Not to beat a dead horse, folks, but I have been lurking and reading everything I can about gas "pro-style" and regular ranges. I've decided that I want nothing with a "mother board" in it! And a self-cleaning function is not necessary. I would appreciate feedback if you own one of the ranges I'm looking at - especially the NXR and American Performer - as GW is the only place I've been able to find reviews on those brands.
The parameters I'm working within require a 30" range with an OTR MW (400 cfm). The cutout between my cabinets looks to be about 30 1/4" - MAYBE a millimeter or 2 more. My kitchen is small and a microwave is necessary for us. OTR is our only option there. I'd like to spend $3000 or less but am willing to go as high as $4000. Prior to a recent move, I was cooking on a Dacor dual-fuel 30" convection oven. It wasn't perfect, it had even had a few problems and at the time I swore I'd buy a Viking next. (That was before I started reading about them!) But the thing cooked like a DREAM compared to what came with this house. (A GE electric smooth-top nightmare.)
1.) NXR - I love the price, the Costco return policy, the fact that it is very basic, the ability to manually light the burners in the event of loss of power (I'm in Missouri - snow, tornadoes, etc.). As of right now, this is my #1 choice.
My concerns are that as far as I can tell, the longest one has been in use is about 2 years? It seems the chipping of the interior seems to have been resolved. Has anyone who purchased their NXR in 2012 had an issue with it? Also, for those who purchased in 2012, have you had any problems with the 2 types of stainless steel? I was watching a Youtube video and saw that the top is not one solid piece, but different pieces put together. Do the "seams" make it difficult to clean? Seems like you could run a toothpick along them and get any gunk out. Sure wish I could see one in person before pulling the trigger.
2.) Bluestar - I love, love, love the look of the burners. (I'm not much of a baker.) The specs put it at 29.875 inches in width, so whether or not it will fit my cut-out is a non-issue. It works without power. The price is above that $3000 and I'm not sure how to quantify how much better it is than the NXR. We have only one Blue Star dealer in my area and they currently don't have any on the floor. Has the hot door issue been a problem for anyone? I'm not running my oven at 500-degrees... But I don't want to keep my children away from the oven. I want them to learn how to cook. The Bluestar is pretty much neck and neck with the NXR.
3.) American Performer - Honestly, I like the looks of this one but I can't find much information other than what I've seen here. Is there anything else I should know? The performer is now on the AR website and they have a few videos posted on Youtube. Like the NXR, I would have to have one shipped here sight-unseen unless I feel like a 4-5 hour drive to Iowa. AJ Madison has the Performer (4 open burners) at $3300 and the Cuisine (5 sealed burners) at $3360. I'd love any additional input you might have. Again, it seems to be just about as "new" as the NXR.
4.) Five Star - Does anyone own one of these?
Also considered (but currently ruled out):
Bertazzoni - I just can't wrap my head around this one. One minute I'll really be considering it and the next I'm marking it off my list. I love the fact that it doesn't cycle, I'm not opposed to the 4 different burner sizes (but don't love it, either), I love the 5 rack positions (my Dacor had that), but the oven temp only goes as low as 275. The specs may rule it out for me. I read something about being unforgiving when it came to gas/electric placement.
I swore I wouldn't own another Dacor but maybe with time I'm forgetting the pain. Plus I purchased mine in 2002 so maybe quality slipped after that. I did read (somewhere) there is now a 3-year warranty. The only Dacors I would consider are the Distinctive DR30GS. I'd love to hear from any current owners of this model.
Thanks in advance for answering the same questions YET AGAIN! Due in large part to comments, advice, opinions and great information I've read here and Chowhound, I've ruled out quite a few options. I'm thrilled to have it narrowed down.
Dana
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friedajune
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