Capital Culinarian versus Jenn-Air is an interesting comparison between two not so well known but compelling products. I honestly believe that you do not have to spend $10,000 to buy a worthwhile 48 inch professional range.
Updated for October 2014
Capital is a relatively new company founded by the previous owners of DCS. It's styling is identical. Jenn-Air was acquired by Maytag and is now a Whirlpool company. Whirlpool recently invested 300 million into the brand with the emphasis being cooking.
In some ways, both Capital and Jenn-Air have better features than other professional ranges with more prestigious names.
Capital Culinarian vs Jenn-Air Professional 48" Professional Ranges
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Capital CGMR488N $10,799 |
Jenn-Air JGRP548WP $7,599 (plus a free dishwasher) |
Burners:
Capital is the hottest stove in the industry at 23,000 per burner. It is an open, unsealed burner. I like the unsealed because all the pieces are detachable and easy to clean at the sink. If you spill over, however, it can be tough to clean.
Jenn-Air would be the second most powerful professional range with two 20,000 BTU burners and three 15,000 BTU burners. The burners are sealed.
Simmer:
Capital and DCS are the only companies which publish their simmer in degrees versus BTUs. Capital has a 145 degree simmer versus Jenn-Air which has a consistent simmer at 500 BTU. Chef Kurt Von Kahle says the Capital melts butter nicely, but customers have reported mild burning.
Configurations:
Jenn-Air manufactures only with an 18 inch griddle and 6 burners whereas Capital has grill and griddle combinations in 18 and 24 inch with 4 or 6 burners.
Griddle:
Capital is gas, and Jenn-Air is electric, so the Capital will heat faster. However, Jenn-Air infuses their griddle with chromium, so it is the easiest to clean in the industry.
Oven:
Jenn-Air is available in dual fuel with electric convection for the best baking as well as a straight gas. Capital manufactures gas only in self and manual clean. However, Capital does have a rotisserie for basting meats.
Controls:
Jenn-Air has the 7 inch LCD control screen, whereas Capital is similar to a restaurant range with minimal controls.
Rebates:
Jenn-Air offers this dishwasher free with purchase of this range and is $3,200 cheaper than Capital
Capital vs Jenn-Air is a good comparison, but is for two different people, especially since both brands are viable, yet overlooked brands in highly hyped market segment. If you want a no frills lean, mean, cooking machine Capital is your best bet. If you want digital controls, more cooking modes, meat probe, and easy cleaning Jennair is the one for you.
Which do you like better?
For more information about professional ranges, download the Yale Professional Cooking Buyers Guide with features of every major manufacturer. Over 70,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide (maybe they like the price).
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