BlueStar Platinum vs. Jenn-Air is comparing two very different ranges. In fact, the only commonality is the actual size, because the burners, broiler, convection system, griddle, and controls are all very different.
So we will look at the companies, the products, and spend a ton of time comparing at the end. Depending on how you cook, only one may be appealing.
Jenn-Air
Jenn-Air, which is headquartered out of Benton Harbor, Michigan, is the most premium line within the Whirlpool Corporation since they were acquired in 2006. Their company originated with the manufacturing of industrial fans and they currently make everything from major cooking products to dishwashers and under counter refrigeration units.
Most of their manufacturing is done domestically in plants throughout the U.S. They are very well known for being the innovators of the downdraft cooktop back in 1961. They later emulated the combination of cooking and ventilation in their ranges.
Whirlpool as a company invested heavily in the Jenn-Air division, especially the pro range, and frequently offers package promotions and rebates to offset the price of their items.
Jenn-Air 36” Pro-Style Gas Range with MultiMode Convection JGRP436WP - $5,499
Features:
- Dual-Fan MultiMode True Convection System - a 1,200-watt oval heating element and two round fans that distribute heat evenly and thoroughly throughout the oven. Six different convection cooking modes, including bake, roast, and broil, all deliver superbly consistent results
- Two 20,000 BTU Stacked - providing the power for boiling and high-temperature cooking techniques such as wok cooking and searing
- Three 15,000 BTU Burners - offer powerful output, allowing you to cook several dishes at maximum heat at the same time
- 5,000 BTU Simmer Burner - with a power output ranging from 5,000 BTUs to a gentle 700 BTUs, this simmer burner gives you optimum control while simmering sauces and melting delicate ingredients like chocolate and butter
- 7-inch Full-Color Touch-Anywhere LCD Display – for easy navigation
- My Creations - control panel combines up to three modes, selecting the time and temperature for each mode. Settings can be saved for later use or deleted when no longer needed
- Self-cleaning oven – a feature that is not common in many professional all gas ranges
BlueStar Platinum
BlueStar is a company that originated back in the late 1800s with the manufacturing of residential as well as commercial coal ranges, hot water heaters, furnaces, and heating stoves. In 2002 they launched their hand crafted “restaurant quality” ranges in the residential market. Their products are made with a high-quality commercial grade stainless steel and have a unique range in burner output.
They have trademarked the ULTRA NOVA 22,000 BTU burner and an exceptionally low simmer burner which goes all the way down to 130°F. The Platinum series is the highest BTU at 25,000.
These features allow the at-home chef to cook like a professional. 2006 brought the introduction of cooktops, wall ovens, and ventilation. Most recently, they have added premium refrigeration to their line.
BlueStar has 5 different series with the Platinum being their best.
BlueStar Platinum Series
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Features:
- 25,000 BTU PrimaNova™ open burners
- Six burners, plus innovative Interchangeable Griddle/Charbroiler
- Gentle 130° simmer burner
- Integrated wok cooking
- True European Convection oven - fits 18" x 26" baking sheet
- PowR Oven™ for 40% faster preheating
- 1850° infrared broiler
- Available in 750+ colors and finishes
- Handcrafted in Pennsylvania since 1880
- Infrared Broiler - The large burner produces 1,850°F of intense searing heat close to the burner while effecting a gentler broiling for foods placed farther away. The broiler is fully recessed into the oven's top to create maximum cooking space
Jenn-Air vs. BlueStar Platinum Pro Ranges
There is a ton to compare, so we will start with the burners.
Burners
BlueStar has 25,000 BTU capability. The Jenn-Air has 20,000 max but is sealed whereas the BlueStar is not. Having an open burner can allow spills to drip, but you can clean all the parts at the sink as well. The BlueStar is solid cast iron. It is more solid than Jenn-Air.
BlueStar Platinum Burner
Jenn-Air Burner
Griddle
The BlueStar is detachable. The Jenn-Air is integrated. What you will like about Jenn-Air is the chromium surface. You just wipe it down. No scrubbing. Integrated is also more even than a detachable griddle.
BlueStar Platinum Griddle
Jenn-Air Griddle
Controls
This is easy. Jenn-Air has digital controls. Like Thermador, Capital, and Viking, BlueStar does not. The Jenn-Air controls are good with convection conversion. You can place your regular recipe and convert it to convection by touching a button.
BlueStar Platinum Controls
Jenn-Air Controls
Oven
BlueStar is larger because it fits a 18-26” inch pan. Jenn-Air does not.
BlueStar Platinum Oven
Jenn-Air Oven
Convection
This is tough. BlueStar claims to be the only pure convection on the market with a large single fan. Jenn-Air employs two fans and says the same. We have used both and there is not a huge difference in performance.
BlueStar Platinum Convection
Jenn-Air Convection
Broiler
BlueStar has the best in the pro range category. Infrared is a more intense focused heat. Think of a regular gas broiler as a flashlight spreading the heat whereas infrared is straight down. BlueStar can also sear any item up to 1,850 degrees.
BlueStar Platinum Broiler
Jenn-Air Broiler
Intangibles
BlueStar is available in 750 different colors versus just stainless for Jenn-Air. However, self-cleaning is only featured on the Jenn-Air.
The price is over $8,000 for the BlueStar versus just over $4,000 for the Jenn-Air after rebate.
Final Thoughts
So how do you cook?
First, Jenn-Air is a more cleanable range with sealed burners and self-cleaning. The burners are above average and you have decent controls.
BlueStar has a hotter burner with a world class broiler and a larger oven. You can do more with the BlueStar for parties or even light catering.
Then again, you should for about $4,000 more.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about pro ranges? Get the Yale Professional Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, and detailed profiles of every major brand. Well over 230,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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