Should you buy the new Wolf 30-inch dual fuel pro range?
In this article, you'll learn all about the features of the Wolf range, including burner output, oven functionality, and reliability.
We'll also compare Wolf's 30-inch range with its main competitors: Miele, Thermador, and BlueStar.
Ultimately, we'll recommend one range you should consider instead of the Wolf dual fuel range or any of its competition.
Wolf was an independent commercial manufacturer based in California. In 2000, it was sold to Sub-Zero, a family-owned American manufacturer.
They redesigned the line, adding cooktops, wall ovens, and steam ovens.
However, Wolf's professional ranges, especially their dual fuel ranges with their iconic red knobs, are their signature products.
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Before diving into the DF304, let's compare dual-fuel and all-gas ranges.
Many assume dual-fuel is better, but that depends on how you cook.
Electric ovens have a drier, more precise heat, making them better for baking.
Almost all electric ovens are European convection, with a separate element behind the fan blowing the heat across.
In contrast, the element generates the heat from below for gas ovens, and the heat is blown around.
BlueStar and LG are the only brands that offer gas ovens with European convection.
On the other hand, all-gas ovens have more heat, making them better for roasting.
That is why you will see features like "Steam Assist" functionality. Adding steam compensates for the dryness of electric heat.
Broiling in an all-gas range is superior, especially with an infrared broiler in professional ranges.
Infrared broilers provide hotter, more directed heat than an electric broiler, which also takes time to reach temperature.
You'll find infrared elements on the sear burners of professional outdoor grills from brands like Lynx and DCS.
Like many manufacturers such as Miele, BlueStar, Monogram, and SKS, Wolf upgrades their dual-fuel range with hotter burners, an improved convection system, and Wolf Gourmet smart functionality.
We will cover these features in this article.
Remember, converting to dual-fuel is a complex plug-in if you have a preexisting gas range.
It will require changing your regular outlet to a larger 240-volt, 30-amp line and possibly rewiring the box.
The Wolf has decent burner output, starting with a 20,000 and 18,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) burner in the front, where you cook the most, and 15,000 and 9,200 BTU burners in the back.
Wolf employs a three-stage burner that can simmer as low as 300 BTU.
Thermador and SKS have a lower mean simmer at 100 BTU, but the burners on two burners turn on and off to reach the lower temperature.
Wolf has changed their convection system a few times over the years.
Originally, it featured twin fans for dual convection. Then, they switched to blowers, calling it the "VertiCross" convection system for better heat distribution.
Now, it's back to twin convection, now called "VertiFlow," with larger elements for more even heat. This ensures every cookie has the same shade and texture.
Wolf's dual fuel range oven also has two gliding racks.
I admit I didn't think much about racks until I started cooking. Now I realize pulling out your food on a gliding rack is much easier and safer.
Wolf, along with Miele and SKS, has the best controls.
They have knobs with a digital readout of the temperature. As expected, you have the full touchscreen clock and timer—this range is over $8,000.
But the Wolf Gourmet system takes all the guesswork out of cooking.
You input the food and how you like it cooked.
The Wolf Gourmet system calculates the time, temperature, and even rack position. You see the numbers on the side of the oven.
You also have smart functionality through their app and can operate the range remotely.
Dual-fuel ranges require more service in general, but Wolf is one of the most reliable ranges you can buy.
Wolf is based in the US, so the parts and service should be better, although we always suggest checking reviews in your area.
Wolf is known for top performance and reliability, as you've learned, and now they offer more style choices.
In addition to stainless steel, Wolf dual fuel professional ranges are now available in black and white finishes.
These new colors let you match your range to your kitchen’s look. The black finish adds a modern touch, while the white finish offers a clean feel.
You still get all the powerful features Wolf is known for, just with a new look.
If you’re updating your kitchen or want a new range, consider these new options. You’ll get the same great performance with a style that fits your home.
Thermador has two series: the Pro Grand and Pro Harmony.
The Pro Grand is deeper and offers more features, such as a 22,000 BTU burner.
However, the Pro Harmony remains popular because it doesn’t protrude past the cabinets.
The Pro Harmony has decent power with two 18,000 BTU and two 15,000 BTU burners on the top.
Unlike Wolf's and other sealed burners, the Star Burner is raised and cleanable.
Thermador is less expensive, ranging from $600 to $1,600 depending on the series, and it includes a free dishwasher.
However, Wolf offers a better range with twin convection and the Wolf Gourmet system. Wolf also has a touchscreen, whereas Thermador has no controls.
The Miele dual-fuel range with the MasterChef guided cooking system rivals the Wolf Gourmet in functionality.
You simply pick the food and doneness, and the range calculates time and temperature automatically.
Miele also offers Steam Assist, allowing you to bake bread and enhance roasts with up to three bursts of steam.
Moister heat is better for roasting, and Miele makes baking bread easy with 15 different modes.
It's easy to clean, and the racks are designed to withstand self-cleaning. The stove grates can also be placed in the dishwasher.
Wolf has a technically superior convection system. While the Gourmet doesn’t offer steam, it does calculate rack positions.
Miele is $300 more expensive but offers up to a $7,500 rebate.
Side Note: Miele also offers a full ten-year warranty, which can be misleading. Only a competent self-servicing dealer is likely to honor this at a warranty contract rate in years 2-10.
BlueStar is another American family-owned company.
Their new dual-fuel range has the highest output, with two 25,000 BTU burners in the front and two 18,000 BTU burners in the back.
Its lowest simmer is only 500 BTU, making Wolf less powerful but better for simmering.
BlueStar allows you to customize with 1,000 colors and 10 trims, creating a unique range compared to the stainless steel used by other brands.
Wolf offers the Gourmet system, a better convection system, smart functionality, and three finishes: stainless steel, black, and white.
The best alternative to this Wolf range could be a Wolf 30-inch induction range:
The electric VertiFlow oven is identical in both the pro gas and induction models.
However, the Wolf induction can boil water faster and simmer at a lower temperature than any gas burner, including the 25,000 BTU BlueStar or the Thermador 100 BTU simmer.
The induction range is also the most child-safe because the magnetic burners need to sense metal to turn on.
The magnetic burners do not heat the glass directly, reducing the risk of burns. However, the glass can heat up from the pot, so you still need to be cautious.
Lastly, induction requires less venting due to its increased efficiency.
Stains don't bake into the cooktop because the glass doesn’t heat like an electric or gas burner.
Keep in mind that if you live in an area with frequent blackouts, you cannot light an induction stove with a match.
You will also need to rewire from an existing gas range, which is estimated to cost about $3,500.
Lastly, induction ranges are about 5% less reliable than gas ranges in the first year, making you more likely to need service sooner with an induction range.
Other ranges may have better individual features like hotter burners or steam.
However, Wolf offers a good combination of burner output and simmer, better controls, and superior convection.
Choose this range if it fits your cooking style and needs.
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