Sealed burners vs open burners

Please, what are your thoughts on these? Which do you prefer and why? Thanks.

I'm trying to decide between a 30" gas range from Viking (open) and Wolf (sealed).

Also, which would be better for wok cooking, or are they both equally good? The oven in the Wolf is supposed to be slightly larger - should that be a big criteria in my choice? Thanks.

Brgds

[momoreg]

Go for the Wolf. It is a much sturdier design. Sealed burners are good, because there's less to clean if you have a big spill. More oven space is always a plus. As long as the burners are the same BTU and the same spacing, there is no difference for wok cooking.

[Pooh]

Woops..

[ April 23, 2001: Message edited by: pooh ]

[Pooh]

Like Momo, I prefer sealed burners, easier cleaning is a big factor for me. And I use my wok all the time! Oven space is also a plus.

Hi momoreg and pooh,
Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate hearing from some experts! I do like the look of the Viking, but I'm leaning more and more towards the Wolf. I'm looking at high end models so I wanted to be sure to get as much feedback as possible before making a decision because I'd have to live with my choice for a good many years to come! Thanks again.
Brgds,

It isn't true that if the BTU rating is the same that's all that matters for heating. BTU ratings are input ratings; i.e., they are about how much gas is consumed. Sealed burners put out less heat for equivalent BTU. Since I never spill (and when I do, it still isn't a big deal to clean) I'm going for a Garland. (Here's a puzzle, why do they make "professional" ranges for the home that won't hold a sheet pan?

[foodnfoto]

Manufacturers don't make home-style range/ovens large enough to hold a full-sized sheetpan because they assume the home user has little use or storage space for such large pans. Their use requires a speed rack of some sort to hold them. By the way, even when the ovens I use are large enough, I prefer to use two half-sized pans. They don't warp as easily, are sturdier and conduct heat more evenly. Also, they are easier to wash, store and tote around (absolutely necessary in my biz.)

Nice to see your posts, David. I remember enjoying your writing for "The Independent".
-Transplanted NC native

[Jill Reichow]

I just bought a Dacor 36" gas burner(sealed)wtih electric convection oven. I stayed away from the Viking after seeing soooo many complaints regarding their customer service and flames issues on the burners. The stores we checked all confirmed what we had read. Viking used to be build by Viking, but now is a mismash of different parts from major companies. I can't give rave reviews yet. as the darn thing is in a box in the garage. I do like the side of the voer though......

[Jill Reichow]

I just bought a Dacor 36" gas burner(sealed)wtih electric convection oven. I stayed away from the Viking after seeing soooo many complaints regarding their customer service and flames issues on the burners. The stores we checked all confirmed what we had read. Viking used to be build by Viking, but now is a mismash of different parts from major companies. I can't give rave reviews yet. as the darn thing is in a box in the garage. I do like the side of the oven though......

[Mezzaluna]

My biggest Viking complaint is that the oven in the gas models is a bear to clean. I love the cooktop.