Kitchen & Bath

Pro-Style Gas Ranges

Vanities

Profiles in Stainless.

I predict that the candidate who promises a commercial range in every kitchen will be the next president. But it's a tall order to fill with prices for pro-style stoves soaring from $2,000 to infinity and beyond. Fortunately, according to a popular consumer reporting agency, there are several high-performance stainless-steel stoves under $1,500 that actually outperform far pricier brands. One of these models, the 30-inch Profile JGBP85SEHSS, retails for about $1,300 and includes cast iron burner grates, two high-output (12,000 BTU) burners, a self-cleaning oven, and a warming drawer, among other features.

GE, 800/626-2000, www.geappliances.com.  

A Range of Ranges Arranged.

With sizes including 24-inch, 30-inch, and 36-inch widths, this line of pro-style ranges will suit almost any kitchen, and at a reasonable price. The 36-inch Pro-Series P36S338BP features two high-power burners, at 15,000 and 12,000 BTUs respectively, three 9,100 BTU burners, and a precise simmer burner that adjusts between 600 and 6,000 BTUs. Sealed burners and continuous cast iron grates facilitate use and maintenance. The oven can be controlled down to 150°F for warming service. A standard-feature removable griddle spans the middle burners for cooking diner-style and stores in an integral compartment when not in use. List prices range from $1,600 down to $800 for a 24-inch, four-burner model.

Peerless-Premier Appliance, 800/858-5844, www.premierrange.com.  

A Real Pro.

Ironically, true professional equipment is not what you get in the typical pro-style range, but rather a unit designed from the ground up for residential use. The maker of BlueStar "genuine restaurant ranges" claims to produce the sole exception to that rule. And, from the looks of it, this stove means business. The model RCS304BSS is 24 inches deep for built-in compatibility and features "commercial stainless-steel construction." The all-gas stove has a recessed, ceramic infrared broiler and automatic electronic ignition with infinite-setting push-turn controls. All burners crank out 15,000 BTUs under "full motion" cast iron, porcelain-enameled grates that allow pot movement without lifting. The 30-inch-wide basic model shown lists for $2,200.

Double Duty.

This gas range kicks pro-brand butt in independent reviews, and is available in stainless steel as a $180 option. An immediately obvious feature of the Gemini MGR6772BDS 30-inch range is its double oven, capable of simultaneously cooking separate dishes at separate temperatures. Hooked up to natural gas, there's a single stovetop burner capable of 16,000 BTUs (14,000 BTU on liquid propane); that's hot enough to scare even the largest lobster. Another burner simmers at 5,000 BTU while the other two deliver 9,200 BTUs. Other features include a continuous grate and top-mounted controls. Separate upper and lower oven controls feature an electronic scrolling keypad for easy reading. The stove lists for $1,650 in stainless.

Maytag, 877/436-4642, www.maytag.com.  

Vanities

Basin in a Barrel.

It's been a while since this vanity's debut — ten years, in fact. To celebrate, this base from the Starck 1 series is being re-issued with a "genuine Macassar ebony veneer." This darkest of woods is interspersed with contrasting bands of yellow and brown, giving it a striking appearance. Brace yourself: The vanity lists for $5,250.

Duravit, 888/387-2848, www.duravit.com.  

Sixty-Inch Cabinet.

One advantage of a one-piece cabinet of this size is that more cubic inches can be dedicated to function instead of lost to the redundant partitions of a multiple cabinet assembly. The Harbour Court production vanity is large enough for two basins and plenty of storage behind a solid hardwood or thermofoil faade. Drawers feature 3/4-inch dovetailed construction and full-extension undermount slides. Custom options are delivered with the same turnaround as any other cabinet order, according to the company. Prices are in the middle range. HomeCrest Cabinetry, 574/535-9300, www.homecrestcab.com.  

Think Big.

Add water and this cabinet grows into a vanity and then some. The Brighton Arch style shown features "linen" white full overlay thermofoil door and drawer fronts, concealed hinges, and 3/4-inch wood drawer construction. With bathroom storage and organization in high demand, multiple fitted cabinets provide an ideal solution. The installation shown costs approximately $8,900 for the cabinets and molding.

Wellborn Cabinet, 256/354-7151, www.wellborn.com.

Made-to-Order.

Trend watchers report a slight decline in the carved country cabinet look. Clean, uncluttered lines characterize this Practically Basics vanity. The model shown features a white frost finish on solid beech. And although they may never be moved, the two armoire units on wheels are free to roll into the bath, bedroom, kitchen, or river with a body inside. The cabinets are built to order and are priced accordingly.