Journal
At Guild Anderson, our focus is mainly on designing kitchens and domestic spaces which look comfortable within their architectural surroundings. Our role is to strike a balance between designing kitchens which look like they belong in a period setting, and kitchens which perform brilliantly for modern day life. As such we must be sensitive in our approach towards the design of each space, and that includes knowing what appliances to specify.
When it comes to specifying cooking appliances for instance, we tend to opt for range ovens as opposed to built-in ovens. They look more appropriate in period houses. This blog will therefore favour range ovens from the Wolf range.
Background to Wolf Ranges
It was clearly a sensible business strategy for Sub-Zero to purchase the Wolf brand in 2000. Both heritage brands are at the top of their game from a quality perspective, and it stood to reason that if someone was buying a high value fridge, they’d be a soft target for a high value cooking appliance too; and vice versa. Since then, the two brands have become inseparable.
Renowned for innovative features such as their patented dual burners (which give precise unrivalled temperature control), the Wolf collection also includes integrated warming drawers, gas and induction hobs, convection ovens and coffee machines to name but a few, all built to exacting and high-quality standards.
Beyond their exceptional performance, Wolf ranges and cookers are also revered for their iconic design, with their signature red knobs and industrial style. Dual fuel ranges (which have a gas cooktop and electric convection oven) are popular with avid cooks as they provide the most consistent results, especially when baking. The more contemporary models offer sleek lines, while the traditional series (which our clients most prefer) offer a nod to their classic culinary heritage.
Key Features of the Wolf Range Oven
Grates – Each Wolf gas range top has porcelain-coated cast-iron grates which sit on tiny silicon feet to prevent scratching. These grates are arranged in a continuous design formation, enabling you to easily slide pots and pans off and onto the heat while cooking (this is usually impossible on standard cast iron grates).
Auto Spark Ignition – The Wolf spark ignition system controls each burner individually and will reignite the burner if the flame goes out, ensuring safety and convenience.
Powerful Dual Stacked Sealed Burners with Precise Flame Controls – Wolf range gas burners are well known for their performance and levels of precision, from the low simmer to fast boil. The sealed burner system also makes cleaning easy.
Wolf Grill – The Wolf grill has an infrared burner which is specifically designed to emit intense heat for grilling. This allows you to sear the outer edges of your food and seal in flavour.
Griddle – True to its USA heritage; Wolf has created a diner-style cooking surface which is thermostatically controlled to maintain consistent temperatures across its entire surface.
Large Oven Cavity – The large oven cavity is a hallmark feature for the Wolf brand.
Twin Convection for Even Temperature Distribution – Dual blowers circulate heat, and the convection oven fan motor has an independent temperature sensor to allow the motor to operate when needed to provide even temperatures in the oven cavity.
Induction Only Ranges – Wolf introduced induction ranges in 2016 and is the only brand that offers a 36-inch induction range top. Wolf induction range ovens are electric and share the same features as those that equip its dual fuel ranges.
Soft Motion Door for Safety – The exclusive Wolf spring-and-damper door system prevents the door from snapping closed or opening abruptly.
Wolf is the benchmark for home cooks looking to create professional chef dishes.
PROS of Wolf Range Cookers:
They are built like tanks.
They have a long-standing reputation for reliability and performance. They offer superior craftsmanship, innovative features, and timeless design.
Wolf’s high-power burner is positioned right on top of the low-simmer burner, offering responsive intense heat when needed, and gentle warmth when you want it. Their burners are also sealed (unlike most gas burners which have a removable cap), making them much easier to clean.
Wolf’s dual fuel ranges have a self-cleaning convection oven and a temperature probe which alerts you when your dish reaches the desired internal temperature.
Wolf’s dual fuel range model is WiFi compatible, meaning that you can control the appliance with the mobile App.
They offer induction only ranges at 911mm wide or 759mm wide, making them perfect for smaller party barn kitchens.
Since 2021 all their models come with a full 5-year warranty.
CONS of Wolf Range Cookers:
Wolf range cookers command a premium price.
They don’t offer an induction only cook top (apart from their Transition Induction range which is only 911 wide).
Wolf range ovens are quite industrial looking (which for a company like Guild Anderson who works mainly in listed English Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian country houses, can be problematic). They tend to work better in London houses in more metropolitan interiors.
The stainless-steel finish is standard; there are no alternatives for personalisation apart from the option to change the knob colour (red, black, brushed stainless, brushed grey or brushed brass).
Wolf range ovens certainly deliver on their promise of unparalleled performance and enduring quality, and they are technically more advanced that brands such as La Cornue or Officine Gullo which cost more and offer less in terms of technology and features.
The brand’s reputation for innovation and excellence along with its good customer service make Wolf a discerning choice for those who are passionate about cooking and demand only the very best appliances available.
