Premium Kitchen Ranges - A Deep Dive

A typical kitchen range (stove & oven in one) is 30 inches wide. If you enjoy cooking, you know that a 36, 48 and even 60 inch wide range can be desired. Shopping for these larger ranges can be tricky as there are many brands and a huge price range among them.

These ranges are generally fueled by natural gas, propane, and electric. The cooktops are generally gas burners, and electric or induction electric tops

We will focus on these 36” and wider ranges in this article. Looking at things such as:

• Who are these brands?

• What may make a brand higher quality or more expensive?

• Is the higher price always justified?

• The price ranges for these different width ranges.

Who are the brands?

FORNO

• Parent Company: Groupe Formo Inc.

• Year Founded: 2000

• Manufacturing Country: China

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Offers European-inspired designs with a focus on affordability and durability.

Summit

• Parent Company: Felix Storch, Inc.

• Year Founded: 1969

• Manufacturing Country: United States (Bronx, New York)

ILVE

• Year Founded: 1969

• Manufacturing Country: Italy (Campodarsego, Padua)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Hand-assembled ranges with customizable options, blending professional performance with elegant design.

Thor

• Parent Company: Thor Kitchen, Inc.

• Year Founded: 2015

• Manufacturing Country: China

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Provides professional-grade appliances at mid-range prices, featuring high-performance burners.

Verona

• Parent Company: EuroChef USA

• Year Founded: 1958

• Manufacturing Country: Italy

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Combines Italian craftsmanship, and sleek designs. True Infrared broiler.

ZLINE

• Year Founded: 2007

• Manufacturing Country: Designed and shipped from the United States (Reno, Nevada; Tennessee; Ohio)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Provides high-end appliances at accessible price points.

Frigidaire

• Parent Company: Electrolux

• Year Founded: 1918

• Manufacturing Country: United States

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Known for reliable and affordable appliances.

Bertazzoni

• Year Founded: 1882

• Manufacturing Country: Italy (Guastalla)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Combines Italian design with engineering excellence, offering ranges in vibrant colors inspired by luxury sports cars.

Bosch

• Parent Company: Robert Bosch GmbH

• Year Founded: 1886

• Manufacturing Country: Germany

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Renowned for precision engineering and innovative features, including advanced cooking technologies and sleek designs.

Electrolux

• Year Founded: 1919

• Manufacturing Country: Sweden

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Offers a blend of European design and functionality, focusing on energy efficiency and user-friendly features.

American Range

• Manufacturing Country: United States

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: True Infrared broiler.

Forza

• Parent Company: Glem Gas

• Manufacturing Country: Italy (Modena)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Delivers bold Italian design, offering ranges in vibrant colors and sculpted lines.

Dacor

• Parent Company: Samsung Electronics America

• Year Founded: 1965

• Manufacturing Country: United States

LOFRA

• Year Founded: 1956

• Manufacturing Country: Italy (Torreglia)

Fisher & Paykel

• Parent Company: Haier

• Year Founded: 1934

• Manufacturing Country: New Zealand

JennAir

• Parent Company: Whirlpool Corporation

• Year Founded: 1947

• Manufacturing Country: United States

Hestan

• Year Founded: 2013

• Manufacturing Country: United States

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Provides innovative features including the CircuFlame burner.

KitchenAid

• Parent Company: Whirlpool Corporation

• Year Founded: 1919

• Manufacturing Country: United States

Signature Kitchen Suite

• Parent Company: LG Electronics

• Year Founded: 2016

• Manufacturing Country: South Korea

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Offers advanced features, including built-in sous-vide.

Cafe

• Parent Company: GE Appliances (a Haier company)

• Year Founded: 2018

• Manufacturing Country: United States

Monogram

• Parent Company: GE Appliances (a Haier company)

• Year Founded: 1987

• Manufacturing Country: United States

Thermador

• Parent Company: BSH Home Appliances (a Bosch company)

• Year Founded: 1916

• Manufacturing Country: United States

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Known for innovative cooking technology, including the Star Burner.

