Should you buy the Wolf 36-inch dual fuel range?
Wolf has updated their dual-fuel ovens with a new convection system.
But how does it compare to brands like Thermador, Miele, and BlueStar with their new dual-fuel ranges?
In this article, you will learn about Wolf's best features and compare Wolf's dual fuel versus its best competition.
Stay to the end for a surprise competitor that might be better than the Wolf dual-fuel range.
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Wolf is part of Sub-Zero, an American, family-owned company based in Wisconsin.
They purchased Wolf in 2000 and have been on a 24-year mission to improve their dual fuel range more than any other product in their portfolio.
You will find many unique features in the dual fuel.
Let's start with a basic comparison and a detailed explanation of each feature.
If I were to advise you on the best range for you, I would ask you how you use your range.
You want a gas range for roasting because gas has moist heat, and roasts cook better in moist heat.
You would also buy an all-gas range for broiling, especially the hotter, more directed infrared types.
Infrared is the burner for a sear burner on a pro grill from Lynx, Hestan, or DCS.
Note: You can also buy the infrared grill option for the cooktop, which can act as a broiler as well
Gas also requires fewer amps, 12 versus 30 amps for dual fuel, and is much easier to replace with another gas range.
Electric is a drier, more precise heat that is better for baking.
So, do you roast or bake?
With Wolf, it's not as simple as picking the fuel type.
The dual fuel stoves have higher-output burners, a Wolf Gourmet setting, and a better convection system than all gas stoves.
Read More➡️: What's the Difference Between All Gas and Dual Fuel Professional Ranges?
Reliability
Wolf's ranges are typically reliable, and parts and services are easier to find than most other brands because they are domestic.
As always, we recommend looking at service availability in your area before investing in any high-end range.
Read More➡️: Are Wolf Professional Ranges Worth the Money?
High-Powered Infrared Grill and Griddle
Wolf features a high-powered infrared grill and griddle.
Infrared is a more intense, directed heat. It is great for searing.
As we said, infrared is the sear burner on a Lynx or Hestan grill.
You don't have many other choices if you want a decent inside grill.
Brands like Thermador have stopped manufacturing grill ranges altogether.
Wolf and Monogram are the only other manufacturers with an infrared grill option.
BlueStar and Viking are regular gas grills that diffuse heat and are not as good for cleanup either.
Exceptional Simmering Capabilities
With their two-stage burner, every burner on Wolf's ranges can simmer exceptionally well at a 300 BTU constant temperature.
The flame is reduced to the smaller second port or "stage" when simmering.
Other brands, like Thermador and SKS, can simmer down to 100 BTU, but the flame is intermittent and inconsistent.
Wolf Dual Fuel Burners
Wolf's dual fuel range has powerful burners with 20,000, 18,000, and 15,000 BTU outputs.
This power range is decent but not the best part of the range.
BlueStar has 25,000 BTU, SKS 23,000, and Thermador's Pro Grande series has a maximum output of 22,000 BTU.
User-Friendly Controls
The knobs light up, and you can see the temperature right on the top of the knob, so you won't have to bend.
Additionally, you have a 7-inch touchscreen that controls all your oven functions, including Wolf Gourmet.
Wolf Gourmet
The Wolf Gourmet allows you to input the food and weight, and the oven calculates the necessary time, temperature, and even rack position for the best cooking results.
In terms of controls, Miele M Touch and SKS are the others to consider
Wolf VertiFlow Convection System
You have their higher-level twin convection system known as "VertiFlow."
It moves air faster and more evenly with two fans and larger elements for more even heat distribution.
This ensures that every cookie will have the proper color and texture.
New Black and White Finishes
Wolf is synonymous with top performance and reliability. Now, they’re enhancing their offerings with more style choices for their 36-inch dual fuel ranges.
You’ve always known Wolf for their classic stainless steel, but now you can explore their elegant new black and white finishes.
These new colors allow you to seamlessly match your range to your kitchen’s aesthetic.
The black finish offers a sleek, modern touch, perfect for a contemporary look. The white finish provides a clean and fresh appearance, brightening up any space.
Rest assured, all the powerful features you’ve come to expect from Wolf are still included. You’re simply getting them with a stylish new twist.
While Wolf's dual fuel range offers a great combination of features, including decent output, a grill and griddle option, and the best convection system, there are some drawbacks:
Thermador is the number two luxury brand. They manufacture two series: Pro Grand and Pro Harmony.
Pro Grand: This is larger due to its greater depth. It has one hotter burner at 22,000 BTU and 18,000 and 15,000 BTU burners. It also has an induction option that is faster than gas and a better simmer.
Pro Harmony: More basic and smaller capacity than the Pro Grand, but doesn't protrude from your cabinets.
Comparison: Thermador is less expensive. When you purchase your range, you get a free dishwasher. The Star burner is raised, so it's easier to clean underneath.
However, the oven is just a basic single convection, and while it has Wi-Fi connectivity, it lacks Wolf Gourmet's advanced features. The Wolf's grill and griddle are infrared, whereas the Thermador's are simple electric griddles.
Miele is another family-owned company with sophisticated controls.
M Touch Controls: Like Wolf, it is easy to use but adds Steam functionality. So you can bake bread easily, and there are 15 different modes for just bread. Steam is great for adding moisture to your roasts, which can be dried in an electric oven.
Burner Power: Miele has a higher BTU grill than Wolf, at 19,000 BTU versus 16,000 BTU for the Wolf, but the burners are less powerful, with 19,500 BTU and two lower power burners, at 9,000 and 8,000 BTU, respectively.
Comparison: Miele has twin convection, but Wolf's VertiFlow is better designed for even heat distribution. The M Touch does have steam, but Wolf will give the rack position.
BlueStar focuses on power in their new dual-fuel range.
Burners: This range Features 25,000 BTU burners in the front and 18,000 BTU in the back, making it the most powerful range you can buy. You can also choose a griddle model.
Customization: Unlike Wolf's stainless-only option, which offers 1,000 colors and ten trims.
Comparison: BlueStar has a similar 7-inch touchscreen but lacks Wolf's Gourmet functionality and Wi-Fi connectivity. The oven is just a basic single convection, and the simmer is not as good at 500 BTU.
The surprise competitor to the Wolf dual-fuel range is the Wolf 36-inch induction range. It offers the same oven features but with an induction cooktop that:
Faster Cooktop: Boils water faster and has the best simmering capabilities.
Safety: Most child-safe options, such as the magnetic burners, need to sense metal to turn on.
Efficiency: Requires less venting due to its increased efficiency.
Ease of Cleaning: Easier to clean compared to gas burners because the top doesn't heat, so stains don't bake in.
The Wolf 36-inch dual-fuel range offers powerful burners, an advanced convection system, and user-friendly controls.
While it may lack some features in competing brands, it stands out with its reliability and innovative Wolf Gourmet functionality.
Check out our other reviews for more information about the best 36-inch dual-fuel ranges or more on Wolf's induction range.
As always, feel free to leave any comments or questions.
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