Best 48-Inch Professional Ranges (Reviews / Ratings / Prices)

There are tons of 48-inch professional ranges available. There are more options to choose from than ever.

There is no single best 48-inch professional range available for every feature.

Popular brands in this category include Wolf, Thermador, Miele, Dacor, Jenn-Air, BlueStar, Viking, and GE Monogram.

Professional Ranges at Yale Appliance in Boston

In this article, we will answer many of your questions regarding output, simmer, grill, griddle, and oven features.

You will learn the difference between all gas and dual fuel, different features for each range, and the list of the best brands and models.

Then we will rate the best range for each feature and performance.

You will also see service stats based on 35,256 service calls logged by our service department last year.

It's a pretty grim reminder of the importance of service after the sale.

Again, there is no best range for every feature (shopping would be much easier if that were the case).

First, let's define what you are considering.

What Is A Professional Range?

Professional Ranges at Yale Appliance in Hanover

Professional (pro) ranges are modeled after ranges found in restaurants with high BTU output and a commercial look.

However, they are rated for residential use, so you do not need special permits or sprinkler systems. They are also easier to clean.

There are many pro-style looking ranges like Bertazzoni, ILVE, Fisher & Paykel, and Verona.

Fisher & Paykel Pro-Style Ranges at Yale Appliance in Boston

They lack the high output of the other brands, so I did not include them in the comparison. They are less expensive if you need a cheaper range to fit a 48-inch opening.

I didn't include La Cornue either because it is more of a customized product.

Gas vs. Electric (Dual Fuel) Ovens

Before we talk about brands and models, you should know the difference between all gas and dual fuel (gas over an electric oven).

Gas ovens have a moist heat, and electric ovens have a drier heat. Moist heat is better for roasting meats, whereas electric is better for baking.

On average, dual-fuel ranges have a more accurate temperature than all gas ranges. It is easier to control the temperature for precision cooking in electric.

All-gas ranges have better broilers, especially if they are infrared broilers, and will sear better than electric.

Dual fuel ranges typically incorporate more advanced features such as self-cleaning, a timer, and sometimes, menu-driven electronics.

Wolf, Thermador, and Miele will have enhanced features available only in their dual fuel models.

On average, all-gas ranges are about $1,500 to $4,000 less expensive than dual fuel ranges in the professional-style category.

Gas Vs. Dual Fuel Professional Ranges [VIDEO]

Benefits of an all-gas: Broiling, roasting, and price

Benefits of electric: Controls, special features, baking

Best Features In A 48-Inch Professional Range

Cooktop Configuration

Many ranges give you some opportunity to customize your range's surface configuration.

Most brands will offer six burners and a griddle or grill. You have a few offering a double grill or griddle and four burners as well.

A select few offer a French top, larger griddle with the ability to cook at different temperatures or all burners.

Wolf Professional Range Griddle

Infrared grills and griddles, like the infrared broiler, is a faster, intense heat than electric. Wolf, BlueStar, and Miele offer infrared.

Steam Vs. Steam Assist Ovens

Thermador Professional Range With A Steam Oven (Left)

Steam is a great way to cook. It adds moisture and does not bake the nutrients out of your food.

Thermador has a traditional steam oven. You can cook anything from meats to brownies in steam. However, it is smaller than a regular oven.

Miele has a steam assist. You are still cooking with regular elements but adding 1-3 bursts of steam.

Adding steam is important for caramelizing foods and essential for baking bread.

Smart Technology

Jenn-Air Connectivity App For Professional Ranges

Thermador and Jenn-Air both offer you the ability to operate your range through an app on your phone.

You can turn the oven on or off as well as adjust the temperature. They also have tie ins to different recipe apps to enhance your cooking.

Short on time? Get our free Pro Cooking Buying Guide

Best 48-Inch Professional Ranges For 2020

Wolf Pro Gas Range GR486(C/G) - $10,440

Wolf is the cooking brand owned by Sub-Zero. Wolf is made in the US. They are best known for professional-style ranges with their signature red knobs.

Their grill is infrared and is similar to an outdoor gas sear zone providing you less cleanup because the infrared will evaporate drippings.

