Currently we have a glass stove top which was present when we purchased the house.  We hate it.  It’s impossible to keep clean, and, given that it’s electric, I don’t think it cooks that well.  It takes forever to heat up a large pot of water if I am making a big batch of chicken soup.  We have a wall oven which works okay, but I find that I am often in need of two ovens as I bake a lot, particularly around the holidays.  Our new range will replace both the stovetop and wall range, making better use of the limited space in our kitchen.  Although the new range won’t be large (approximately 40” wide), it will come with dual electric ovens (each of which can cook a 26 lb turkey!) and 5 gas burners, one of which is 18,000 BTU – this should allow me to heat up a big pot of soup in a jiffy.  From an aesthetic standpoint, the new range will be far more attractive than what we currently have.

Woodinville, WA to be exact!  I saw this range featured in one of the design/home décor magazines I receive.  I loved the timeless and classic look of it.  It’s not trendy.  The other important draw was that it comes in 24 different colors!  With respect to the particular model that we selected, given that our kitchen space is not large, we were limited to a range less than 44” in width.  What I liked best about this model is that it comes with two equal-sized ovens so the overall look is balanced.  My eye was immediately drawn to it when I saw it.  My husband also liked this model best.

I learned a lot.  I had already done a fair amount of on-line research about the different ranges out there as well as about LaCanche.  I even found some internet threads where people write about their experience with a LaCanche range.  Going to the showroom allowed me to see, up close, the different models, learn more about their features, the accessories that come with the range, optional accessories such as griddles and grill plates, and other important things about the ordering process, warranty, service and parts.  I also learned that LaCanche ranges are entirely mechanical – no computer chips or anything like that – so if something goes wrong, it is likely because a part has worn out.  Learning about the different oven options led me to select the particular model I did.  Prior to visiting the showroom, I wasn’t sure which model to select because it wasn’t entirely clear to me from reading through their brochure which oven arrangement would best suit our needs.

Lead and shipping time!  Each range is built to order in France.  Because the demand for this brand has increased significantly over the last year, we were told that there is at least a 10 week lead time after our order is placed.  Add an additional 4 -10 weeks for delivery, depending on whether you select air or sea freight, and you are looking at 5 months before the range arrives if you select with the most cost effective shipping option.

My next step is to decide on a color (I’ve narrowed it down to two) and then order.  I’ve done enough research on-line and by visiting other showrooms to know that no other brand appeals to me as much in terms of appearance, functionality, and cost.  This range is surprisingly well-priced.  It’s less expensive than some American brands and is definitely better priced than LaCornue.

Do your research.  I did a lot of research on-line.  From there, I identified several brands which appealed to me aesthetically and came in colors I was considering as I knew that I did not want stainless steel.  It then came down to whether the brand/model offered a double oven.  From there, price and value were the ultimate determining factors.  Definitely visit a showroom of the range(s) you are considering.  We learned a lot from spending just over an hour at the LaCanche showroom.  Visiting the showroom also made me feel much more confident in this purchase.

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