ILVE Range Review: What We’ve Learned After 2 Years of Superior Cooking

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In 2022, we got our hands on the ILVE Nostalgie range, and let’s just say, our kitchen game has changed forever. After cooking on this beauty for 2.5 years, we have plenty to share in this Ilve range review. From its jaw-dropping design to its impressive functionality, the ILVE Nostalgie has completely transformed how we cook. So, here’s our honest review—what we love, what drives us nuts, and everything in between.

A Closer Look

1. First Impressions: The ILVE Range is A Total Showstopper

Let’s start with its looks—the Nostalgie range is a showstopper. It’s not just an oven; it’s the centrepiece of the kitchen with its Old World elegance. The brass trim and color options add a classic European touch that’s hard to find elsewhere. Every guest who steps into our kitchen is immediately drawn to its unique and timeless design – and might I say that it has completely set the tone for our entire home.

2. Usability: Beauty with a Few Quirks

The Button Controls

It’s important to talk about the controls. They’re not incredibly intuitive—an example being the oven timer operation which I had to search online to fully understand. We found the clock a bit hard to figure out at first, but if you’re looking for how to do that, watch Ilve’s video below.

ILVE Range Review: Decoding the Multifunction Knob

The ILVE Range includes a multifunction knob, which to be honest was the largest learning curve of the range. The range offers multiple oven settings that allow for diverse cooking and baking experiments. There are different settings for batch cooking, pizza, quick pre-heat and more. I’ve included some resources from Ilve below for some guidance.

Cooking with the ILVE Nostalgie range has been a delightful experience, thanks in part to its multifunction knob. Let’s break down what each setting does and how it can elevate your cooking game:

1. Pizza Mode
  This mode automatically sets the oven to 480°F, combining various elements to give you a perfectly crispy and delicious pizza every time. We use this setting when baking Pizza because it also provides the optimal heat source – 30% of heating from the top and 100% of heating from the bottom.

1. Conventional Oven Mode
  This is your classic oven setting. It uses both the upper and lower heating elements, without a fan, to provide traditional baking and roasting results. This is the function I use when baking casseroles.

1. Lower Element Mode
  Perfect for slow cooking, this mode heats from the base of the oven, making it ideal for dishes that require long, gentle cooking. To be honest, I have never used this setting.

1. Upper Element Mode
  This is your classic broil setting. Great for browning and finishing dishes, this setting uses the top heating element to melt toppings or give your food a nice, golden finish.

1. Conventional Grilling
  Use this mode for a full upper element heat, perfect for grilling meats and vegetables. It’s also the setting to use if you’re working with the rotisserie.

1. Hot Air Grilling
  This mode combines the fan with the upper grill element, circulating hot air throughout the oven to ensure even grilling.

1. Convection Heating Mode
  This is the setting I use the most. Both the top and bottom elements work with the fan to provide consistent heat, making it great for baking bread and cakes that need even temperatures throughout. I always set the oven to 25 degrees less than what the recipe calls for and make sure to check it frequently as this mode bakes quickly.

1. Advanced Hot Air Mode
  Ideal for batch baking or cooking complete meals, this setting offers superior heat distribution compared to a conventional oven, sealing in flavors quickly and evenly.

1. Quick Start and Defrost Function
  Need to defrost something quickly? This mode uses fan-driven air circulation to speed up the process without drying out your food like a microwave might. I also use this to preheat the oven, it is much quicker than heating using the other settings. Just make sure to switch it to your other cooking mode when you’re ready to bake.

Burner Woes: The Lowdown on the Big Burner and Fast Heating

One hiccup we’ve noticed is with the large burner. The low setting on this burner often shuts off because it trips the safety valve. This means you can’t simmer anything on it, as the safety feature doesn’t register the low temperature. Major bummer for slow-cooking enthusiasts. If you need to simmer something, make sure to use the smallest burner on the lowest heat mode.

Another thing to mention in this Ilve range reviews is the high heat of the burners. Think industrial cooking. They bring water to a boil very quickly ( much better than our previous glass cooktop ovens). They sear meat like a dream. I will say to take note of how hot they are and watch your food. I burned a lot of dishes in the beginning of cooking with our Ilve range.

Small Oven Perks: The Handy Little Sidekick

My 48-inch model sports a smaller secondary oven which is a fantastic addition. It’s quick to heat and excellent for smaller baked items, operating similarly to a high-end toaster oven. It took me a while to find the right pans to fit into this little oven, so make sure to opt for no more than 8.5″ wide. My 8 inch pans fit in the oven but my 9″ pans do not.

The Griddle: Heavy-Duty and Loved

One of our favorite features is the griddle. It’s heavy, holds temperature like a pro, and is fantastic for making a variety of dishes. The quality of the griddle truly stands out, making cooking a delightful experience. We love batch cooking pancakes, sourdough english muffins, and grilled sandwiches.

Safety First: Toddler-Friendly Design

With a toddler in the house, safety is paramount. While our little one can turn the oven on using the front buttons, the stove is a different story thanks to the built-in safety measures. This gives us some much-needed peace of mind, just make sure to check to keep an eye on the oven.

Connectivity with Distributors

I should also mention, for those looking to purchase, Ilve has a new distributor, which is good to know for customer service and warranty matters. So far, my interactions have been positive and prompt—a small detail that goes a long way for high-end appliances.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment

The ILVE Nostalgie range has its quirks, but its beauty and functionality, once mastered, make it a worthwhile investment. Be prepared for a few initial challenges, but trust us, you’ll grow to love this impressive kitchen appliance.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your cooking game with style and precision, the ILVE Nostalgie range might just be your perfect match.

Pans that fit the small ILVE oven

When looking for pans that fit the smaller oven on the 40″ or 48″ range, make sure to find pans that are 8.5″ wide or less. Some good things to search for are ‘toaster oven pans’ or ‘8 inch pans’. Feel free to take a look through our favorite ILVE small oven pans below.

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Commonly Asked Questions

What Sets ILVE Ranges Apart?

ILVE ranges bring a bit of Italian flair to the kitchen, and I find that it’s not just about cooking—it’s about style, too. Their ranges boast handcrafted elements, tailored colors and finishes, and have a certain artisanal quality you don’t get with just any appliance.

How Does ILVE Compare with Wolf?

Comparing ILVE to Wolf, you might find both provide exceptional quality and performance. However, ILVE often wins hearts with its distinctive design and user-friendly features. Although Wolf may have a strong reputation, ILVE definitely puts up a solid fight, especially with their modern distributor enhancing customer experience.

User Insights on ILVE Range Durability

Talking about long-term use, I’ve heard from owners their ILVE ranges have impressive longevity. Many especially appreciate the sturdy construction and the consistent performance over time.

Top Features of ILVE Nostalgie Range

Aesthetic Appeal: With its classic design, the ILVE Nostalgie range is a knockout—retro knobs and chic aesthetic can transform a kitchen.
Functionality: Beyond looks, it’s equipped with powerful burners, precision control, and user-friendly operation.

ILVE Range Noise Levels During Use

ILVE ranges impress with their whisper-quiet operation. Even when the oven’s on full blast or the burners are doing their thing, the noise is minimal. It’s perfect for open-plan spaces where you wouldn’t want your cooking to drown out conversations.

The Origin of ILVE Ranges

ILVE ranges hail from Italy, where they’re manufactured with the utmost care. The craftsmanship reflects years of Italian tradition and pride in creating high-quality kitchen appliances. And now, with a new distributor, getting your hands on one has never been easier. I hope this ILVE range review has been helpful in helping you decide on your next oven.