July 16th, 2024 | 6 min. read
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Wolf recently updated their 48-inch dual fuel ranges.
But is it still the best?
This article explores the new and old features and compares Wolf to other popular 48-inch dual fuel ranges.
We'll look at Thermador, Miele, BlueStar, and a surprise competitor.
By the end, you'll know if Wolf or another brand is right for you.
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Wolf 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range Review
Wolf is a renowned cooking brand owned by Sub-Zero, a family-owned American company based in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wolf professional ranges are best known for their signature red knobs.
Wolf Prices
Depending on the model, the Wolf 48-inch dual fuel ranges start at approximately $15,000 to $18,000.
Wolf 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range Models & Specifications
These ranges are available in six different configurations:
- Six burners with a griddle
- Six burners with a grill
- Four burners with a double griddle
- Four burners with a grill and griddle
- Four burners with a French top
- Eight burners
Best Features of Wolf 48" Dual Fuel Ranges
Wolf Stovetop
Burner Output
The burner outputs are decent, with combinations of 20,000, 18,000, and 16,000 BTUs.
You’ll see how Wolf competes with the other brands at the end of the article.
Simmer Burner Output
All Wolf burners feature an extra-low simmer at 340 BTU. The simmer function is continuous, unlike the on/off style of other brands like Thermador and SKS.
The Wolf burner is two-stage, so only the inner part remains on for simmering.
Wolf Infrared Grill and Griddle
The grill and griddle on Wolf ranges are infrared, providing intense direct heat like high-end outdoor pro grills from Lynx or Hestan.
This ensures a good sear and burns off drippings for easier cleaning.
Miele and Monogram are the only other brands that offer infrared grill options.
Wolf French Top
Wolf is one of three manufacturers, along with BlueStar and La Cornue, offering a French top.
A French top allows you to cook multiple items at different temperatures since the heat radiates outward from the center.
When cooking on a French top, you also leave the food in the containers.
Wolf Oven
Wolf Dual Fuel Controls
Four years ago, Wolf adopted 7-inch touchscreen controls, which Monogram and BlueStar recently copied.
However, Wolf’s controls also feature the Gourmet mode.
You input the food and how you like it cooked, and the oven calculates the time, temperature, and best rack position.
You can also access 50 preprogrammed recipes and operate the range remotely.
Additionally, the signature red knobs display the temperature, so you don’t have to bend.
Wolf VertiFlow Convection
Wolf’s convection oven has evolved from "VertiCross" blowers to the "VertiFlow" twin convection system.
VertiFlow uses two fans with larger elements to ensure each cookie on all three racks has the same color and texture.
The smaller side oven also has convection and self-cleaning capabilities.
Wolf offers a good combination of output and controls, the best convection system, and a decent selection of models.
Customization: New Black and White Finishes
Wolf is renowned for top performance and reliability, and now their 48-inch dual fuel ranges come in stylish black and white finishes.
These new colors let you seamlessly match your range to your kitchen's aesthetic. You can customize the hardware, bezels, and door finishes to suit your personal style.
For example, you can pair the black finish with black knobs and the white finish with yellow or gold knobs.
You'll still get all the reliable features Wolf is known for, just with a new look.
Wolf 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range Problems: What Is Wolf Missing?
Wolf is a traditional pro range with the most popular features. However, many competitors have more unique features.
You will learn more in the comparison section.
Induction
Thermador, SKS, and Fisher & Paykel have induction burner options for two to four burners.
Induction is faster than gas, with a better simmer. It is also easier to clean and vent and is the most child-safe.
While gas is much better than a traditional electric burner, induction is another technology worth considering.
Steam
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Quite simply, steam is the best way to cook. Thermador and SKS offer entire steam ovens.
Miele offers steam-assist technology to bake bread and add moisture and flavor to meats.
Comparing Wolf Dual Fuel Ranges to the Competition
Wolf vs. Miele 48-Inch Dual Fuel Ranges
Miele is a family-owned German company with M touch controls similar to Wolf’s. It calculates time and temperature based on food preferences.
