French ranges are known for their classic style and elegant beauty – they seem to be popping up in American kitchens left and right! If you’re considering purchasing a French range, I hope you will enjoy this review! Spoiler alert: we love it!
French Range Review
Over the past year, I have received so many questions about our La Cornue CornuFé French range, but I have been hesitant to share a review until I fully broke our stove in. Well, today is the day…Let’s talk all about my French range review!
Let’s start off with: I love it.
I love every single bit of it. There isn’t one detail that makes me go “eh”.
Design wise, it is lovely. It is a total show stopper – I love the brass elements that continue to develop a beautiful patina, and I love the way the stainless steel adds a modern twist to the vintage design of the stove.
I am so glad we decided to splurge on this element in my kitchen design, it is beautiful and one of my most favorite things in our home.
Throughout writing this post I learned that the La Cornue stove was actually the very first convection oven! It was developed by La Cornue’s Albert Dupuy in 1908! You can read more about their story here, the video is really incredible! They truly value the craftsmanship and creative aspect of each stove.
But back to business, let me answer some of your questions!
Table of Contents
- French Range Review
- Where to Purchase A French Range?
- What Color White Is Our Range?
- Missing An Oven Window:
- What Cooking Settings Does the CornuFé Offer?
- Can You Broil Food In A CornuFé?
- Does a French Range Require Gas or Electrical Power?
- What Is The Cooking Power of A French Range?
- Do You Have to Buy Special Cookie Sheets?
- Beautiful Kitchenware
- The Cornue Does Have ONE Drawback:
Where to Purchase A French Range?
We purchased our La Cornue CornuFe from Williams-Sonoma online. It was really simple, and the white glove delivery was quite nice. If I remember correctly, they estimated a few months before the stove could be delivered, but we actually received it within weeks.
Although you can purchase the stove from Williams-Sonoma, you can also search for local vendors that carry La Cornue. I know that local mom-and-pop appliance stores would be more than grateful for the business of such a large item.
They may even be willing to offer a discount to you. You might say something like, “We know we could purchase this elsewhere, but we really want to support local business, is there any way we can negotiate on the price?”
What Color White Is Our Range?
I have received quite a few questions inquiring about the exact color of our range. We purchased the ivory color with brass and stainless steel accents.
Someone asked if I thought the ivory stood out against the white cabinets in a negative way.
I have to say, I was worried about the same thing, but it doesn’t stand out at all. In fact the variation in white adds a bit of depth and character to the kitchen, I really like the different tones of white.
Missing An Oven Window:
Until I started writing this post, I had forgotten all about the missing window. In short – I do not miss the window.
Although I am sure a window is in some ways useful, I find that checking food is much more reliable when opening the door (with window or not) and properly checking doneness / temperature of food with a thermometer or knife.
What Cooking Settings Does the CornuFé Offer?
I mentioned that one of the two ovens on the CornuFe offers seven cooking options to choose from. They include: thaw & serve, convection, convection broiling, convection assist, conventional oven, browning, and warming.
I typically use the convection setting, but having all of these settings is very nice.
The other oven is a single-setting oven which allows you to simply select a set temperature. This is handy for fuss-free baking. Its simplicity is also very husband friendly. ;)
Can You Broil Food In A CornuFé?
I heard a rumor that you cannot broil with the CornuFe, but that is not the case. The Cornufe features two ovens, one of which has 7 settings to choose from. It offers a convection broiling setting as well as a browning setting, both are fantastic.
Does a French Range Require Gas or Electrical Power?
The short answer is: both. The range is both gas & electrical powered. The ovens are powered with electricity, and the cook top is powered with gas. If you are remodeling, this shouldn’t be a problem because you can ask your contractor to make sure that gas and electric power is available for the stove; however, if you are simply replacing an old stove and do not have gas already installed, this may be a bit of a problem for you.
What Is The Cooking Power of A French Range?
We have found that this range is incredibly powerful and cooks things very quickly. If a recipe calls for 12 minutes, I usually check at 8. We are above 5,000 feet, and should have installed the high elevation package…but we didn’t! I haven’t noticed any adverse side affects.
We switched over from a very old electrical stove and I was amazed at how much better the La Cornue range cooks. I didn’t think I would really notice that big of a difference while cooking, but it has been night and day. I have been completely blown away by the La Cornue.
Do You Have to Buy Special Cookie Sheets?
Your range will come with multiple slide-in baking racks and trays. The trays and racks are specifically made to slide into little slots on the side of the oven’s interior (sort of like shelves).
I use these baking racks as cookie sheets, but you could also use regular cookie sheets placed on top of the wire baking racks.
