The Ins And Outs Of Wolf Stoves, And What Makes Them So Great

The good looks and high-end style of Wolf stoves are easy to spot, but there's a lot more to them than meets the eye. In fact, there are a host of characteristics that set this brand apart from the rest, designating it as a mainstay of home cooks and chefs alike. The professional-grade appliance has quality on its side along with durability and reliability, but with that also comes a hefty price tag. Most Wolf stoves hover around the $8,000 – $10,000 range, but with that said, you're certainly getting what you pay for.

In line with what one would expect from an appliance of this caliber, Wolf products deliver on all fronts. Their dual-stacked burners, encased in cast iron grates, are sealed, which makes cleaning all too simple. They are also layered, allowing cooks to temper and adjust the flames based on desired intensity. Need a low simmer? The burner's bottom tier was made for that. Goodbye, scorched caramel and burnt butter.

Wolf stoves are available in dual fuel, induction, and gas ranges, and feature a seamless cooktop with continuous grates, self-cleaning functionality, and so much more. Additionally, these culinary wonders take the lead with dual convection fans that control heat and airflow, meaning even baking conditions — so feel free to fill up all the racks without having to worry about compromising the end result.

Clemens Bruns Schaub

Truly, few brands come close to Wolf, whether that's measured by form, function, or sheer precision. On that shortlist is Viking, which also carries professional-grade stoves with similar qualities. Both offer roughly the same size ranges, including double ovens and an element of customization where shoppers can incorporate French tops or even a griddle. Some Viking stoves come without sealed burners, which can make cleaning a bit of a headache. On the burner power front, Viking products go up as high as 23,000 BTUs whereas Wolf is around 30,000 BTUs on the dual fuel range. Where they differ is towards the other end of the scale — Wolf can reach as low as 300 BTUs for gentle simmers or melting.

And while Wolf stoves are generally consistent in looks, Viking features a slew of color choices such as red, gray, or blue. All in all, the two brands are neck-to-neck, so deciding between them boils down to looks and how personalized you want yours to be. As for Wolf, their products are meant to last at least 20 years, and that kind of dependability is pretty hard to come by these days. Intrigued? Read on for the most popular Wolf stoves on the market right now.

1. Wolf DF366 36-Inch Dual Fuel Range, $10,225

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While most kitchens allot roughly 30 inches of space for a stove — if you're working on a new build or looking to customize — consider going with Wolf's standard 36 inches instead. By far one of the more popular models the brand has to offer, the dual fuel range is highly rated and comes with all the bells and whistles. It features six dual-stacked, sealed burners and can produce up to 20,000 BTUs.

2. Wolf DF486G 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range, $15,105

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If you have room to grow, go for the 48 inch dual fuel range, which features a double-wide griddle that can go up to 30,000 BTUs, and two side-by-side ovens ringing in at 30 inches and 18 inches. A temperature probe alerts you when your food has reached its prime heat, while a control panel (which can be concealed when not in use) makes everyday operations so much easier.

3. Wolf GR304 30-inch Gas Range, $5,390

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Think of this as your starter Wolf stove. Its comparatively lower pricepoint earmarks it as a relatively more accessible option, and it still boasts four of its signature dual-stacked, sealed gas burners that can easily accommodate four large pots or pans. Its continuous cooktop makes moving things around a breeze, and an interior infrared broiler holds the key to a solid sear.

4. Wolf DF606CG 60-inch Dual Fuel Range, $18,285

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If you have a little more (okay, a lot more) wiggle room and whipping up a five course meal is just your average Tuesday night, the 60 inch model is definitely one to consider. While it's significantly pricier, it comes with an infrared charbroiler and an infrared griddle, which can make steak or stir fry night a breeze. Its dual ovens boast a standard rack and one full-extension ball bearing rack, while the six burners up top are primed to cover all your bases.

5. Wolf DF484F 48-Inch Dual Fuel Range, $15,685

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French tops are increasingly becoming more popular for home chefs, and for good reason, too. The flat-plated surface is versatility at its best, and eases the act of sliding pots and pans around. This model's four burners reach up to 20,000 BTUs and the dual convection oven calls for precision cooking everytime.

6. Wolf IR365PE/S/PH 36-Inch Professional Induction Range, $10,035

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On the other end of the spectrum, you have the induction range with built-in safety measures including cookware-sensing burners that turn off when a compatible pan is lifted off of the surface. A bridge feature allows cooks to transform two burners into a single large one and a four-zone induction power boost achieves faster boils and sears.