Features:

• Six sealed burners
  • 5 x 15,000 BTU burners
  • 1 x 9,200 BTU burner
• Dual-stack burners allow you to simmer on every burner
• Gas-powered charbroiler (18,000 BTU) or griddle (15,000 BTU) (you must specify at the time of sale)
• Available in natural gas or liquid propane (you must specify at the time of sale)
• Two gas ovens – one 30-inch convection (4.4 cubic ft.) oven and an 18-inch thermal (2.5 cubic ft.) oven
• 18,000 BTU Infrared broiler in 30-inch ovens
• Non-self-cleaning ovens

Are Wolf Professional Gas Ranges Worth It? [Video]

Wolf Pro Dual Fuel Range DF486(C/G) - $13,820

There is a huge difference between the all gas and dual fuel Wolf ranges. The burners have greater output in dual fuel with better control knobs.

The ovens are self-cleaning twin convection vs. non-self-cleaning single convection in all gas. Companion oven is self-cleaning in dual fuel as well.

Wolf Pros: Grill, griddle, and broiler (in gas) are infrared. The simmer is excellent as well, with every burner capable of 500 BTU.

Best twin convection system available for temperature because both fans operate independently.

Wolf Cons: All gas models a bit underpowered. No Wi-Fi, steam or advanced features, and no color choices.

Are Wolf 48-Inch Dual Fuel Professional Ranges Any Good? [Video]

Thermador Pro Grand Gas Range PRG486WDG - $11,549

Thermador is the cooking brand owned by BSH Home Appliances Corporation. Although BSH is a German corporation, Thermador is made in the US.

They are best known for professional-style ranges, aggressive package offerings, and their rebate program.

With their rebate program, you will receive a free dishwasher.

Thermador makes two different series of ranges - the Pro Grand series and the Harmony series.

The Grand series is the premium offering of the two with a large capacity oven, high BTU burners, and self-cleaning in all gas.

However, Harmony is more popular because it does not protrude from your cabinets, unlike the Pro Grand.

Both ranges have the star burner, which can simmer better at 100 degrees on two burners. It's also raised for easy cleaning.

In 2019, they changed the style, added Wi-Fi, but dropped their back burners from 18,000 to 15,000 BTU.

On a few models, two burners can be induction for a hotter heat and the best simmer of any fuel type.

Features:

• Six sealed burners
  • 5 x 18,000 BTU burners
  • 1 x 22,000 BTU burner
• Two burners have XLO simmer (intermittent) for extra-low 100-degree simmer
• Electric griddle 1,630 watts
• Available in natural gas, liquid propane conversion kit sold separately
• Two gas ovens 30" convection (5.5 cubic ft.) and 18" convection (2.4 cubic ft.)
• Broiler
• 2-hour self-clean cycle
• Temperature probe
• Timer
• Telescopic glide racks
• Available cooktop configurations for Thermador 48-inch all-gas ranges (prices will vary):
• Six burners and electric grill
• Six burners and an electric griddle
• Dual Fuel Thermador specs

Thermador has a huge difference between all gas and dual fuel. You can buy the steam oven option with a warming drawer in dual fuel, and all models are self-cleaning in dual-fuel vs. just the Pro Grand in all gas.

Thermador Pros: Great simmer, Good Wi-Fi system, Star burners are cleanable. The only company with a steam oven and induction option. Good price and promotions.

Thermador Cons: Electric grill and griddle are not as fast, single convection oven, no colors.

Jenn-Air Rise Pro Gas Range JGRP748HL - $9,999

Jenn-Air is the premium brand made by the Whirlpool Corporation.

Their new series, Rise and Noir, are beautifully designed.

Their Wi-Fi experience is the most robust with the ability to see pictures of the cooked food, before it's cooked.

The grill is now infrared along with decent output on the burners and a twin convection oven.

They coated the griddle with chromium, so it is the easiest to clean.

Features:

• Four sealed burners
  • 2 x 20,000 BTU Dual-Stacked Powerburner
  • 1 x 18,000 BTU Dual-Stacked PowerBurner
  • 1 x 9,000 BTU Dual-Stacked PowerBurner
• Chrome infused griddle
• 16,000 BTU Grill
• Available in natural gas, liquid propane conversion kit sold separately
• Two gas ovens 30" convection (4.1 cubic ft.) and 18" convection (2.2 cubic ft.)
• Broiler
• Self-clean cycle
• Timer
• Telescopic glide racks

Dual fuel and all gas are similar in features and looks. Both are self-cleaning.

