Hi kumarc,

I'm no expert, just someone who is going through the same motions at the same time.

I was really interested in the Bertazzoni--saw it in the showroom, did some research, got excited, looked at it again the showroom. Letdown.

As others have pointed out already. The Bertazzoni is a fairly conventional Italian gas stove. It is very much like the stove you will find in a good rental apartment in Italy, if the apartment is a genuine sublet.

I don't think this has been adumbrated in this forum, but Bertazzoni has been active in Italy for a long time under the name "La Germania" http://www.lagermania.it/

Both the Master and Professional Series appear to be essentially normal La Germania stoves that were rebranded for the North American market. The fact that these stoves are sold in Italy under the name "The German", whereas in NA they are prized for being Italian and from Emilia-Romagna says a lot, I think.

After determining this, I am just going to get something that is actually from Germany. Never should have strayed ;-).

..here's that link again. Notice that the Master Series is essentially identical to their "Americana" series, which they describe as big and tough-looking.

Their domestic stuff looks sophisticated and cool, essentially a cheaper German/Swiss alternative, which has been their stock in trade from the beginning.

They all but say that they deliberately made the Americana ugly. (grandissimo ... audace ...stile transatlantico...Un modello robusto )

Here is a link that might be useful: LaGermania

I'm now facing the same decision: Smeg v Bertazzoni.... I realize this is 10 years old, but if you're still here: What did you go with?!

Neither. Both are poorly engineered, as well as being underwhelming in the performance department.

They are both also the ONLY gas stoves in their price range that I can find that are 27"D or under (including handle) and don't have horrific reviews (empava, summit). If you have another suggestion, I'm all ears.

So I'm a little stuck and would love to be encouraged here, rather than told they both suck...

Give up the shallow depth requirement, up your budget, or downgrade your expectations.

(1) Can't, NYC apt has incredibly small aisle (2) Already did, went up to the $3,500 price range... not everyone can go up to the $5,000+ range and (3) I didn't say anything about my expectations, was just looking for insight if anyone had a preference between the two.

hey JFBANG, likewise, im in the same situation now. am curious to know if you ever came to a conclusion on this matter?

Hey Clarence, I went with the Smeg and have been using it a couple months. Very happy w/ the aesthetics and the oven heats up faster than any oven I’ve used before which is great. Took us awhile to figure out how to consistently light up the oven- despite lots of googling and you tubing which was VERY frustrating (come back at me if you get it and you have trouble). No bells or whistles on the oven, as you probably know, but despite cooking often, I don’t miss them. So far I’ve found it a good choice if you NEED the shallow depth. Ignore the Debbie Downers in this thread ;)

wow, didn't expect such a quick response. great to hear that the SMEG ecosystem have served you well. I was definitely leaning towards team SMEG (largely due to price point). thanks a bunch for helping me make a sound decision moving forward. truly appreciate your useful pointers. take care and stay safe!