Very interesting about the Benchmark line. Thanks for the info! Strange, I thought the Bosch 800 NGM8654UC had a 17K BTU center burner because that's what it says on ajmadison, but now I see 18K everywhere else. It looks like the 36" cooktop will be around $1550 which is not too much more than the 800 series MSRP $1300, but the single wall ovens will be closer to $3K, which might be too much additional $$. Do you think there will be rebates or sales after the Benchmarks come out in April (on Benchmarks on on Bosch in general)? I'm now leaning towards Bosch for cooktop, dishwasher, and single wall oven. Built-in refrigerator too, if I'm convinced about paying a premium for built-in vs a counter depth (Kitchenaid, for example). I'm also not sure how to avoid a Bosch microwave while avoiding a strange mix in the wall oven cabinet (if in the wall). We had a convection microwave before, and while I reheat things in it all the time, I never used it as an oven, so a cheap microwave seems like the best idea. I'm at a loss where to put the MW, though.

i have the 36" DCS drop in gas cooktop-- have had it for ~ 5-6yrs. we could not easily put in a hood above our island cooktop (existing- we just replaced cooktop) so we put in a dcs pop-up fan- just needed to get the granite cut to fit it since the cooktop that was there was a jennair down draft... i love the cooktop--- has worked without any issues since we got it and simmers extremely well. i chose it because i liked it's appearance best when compared to similarly priced 36" cooktops!! (i specifically liked the grates better than the kitchenaid and bosch, which is the 3 i narrowed it down to.) the fan is just fair,(better than the downdraft tho!) but i don't do alot of frying at high temps which might result in alot of smoke or grease.

I currently have double Viking wall ovens and cooktop and I love them. However, I do love the look of the commercial ranges. I find that both of my double ovens are not really at good heights for me though. I'm 5'4". The bottom oven is a little low and the top one (the one I use the most) is a little high and I usually have to get my son or husband to help me with getting heavy items out. So, while planning a kitchen renovation on a new house, I chose the Thermador 48" range with the steam oven and warming drawer. I realize I might not like going back to bending to get things out of the oven, but I know I can reach them myself. I also was able to free up a lot of wall cabinet space so I can put in a nice pantry cabinet which I need in the design. My kitchen design is all on one long wall really with a 16' island in front of it. I am getting a Miele speed oven and putting that in the island and it functions as a convection oven/microwave. I'm guessing it will be the oven I use most when cooking only for my husband and myself. I've agonized over this for months now (range vs. cooktop and wall ovens) but in the end cabinet space and "the look" of a commercial range won out! And, honestly, the only time I use both my wall ovens now is at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a big waste of cabinet space 363 days out of the year :) I hope this helps and good luck!!

Have you looked at Capital? The engineers behind the highly rated DCS of yesteryear left DCS and started Capital. I do believe DCS is now owned by Fisher Paykel. Have you read the reviews on the Appliance forum? I love my Capital 36" range. They have changed the grates (there was an issue with possible tipping pots). Their customer service is great. I called and told them that my oven racks weren't rolling like they did in the showroom, and they sent me a new rack. It glides so smoothly. Plus this range (if you get the self clean) comes with a rotisserie. If you have room for the 36", I think you should go for it. It is so nice having multiple large pots and pans on the range without hanging off the side. Even if you don't use all the burners at once, just the extra room is great. But remember, bigger range, bigger ventilation system needed. You need to add that into your budget. Here is a link that might be useful: Capital's Website