BlueStar(TM) launches New Line of High-Performance Ranges Inspired by Chef Marcus Samuelsson

READING, Pa., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueStar, manufacturer of high-performance cooking equipment for the home, today announced that it has teamed with celebrity chef and cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson to launch an 'Inspired by Marcus' line of ranges for the home chef.

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The new 'Inspired by Marcus' line combines the power and high-performance that has become synonymous with BlueStar products, with unique cooking features and aesthetic sensibilities inspired by one of the world's leading chefs.

"This range embodies my vision for every home chef to have the best products with which to create their own culinary experiences," said Chef Samuelsson.

Each model in the line features additional BTU power, giving the home chef more cooking power than has ever been available from BlueStar. "One of the reasons many restaurant entrees taste better than those cooked at home is due to the high heat of restaurant ranges. Searing quickly in high heat locks in the flavor and results in restaurant-level food; that's what's possible with this line," said Chef Samuelsson.

With French doors, rounded body sides, and slim, comfortable handles, the 'Inspired by Marcus' line is striking in its contemporary design. The line features six unique color options handpicked by Chef Samuelsson and never before released by BlueStar – Infused Copper, Statuary Bronze, Ginger Spice, Enchanted Silver, Enchanted Sand, and Matte Black. Knobs and trims will be colored to match the selected range color and each range will come personalized with an 'Inspired by Marcus' signature plate, with the customer's name inscribed.

Available in a 30" model or a 36" model, the range's cooktop can be custom configured. The standard 30" model will feature two 22,000 BTU burners, an 18,000 BTU burner, and a simmer burner. The standard 36" model will feature two 22,000 BTU burners, an 18,000 BTU burner, a simmer burner, and a choice between a 12" French top, griddle, or charbroiler.

For the highest possible burner output on the 'Inspired by Marcus' line, consumers can order a 36" cooktop with all burners – this configuration will include three 22,000 BTU burners, two 18,000 BTU burners, and one simmer burner.

The extra large oven capacity on both model sizes provides ample space to cook more and larger meals simultaneously.

"It's exciting to collaborate on a product that reflects the performance requirements of one of the world's best-known and most discriminating chefs," said Mike Trapp, BlueStar's Vice President of Operations. "BlueStar has always delivered premium, professional-quality performance in a home kitchen environment, and with the 'Inspired by Marcus' line, we feel we have upped the ante in the market for professional quality ranges."

The company is limiting production to 200 'Inspired by Marcus' ranges in 2010. Consumers can order their range through BlueStar dealers in the US and Canada – orders will start being taken on June 7th, 2010, with delivery 4-6 weeks later. To receive a reminder email when 'Inspired by Marcus' are made available for order, consumers should sign up for BlueStar's email newsletter: http://bit.ly/wCYXV  

For more information about BlueStar's 'Inspired by Marcus' line, visit www.bluestarcooking.com.  

About Marcus Samuelsson

Chef Samuelsson is the youngest chef to ever receive two three-star ratings from The New York Times, the first of which was awarded to him after just three months as Executive Chef of Aquavit. He has received consecutive four-star ratings in Forbes' annual All-Star Eateries feature, named one of the 40 under 40 by Crain's, and was hailed one of The Great Chefs of America by the Culinary Institute of America. Also named by the World Economic Forum as one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow, this Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised talent studied at the Culinary Institute in Goteborg, Sweden before apprenticing in Switzerland and Austria. Having made Aquavit a landmark in Scandinavian dining in New York City, Samuelsson has found additional success as the author of The Soul of a New Cuisine and New American Table. Most recently, Samuelsson was guest chef for the Obama Administration's first State Dinner honoring the Prime Minister of India.

About BlueStar

BlueStar - The Only Genuine Restaurant Range for the Home™ - manufactures high-performance gas ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, and vent hoods for the residential market. The company's unique open burner system produces 22,000 BTU of cooking power, resulting in shorter cooking times and an even simmer. Each BlueStar range is hand-crafted in Reading, Pennsylvania and features burners that can be custom configured at the time of order. Most BlueStar models are available in 190 colors, at no extra charge. For more information, please visit www.bluestarcooking.com.

SOURCE BlueStar