So in the power field Bluestar will take the cake. They will be the simplest by design and the most dependable. Modern day conveniences the Kitchen Aid would be my second choice. Its kind of a hidden unit packed with features for the money and very reliable as well. I would steer clear of brands Like Kucht as these newer brands are not as reliable and hard to get parts or service. Bertazzoni is ok but not my favorite for longevity or cooking performance, Cafe the burner adjustments are not as good as the others and harder to clean. So KA or Bluestar for me here, both the best choices.
Very good question and while many brands make smudge proof or fingerprint free stainless I have found Frigidaire Professional series or Ge profile to be the best options here. Frigidaire gallery will be the lowest price but Profile and Pro series will be of higher quality. Look at these two options..
600cfm is sufficient for everyday cooking. If you like to fry a lot. Then 1000-1200 would be ideal. I have 1200 with a double griddle, and barely use it past medium speed (600).
Good point. BlueStar does make a full appliance package. But they are primarily known for their beast of a stove. It is meant to be a stand-alone statement piece with a hood only. You cannot put a microwave hood over a BlueStar. You’re probably better off with the GE Cafe here. Or the Thermador 5 burner does have a matching microwave, and it comes free! It’s a part of their promotion, so check that one out. It’s a great stove, and the bonus microwave makes it even greater.
So, you’re on the right track. 3 of the machines we speak about a lot. I like the LG WashTower for a stacked unit. The GE is 1″ wider and deeper. But it has the largest footprint of the three. They work fine stacked, but I think the LG still makes sense.
To change over isn’t to bad since the size of the unit is the same. You will not only have to run the gas line to the rear of the stove you will need to convert the 220 line to a 110 volt as a gas stove uses a standard outlet to power the clock and ignition. Why not consider a dual fuel ? this way you can run the gas for the cooktop and still utilize the 220 for the oven. ?