I absolutely love this feature. It is probably one of my favorite things about the oven. This feature allows for very even cooking and baking. Have you ever experienced a slightly askew baking tray leaving you with lopsided cakes or dishes? I have! The La Cornue baking racks and trays perfectly slide-in for even cooking and baking, they are fabulous!
I almost never cook anything without using a Silpat baking mat. They are one of my favorite kitchen tools and prevent me from having to wash the baking trays after each use.
Beautiful Kitchenware
What About Thanksgiving?
Let’s talk about cooking for the holidays with a French range. In short, I find that for the size, the CornuFé is much more versatile than a standard oven. The CornuFé offers two ovens making it easy to cook a variety of foods at once. In addition, the slide in baking racks allows for you to cook more in one oven than you would normally be able to.
You can cook layers of casseroles in one oven all at once because of the professional circulation of heat within the oven. You don’t have to worry about one casserole burning while the others remain raw.
While you’ve got your casseroles going, you can use the other oven to bake a turkey or ham. While the oven may not be incredibly deep, it is quite tall and can comfortably house a large turkey without problem.
In my opinion, this range is a great option for holiday cooking, and doesn’t add any restriction that should be noted.
The Cornue Does Have ONE Drawback:
We can’t cook a take and bake pizza in the oven without cutting it in half first. This honestly doesn’t bother me at all, but I thought I would mention it in the case that you care very much about take and bake pizzas.
The ovens simply aren’t deep enough to fit a 16″ circular shape within them, so we simply cut the pizzas in half or allow one side to slightly bend up. The pizza is of course still delicious!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about our CornuFé range! In case you can’t tell, I really love it! Not only does is produce wonderfully cooked foods, but it also serves as a beautiful piece of art in the kitchen! If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments, I will be sure to answer! Have a lovely day, thanks so much for stopping by!
Read Next: How to Select the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash
I also purchased a royal blue cornufe as a floor model on sale! I knew I was doing dark blue/ gray/black on my bottom cupboards and white on top but I bought the stove on the spot bc I could not pass it up! I’m so happy I did, my course complement each other in the same way your whites do! I love this stove for all the same reasons you do! We can’t eat the store bought pizza anyways, so we make our own and just make smaller ones.
Jessica Andres
Hi Chloe! Your kitchen is beautiful and the stove looks incredible. Would you mind sharing the size of hexagon tile you used on your backsplash and the source? I’m obsessed. Thank you!
Thank you so much! Yes of course, here is a link. We used 1" honed hex from Builder Depot! https://www.thebuilderdepot.com/carrara-hexagon-mosaic-tile-1quo1.html
I love the look of these ranges but $10.5k for an oven hurts my soul!
It was definitely a splurge! I have heard of some scoring floor models or sourcing from kitchen outlet stores for a discount!
This information was so helpful. I have plans to bring a La Cornue to my farm here is California but I was hesitant, only because I hadn’t heard any personal reviews. You’ve confirmed I’ve made the right decision. Thanks! Sandy Sheldon, Making ROCK HAVEN FARM
Hi Sandy – this review was very honest, we truly love it. We haven’t experienced any problems with it yet, and I hope we don’t encounter any! I hope you love your new stove as well. Now, if you ask me about concrete countertops…we have another story :P
Oh man…I really wanted you to say you hated it because I’ve been dying to get one when we need to remodel again!! But it is such a splurge!! Guess I’m gonna have to put it on my next kitchen wish list after all, it’s such a beautiful, and sexy appliance when they can be so boring. Thanks and my husband says “why did you have to see that post?” Sorry love!
Haha I am sorry to your husband! I mentioned in a comment below that I have heard of some people scoring deals at outlet retailers. I would contact a local mom&pop shop and see if they’d be willing to offer a discount. Since it’s such a large ticket item you never know!
Are the two drawers on the bottom for storage?
Jodi – I am not sure if they it is meant for storage, but that is what I use it for. I keep my cutting boards there.
Thank you for your insight! I see so many reviews of folks unhappy with repair costs and maintenance. As we plan our remodel, however, I think this is just the centerpiece to design around.
Michelle – I should note that we haven’t encountered any need for repairs yet, so I can’t add much insight here. I am sure when the day comes it will be difficult and expensive, but we live so rural, I have a feeling it would be the same story for any appliance!
Will the ovens fit a large enamel pot like a Staub? We are looking at either an Aga or the La Cornufe, and I am seriously falling in love with the La CornuFe!
Hi Cecilia – yes they absolutely do! They make such beautiful stoves and truly functional. This year I managed to cook 6 cobblers at once using both sides of the oven. It was wonderful!
