You may be renovating your kitchen and have a spot for a 36-inch range. Automatically, you begin looking at gas professional ranges, but Wolf has a new induction 36-inch range that has piqued your interest. You would not normally consider an electric range, but induction is magnetic and more powerful than even gas. An electric oven certainly has its benefits like precise temperature.
So, which do you choose? Well, it depends on how you cook and what you like to cook because both ranges are suitable for your home in different ways. We will look at how these ranges heat, simmer, broil, and bake. Then you can decide what is better for your particular cooking style.
First, you should know how induction works.
Induction
Induction is magnetic heat. The magnets in the induction burners excite the metal molecules in your pan, and the pan itself cooks your food. Induction is the fastest to boil with an instant simmer. It is also the most child safe because the glass is only warmed by the pan. Not to mention, induction can only be activated by metal.
We cover induction and its benefits more fully in our Induction Buying Guide. Feel free to check out it by clicking our link below for a free copy.
Now, let's get to our products we are comparing today.
BlueStar
BlueStar BSP366 - $8,195
- 4.6 cubic foot Power Convection Oven
- 6 Open Burners
- PrimaNova 25,000 BTU Burners
- Simmer Burner
- Infrared Broiler - Intense searing
- Continous Grates - No need to lift pots to move them
- Interchangeable Griddle and Charbroiler
The power of this range really stands out. An average range burner is about 12-15,000 BTUs. The average professional range burner is about 17-19,000 BTUs. BlueStar has a 25,000 BTU burner. One of the highest BTUs for a professional gas range. The oven is a pure gas convection oven, so it delivers even temperature for a gas oven. The broiler is the hottest on the market at 1,850 degrees. BlueStar has a choice of 750 colors, so you do not have to buy just stainless steel as a finish.
Wolf
Wolf IR365PESPH - $9,150
- 5.3 cubic foot Capacity
- 5 Induction Zones
- Bridge Elements - You can combine two of the burners and control them together
- Dual Convection Oven - Very even heating for exact temperature control
- Temperature Probe - Takes the guesswork out of birds and roasts
- Self-Cleaning Oven Mode
The Wolf range has great flexibility. The two sets of bridge elements accommodate all different sizes of pots and pans. The real story of induction is speed. You are literally boiling water in minutes. Wolf also features an electric twin convection oven. Each fan is thermostatically controlled to keep a more precise temperature.
The Comparison
Cooktop
You would expect pro gas to win, but induction is faster and has an instant simmer. There is also much less venting required because induction is more efficient with less heat emission. The Wolf burners on the left side also can be joined to accomodate odd sized pans.
As for cleanability, gas will be harder to clean. BlueStar has an open burner, so you have to clean underneath. Even sealed burners are harder to clean because food can become baked on. With induction, it's a smooth surface that typically doesn't heat up like a burner would. You can even place a paper towel underneath your pots to have an easier cleanup.
Grill/Griddle
However, induction does not have grill or griddle capabilities. The BlueStar platinum has a reversible grill and griddle, which is not as good as other professional ranges. Look at the Wolf or Miele gas ranges with infrared grills and griddles for faster, more thermostatically controlled heat.
Oven
Wolf's Oven
BlueStar will fit more, but you will like the performance of either one. Wolf is the best electric oven with twin convection. Both fans run independently, depending on the temperature you set it at. Electric is a drier and more precise heat, so it is better for baking cakes and cookies.
BlueStar's Oven
BlueStar is the best gas oven with pure convection driven from the back of the stove. Gas is a moister heat, perfect for roasting meats. In addition, BlueStar has the hottest infrared broiler on the market at 1,850 degrees. Infrared is an intense, direct heat which gives you a truly great sear.
Other
Of the two, Wolf has better controls and a better clock system. It's also a self-cleaning oven, unlike BlueStar. BlueStar allows you to personalize your range with 750 colors, perfect for your inner stylist and designer.
Which do you buy?
This is a very personal decision because each range is very good in seemingly different ways. However, if you like to bake and want a faster cooktop, then Wolf is your better choice. If you like to roast and want a grill or griddle, BlueStar would be the best.
Additional Resources
If you need any more information on professional cooking products, read the Yale Professional Range Buying Guide with BTU outputs and features of every professional cooking product on the market. Well over 240,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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