Return of the pro-style range

When we first looked at pro-style ranges back in 1999, these appliances were more or less similar to what you'd find in a restaurant kitchen. Lots of firepower but little in the way of the conveniences and features homeowners would expect on a top-dollar range; indeed, two of the most popular models didn't even have self-cleaning ovens.

At the time, two manufacturer, Wolf and Garland, had just started producing consumer versions, which we tested. Soon afterward, however, things changed: Wolf was bought by Sub-Zero, and the brand morphed into a superpremium consumer product. Garland left the consumer market altogether.

As I saw at the recent Architectural Digest Home in New York City, the Garland look is back under the Blue Star name, with the familiar cast-iron burners but still no self-clean oven.

Another pro-style range new to the market comes from Italy: Bertazzoni. The X36 GGV range (shown), available with five or six burners and in a range of colors, has some neat features, like a 14,5000-Btu/hr. infrared gas broiler, childproof knobs, and auto shutoff if the flame goes out on a burner. The oven is imbued with the same design flair as some other legendary Italian marks, like Ferrari and Ducati.

If you're considering a pro-style range, remember that these appliances tend to be bulkier than freestanding models and are anywhere from 30 to 60 inches wide. Some of the bigger ones include six or eight gas burners, a grill or griddle, and a double oven, sometimes with a convection feature or an infrared broiler like the Bertazzoni. More of these models now include a self-cleaning oven and sealed burners. They're not inexpensive either, ranging in price from $2,000 to $5,000. If you're shopping for a new range, our buying advice will help guide you through the process.—Michael DiLauro, Product Specialist

Essential information: When you're planning a full-scale kitchen remodel, use our Kitchen-Planning Guide—you'll save yourself money and a few hassles. Finally, look for our next kitchen special, in the August 2007 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale in July.