I've been very well pleased with my Miele Masterchef. I don't rely on all the whiz-bang computer programs (I don't need the oven to tell be how to bake or roast), so that may be the reason. I find my ovens heat very evenly and quickly, but as would be the case with any oven, if temperature and timing are critical, it's necessary to pre-heat well before you put anything in. It takes all ovens at least 20 minutes for temperatures to stabilize and equalize throughout the oven cavity. Just because the preheating indicator goes out, doesn't mean the oven is evenly heated. It just means the thermostat sensor (which is at the top of the oven) has reached the specified temperature.

You might want to take a look at Gaggenau ovens. Most people posting about them seem to like them. I seldom see complaints. Then again, there are far more Miele oven owners here than Gagg owners, so that may be the reason.

Thanks so much. What other ovens did you look at?

My Miele oven is terrific. I wouldn't hesitate highly recommending. I also would preheat any oven for 20 minutes especially for baking. This is documented in Shirley Correhear's (sp?) new book, "Bakewise"

newbie- there are also plenty of threads in which folks around hear love their Mile ovens.

Same goes for Wolf, Dacor, Monogram, Viking, and "insert your brand here" brand. Miele and Wolf are at the forefront of having really good products and service to go with as well as market cache. Doesn't mean their factories don't produce a stinker every once in a while, you'll encounter a tech or representative that's a total boob, or the functionality won't meet your need or live up to your expectations. On the whole odds are better in getting a really good experience with a product from these two firms over others in the marketplace.

This doesn't mean that many people out there aren't thrilled with their Kenmore, Thermador , or Whirlpool gear.

Thanks. I was all set on the Miele b/c of all the positive threads touting it's abilities but then I came across that one thread where countless people had problems and I got a little gunshy. Part of me wonders if I will use all of the bells and whistles of the Miele, or, if I should just go with the Electrolux Icon. Am I paying money for features I won't use or need, or, will I become a better cook and enjoy it more with a better oven?

The agony of this is killing me, and my poor husband doesn't want to hear about it anymore!!

I know I sound like a broken record, but go to a place with demo appliances and try them out. It really does help clarify how you will use the appliance and whether it is worth the extra money on any one particular item.G

I think I'm going to go with the Miele and then attend of their Masterchef Classes that really take you through how to work the oven. This way, I won't be "intimidated" by my oven.

aaah, you scared me there with your negative reports about miele--i just purchased four new miele appliances on the excellent reviiews read here at GW! i also noticed a complaint about the optima dishwasher, which i also purchased. this is all news to me, but too late to look back now!

Nolamom, we have 2 Excella dishwashers, 2 Miele clothes washers, 1 Miele clothes dryer, a Miele vacuum cleaner, and all are WONDERFUL. We would have purchased a Miele wall oven except that we really wanted the Gaggenau Combi-steam oven, so we purchased a Gagg convection oven to stack under it. (Both Gaggs are also wonderful.)

I know the thread you are talking about and it wasn't countless people - maybe three? Anyway I also had a problem with my first Miele DO. Once we figured out that there was nothing to be done to get them working to spec, Miele graciously replaced them and the new ones work perfectly.

Thanks so much. I actually ordered my double ovens today and i'm very excited. I feel good about the decision and there's no looking back!

Yay, ctnewbie...I'm happy for you! Isn't it a 'phew' moment (sigh of relief) when the decision is made, the ovens are ordered, and you can stop stressing?

it's like this weight was lifted off my shoulders! My husband really thinks i've gone off the deep end about this but i swear, i couldn't have done this without this board! Now, onto the kitchen one for countertops!