Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, the room where you gather with all your family and friends, why not make the space feel *extra* special by creating a focal point with a statement element? You could achieve this through art, an amazing countertop, or over-the-top backsplash tile, but why not dress up the range and have a colorful range? This is the perfect place to add some serious eye candy! And while the price tag may seem high on some of these options, if it’s doing all the work of personalizing your kitchen, you might actually save money in the end by having the other elements stay simple and more cost-effective!

Bluestar – Bluestar is one of my favorite brands for a specialty range. The company has been in business since 1880 and has top-of-the line performance, craftsmanship and customization. Let’s dig in a little on why you just might need this in your kitchen:

Performance: Special Features

– 25,000 BTU Burners

– Gentle Simmer Burner

– Integrated Wok Cooking

– Extra Large Convection Ovens

– Commercial Style Design

– Durable Construction

Craftsmanship:

– Built in the U.S. for over 130 years. Can you believe some
original models are still in service today?!

– In 1950 the Bluestar (previously called Prizer) introduced its advanced two-coat/one-fire enameling system. 

– Constructed of the highest-quality commercial grade stainless steel and specialized features “delivers true restaurant performance to the home chef”.

– Can truly be personalized to fit your needs.

 

CUSTOMIZATION:

– The ranges come in a variety of sizes, from 24” to the granddaddy of ranges at a whopping 60” (you read that right! *five feet* of cooking space!)

– You can configure your cooktop with a built-in griddle, charboilers, or even French Tops. Check it out!

– There are a variety of burner layouts to chose from, so you can choose the one that works the way you work.

– If you do not find a color that suites you from their 750 color options and textured finishes, you can send in a favorite color and have a custom stove made that is unique to you!

– If having a colored range is too much of a commitment, you can also have it made in one of ten lovely metal colors (which includes copper, brass and stainless steel) or just add colorful knobs.

I’d say the only problem here is that there might be *too many* options (remember, that is where a design team like ours can help 😉).

 

 

Starting cost at $3,195 for a 24” Culinary Series Sealed Burner Range
to $14,495 for a 60” RNB Series with 12” Charbroiler or 12” Griddle.

If you’re interested in checking these beauties out, take a look at any of the local Albert Lee Appliance locations. They are located in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Seattle and Tukwila.

 

 

BIG CHILL – Big Chill is another noteworthy brand. They offer three different collections to suite your kitchen needs. The company was founded by Orion Creamer in 2003 with the perfect goal in mind, “to bring cheer to the heart of the home” and we couldn’t agree more! They are designed, manufactured and shipped from Pennsylvania – bonus, supports American manufacturing 🙂 With three different collections it’s easy to find A STYLE THAT you WILL love!

Retro Collection:

– This vintage inspired collection offers throwback design features such as classic pivoting handles, stamped metal body, chrome trim and fun colors that make this line the perfect way to transport your space to another time.

– Powder coated for a durable surface.

– Available in 8 standard colors or choose from over 200 custom colors – what?!

–Largest oven capacity on a 30” stove and will accommodate a commercial size baking sheet. (This is important because truly vintage ovens were actually really little… hence The Legend of the Ham Pan

– Full motion grates let you slide pots & pans from front to rear burners. 

– Available in natural gas or propane.

COST STARTS AT $4595 for a 30” Retro Stove to $5795 for a 36” stove.

 

Pro Collection:

– Clean lined, this collection is perfect for the transitional and modern home.

–  Features: 30,000 BTU oven, a true 15,000 BTU infrared broiler, and 8 burners ranging from simmer to 21,000 BTU.

– Available in 9 standard colors or 200 custom colors.

– Available in natural gas or propane.

COSTS START AT $3495 for a 30” Pro Range to $5595 for a 48” Pro Range.

 

 

 

Classic Collection:

– This range has an industrial feel that can fit almost any design style!

–  Features delicious textured metals like brushed brass and copper.

– Professional level power up to 18,000 BTUs.

– Large capacity oven.

– Available in natural gas or propane.

– Available standard in 6 timeless colors and 3 metal trim options or over 200 custom color options.

Starting cost at $4995 for a 30” Classic Stove to $7995 for a 48” Classic Stove.

 

If one of these lines seems perfect for you, visit Metropolitan Appliance in Seattle to see these in person!

 

 

SMEG – You may recognize this next brand, widely known for its iconic retro appliances. SMEG was founded in 1948 by Vittorio Bertazzoni, Sr. from Guastalla, Italy. The company is still run by the third generation of Bertazzoni’s today. What I bet you didn’t know (I didn’t know this either!) is that the name SMEG is derived from its Italian roots – the original name being,”Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla,” or the “Guastalla Emilia Enamel Works.”

There are six beautiful lines carried by SMEG. I’ll touch on just a few of my favorites:

Last but certainly not least, even though it doesn’t actually include ranges, I have to include the 50’s Retro Style line. I’ll bet this is what initially came to your mind when I said “SMEG” (it’s definitely what I thought of first!). While it may not include a range, this iconic line carries everything from fridges to small appliances like toasters in tons of fun color options. If you’re craving color or that vintage vibe and a specialty range isn’t in the budget, this line gives you a great way to get a charming pop of color and personality!

 

While there is not a local showroom you can purchase their 50’s Retro Style line from many retail stores like Williams-Sonoma and West Elm (or check out one of their showrooms next time you’re in Chicago or New York!).

I hope this got those wheels spinning for your next kitchen remodel or update, helping you think beyond the counters and backsplash as you decide how to make your kitchen truly your own! The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to hear what wonderful choices you made for your own remodel!

May your home (ESPECIALLY YOUR KITCHEN) ALWAYS BE HAPPY!