When looking to purchase a “Professional” range, the question as to whether you want open or sealed burners is going to come up. There is great debate between the two. Here is what you need to know: Bluestar is known for their high temperature, open burners also referred to as restaurant-style burners. An open burner basically means that the burner does not have an airtight seal around the burner area, allowing for more oxygen in the flame which results in higher temperatures. If you are looking for a range with a high output burner for boiling, searing, or wok cooking, the Bluestar Platinum range has a 25,000 BTU burner. This burner will do everything you need and then some. A 36” Bluestar Platinum range, BSP366B, with 6 burners will start at around $8795. Since the flame is not concentrated under a round burner cap, the result is a more even distribution of heat. The flame is basically in contact with the entire bottom of the pan. Chefs prefer to cook with an open burner for this reason.
Wolf’s sealed burner is different than most other burners. Wolf has a dual-stacked burner, meaning cooking is done from the top set of ports, and then drops down to the bottom set of ports for simmering. Wolf ranges have a 16,000 BTU burner on all models. If you are looking for a dual fuel range, the Wolf high output burner is $18,000 BTU's. Wolf’s 36” All burner range, GR366, is $6890.00. Wolf’s dual-stack burner will allow for a continuous simmer on all burners. An open burner can get down to a low temperature, but may not maintain the simmer.
Most agree that cleaning a sealed burner is easier than an open burner. If something spills over on the Wolf range, you simply wipe it up. Bluestar does have a drip tray that pulls out. Anything that falls down will end up in this tray and can be easily wiped up.
Both the Bluestar and Wolf are hand-assembled and built for the long haul. You can add a grill or griddle or if the range is large enough, you can add both. You can even pick the color of the knobs. Wolf will give you three choices, Red, Black, or Stainless steel. Bluestar offers a few more options, about 190 of them. Have you always wanted a range with periwinkle blue knobs, is so, Bluestar is the range for you!