French ranges are timeless pieces of luxury that add elegance to any kitchen. La Cornue ranges often are associated with professional quality “chef’s ranges.” Their designs are reminiscent of vintage stoves from old European homes, and are the epitome of form and function.
Interesting facts about these extraordinary stoves are:
- La Cornue was founded in Paris in 1908 as artisan gourmand Albert Dupuy created an improved gas oven for homes. Paris was being lit by gas street lamps, and he applied that “new” technology to control the gas flow inside an oven.
- La Cornue was shorthand for the valve that controlled gas flow.
- Each La Cornue range is hand-built, custom-to-order, in an atelier 40 minutes northwest of Paris.
- Clients choose size, porcelain enamel finish, metal trim, cooktop configuration and design a one-of-a-kind couture creation.
- Each range has a custom engraved identification plate showing the one for whom it's made.
- Today, U.S. purchasers are the biggest La Cornue customer, even though the product was only introduced here in the 1990s.
- In Europe, homeowners often take their appliances with them when they move, which explains why a La Cornue is built to be passed down for generations.
- Ranges are made of cast iron, steel, brass porcelain; no plastics or digital features.
- Ranges have one gas oven and one electric oven, ensuring the best proper heat.
- Gas is a moist, lively heat best for roasting meats and poultries, while electric is a dry, stable heat best for baking.
- The CornuFé series was born in 2015 to create a more modest La Cornue, and is manufactured in preset colors and trims.
Julia Child owned a La Cornue, and designed most of her recipes on it; today, her range is installed in Patricia Wells’ cooking school in Provence, still inspiring young chefs the world over.