36 vs 48inch ranges, ranges vs cooktops and Kitchenaid pro-series?

[Smollys]

1. Debating between purchasing (a) a 36 inch dual fuel (gas/electric) range and a single wall over, (b) a 48 inch dual fuel range and a single wall over or (c) a 48 inch cooktop and a double wall oven. Family of 5 and I like to entertain - more of a cook than baker.

2. Can potentially get a huge deal on Kitchenaid pro series - not quite the cache of higher end brands - but similar features and look. Any thoughts or experience with this line?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[splatgirl]

To me, the usefulness of the full-sheet pan size oven plus the smaller side oven on my 48" dual fuel is the best configuration with the least amount of real estate. I cook and entertain for large groups on a regular basis and I've never even sort of had an oven space problem. I can't imagine ever needing another separate wall oven. Turns out that smaller side oven is way more practical than I ever imagined.
I love but could live without having the six burners and grill on a 48", but I could NOT live without a full sheet size oven, so I guess If I were going the cooktop/wall oven route I'd go with a 36" cooktop and 36" wall ovens.

[wekick]

The older I get, I kinda like the wall oven ;-))
I am just conditioned to half sheets because that is what I have used for so many years in smaller ovens and many times I load them and put them in the frig. They also sit flat in my sink. We frequently cook for 30+ and for 60 or more a few times a year so I could see a use for full sheets though. Sometimes I think I would like 8 burners as well!

[wekick]

As far as configuration, I have a 36 inch DF plus a 30 inch wall oven with the oven so that it is waist level and I do like it. I use the wall oven most of the time but use the range oven mostly when entertaining or for things that need to cook a long time with minimal attention. I would also consider the rangetop and two separate ovens. You would then have the choice of each component on it's merits and if one oven goes out you would still have a remaining oven. Also if the oven goes out at some point, you don't have to replace the whole range.

I don't have experience with KA ranges or oven but you might look at this forum.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/

I do have a KA frig which works well but the fit and finish is not great. One door sticks out about a quarter inch further than the other on a 48 inch built in. They said the gasket on one side was too big but it is just manufactured that way. They ordred a new gasket and replaced it but it was the same. In that process the door was screwed up and they replaced it but it still sticks out.

[wattacetti]

Vote for two ovens, either range + single wall oven or two wall ovens. You might not bake as much but two ovens provide a whole lot of flexibility especially for roasting and finishing.

Size of the cooktop depends on your cooking style and how many pots/pans you will have going concurrently (I've routinely done six items when entertaining).