Hi all - I'm pretty new to posting on Gardenweb, although I rely quite heavily on feedback here when doing my research, I've noticed, so please bear with me and my inexperience here!

We're refurbishing an old farmhouse, and installing an Esse Ironheart in the kitchen (wood-burning cookstove). Its job is primarily to heat the house, although it will also be used for cooking through the winter.

We need another cooker, obviously, and are considering an Aga 6-4, or similar. Today I read about the Heartland Paragon, which is 43" wide, has two ovens (which look fairly small, like an an Aga's), and 6 gas rings.

But - it's been discontinued. Any idea why? Anyone use a Heartland Paragon or know anyone that uses one? Likes? Dislikes?

I called their 800 #, and MSRP is/was $5,599 in the US (we're in Canada).

I've been all over the map on what to get, frankly, and am VERY open to suggestion.

I love the more traditional look of the Agas, but their aftermarket customer / service record STINKS from what I read online and heard irl.

(Like much of the best of British engineering (yes, I know Agas were designed by a Swede, but they are ostensibly "British"), the concept and design are of the highest quality, but unfortunately the day-to-day reliable functioning and aftermarket servicing is a huge problem. MGs, Land Rovers - I grew up in the UK with both of them.)

Our nearest service person is 4+ hours away (Montreal or west of Toronto), and I have no idea about his track record.

I don't need or want a "hot" Aga. We're vaguely considering the Aga 6-4, but the service record is alarming. We don't feel like being the guinea-pig for the new Aga Total Control, which is also more $$ than our budget allows at this stage, unless someone can convince me it is the world's most perfect appliance and will never need servicing within its or my lifetime ;)

Aga, Heartland, La Cornue (Waterford, Redfyre, Stanley, Mercury) - they're all part of the same AGA Rangemaster conglomerate, now, but the service record is still a bit iffy. We have the same concerns with La Cornue - there isn't a service person within probably 300 miles.

I don't want or need a large oven, which is what is putting me off the good gas ranges like Bluestar and Capital Culinarian. I'd rather have two or more smaller (18" to 24" or so) ovens.

We'd prefer something that is either all-gas or dual fuel, with a roomy top, so more like 36"+ wide, rather than the standard domestic 30" width.

Our hydro isn't terribly reliable, otherwise I'd consider going with an induction cooktop and a couple of 24" wall ovens.

There are only two of us, I do all the cooking, and we entertain a lot, so I'd rather use multiple ovens at different temps when entertaining, but most of the time, only need a smaller oven.

I can't believe it's too much to ask nowadays; a well-designed and reliable range with plenty of options for steady power (simmer to fast boil) to cook on the top, and a couple of smaller ovens with a powerful broiler, even temperature, etc, that are self-cleaning (or continuous clean, like a hot Aga).

The kitchen is still a shell, so we are not restricted on size, yet, by the way. I'll make-do with my old Kitchenaid cooker until we find what we really want.

Like I say, open to all suggestions!