Jenn-Air Pros: Best Wi-Fi, great looking, easiest to clean griddle, good price, and $1,399 rebate program.

Jenn-Air Cons: Higher repair rate, no colors. Their twin convection is not as advanced as Wolf for temperature control.

BlueStar Platinum Series Pro Gas Range BSP488BSS - $12,295

BlueStar is a commercial cooking company originating in Pennsylvania. Of this list, they are the most commercial-style of the pro ranges listed for looks and BTU power.

This range has two 25,000 and two 22,000 BTU burners.

BlueStar ranges are also known for customization. They are available in 750+ colors and trims, and you can also customize the cooking surface for an added cost.

BlueStar's Platinum series is their premium range line. This range line has open burners, ideal for very high heat, but tougher to clean.

The infrared broiler cranks out heat to 1,850 degrees, and the oven is large enough to handle a commercial cookie tray.

If you are looking for a range that has commercial characteristics or if you want a pop of color in your kitchen, you should consider a BlueStar platinum range.

Features:

• Eight open burners
  • 2 x 25,000 BTU burners
  • 2 x 22,000 BTU burners
  • 1 x 18,000 BTU burner
  • 2 x 15,000 BTU burners
  • 1 x simmer burner down to 130 degrees F
• Interchangeable grill/griddle accessory (gas) allows you to have a gas grill/griddle when you want it, yet have the convenience of 8 burners. However, the grill/griddle is not thermostatically controlled. You can buy other series with integrated griddles
• Available in natural gas or liquid propane (you must specify at the time of sale)
• Two gas ovens 30" convection (4.1 cubic ft.) and 18" convection (2.2 cubic ft.)
• PowR convection oven designed to reduce preheat time by 40% and efficiency by 30%
• 15,000 BTU Infrared Broiler
• Available cooktop configurations for BlueStar 48" all-gas Platinum range:
• Eight burners with included interchangeable grill/griddle accessory
• Burners can be upgraded for an added cost (limitations by local codes may apply)
• BlueStar does not manufacture a dual fuel yet (expected soon)

Having open burners are tougher or easier to clean. In a spill, you have to clean the underneath of the top. However, most everything is removable and can be cleaned in the sink.

BlueStar Pros: Power, great broiler, colors, configurations

BlueStar Cons: Basic Controls, higher repair rate, no self-cleaning, no dual fuel, The Platinum offers an interchangeable griddle/grill. If you want a better grill, then you should buy their RNB series.

Miele Pro Dual Fuel Range HR1956DFGD - $14,649

Features:

• Six Burners
  
  • 3 x 13,000 BTU Burners
  • 2 x 10,000 BTU Burners
  • 1 x 13,600 BTU Burner
• M Touch controls and backlit precision knobs
• M Pro dual-stacked burner system with TrueSimmer
• M Pro infrared griddle
• Fully functional M Touch Speed Oven
• Fully functional Warming Drawer
• For proper ventilation, pair with Miele Range Hood

Miele is the latest manufacturer (2015), producing a pro range. They have copied a lot of good features like an infrared grill, griddle, and broiler.

Then they added a few more like self-cleaning racks and dishwasher safe grates. Miele offers steam assist in all their dual fuel range.

You have a speed oven (convection microwave/oven) with a warming drawer instead of a smaller oven.

Steam assist will allow you to bake bread, as we described earlier.

The real highlight of this range is their MasterChef controls. Miele simplifies the cooking process. You choose the food and weight. The oven calculates time and temperature.

For that bread, you can choose 15 different types of bread from focaccia to sourdough to cook automatically.

Miele Professional Range Featuring MasterChef Controls Review [VIDEO]

Miele Pros: Most cleanable, infrared grill and griddle, best controls

Miele Cons: No Wi-Fi, No all gas models

Are Professional Ranges Reliable?

Professional Gas Range Reliability

Professional Dual Fuel Range Reliability

Pro ranges need more service than any other appliance.

