Please Tell Me About The FiveStar 48' Range

16 years ago

I am looking for constructive information about the Five Star range. I love the features and choices (colors; larger electric and smaller gas ovens; griddle; 21,000 btu burners; open or sealed burner options). I can't figure out why no one raves about this range on the forum. The price is great, particularly for a DF. What am I missing?

I'm really looking for information. I've read the prior threads where someone called it a "Kia" without giving any reason for the mud slinging. If you've used this range and think it's junk, please tell me WHY. If you love this range, I'd like to hear about that, too. TIA!

Featured Answer

annewalker

16 years ago

We have a 48" dual fuel. We have had it for 4 years and love it. We looked at all of the "high end" stoves, and decided on the Five Star because it was well made, simple,
not as sleek and electronic as the others, but a true work horse. It is made by Brown Stove that used to make the Vikings. When you call Brown Stove you get a real person,
and can talk directly to a tech, which I did. We have six
burners, the griddle, the large electic oven, the small gas
oven and the broiler, which all work great. It comes with a wok ring, and the burner could be hotter but is fine.

I have heard complaints about the "finish" that they have
"screws showing" etc. None of that can detract from a stove
that really works, that is simple beyond belief that is easy to take apart and clean. Cooking it does the job, simmmers well, the ovens work well, but use an internal
therometer, to make sure the temp is right. That is the problem we had, I called them, talked to a tech, we did some tests, and he sent me a new thermostat. Had it installed. You don't need a company repair man to work on these. Almost any appliance repair guy,can fix them. Say thank god for no electronics!!!

I my opinion this is the best value for your money. No it
ain't a glamorus as the other stoves, but it will probably
be cranking out the BTU's long after the "control module" of the other stoves are no longer made.

I'll gladly answer questions.

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Comments (7)

dude1
16 years ago
Okay, not apples to apples, but I'll share what I saw at a local "closeout/scratch and dent/over-run store" on a 30" range. I've no experience actually using the unit, so take what I say with the proper grain of salt.

The unit I saw was open burners@ 15,000 btu, no convection, 120v.

Remember, this is a closeout store.

Knobs were not secure, loose, plastic, ready to fall off.
Backguard attached with sheetmetal screws, evident, 3/4 of the screw facing front. Bottom drawer a bit finicky. Have to pull up just right to close easily. No drip pan. Dis-assembly of the top fairly simple, but lots of nooks and cranies that would be a pain to access.

On the other hand, lack of electronics means if I can't fix it, a buddy of mine that does appliance repair can. For 900.00 it's attractive. I really can't afford the close to 4,000.00 my ideal Bluestar would cost. I could see it as a work in progress. I could adapt knobs, re-do the backguard, re-engineer the latch of the bottom drawer.

Can not add a drip pan under the top burners. Could minimize cleaning with creative tinfoil application.

My opinion, worth exactly what you payed for it, is a question. How much are you willing to compromise?

At least that's the question I ask.

Other companies make products that are more tactily rewarding, better engineered, user friendly, ergonomic, etc.
Will they cook food any better?

I'm guessing that's still up to the cook.

Sorry, no answers here.

Mark
sarschlos_remodeler
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm bumping this in hopes that someone who actually has a five star might respond. I'm not asking about the older models. I understand that the newer five star is a different beast -- higher btus, reversible griddle/grill. I've seen this in person at my BIL's house and it's a beautiful looking range. He likes it, but was hoping to hear from a few others as this range business is a lot of $$$.
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jaksown
16 years ago
Just about to make a final decision on a 48 Fivestar. Sarah, what did you decide and what is your experience if the range is in use?

Anne, do you have sealed or open burners and what is your experience with performance and cleanup?

JAK
staticfritz
15 years ago
I LOVE my fivestar 36" all gas open burner range.
bought it from an appliance dealer going out of business for less than wholesale, and couldn't be happier.

the 21k burners are killers, and the simmer option is such a tiny flame, i can hold my hand over it. melted chocolates, cream sauces, perfect rice, every time!

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flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
Staticfritz,
Dude1 mentioned an open burner model didn't have a drip tray and I always thought an open burner had to have one. Does yours have one? If not, it seems like it would be difficult to clean. Also, what kind of oven do you have? Gas/electric, convection, self clean? TIA!
staticfritz
13 years ago
it's all gas, so no self clean or convection and i got 4 little drip trays with my stove...

they work ok, but i really end up cleaning the whole bottom every couple months anyways. you could easily get one of those oven mats and cut it to size to fit down there