About ten years ago, Sub-Zero bought Wolf and completely retooled the product, catapulting it to the number 1 (or 2) position in the professional range niche. It is a great range like other pros, but most people still think they need to spend a fortune for a powerful or full featured range. It is not the case. In fact, you can buy a high output range well under $1,000.
Article updated February 2013
Have a look and compare as we look at several different ranges with all types of features:
Wolf DF304 $5999: Wolf is a very likeable range with 3 15,000 BTU power burners. The simmer is excellent at 500 BTU and the oven has two convection fans for even cooking. It also has a clock and timer, which was unique for a professonal range, and a state of the art independent ignition system, which allows Wolf to be so dependable At $5999, it is the most expensive 30 inch professional range....or any range in that size. Then again, Wolf is considered the best in the industry(probably because it is). There are rebates when you combine wuith SubZero. Still this is the most expensive 30 inch range
You don't, however, have to spend $5999 to buy a good range.
Let's look at alternatives...
Jenn-Air JGRP430WP $3999: Whirlpool spent 300 million investing in JennAir or more specifically wall ovens and this range. The Jenn-Air Pro range has 2 powerful 20,000 BTUs, and simmers on one burner to 500 BTU. Like Wolf, it even has two convection fans. Jenn-Air is also incredibly aggressive with package rebates. With this stove, you receive a free integrated $1,000 JennAir dishwasher. Effectively with the dishwasher, the JennAir becomes $2999 or half the Wolf with more power. Read the Best 30 Inch Professional Ranges for a comparison.
GE Cafe CGS980SEMSS $2699: You do not have to buy a Professional range for powerful burners. Manufacturers like GE, Bosch and Electrolux have been manufacturing products with high output burners over the last 5-plus years. The GE Cafe has 1 18,000 and 1 17,000 BTU burner and one burner with a 500 BTU burner, as well as a fifth griddle burner. The bottom drawer can bake as well.
Frigidaire FPGS3085KF $1769: Frigidaire just churns out good looking, affordable products. This range has a 17,000 BTU power unit and simmers well. It also has convection and a warming drawer.
How about freestanding units? To understand the differences between freestanding and slide-in read Freestanding vs Slide-In.
Electrolux EI30GF35JS $1299: Electrolux is a relatively new range from the largest appliance manufacturer in the world. It is stylish, convection and has 1 18,000 BTU burner. It is a great choice for replacement.
Frigidaire DGGF3042KF $769: For $769, you can buy a Frigidaire Gallery range with 5 burners with highest output at 17,000 BTU
So again, you do not have to spend a ton of money for a range. There are tons of worthy options at almost any price.
For more information about gas or professional ranges, read our Gas Range Buyers guide or Professional Range Buyers guide. Over 20,000 people have read a Yale Guide.