Miele also enhances cooking with their Steam Assist feature, adding moisture and flavor with up to three bursts of steam.
Instead of a side oven, Miele offers a speed oven that functions as a microwave, convection oven, or combination.
It cooks quickly without the rubbery texture of a microwave. A warming drawer below can keep food warm for up to three hours.
You can also buy a Miele with eight burners, six burners, and a griddle.
Miele also has a great rebate program of 15% off during different times of the year.
The Wolf rebate program is $1,500 off their Cove dishwasher when you buy qualifying Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.
While Miele features twin convection, it lacks the more prominent VertiFlow elements. Wolf also determines the rack position in their range and has more powerful burners.
Miele’s burners drop from 19,500 to 13,600 BTUs in the back burners. Wolf also offers more models, and the French top option is available.
Wolf vs. Thermador 48-Inch Dual Fuel Ranges
Thermador offers two series: Pro Grand and Pro Harmony. Their Star burner is raised for easy cleaning and better heat distribution.
The ExtraLow simmer is the lowest at 100 BTU but is inconsistent.
Thermador also provides different cooktop options, including induction burners, which are faster than any pro gas burner.
Additionally, Thermador offers steam ovens, allowing you to cook meals with steam for more flavorful food without baking out nutrients.
Thermador has better rebate programs, and for qualified purchases, you can get free appliances. You’ll also get a free product when you purchase this range.
However, Wolf has an extra-low simmer on every burner, has the infrared grill and griddle versus an electric skillet on Thermador, and offers better controls with the touchscreen and Wolf Gourmet functionality.
Wolf’s VertiFlow convection is also superior to Thermador’s single convection.
Wolf vs. BlueStar 48-Inch Dual Fuel Ranges
BlueStar has the highest output, with 25,000 BTU on the front burners and 18,000 on the back.
The X8 burner promises better heat distribution than the Thermador Star burner.
BlueStar also offers limitless color choices, including 1,000 colors and ten trim options, allowing for a customized look.
Despite these features, Wolf stands out with its infrared grill and better simmer capabilities.
BlueStar’s published simmer is only 500 BTU.
Both brands offer a 7-inch touchscreen, but BlueStar lacks some of the functionality of Wolf Gourmet.
BlueStar also uses single convection compared to Wolf’s VertiFlow system.
Wolf vs. SKS 48-Inch Dual Fuel Ranges
SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite) is a new brand with 23,000 and 15,000 BTU burners.
It is the only brand offering sous vide, precision boiling in a vacuum-sealed bag, and induction options on the same top.
SKS also includes an entire combi steam oven and steam assist capability, with swipe controls for ease of use.
Wolf has an infrared grill and a better convection system.
Wolf Dual Fuel vs. Fisher & Paykel Induction 48-Inch Ranges
You will start seeing many more induction 48-inch ranges in the future.
The sudden rush to induction is about the gas bans in many cities, such as Boston, NYC, and LA, which ban gas ranges in multi-unit developments.
So induction becomes your best option in the absence of gas. But how would you compare this range to the Wolf dual-fuel?
As I said, the burners will be faster with a better simmer. You can griddle with the bridge burners on an induction.
However, you cannot grill. The Wolf VertiFlow and Gourmet are better for the oven, but the Fisher & Paykel is decent with its calculator.
So be prepared to see this comparison more with different brands in the future.
Conclusion: Is the Wolf 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range Worth Buying?
Wolf is certainly worth considering in a crowded field of alternatives.
While it may not have the highest output or the most special features, Wolf offers excellent simmering capabilities, a quality grill and griddle, and the best convection system.
The Wolf Gourmet will enhance your cooking experience, but ultimately, it depends on which features are most important to you.
Additional Resourcesmo
Need more info? Check out our detailed video on the best 48-inch pro ranges and grab our free Pro Cooking Buying Guide.
Don’t make the mistake of buying the wrong appliance—over 1 million people have trusted Yale Appliance to get it right. Thanks for reading!
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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.
