When Viking first introduced the professional range in 1990, high output burners were exclusive to this niche. In 1990, the largest burner was 12,000 BTU (to understand BTU read our Gas Range Buyers Guide). After Viking, Wolf, Capital and Thermador all manufactured products with 15,000 to 22,000 BTU burners.
About 6 years ago, ranges of all types started to include a high output burner to counter the professional range at a lower price. The better brands are now including 2 high output burners with professional range aesthetics.
But to counter this, professional range companies have started to rebate and/or offer free products like dishwashers. So we are really comparing an upscale range versus the professional range.
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GE Cafe CGS985SETSS |
Jenn-Air JGRP430WP |
GE Cafe CGS985SETSS $2799: GE Cafe is one of the most successful product introductions in appliance history. The range excels and has been updated to a 20,000 BTU burner, with a 17,000 BTU griddle burner as well as a convection oven and a secondary oven down below. I really like this range, as well as the suite of matching appliances.
However, they did raise the price almost $500 dollars to $2799. You can buy a basic Viking range for that price without self-cleaning, and other professional units start at that pricepoint.
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Jenn-Air JGRP430WP $3599 after rebate: The Jenn-Air professional range introduction has been very successful as well for two reasons. Great burners at 20,000 BTU, 2 15,000 along with a really cool interactive LCD control highlight a very competitive unit.
Jenn-Air has also been very aggressive with rebates and promotion. After a $200 rebate, the Jenn-Air is $3599, but you also receive the JDB3200AWS dishwasher for free.
The comparison is not that simple. GE Cafe has 5 burners and a secondary oven. Jenn-Air has one oven but better controls plus a free dishwasher. So GE Cafe has similar power of a pro range, yet the professional range actually is cheaper with the dishwasher.
What do you think?
A couple buying guides may help you in deciphering brands and features:
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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.