Gorgeous kitchen! Do the oven door knobs or stovetop knobs get hot when in use? Naturally all doors will get warm but wondering more specifically about the knobs and if you have to use a mit when opening or igniting if the oven is on. Thx!
Hi Danielle – great question! No, they do not get hot, they don’t even get warm to the touch actually!
It looks like your range should be raised a half an inch, so that the porcelain top is even with the top of the adjacent countertop. Do the legs allow this adjustment? Our CornuFé is coming in one week and we are really excited to see our project all come together!
Could you please give me the specifics on the cabinet hardware I really think they complement the oven
Hello Linda, thank you! here is a link for the hardware: https://rstyle.me/+H0m69wp6nKqfR4GB7N61pw
Hi Chloe,
Will 9×13 baking pans fit the ovens? I love the CornuFe and we are deciding whether to go with it. Thank you!
HiVicki – yes it sure does! It just won’t fit a 13×13 (not sure it that’s even a real thing). I think you’d love it! Lmk what you decide on! Best, Chloe
Hi, Could you clarify why it wouldn’t fit 13X13? The published specs are 16.9 W x 14.6 D. I’m trying to figure out whether my Le Creuset Braiser will fit or my 7.25 qt dutch oven. How much of that 16.9 width X 14.6 depth is unusable?
Hi! This kitchen is dreamy! A question with the CornuFe – do you miss a window on the front of the oven? If you open and close to check on the food, does the temperature still hold pretty good?
Chloe,
Thank you so much for your detailed and honest review. I am currently in the middle of a kitchen update, and I am decided on La Cornue, but torn between the 90 (large single oven) and the 110 (two small ovens). I appreciated your explanations on the size, and have one more question I was hoping you would answer. Based on my measurements, a classic full sheet/jelly roll pan will not fit. A half sheet will, no problem. You mentioned the oven came with baking sheets – what quality and how many? And if you do use baking sheets/cookie sheets of your own, what size do you use?
I agree with you, the quality of this range is far superior (heavy duty and very well made) compared to other stoves that have a similar aesthetic, as someone who would like the flexibility of a dual-oven stove when the opportunities arise, I want the two stove design, but the small dimensions give me pause. Thank you for sharing about the turkey fitting, and I would not mind slicing a pizza in half, or just making two smaller pizzas :). Your kitchen is lovely and so very warm and welcome. Thank you again for sharing your experience – my attention was caught immediately when you shared six cobblers fit inside – that is awesome!
I am remodeling and would love to buy this range! It’s been difficult to find reviews. I even purchased a subscription to Consumers Report just for reviews on this range and they didn’t have any.My husband is finding all kinds f negative reviews so seeing yours was such a relief. I have a few questions:
– Does it have a self cleaning oven? If not are there special instructions and cleaners required?
– I read there are special oven lights required that are quite expensive if not diligent about turning off the light, not having a window doesn’t help. Are they easily available?
– Some reviews were from people who had nothing but problems and repairs were needed quite often. Are local repair guys able to deal with the repairs or would I need to find a specialty repairman?
Thank you so much for taking the time to review this GOREGOUS range!!!
I bake bread and wonder if I can get my baguette pans in that oven. What are the dimensions?
I am considering on of these. If you cook for a lot of people do you feel you might also need wall ovens? In order to do multiple casseroles, desserts and such at once? Thanks for the review. Oh and have you had any issues that needed repair? How is cleaning it? Do you need anything special? Do the setting numbers and such rub off? I have an Italian stove now and it’s awful and the setting markers rubbed off very early and I hate it.
I would to hear if you are still so in love with your la Cornufe? We are seriously considering getting one. I’m curious to know why you didn’t choose the simply white? We too are going with white cabinetry (and light wood). I know everyone gets a little freaked out about the cost but when you look at the cost of a double wall oven and an high end cooktop, which all will surely bring you visits from the repairman, it’s not really more expensive.
Hi Sher, happy holidays! Yes, I do love it! We have not had any problems with it, and it’s fabulous. I love the cookie sheets where I can layer many in and bake roasted veggies or cookies in bulk at once. I love being able to do a turkey on one side and everything else on the other. Cons – not self cleaning, so to clean it, you have to manually do it (not really that big of a deal for me). Also you have to open to see what’s happening while baking, which lets heat out. However, this is also not a big deal to me. Pros – it’s beautiful, a fantastic oven and stove, it cooks evenly, and over the last 5 years we have had zero problems (knock on wood!). As for color – I simply selected was was available at Williams-Sonoma – I didn’t even realize there were other colors. I am happy with the Blanc color we have, but all of the shades of white are lovely. I know it’s a huge investment, so spending a lot of time selecting the right color is important, but I think you’d be happy with any of them! Let me know if you get one! :)
Hello! I also live at high elevation (9000 ft). Have you found that you’ve had to adjust the oven temperature for baking sweets or baking in general? Typically, when baking sweets like cakes and cookies, etc., I increase the temp by about 20 degrees and decrease the time by about 10 minutes with a “regular” oven. I’m wondering if this is also needed with a La Cornue. Thanks!
what color and brand of cabinet did you purchase? I love the combination with the stove!
