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Written by Steve Sheinkopf | Sep 9, 2013 1:19:00 PM

KitchenAid and Jenn-Air are both Whirlpool products. KitchenAid was purchased in the late 1980s, and Jenn-Air was part of the Maytag takeover of 2004. The refrigerators and dishwashers are identical except for the handles. In fact, most of the line is a carbon copy except for the cooking products, most notably ranges, pro ranges and wall ovens.

In the cooking category, both brands are very different from BTU output to aesthetics. As KitchenAid and Jenn-Air are both part of popular packages, let's compare the one differing factor.

Slide-In vs Freestanding Ranges

A freestanding rage is a regular range owned by 90% of those buying American products. The oven and burner controls are located on a backguard on the back of the range. Freestanding ranges have finished sides so they are more flexible with installation. A slide-in range has controls on the front of the range. It is an aesthetically pleasing option and especially looks nice with a backsplash or custom tiling. Slide-in models come with unfinished sides and have edges that overlap the countertops to create a more built-in look. Another benefit of the sides overlapping the counter top is that food and crumbs cannot drip down the sides of the range. Both freestanding and slide-in models are often 30’’ wide.

KitchenAid KGSS907XSP - $2229.99

Features:

Even heat true convection oven provides consistent heating and cooking to all racks with a unique bowtie shaped convection fan to prevent burning
Easyconvect conversion system takes the guesswork out of convection by converting old recipe cooking speeds to convection cooking speeds
Triple burner offers a range of heat levels to suit a variety of cooking techniques from searing to simmering
Warming drawer allows you to keep cooked food warm before serving, this feature is great for busy families
4.1 cu. ft. oven capacity
(1) 15,000 BTU Power Burner
(1) 12,500 BTU Burner
(2) 6,000 BTU Simmer Burners

Jenn-Air JGS8860BDP - $2399

Multimode convection system with convection element circulates heated air over, under, and around food for superbly even cooking and browning.

Auto convection conversion system takes the guesswork out of convection by converting old recipe cooking speeds to convection cooking speeds
Even three burner offers a range of heat levels to suit a variety of cooking techniques from searing to simmering
(1) 16,000 BTU Power Burner
(1) 15,000 BTU versatile burner that can simmer at 750 BTUs
(1) 9,200 Burner
(1) 5,000 BTU Simmer Burner that can simmer at 650 BTUs
Ignition and flame-sensing re-ignition ensures a continuous flame that reignites automatically if blown out, even at the lowest setting
Warming drawer with preset temperature settings is ideal for entertaining and keeping your favorite recipes warm
4.5 CU. FT. oven capacity

Which is Better?

The price difference is $176 or 5%. However, Jenn-Air offers better styling with the stainless top as well as hotter burners. KitchenAid has two simmer burners at 6,000 BTU max, but typically you only need one.

Jenn-Air is also the more popular package with convection (can be used as an oven) microwave versus straight microwave with KitchenAid. As every other appliance is the same, cooking is better with Jenn-Air.

Additional Resources

Download the Yale Gas Cooking Buyers Buyers Guide with specs, features and BTU outputs of every major gas cooking product. Over 40,000 people have read a Yale Guide.

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