Aga, Viking, Wolf, etc... - how to choose an expensive kitchen range?

[Joss]

All,

We are enthusiast amateur cooks and are thinking about buying a high quality kitchen range. We're looking at several models from various top quality brands, but I need some guidance, ideally from a professional or very serious cook, on what to look for, what brands are overhyped, and which ones are reliable. We're looking for absolute quality and versatility, rather than pure bang for the buck...

Thanks,


JD

 

[Sid Post]

A lot really depends on how you want to cook. Do you want induction or natural gas? How important is the name and style?

An Aga or Waterford/Pioneer wood burning stoves are really nice if you want to cook that way. The instant "on" of an induction or natural gas is probably best for people in an urban area. Cleaning a commercial style gas cooktop/range is a whole lot harder then a simpler home owner inspired model. For ovens, convection all the way and add steam for the bread makers among us.

In my old house, I had an all Kitchenaide "Pro-sumer" kitchen with a 6 burner gas cooktop and electric convection oven. As you get older, you will really appreciate a wall oven at waist level. In Europe I used an induction cooktop which was really nice but, a lot of my old cookware just didn't work. Induction cooks really nice on the right cookware but, I like the visual of the natural gas flame.

If you want a flattop (french style for the home), natural gas is the way to go. My mom has an indoor grill which has seen almost 3 decades of service and was a great choice for our childhood home.

Without knowing more about your background, it's hard to make more specific recommendations. Do you need a wok flame? How about an indoor grill? Do you cook primarily for fine dining or, a lot of the more basic meat and potatoes and classic European peasant food that is so good? Do you use Mauviel copper, Lodge/Le Crueset cast iron, All-clad stainless, etc. cookware?

 

[texas gun person]

Interior I have Whirlpool Gold because it all came with the house. I wish my stove top was gas. Gas is the way to go for stove top cooking in my opinion.


I love my Sub-Zero fridge and Wolf grill though. Really the only things I picked out for myself.