Thank you for the helpful post! Is the exact color “Ivory” or
“Blanc”? Williams Sonoma has both listed as a choice. Thanks
Mine is the ivory :)
Hello,
I love your kitchen and I really am interested in your range. The only ones that I have been able to get my hands on are older models at William’s Sonoma. One issue we have noticed and read about is the cheap-feeling knobs. All of the nobs seem to wiggle a lot if you grab and move it up and down. Some reviewers have stated that this has been fixed on later models but I have no way of confirming. Please let me know what you think.
Best Regards,
John
We just had our CornueFe 90 delivered and installed. The knobs are very heavy and not wobbly at all, it had been a concern of mine also. We went with the 90 instead of the 110, the cooktops are the same on both (we have induction). Delivery took seven months for ours but was worth it. We replaced a 36″ cooktop with the range so it was an easy retrofit. We got Provence Blue and had many second thoughts but love it now. In June the color offering will change but we have no remorse. BTW we got polished chrome which is less traditional than the brass – both are beautiful. It was interesting to watch the range being leveled and ours is perfect with counter height. It is done with a drill from the front. Our installation through the dealer (Ferguson) was meticulous.
Hello John
We thought the same thing about loose knobs. The ones on display are broken inside the knob and that is why they are loose. A new stove will have knobs that do not wiggle around. If you have that problem from over use, they sell replacements thru la cornue supplier. However, your home use wont match and break like the display ones in stores.
In the end,how much did it cost? Also, what would have been your 2nd less expensive option in a stove/range? I’ve been told by our contractor that stainless is the more luxurious look.what are your thoughts on this? Thanks for sharing!!!
It makes me laugh when contractors play designer…the term “stay in your lane” comes to mind :P I definitely think a stainless option can be beautiful, Zline is nice looking for a much lower price point. I like a 48″ range, definitely *not* a cooktop. It ended up being about $10,000 all said and done. Many 48″ ranges are much more than that – but Zline is a bit less. I would avoid “italian” white ranges or look-a-likes (like Cafe).
Your friend, Julie, notes that the lacanche electric convection oven (even though it is electric convection and not gas) still has hot spots that made her baked goods cook unevenly due to the convection fan being located in the back of the oven and not all around the oven. Does this problem exist with the La Cornue? Secondly, would the double ovens on the la cornue chateau be bigger than in the Cornufe?
Thank you for your helpful post!
I am building a new home and planning to buy a CornuFe range. I currently have a 48 inch Wolf range. My biggest complaint is that it takes up to 20 minutes to preheat. Does it take long to preheat a CornuFe?
5 minutes to get right oven to 375!!!
I am so excited I found you! We had our range installed a week ago so I was googling Tips and Tricks to LaCornue. It brought me to you and I love your style. Wondering how long it will take me to memorize the left oven options:) I cant wait to try your recipes in our new piece of art!! Novice here, what is the trivet rack used for??
Hi there – just came upon your review and have just moved into a house with a Cornufe 110. Have you found any roasting pans and slide right into the slots in the oven? I have a large-ish pan i use to roast and also make lasagna, and it won’t fit the in oven. Trying to figure where to find items that can slide in!
Thanks!
Hello Jourdan, What a treat! I believe they need to be purchased directly from La Cornue, I do not think there are any out there that slide in. I use this one from Williams sonoma which sits on one of the racks in the oven: https://rstyle.me/+tGQQ73kaXZBtpDv4ACwb_A I hope that helps!
Hi, Thanks for the review. I was wondering how things went ordering from Williams Sonoma? I’m guessing that you did not have installation at the time of delivery since it was there in weeks. Did you end up with the ‘white glove installation’ at a later date? I’m ordering early considering all that’s going on at the moment. Thanks!
Hi Cindy, it was delivered a month or so early, then our contractors installed it when ready so I guess we did not get the true white glove! Hope that helps!
Hello- I love this stove, but I’m having a hard time with the doors swinging out rather than down. I feel like I would end up burning my whole arm on the door when reaching in. Has that ever been a problem. Thanks so much!
That has been a problem for me. you must be careful
Please consider buying from a retail store instead of online. The stores can order this item for you, provide excellent customer service, and get credit for the sale. Any sale will help the store to stay open.