I have the previous model of the GE Cafe dual fuel range. I have used it both in convection and regular bake mode, and did not notice a difference in fan noise. The fan runs continuously regardless of whether it's in convection or not. I don't find the fan noise to be particular bothersome. In fact, I never even really noticed it until I started seeing people posting about it here. Now I do notice it, but mostly as background white noise that I don't really hear until it shuts off, and then I notice it is suddenly very quiet in my kitchen. Everyone has a different threshold for noise. I have a busy household with four kids, so maybe I tolerate more noise than others? The fan does not seem to be any louder than the exhaust fan I have (I don't have a range hood yet - current have an OTR microwave that eventually will be replaced with a hood). I wish I could comment on the length of time to preheat the bottom oven but I actually haven't even used it yet (I've had my range for about 9-10 months but did not host any holiday meals here this year so haven't needed it). Right now it is storage for my cookie sheets and baking pans. If I remember, I'll try to test it out tomorrow for you. I've been very happy with my range. I was able to see it in action before I ordered it because one of my good friends has the AG version (same older model). I'm bummed I didn't wait another year and get the new model with the 20K burner, but mine suits me just fine w/o.

The mother-in-law installed GE Cafe as part of her kitchen remodel 3 years ago. Gas range, OTR microwave, and 'fridge. The 'fridge died after 20 months and GE was kind enough to replace it for $700. Last month the $650 control board on the microwave went (GE isn't willing to do anything about that). So far the range has been trouble free. Personally, I wouldn't buy a GE appliance again.

If your designer says you can fit a 48” range, then you can fit a 36” rangetop and 30” double wall ovens. Note I said *rangetop*, not range and not cooktop. You‘d get everything you need. A 36” wide rangetop will give you 6 burners, yet not need the enormous exhaust and upper wall space of a 48” range. (You’ll still need a good exhaust though, don’t overlook that whatever you do). You’d get your 2 ovens. And they won’t be cavernous 36” ovens that take a while to heat up. And you put your pots and pans in the deep drawers directly under the rangetop (see pic) for great convenience and efficient use of space. And you won’t have to bend down for that low range oven either. Win, win, win, win. Here comes that Thanksgiving turkey or that roast, imagine basting while standing straight. Here are some photos of rangetops in case you aren’t familiar. (P.S. your rangetop and separate double 30” wall ovens do not have to be the same brand.)

I have a Bosch dual fuel range (slide in) that is about 1" away from the wall/backsplash. I have never noticed it sticking out until I read this and then went to look, lol. It does, but if I've never noticed it, it doesn't bother me. The range itself is about 2 1/2" out from the base cabinetry. But I know what you mean if you want the 24" deep Thermador look. Personally, I would invest in an integrated refrigerator, using money saved from the Thermador and/or GE. The refrigerator is a much larger appliance and it's "sticking out" is more obvious than the counter height range. ("Counter depth" refrigerators also stick out; only fully integrated are flush.) I have 18" between the range and the next full height bank of cabinetry which includes a flush Thermador microwave/convection oven. The cabinetry sticks out 1" from the countertop and 2" from the 18" base cabinet farther than it should, a custom construction error I don't want to talk about. But that would be about the same as the space between your refrigerator and range if both "stick out." That 18" is good enough for my small Keurig and that's about it. It also has wall cabinetry above it because I used a hidden Zephry Pisa undercabinet range hood, so I don't have the "open" look you'll get from your range hood. That 18" of usable space is the same, however. We don't cook much at all (I hate it). I've had a Thermador dual fuel range and now this Bosch. Years ago, when I did have to cook, I had GE Monogram wall ovens and glass cooktop. Other than much preferring the gas, I can't think of major differences between all of them, or being unhappy with any of them.