Cookaholics Bulletin Board

While we did buy this house "new" we didn't have any input on the appliances. (We bought it from the guy who commissioned the house, and while he had an amazing eye for design, he wasn't a cook.)

My oven died the other day. Yes, I could spend about $350 to bring it back to life, but I don't want to. I'd rather spend around $3K and get what I want. I currently have a 30" slide-in. I can accommodate a 36" (no snickers please), but want double ovens, which I've never seen in a 36" model. I'd like dual fuel, but based on the construction of the house, isn't practical (need higher voltage, and would have to run on the exterior of the house due to lack of basement).

I'm looking at the GE Cafe and the Electrolux.

Thoughts?

Amy

Here are two brands that have 36-inch, dual fuel, double oven ranges.

Fratelli Onofri

Verona

The secondary oven is smaller on both, but the one time I had that setup, I really liked it. The smaller oven can hold the roast while the larger bakes the rolls. I have no idea how good these ranges are, nor do I know anything about the vendors, but I doubt you'd drop 3k+ without doing your homework.

Also, the Verona uses a standard 120 volts.

Just a little tip from when we last got our oven repaired -- buy a one outlet surge protector for the stove (costs about $6) and when the stove is being set up, plug it in.

Thanks JB. Both of those are better looking than designed for a serious cook I think. Did you see the wimpy BTU output on the burners?

Thanks Lindsay. I too learned that lesson the hard way after Floyd came through and popped the neutral into our house. The power company didn't notice it because the offending tree that had done it was already cabled off by Andy. When we got power back it pretty much fried anything electronic and plugged in.

Amy

I haven't looked at any double oven models for 36", but I would of course take a half sheet pan to make sure it would fit in the larger oven.

I've been looking at the Electrolux models at a nearby appliance shop. They seem to be well built but I really don't like the touchscreen interface. Why can't appliance manufacturers just put a friggin' knob on the oven? That is my biggest peeve when it comes to modern appliances. Digital controls do not necessarily mean a more accurate thermostat, just more expense when the controls break. I would much rather have a well-calibrated knob (no comments please).

My biggest burner does 12K so 15K or 16K seemed pretty robust.

Everything's relative, isn't it?

Amy

I suppose it is. I might just put that Verona range in my "When I Get a Real Kitchen" folder, though. It looks plenty powerful enough to set off the smoke detectors at my house.

I should not be allowed into high-end appliance stores. I've fallen in love with the BlueStar. M.u.s.t. t.r.y t.o r.e.s.i.s.t...

Amy

Andy and I talked about the BlueStar tonight. He completely gets my desire for this kind of range. He asked, "if we moved, would we take it with us?" Really sensible question, to which my reply was, "of course." He then asked if selling the home without a range mattered. Good question, do you think so?

We could also keep the current "piece of crap"/repair it and hold it, but I don't think that's wise. I'd rather just recycle the pieces. Thoughts?

Amy