That said, a 48-inch range is also much larger than an average appliance with more burners, ignition systems, and two ovens.

Before you become panicked, half these ranges are fixed without parts. Installation and customer education are two big factors that contribute to the life of your range.

Igniters are one of the most common repairs for gas ranges in general, but it is usually just a burner. In a 48 inch range, you have at least 3-7 more.

However, service for sophisticated appliances becomes crucial. You want your range to work on Thanksgiving.

Always inquire about repair before you buy any appliance.

Which 48-Inch Professional Range Is The Best?

There is no single best range for price, baking, broiling, steam, or any preferred features.

So here is a breakdown:

Best Professional Range for Burner Output: BlueStar

BlueStar has the most at 25,000 BTUs. For sealed burners, Jenn-Air has 20,000, and Thermador has 22,000 in their Pro Grand series. Viking has 23,000.

BlueStar Professional Gas Range Open Burner 

Best Professional Ranges for Cooking Surface Options: Wolf and BlueStar

Wolf Professional Range With Griddle

Wolf offers the most cooktop configurations of any 48-inch range brand. Keep in mind, when you commit to a configuration with Wolf, you are married to that configuration.

Best Professional Ranges for Liquid Propane (LP): Wolf and BlueStar

Since these ranges come specifically for natural gas or liquid propane, you do not need to convert the burners to LP (which sometimes causes a loss in burner power).

Best Professional Ranges for Simmering: Thermador and Wolf

Thermador's XLO burner (intermittent simmer) and Wolf's dual-stack burner are the two best burners for simmering in the industry.

Thermador Professional Range Star Burner

Wolf Professional Range Sealed Burner

Best Professional Range for Charbroiler and Grill Performance: Wolf, Miele, and Jenn-Air

Jenn-Air Rise Professional Range Grill at Yale Appliance in Boston

For indoor grilling, having a gas-powered grill will be better for sear and taste than an electric grill. It is infrared, so the drippings also burn off for easier cleaning.

Best Professional Ranges for Griddle Performance: Jenn-Air, Wolf, and Miele

Jenn-Air Professional Range Chrome-Infused Griddle 

Having a chromium-infused griddle will be the easiest for cleaning and maintenance. Wolf and Miele will have an infrared gas so that it will heal faster.

Best Professional Ranges for Oven Capacity: Thermador and BlueStar

BlueStar Professional Range

Both Thermador and BlueStar can hold a commercial sheet pan. The other companies cannot. If you are looking for a large oven, BlueStar and Thermador are the best choices.

Best Professional Ranges for Features: Miele, Thermador, and Jenn-Air

Miele Professional Range Controls Featuring Gourmet Center, Special Modes, and MyMiele

This depends. Miele and Thermador both have some version of steam and a warming drawer. Miele has the best controls. Jenn-Air has the best Wi-Fi.

Best Professional Range for Value: Jenn-Air

Jenn-Air Professional Range at Yale Appliance in Boston

Jenn-Air is the only range that made this list under $10,000. They have some great package promotions as well.

If you're looking for a 48-inch pro range but aren't looking to break the bank, this is a great range for the price.

Best Professional Ranges for Broiling: BlueStar and Wolf

BlueStar Infrared Broiler In A Professional Range

Both have infrared and will sear the fastest.

Best Professional Ranges for Tech and Controls: Miele and Jenn-Air

Jenn-Air Rise Professional Range Controls at Yale Appliance in Boston

Miele is the easiest to use. Jenn-Air has the best Wi-Fi app.

Most Cleanable Professional Range: Miele

You can clean everything in this range with minimal difficulty. The grates, racks, and burners are easy to clean.

Best 48-Inch Professional Range: Key Takeaways

Wolf 48-Inch Professional Gas Range at Yale Appliance In Boston

First, there is no single best professional range.

You should buy the features important to how you cook, whether its baking, broiling, grilling, griddling, steam cooking, or any other feature.

See a demonstration on these ranges before you buy if possible. Always inquire about service as well.

Unfortunately, you will need some type of service throughout the lifetime of any of these ranges.

Each manufacturer has its pros and cons. You want to match those to what you like and how you will use the range.

Additional Resources

Get our free Pro Cooking Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the best brands. Over 680,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.

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