Wolf and BlueStar are both American, family-owned companies. In many ways, these two ranges are similar, without advanced controls unlike Jenn-Air, Miele or even Wolf''s own dual fuel range.
However, there are a number of differences to consider before opting for either range. We will look at both companies, products and then compare.
Sealed vs. Open Burners
Sealed burners are easier to clean and more popular for the home. Open burners can get up to a higher heat because more oxygen to the burner creates the heat, which is more common in the commercial industry. Open burner ranges must be disassembled and cleaned regularly.
So you have power vs. clean-ability.
Wolf
Wolf has a long history of manufacturing commercial appliances in California. In 2000, Wolf’s residential division was purchased by Sub-Zero. Today, Wolf is a top selling brand for high-end professional style ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, and ventilation. Wolf appliances are made in the U.S.
Wolf GR304 - Call for pricing
Features:
- Convection oven
- Continuous cast-iron grates
- 18,000 BTU Infrared Broiler for fast preheat and quick sears
- Dual stacked sealed burners
- Spark ignition system for each burner
- 4.4 cu. Ft oven capacity
- Three 15,000 BTU burners
- One 9,200 BTU simmer burner
The Wolf range offers good features but also offers great durability. They require very low maintenance and are one of the only premium manufacturers on our most reliable list of manufacturers.
The dual stacked burner is also very unique. It is actually 2 separate gas valves for each burner so this allows you a better control especially on the simmer.
This is Wolf’s signature design and a differentiator from their competition.
High Output |
Low Simmer |
BlueStar
BlueStar ranges originated in Reading, PA in 1880 from Prizer-Painter Stove Works; a manufacturing company of residential and commercial ranges hot water heaters, furnaces, and heating stoves .Prizer-Painter Stove Works continued to manufacture high-end cooking products for over a century.
In 2002, Prizer introduced the BlueStar line, restaurant-quality ranges designed for the residential market.
The BlueStar line is a newer addition to the Yale floor in June of 2016. I like how this company offers many ranges at a wide variety of prices, configurations, and colors.
BlueStar RNB304BV2
Features:
- Chose from 750 colors or even customize your own
- 4 open burners
- Commercial grade 15,000 BTU infrared Broiler
- One 9,000 BTU 130 Degree simmer burner
- Two 22,000 BTU burners
- One 15,000 BTU burner
- Convection oven
- 4.5 Cu. Ft. Oven
- Available with a swing door
- Accommodates a full size 18” by 26” commercial baking sheet
- Integrated wok cooking
The BlueStar range offers the best features for an open burner residential/commercial range. Having a burner that reaches 22,000 BTU’s allows you to get the perfect sear and also boil a lot faster. Their burner gives you much more even heat on the bottom of the pan so this eliminates hot and cold spots. Having open burners does add a little more maintenance but it is well worth the trouble.
BlueStar is the only gas range with a pure (also known as European) convection oven. In other words, the heat is blown in from the rear instead of the bottom with a fan assist for a more even temperature.
BlueStar offers 4 different series but this would be the most comparable to the Wolf.
You can also choose over 750 colors and 8 trim packages with a BlueStar range.
Wolf vs. BlueStar Pro Ranges Comparison?
From the specs, Wolf has the better broiler, whereas BlueStar technically has a better convection system.
The burners are more powerful in a BlueStar with Wolf having a better simmer and cleanability, so that depends on how you cook (and clean).
If you want a unique look, then BlueStar is the best choice in the appliance industry with 750 colors and the ability to customize your own.
However, for high-end appliances, reliability may be the key factor. Wolf is one of the only high-end brands to be on our most reliable list of manufacturers. With BlueStar, it is too soon to know.
Additional Resources
Want more information on Professional Ranges? Get the Yale Pro Range Buying Guide with specs, BTU output on every range and detailed profiles of every major manufacturer. Over 200,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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