(1) Wolf has probably the best reputation on here, but as you noted it is expensive. I am assuming you are looking at dual fuel...if so, the 36" 6-burner has an msrp or $9015. If you buy a subzero refrigerator as well, there is a $1000 instant savings promotion that would also apply. So in that case, though the cost would be somewhat balanced by the price of a subzero refrigerator the range would be $8015.

(2) Viking has a really bad reputation on here, but I am not sure it is still justified. They have been trying to address problems, and have increased their warranty. The equivalent Viking range to the Wolf above (in stainless) seems to be pretty consistently priced at $8029 (NOTE: This varies a little depending on your region/distributer, but within a region/distributer will be set) Currently there is an additional $750 off promotion on the range, without any requirement to buy anything else, so that brings it down to $7279 (Note that many online sellers show this price, without at first mentioning the instant savings is already figured in). So, about $800 less than the Wolf, all told. Note: I wouldn't recommend the Viking refrigerators, so you could buy whatever you want there and potentially save a lot of money.

(3) Thermador, I think, has really stepped up their game recently. Some on here don't like them. Some are really bothered by the clicking of the XLO simmer feature on the burners; you should definitely try to check out that feature in person, to make sure it isn't a deal breaker. In the past, they have had some reliability and technology issues. Honestly, however, I think they have addressed the past reliability issues pretty well, their fit and finish is top notch, and they have nice powerful burners. Their pricing for the equivalent range is $7249 from most retailers. If you buy the range, you get a free dishwasher (or an upgraded dishwasher for $500. These are Bosch dishwashers underneath, the Sapphire upgrade gets you a top of the line built-in-Germany Bosch. If you need a dishwasher, that would save an additional $1000, at least...if you don't, you can sell the dishwasher for at least a few hundred on Craigslist. Also, the Thermador refrigerators are very, very nice, and if you buy one of them you get a free hood...again, a big savings if you need it, or you can sell it if you want.

My personal opinion? If you really want Wolf and can afford it, go for it. Don't bother with Viking for a gas range unless you really want a color instead of stainless (in which case, you will have to pay extra for the privilege). If you don't go with Wolf, Thermador will save you a couple thousand in the end and I think you will be very happy with them.

Of course, this all assumes those are really your only three choices...if the universe were expanded, I would definitely look at the AGA Pro+; at $4400, it is a REALLY good deal; last fall, they also had a $500 instant savings, which might come back if you are lucky. Alternately, I would encourage you to also look at Bertazzoni (about $5500 and DCS (about $5700, with a free dishdrawer promo) as alternatives that are well built and have good reputations for reliability.

In the end, since I wasn't going to go for the "sea glass" color viking, I chose Wolf because of service repair records. I know there is no guarantee that my Wolf won't be faulty, but from what everyone--especially the many people who worked in both sales and service for various appliance stores--told me, there are many, many more service calls on Viking and Thermador as compared with Wolf.

One installer who works with all 3 brands also mentioned that a Wolf is much, much heavier--built like a tank--compared with what he felt was the lighter-weight, less sturdy Viking. I don't recall what he said about the steel construction of the Thermador.

The extended warranty on the Viking still tempted me, as I think aesthetically it's so gorgeous, but I was warned about the potential nightmare of appliance repairmen damaging adjacent cabinets and counters when removing the range to repair it. The thought of going through that sealed the deal, and I'm very, very happy with my Wolf.

Good luck!

The recent thermadors I've seen have been meticulously made if that means anything. There was also a recent post on here by a VERY happy thermador repeat customer. I owned a trouble free viking range from about 2005-2008. You won't find the answer you need on here, and I know its a hard choice, but I hope you gather enough info to make your decision and feel comfortable with it. Good luck.

I adore my Sub-Zero (Wolf) and their service. I only needed a small bit of help directly after it was installed, and their 24/7 customer care line is great.