appliance
Professional (pro) ranges are designed to mimic the high-performance ranges found in restaurants, with powerful burners that can reach high BTU outputs and a commercial aesthetic.
However, unlike commercial ranges, pro ranges are rated for residential use and do not require special permits or sprinkler systems. They are also typically easier to clean.
That being said, not all ranges marketed as "pro" are created equal.
Many lower-powered models with a pro-like appearance are cleverly marketed as professional ranges. Brands such as Bertazzoni, ILVE, Forte, Hallman, and Verona often fall into this category.
For example, let's take a look at the Bertazzoni range:
While it may be aesthetically pleasing, it only features two burners rated at 19,000 BTU, followed by a drop to 10,400 BTU, and a combination of 5,000 BTU and 3,500 BTU burners.
Additionally, the ovens tend to be smaller and lack advanced features found in true professional ranges.
Although some of these ranges may have a broiling power of 10,000 BTU, true professional ranges typically offer more powerful and directed infrared broilers rated at 18,000-20,000 BTU.
While lower-powered pro-looking ranges may be a more affordable option for a 48-inch opening, they cannot match the performance of true professional ranges.
The fit and finish of these ranges are also typically not on par with true professional models.
It's important to carefully evaluate any range marketed as a professional range before making a purchase.
Be sure to inspect the unit in person at your local store and compare the specifications to those of true professional ranges to ensure you're getting the performance and features you need.
Read More: How to Buy a Residential Professional Gas Range
It's important to understand the difference between all-gas and dual-fuel ranges before delving into specific brands and models.
All-gas ranges use gas for both the cooktop and oven, while dual-fuel ranges feature a gas cooktop paired with an electric oven.
Gas ovens are better for roasting due to their moist heat, while electric ovens are typically better for baking. However, dual-fuel ranges often offer more precise temperature control for precision cooking.
All-gas ranges typically have better broilers, especially those with infrared technology, and are better for searing due to the intense heat provided by gas burners.
In fact, many all-gas ranges feature broilers that are similar to those found on professional-grade grills.
Dual-fuel ranges often incorporate advanced features such as self-cleaning, timers, and menu-driven electronics.
Brands such as Wolf, Thermador, SKS, and Miele may offer enhanced features exclusively in their dual-fuel models, such as improved controls, steam or speed ovens, and self-cleaning functions.
Overall, all-gas ranges tend to be less expensive than their dual-fuel counterparts in the professional-style category, typically costing between $2,000 to $5,000 less.
It's important to consider your cooking needs and preferences when deciding between an all-gas or dual-fuel range, as well as any additional features you may require.
Benefits of an all-gas: Broiling, roasting, less expensive. Does not need 50-amp electricity
Benefits of electric: Controls, special features, and baking
Read More: What's the Difference Between All Gas and Dual Fuel Professional Ranges?
One of the most important features of a professional range is the cooktop configuration, which can vary widely between brands and models.
While most ranges offer six burners and a griddle or grill, some brands offer a double grill or griddle and four burners.
For those who want more cooking options, a select few brands offer a French top, which is a larger flat surface that can cook at different temperatures or all burners.
In addition, some brands like SKS offer sous vide precision boiling in a vacuum-sealed bag, while Thermador Pro Grand, SKS, and Fisher & Paykel also offer an induction option.
Wolf and Miele offer infrared grills for their cooktop, which are faster and provide intense heat compared to an infrared broiler.
Read More: Professional Range Built-In Griddles vs. Grills
Another important feature to consider is the type of oven, specifically whether it is a steam or steam-assist oven.
Steam cooking is a great way to cook food as it adds moisture and doesn't bake the nutrients out of your food.
Some brands like Thermador and SKS offer traditional steam ovens, while Miele has a steam assist option that allows you to cook with regular elements and add 1-3 bursts of steam to bake bread.
Smart technology is also becoming an increasingly popular feature in professional ranges.
Brands like Thermador, SKS, and Wolf offer the ability to operate your range through an app on your phone, allowing you to turn the oven on or off and adjust the temperature remotely from your office.
These brands also have tie-ins to different recipe apps to enhance your cooking experience.
As smart features continue to evolve, it's important to consider what features will be most useful to you in your cooking routine.
Learn More: Smart Appliance Buying Guide
Professional ranges are high-end appliances that offer superior performance and durability, but they can be prone to more service issues than other appliances.
This is because they are larger and more complex, with more burners, ignition systems, and features such as griddles, broilers, and convection ovens.
However, with proper installation and regular maintenance, many of these issues can be avoided.
It's important to choose a reputable dealer who can provide professional installation and customer education to ensure that you get the most out of your range.
In addition, it's essential to inquire about repair and warranty options before making a purchase, as service for sophisticated appliances can be expensive and time-consuming.
While igniters are one of the most common repairs for gas ranges, larger 48-inch ranges with multiple burners may require more frequent maintenance.
Nevertheless, by choosing a reliable brand and investing in quality installation and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of a professional range for years to come.
Read More: Most Reliable Professional Ranges
In conclusion, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to professional ranges.
The key is to identify the features that best align with your cooking style and preferences, such as baking, broiling, grilling, griddling, and steam cooking.
Whenever possible, it's recommended to see a demonstration of the ranges you're considering before making a purchase.
Additionally, it's important to inquire about service and maintenance, as these appliances will require upkeep over their lifetime.
Each manufacturer has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to select a range that matches your unique needs.
By considering the factors we've discussed, you'll be well on your way to finding the best 48-inch professional range for your kitchen.
Additional Resources
Get our free Pro Cooking Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the best brands. Over 1 million people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
Related Articles: