Before Kev and I were engaged 9 years ago, I told him no fancy rings. Not that we had any money for fancy. One simple ring was more than sufficient. But one day, when we were older and more settled, I told him I wanted 4 (or more) blue rings. I was asking for a range. Stainless steel. Heavy grates. Fiery hot gas. I grew up in a home with electric bullseye burners eventually replaced by a glass top, but I knew from watching Ina and Martha, the blue flames were necessary. (See below for giveaway.)
This giveaway is sponsored by Verona. After a lot of research and a glowing recommendation from our builder, we bought a Verona range and hood in spring of 2015. I’ve since partnered with Verona to giveaway their new Chef’s Pak—smart accessories for your gas range (retail value of $599). As always, all opinions are my own.
When beginning to look for appliances for the house, I had a clear picture of what I wanted in a range. Some women dream about jewelry, others dream about ranges. I guess. I wanted a clean, professional, affordable, and functional gas range with legs to hold it up off the floor. I didn’t want a computer, but a clock and timer were a must. Per the kitchen specs, it needed to be 36″ wide, preferably with a storage area for sheet pans. And finally (this is a huge finally), it had to be clean-up friendly to accommodate our many messes and my poor house-keeping skills. For all those reasons, we went with the 36″ Dual-Fuel Verona Range.
The verdict: after her first full year of heavy use, the range has lived up to my picky specifications. She still looks brand new and catches everyones eye when they walk into the kitchen. Though it should come as no surprise; she’s Italian made. Somehow Verona is still a secret in the US. I’m bent on changing that.
In a couple of my finickier recipes, I always list “know thy range” in the instructions. Because every range has a bit of a personality that will affect the outcome of a recipe. Here’s what I’ve learned about mah mah mah my Verona. When the oven is on, you can hear the hum of a fan which continues to run for about 10 minutes after it’s been turned off. This surprised me at first, but later I found out this cooling feature is common for professional ranges. The grate openings are on the larger side so small pots may wobble. But I’m talking really small pots, like 5.5″ in diameter. I recommend getting a small pot reducer (#VEMSPR). This cast iron ring sits on top of the grates to narrow the opening. Wobble no more! The low setting on the burners tends to run a little hot for a simmer. Someone tipped me off to this easy solution—slowly turn the burner towards the off position until there’s barely a flame. I also recommend getting a simmer plate (#VEMSIM). This solid cast iron plate sits on top of the grates. It’s perfect for keeping things warm, simmering, and slowly cooking grains on the low setting.
Our particular range is dual fuel, meaning gas stovetop and electric oven. Electric ovens tend to heat more evenly than gas, making it the best of both worlds. The oven itself is incredibly roomy. One rack can fit both a half and quarter baking sheet. The broil feature isn’t so hot that it burns your toast in the blink of an eye. Finally someone figured that out.
Giveaway
Verona sent over their new Chef’s Pak (retail value of $599) for me to try out plus one to giveaway! It’s a really smart set of accessories for the range. Included: (1) a digital meat probe, (2) a super professional steam basket, (3) a solid maple cutting board, (4) an extra sturdy spatula, (5) an oven mitt, (6) a seasoned stainless steel griddle. The cutting board fits snuggly in the griddle when not in use, which can be stored directly on top of the range. Smart! The handle bars on the griddle make transferring the heavy duty equipment very easy. I think I’m most excited about this steam basket for both reheating food (we don’t own a microwave) and feeding large crowds. The other day, I had all of these accessories in use at the same time, and just about deleted faux from my name. I know, I know. I took it too far. To enter the giveaway, see below.
To find a Verona distributor, head this way. Twin Cities friends, we bought ours from All Inc. Ask for Jill.
Just curious if you are still happy with the range this far in? I am looking for a new range and I am trying to find one of these in my area.
Hi Katey! We still love it! We’re now used to the sound of the fan which was hard to get used to at first. Once we figured out how to get a really low simmer, by turning it off very slowly, but not all the way off, that helped too. Outside of those two finicky things, we love it! The oven cleans sooo easily, from the top of the range to the inside of the oven to the stainless steel front. I put an oven thermometer in and the temperature on the dial, though it’s a bit of a guessing game because it lists ranges, match. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Are you still happy with your range? Does the convection fan make too much noise? Thanks for the review .
Sorry for the late reply! 5 years later and we still love this tank. As mentioned, the fan is noisy. It bothered me at first, but now we’re so used to it, I never think twice about it. The burners run hot, but you can solve that by slowly turning them to the off position to get a super low flame. The oven bakes really well—even and consistent. And the range itself cleans easily and wipes down easily throughout the week. For the price of a commercial/professional range, it’s been amazing. You definitely pay for quiet when you go up a price bracket.
I’ve had A Verona 36″ dual oven range for 5 years now. If I could do it again I would never buy one because the range make such a horrible roaring racket when oven is turned on. And also the burners burn too hot to make anything simmer and not burn. And the middle burner does not even heat up hotter than the rest of them and I wanted to do big pots there and it doesn’t work. Looks good but doesn’t work good.
Hi Melissa,
I wanted to check in and see how the Verona is holding up for you and if you still feel it was a good choice. We are starting a kitchen renovation this summer and thinking Verona might be the way to go but the reviews are very mixed. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer!!!
Hi Amelia! We’re on year 4 and it’s still going strong. We’ve learned to live with all the original quirks, like burners that run high. (You can get a really low flame if you slowly turn off the burner, but don’t actually turn it off.) The fan noise is noticeable but not loud. A neighbor just put in a higher end range and it has a fan as well that she mentioned being bothered by the noise. Though, if I remember right, it’s not quite as loud. We also keep a disk on one of the burners to use smaller pots to keep it from tipping, though I think the new ranges fixed that. It cleans so well, like really really well. And easily. I use one of those European reusable sponge/cloths and it looks squeaky clean every day. Let me know if other questions come up! Happy to help. It’s such a big decision!
Hi! Love the blog. We’re in the middle of a kitchen reno and having a heck of a time choosing appliances! I’m leaning toward the Verona range and would love to hear an update from you. Still loving it?! Thanks!
Hi Caroline! We still love ours. I think they just released an updated model with better grates. You wont need an additional piece to make a small pot fit. If you’re looking for an affordable professional commercial range, this one is great! The burners run a bit hot but you can find my trick for a lower flame in the post. It also cleans really well. The fan in the oven is a bit loud. I think that would be my biggest complaint.
Hi, how easy or hard is it to clean the oven? My research showed the Verona does not have self clean.
I use Norwex paste to clean the interior. It doesn’t have a self cleaning mode, but I’m the strange one that would never use it even if it did have the feature. The range cleans up super well, from the stovetop to the insides!
Sweet idea! Gas range and electric oven = perfect combo! Would you be willing to reveal source for your cabinets? Thanks dear! I miss mpls….We are in the burbs/country in NW metro.
We love them! Nate Berhausen did them and Brownsmith Restoration designed them.
Hi Melissa,
What appliances do you have to go along with your range? Does Verona make refrigerators or dishwashers? If not, are you happy with how they all blend together? Thanks!
-Jill (a big fan who lives in rural MN!)
Hey Jill! I still need to do a full kitchen tour. Coming soon I promise! We have a Bosch counter-depth french door fridge with the water dispenser on the inside of the fridge. And we have a Bosch dishwasher with a third row rack. I think that’s my favorite part! Or maybe it’s the time projection on the floor. We went with Bosch because they didn’t have huge (or any) logos on the front of the appliances. Super clean looking! And we don’t have a microwave.
What brand is your hood?
It’s also a Verona. I don’t see that they sell them anymore. Ours works well, but it required an extra ventilation system in order to pass code ($$). It was too powerful for residential standards which I wasn’t thinking of when I bought it. Whoops!
A range over jewelry any day!!!
I would choose a Verona range or cooktop.
I like your priorities! I “settled” (by consumerist standards, but not by my own) for an unconventional vintage ring when we got engaged. I think I’d take a great range over a ring, though.
Well, a Hobie Kayak would make my day but so would that wonderful Verona range.
We should be friends. I’ve always told my husband, for our 10th anniversary I want a canoe. We’re 2 years away!
Range for sure!
I would choose something else – a vacation with my family
I would choose a range. My husband and I are trying to buy a home for us and our 2 kids and it would make a great addition to my kitchen!
Thanks for the chance to win the prize pack! We are in desperate need of some new kitchen tools.
I remember the day my neighbor had her emerald green enamel range delivered- I must have been 10 – my mom my have been a touch green with envy- a good range is such an asset! Love the post, and the Verona!
a range sounds way better than jewelry!!
I would most definitely choose a range!
A range for me.
I would choose a range for to upgrade our kitchen.
I would definitely chose the range. Jewelry is ok, but a range that makes my meal prep easier, produces a precise heat…LOVE Verona and would love this range!
I would choose the range!
I’d definitely choose a range! Mine is in desperate need of an upgrade!
I’d choose a range.
for SURE a range! plus, you can’t lose it down the drain 🙂
I would choose a new range. My range needs to be replaced I am looking into replacing it soon.
I would also go for a range….I’ll skip the jewelry.
wow, I’d love that range, it’s a cooks dream
I would choose a range. Mine needs an upgrade and I love spending time working/cooking in the kitchen.
A clawfoot bath tub!!!
A clawfoot bath tub!
I would choose a range. I like practical gifts.
I am so happy about this review as we are remodeling a house and this is the exact model Verona I have been eyeing. Dual fuel/ gas range is a big step for me but I know a must. I was concerned about the how high the btu was for simmer but you covered that quite nicely. Also was worried since the middle was not 18000 btu it may lack power. So glad that was not one of your issues. I feel like I can move toward making a final choice! Love your blog!
I would love a new range. Wish I could get away with wearing it as jewelry it is so beautiful.
This looks amazing! I’m still in a rental situation so anything to elevate my kitchen game is needed!
That is a great looking stove. I think you made the right choice. The accessory package looks amazing.
Definitely a range. 🙂
We moved into a house 2 years ago that has a flat top electric stove and I hate it! I had a gas stove before and miss it so much! We do have gas in the house so I could have it changed out…it’s on my to-do list!
Oh, definitely a range. Nothing makes me feel happier than a pretty piece of hard-working cookware ?
After more than 20 years of marriage, I still don’t have a ring. I would choose something for the kitchen; we really need a new refrigerator.
Definitely the range–or at least something for the house!
I need a new range desperately!
Beautiful range! I would go for that over jewelry!
I would love a gas range
Any nice appliance would do for me!
The range, no question. How much do you really use/need the jewelry anyway?
A range!
Too awesome. I’ve never had a gas range…someday!
I would definitely chose a range over a ring. And have! We lived without a range for 1 year in order to save our pennies to buy our beautiful Capital range.
Definitely a range!
Beautiful range! I would love a gas cooktop and electric oven. Best of both worlds!
I would definitely choose a range!!
I would choose a range….gas would be amazing if I could get it here where I live. I love that stainless steel griddle….I bet that would cook the most delicious salmon.
Range definitely 😉
Definitely appliances.
What a great opportunity. I just bought a new stove but I would definitely and this giveaway is perfect timing.
I love your home.
Range for sure
TOTALLY the range!
we will be getting a new house in 2 years and i would want it!
Absolutely, a range!
We are about to buy our first home and I am on the hunt for a range!
Cooking vs. jewelry is definitely a tough one, but I would die for that range!
definitely a range over jewelry 🙂
I would go for the range! …but jewelry is nice too ?
If you would have asked me that 20 years ago, when I knew no better, I’d have said jewelry. Now, I’d choose the range, by far, for sure.
I feel the same way you do, a simple (but beautiful 😉 ring and a gorgeous professional gas range. We rent now, but I can’t wait to have our own place and a beautiful kitchen!
A range!
I would choose the range and oven. That is a beauty that you have.
I would love a range.
I love it! It looks so professional and clean!
range!!
Such a great giveaway! We are currently planning a big kitchen remodel. Of course a big range will be the focus of the Reno 🙂 Can. Not. Wait!
A fabulous trip!!
Yes I would choose a new range for sure!
I would choose a range.
Gas range hands down 🙂
This would be awesome to win! We are loving our Verona double range!
Gas range ?
No microwave! That sounds like a dream.
A Vitamix is my dream appliance at the moment, but I wouldn’t turn down a range.
I miss cooking with a gas stove. It’s different.
We need a new range, our front burner has finally quit on us!
I could really use a double oven!
A range for sure!
A range, for sure. And we’re redoing our kitchen, so I’m seriously researching right now. Good to hear your review here.
A range.
Why legs? Mine has them and it seems weird to me. I do looooove my dual-fuel range though. Best of both worlds.
What I wouldn’t give for double ovens.
A range for sure!!
Definitely a range. I paid for a gas line to be put in for our gas stove as soon as we moved into our current home so I wouldn’t have to use the old electric one that came with the house.
A range! Any ring that I have in mind is inexpensive and simple – leaving plenty for a range. 🙂
Range range range! Oh yeah 🙂
Definitely a range over jewelry!
Tough choice. Really tough. I’d pick a range, but I’d also like some classes to learn how to properly use it. We have a great gas range (came with the house we live in), but my lame cooking skills don’t always make the range look good!
Your kitchen is goals! And what a giveaway! Already excited for the winner. 😀 😀
definitely a range! something i can USE!
A Range for sure
The range looks wonderful, and your description sounds like it would be a dream to work on!
The Chef would augment my kitchen supplies enormously.
I would chose a range! My current one is so outdated.
I would always choose a ring over a range but my husband wouldn’t. During our recent kitchen renovation, my husband, the domestic chef, chose a Verona (36″ with double oven). He absolutely loves it. He loves to create and try recipes he’s never cooked before. And he adores entertaining and cooking for a crowd. God bless him; I would eat cereal every night if not for him.
A range. By far
Awesome timely giveaway as I am remodeling a house! Thanks! Enjoy the blog!
We are house hunting, and all I’ve seen is mostly electric ranges…Gas is the best!! Can’t cook on jewelry, so the range is the way to go…
I would choose a hign quality range any day!
Definitely a range! Our kitchen is in desperate need of an upgrade!
First pick would definitely be a range – way more useful than jewelery
Range > jewelry
I would choose a range.
Ten years ago, I would have said jewelry. Today, I would opt for the range! How things change and priorities shift!
Beautiful!
and I’d welcome jewelry, kitchen equipment or whatever, ha
A range. No doubt. Its so pretty.
110% with you on the “blue rings” over the jewelry type 🙂
A range for sure!!!
My wife and I are looking to buy a home and it’s great to see a strong recommendation for a range! We’ll definitely keep this in mind!
We are moving into our first home this weekend!!!! I would totally pick the range right now. So dreamy!
I just bought my first house after 10 years of condo rental living. My kitchen is in fine shape, but I feel like the prior owners were more into the aesthetics and not into the functionality of the kitchen. All that to say on my short list of home improvements is a conversion to natural gas and getting a range (which I would definitely choose over a diamond any day). I’d also choose a heavy-duty range hood over a microwave above the stove any day. Can you see I have kitchen remodel on the brain??
oh a range
Range>ring 🙂 I would go for kitchen appliances over jewelry any day. Right now I’m looking for a kitchenaid standmixer
I would choose a beautiful gas range.
I would choose anything for my kitchen over jewelry any day.
Of course a range
A new gas range would be great!
A gas range!
I already have a nice range, but a new refrigerator would be amazing!!
oh, there’s no question–i’ll take anything kitchen-related over jewelry every time! 🙂
I would choose a range too. I grew up with those bullseye rings and currently have a glass cooktop, but nothing compares to a gas range.
I would want a wonderful hammered copper range hood. VENTED outside. Silly just to have one recycle air.
Jewelry is nice but a range like this would be wonderful to have!
Tough choice – but these pictures may sway me!!!
I would choose anything BUT jewelry. I would take a trip somewhere over anything else!
I have a gorgeous and very functional hood….I now need the range. I know my day is coming soon, thanks for posting about this range, I was not familiar with the name.
For my dream kitchen id have to have a gorgeous range and hood…. And a brick wall or two….
A Range for sure! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d choose a range and a new fridge. Preferably one with glass doors, because I like to see what’s in there.
I have this range and love it. So much more affordable than the other professional brands.
That is a gorgeous range. I would also choose a range!!! Goals!
Fantastic giveaway!
When my husband and I were talking about getting married, we never talked about rings… and he ended up picking out exactly what I wanted – a classic solitaire. As the years have passed and my time and love for being in the kitchen increases, all I want are new appliances. I’ve got my eye on a Vitamix at the moment, but a new range would do the trick too 🙂
I can’t wait to remodel our kitchen, thank you for the inspiration and giveaway!
I would love a great gas range to replace my glass cooktop oven
I would love a beautiful range!
I would love a range! Oh, the possibilities!
I’m right there with you about the good range over jewelry!
We have a good cooktop but I would like a bigger oven!
Definitely a range!
I would choose a high quality range.
That’s a pretty range. I have a gas cooktop and a double oven which was pretty much the only thing I had to have when we renovated our kitchen a few years back.
I don’t follow directions well. I’d rather have a good range than another piece of jewelry. Priorities!
a range