The professional range category has become crowded.
You have tons of choices from technologically savvy companies like Miele and Dacor.
You have stoves with high output like Capital, Jenn-Air and the fading Viking Corp.
Brands like Wolf and Thermador are still incredibly popular.
To confuse you even more, most regular gas units have high output on 1 or 2 burners. They just lack the commercial look of a pro.
So you have choices. Comparing Miele and Capital is like comparing two different ranges. We will look at both companies, the products and then compare.
Capital
Knowing the history of a company can help bring a better understanding to their products.
Sitting on the board of directors of the Capital Range Company as CEO and chairman is Mr. Surjit Kalsi who has an interesting story. Mr. Kalsi graduated from Bombay University in India. His career started as a lab technician for the research and development department of the main gas appliance company of London. He created the very first dual flow gas burner, self-cleaning gas oven, universal burner and electronic ignition system. He then tried to launch his own line of gas appliances in India. Due to shortages of raw materials in India he was forced to take his dream to the United States.
It was almost 5 years later while working for U.S. range he met another entrepreneur named Fred Carl. Mr. Carl had always had the dream of developing a commercial gas range for residential use. The two teamed up to create what is known today as the Viking range company.
His overnight success opened doors for Mr. Kalsi who then went on to launch the D.C.S. Company. After the sale of the company, his son Rich and other team members left to start the Capital Range Company. In 2004 D.C.S was sold and the new owners (Fisher & Paykel) released him from his non-compete. He was then reunited with his son Rich and became CEO/president and chairman of the Capital Range Corporation.
Miele
Miele is a family owned company based in Germany. The company was founded by Carl Miele and Richard Zinkann back in 1899. Miele appliances are viewed as some of the best built appliances in the world. The secret behind their success is their stringent quality control. Unlike other manufacturers who outsource the production of parts, Miele produces over 90% of all the parts in their products. This philosophy allows Miele to have the least amount of service calls in the first year within the appliance industry. However, quality has a price, because Miele is amongst the most expensive appliance brands.
Capital vs. Miele Dual Fuel 30 Inch Ranges
Capital CSB304N - $5,199
Miele HR1924DF - $6,699
| Capital CSB304 | Miele HR1924DF | |
| # of burners: | 4 sealed | 4 sealed |
| Highest burner output : | 19,000 btu (25,000 open burner range) | 19,500 |
| Oven Size (cubic ft.) : | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Oven takes a 26 by 18 sheet pan: | Yes | Yes (optional) |
| Oven glide racks | Yes | Yes |
| Glass enclosed broiler | Yes | No |
| Rotisserie | Yes | Yes (optional) |
| Moist assist cooking | Yes (manual fill) | Yes (manual fill) |
| Dual timers | Yess | No |
| Surround roast | No | Yes |
| Master Chef plus | No | Yes |
| Temperature probe | Yes | Yes (wireless) |
Differences
First, both of these ranges have rotisseries and wireless meat probes. They are the only major companies to do so.
The Miele range has a larger capacity but you cannot fit a 26x18 full sheet in the oven. It is taller yet not really that wide.
The Miele range is plumbed whereas the Capital has a manual fill chamber.
Another interesting difference is how the range introduces moisture in the cycle. Miele allows you to inject up to 3 bursts of moisture either manually or timed in several cooking modes. Moisture added in this manner adds crustiness to the bread or the hardening of cheese on a lasagna.
The Capital will continue to allow moisture into the oven throughout the cooking cycle for more general moisture to meats.
In terms of the top, Capital has two 30 inch ranges. Their open burner has the industries best output at a volcano like 25,000 BTUs. Their sealed burners are 19,000 BTU. Miele has two 19,500 and two 12,000 BTU burners, so Capital is more powerful.
The other real difference is technology. Along with Dacor and Jenn-Air, Miele has added functional technology to their ranges. You press the type of food, weight and doneness. The range automatically will set the appropriate time. There are tons of foods to choose including 16 types of bread. It is simple to use.
Summary
Both ranges have great features. Miele offers a lot more automated features and better technology. Being able to control and understand how to use steam is also a bonus. Lastly, Miele has always been known for quality products. The downside is the price at $6,699.
The Capital range (made in America) is designed by one of the best engineers in the business. With tons of power, a larger oven and a price of $5,199 it is really attractive.
Power vs. Technology….which is better for you?
Recommended Reads
Additional Resources
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