Hestan

• Parent Company: Hestan Commercial Corporation

• Year Founded: 2005

• Manufacturing Country: United States (California)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Hestan ranges are known for their high-performance burners, brass burners, and infrared broilers. Precision heat control and durable construction.

Wolf

• Parent Company: Sub-Zero Group, Inc.

• Year Founded: 1934

• Manufacturing Country: United States

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Ultra precise temperature control and dual stacked burners. Wolf’s infrared broiler is famous for searing a steak to restaurant quality in minutes.

Viking

• Parent Company: Middleby Corporation (acquired in 2013)

• Year Founded: 1987

• Manufacturing Country: United States (Greenwood, Mississippi)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: Viking pioneered the professional-grade range for home use. Known for robust construction, and high BTU burners. Viking’s broiler lets you get a crispy gratin or pizza char similar to a wood-fired oven.

AGA

• Parent Company: Middleby Corporation (acquired in 2015)

• Year Founded: 1922

• Manufacturing Country: United Kingdom (Telford, Shropshire)

• Differentiators/Key Technologies: As a niche product, AGA is renowned for its iconic cast-iron range cookers that provide radiant heat cooking.

Note: The brands listed above are approximately listed from lowest price to highest price. Some brands offer low and high cost options.

As you can see from the list above, there are a lot of options! With 26 in the list above, you truly do need to start your search by deciding on your budget and shopping price point.

What are the price ranges for different widths:

1. 36” Wide (From an Assortment of 398 Ranges)

   1. $1,400 (FORNO) - $18,000 (Viking)

2. 48” Wide (From an Assortment of 337 Ranges)

   1. $2,500 (ZLINE) to $21,000 (Viking)

3. 60” Wide (From an Assortment of 43 Ranges)

   1. $7,000 (FORNO) to $35,000 (AGA)

What features generally increase the price?

1. Thicker (gauge) stainless steel metals. Think stronger, less prone to denting.

2. Higher BTU (heat/energy) burners and ovens.

3. Precise heat control. “True” convection cooking.

4. Porcelain coated cast iron grates. If you’ve used cast iron, you’ll understand.

5. Infrared broilers. Use an element that emits infrared radiation, directly transferring energy to the food. This produces higher temperatures (up to 1,800°F or more) and faster searing, especially on meat.

6. Brass burners. Better heat distribution and a more durable metal.

7. Robust (Strong) knobs and switches. If you’ve owned a Walmart appliance special, you’ll understand this one.

8. Hand assembly.

9. Realistic “life” of the range can push well past 25 years at the higher price points. It both keeps working, will be able to be repaired, and it’s looks won’t “Age”.

10. Customizable colors.

11. Better “Duty Cycle”. These ranges can hold up under heavy use.

12. Brand recognition. Signaling goods command higher prices.

13. Lower volume = Higher Prices.

14. Resale potential. Most appliances reach “throw away” status fairly quickly……not these.

Final Thoughts

• If you want an unusual “discussion starter” range, then check out AGA.

• If the oldest company is of interest, Bertazzoni was started in 1882!

• We listed the features above that generally increase the price. If these aren’t important to you, then go with a cheaper model.

• Check the weight of each range. The heavier the better.

• Brass components are going to be a sign of a higher quality range.

• Operate the oven doors. Note how each door feels: the weight, feel, hinge operation.

• The “big 3” that drive up the price:

  • Professional Level Features/Performance

  • Superior Craftsmanship/Materials

  • Innovative Features such as infrared broilers, true convection ovens, customization (colors, finishes, configurations), and energy efficiency

• Even cooking within the oven is critical. Make sure the range you select has a well regarded convection system. Consider a dual fuel model which uses gas for the burners and electric for the ovens.

• Consider a brand that has been around for 30+ years and who may have a repair representative in your area. You’ll likely be in a better position in the future to receive support and parts availability for the brands that have been around for a while.

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions. There are no sponsors of this newsletter.