dancingsams - Don't let your dealer make an additional charge for a BlueStar backsplash. You should get your choice of three different styles at no extra cost. You can get the 21" backsplash with a shelf, the 8" backsplash without shelf, or the Island Trim which requires your wall behind the range to be covered with fireproof surface for 6" below the surface of the range. We just added more tile down the wall behind the range space and are really enjoying the Island Trim. I've heard that the taller backsplashes can get discolored by the heat off the burners but since I went for the lowest trim I don't have that problem. I have a small kitchen and like not having a higher trim which could make the range look overwhelming for the space. If you go to the BlueStar site, you can look at two collections of BlueStar owners photos which will show every backsplash in a variety of situations. Good Luck! I love my BlueStar - no problems here .

I am so glad that you piped up about your Frigidaire issue, Practigal. Thank you. I don't think it was a coincidence that you were participating in this thread. So..is it crumbs of rust dropping down from the burner...or, is it rust coming up through the paint...or is it oxidation of the gas itself, that maybe it is burning "dirty"? Good ideas, Mrsnyefnyef. I have an update, but I'll share it at the end of my post. ; ) I agree, Eurekachef. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the BS rangetop after test driving it (unless you don't like standing over a high heat cooker.) "my regrets comments was that I just didn't want you to finish your project and then turn back and say, well I should have..." Ah, I understood what you were getting at much better that time, Gooster. That makes a lot of sense. Here is the update: I found 2 incredibly good deals at Goedekers website this weekend for scratch and dent Miele's. The cooktop (yes, a cooktop, not a rangetop) is 42" wide and has 6 burners. They looked like they are configured *perfectly* for the way we cook. Originally I was looking for all the same BtU's on the burners, but these should work fine because of the configuration. Originally I was looking for sealed burners, which this has. The knobs are off to the side rather than on the front. I find this to be a nice feature since I tend to lean into whatever I'm cooking. This way I won't be lighting the stove with my belly! Also, little ones will have a harder time reaching the knobs. Finally, at about $1200 less than full price, it was too good a deal to pass up. They also had a set of 30" Miele Master Chef double ovens for almost half price (open box). I hemmed and hawed for a while on this one. It's definitely more high-tech than what I was originally looking for. In order to do the cooktop, we'd have to head into wall oven land. Wall oven land was full of techy gizmos. Given that, I might as well try one that is highly regarded by bakers and has the lowest repair rate in the industry (according to Yale Appliance's website, anyway.) Thank you all for helping me process this big decision! I really appreciate the input each of you gave me.

It just seems from what I've read here, there is a lot more trouble with the ovens in American ranges. It seems that the service can be more of a gamble too. If you search American Performer, you can read more. It is the closest in function to the RNB. It has star shaped uncapped burners like the RNB but with a semi sealed burner tray. It might be ok for a range top but I would not want the range. American also has ranges with capped and sealed burners and lower BTUs. Their DF has sealed and capped burners and a fairly simple oven, single fan, with only a standard bake and a true convection mode. There is very little in the manual so I would want to really see how it worked before I bought. If you don't have confidence in a local dealer for BS, consider buying from Trevor Lawson at Eurostoves. He takes excellent care of his customers and has helped some on this forum who did not buy from him.

You cannot do such a large arch - the overall height of this piece will be approx 18" ( 84 - 18 = 66 ) Do a 2" - 2 1/2" arch on the valance. If you do a column on each side you could then do a crown molding detail that will return on the column and not interfere with the doors of the cabinets. The opening underneath needs to be based on the actual exhaust unit that is required for your range - your appliance folks should be able to help you with that. It will be a challenge since you have a reduced ceiling height and you have an offset vent line ( which needs to be changed - in most areas flex duct is not allowed ). You could also do a chimney style Here are a couple of pictures for short mantles you could create Good luck - I hope you can figure something out!