You're purchasing a top of the line Wolf so I would bet that cost isn't an issue. Why then is cost an issue with the hood? It shouldn't be. That's like buying a sports car but using old spare tires. Sounds and looks good......in idle. Wolf recommends 900 CFM for that range, but with a griddle, you may want 1100 or 1200. Wolf also recommends a 42" wide hood. With a griddle I would say that is very important. Some manufacturer's supply a duct for 8 or 9 foot ceilings, where as some, like Vent-A-Hood, offer it in addition. Regarding noise, the LARGER the blower, the QUIETER it will be for everyday use. In my opinion, for less than $2000, you will be forced to get less CFM and less width than you would like. This will make the hood noisier, and not very effective. A Vent-A-Hood meeting the recommended Wolf criteria, will be over $3000. The Broan, with an external blower of 900 or 1200 CFM would be a good unit but will still be over $2000, probably close to $2300-2500. DO NOT get the internal blower, even though it costs less. The extension on this is for an 8-9 ft ceiling. If you can meet the criteria with a Faber, in width and power, that may be the way to go.

I'm in the Boston area and have had a 30" DCS AG self-cleaning range for over 5 years and I'm very pleased with it. I haven't needed service in quite a while but there are definitely servicers in the Boston area. I've always found the DCS help line very helpful - they're the ones who have provided me with the names of the local servicers. Here's their phone number which may not be the same as the F&P number - try calling them and see if they can let you know about service in your area. 888.936.7872 By the way, is there an Expo near you - that's where I first learned about DCS and saw one in person (not operational though). There's one in Burlington MA.

In February we were making a decision about the AG ranges and were looking at American, Bluestar and Wolf. We did tons of research and looked and looked. At that time I was also thinking I wanted a color range rather than stainless, so that narrowed it down to Bluestar and American. We decided the American was a better value than the Bluestar and were ready to order until we did a final measurement and discovered that the extra depth of the Performer would not work in our particular configuration because a drawer on an adjacent wall wouldn't open. So, much as we would have liked it, that eliminated that possibility. Then, we found an AG Wolf floor model on clearance (one of the old models with the open burner) and bought that. I like it, but personally I wouldn't want the burners on the new model Wolf. And, there have been a couple times (maybe only 3 or 4) when I thought to myself I would have liked to have one of the more powerful burners from the Performer. In your shoes, I'd save the money and get the Performer. This doesn't mean I don't like the Wolf; it just means that I don't think it is worth the extra money now, especially considering the fact it has sealed burners.

I LOVE my 36"DF however I have only had it for three weeks. The first big meal I cooked was THANKSGIVING DINNER! I used the convection (never had one before) and my 22lb Turkey was done in less then 3 hours fully stuffed. I do not eat white meat, buy my daughter-in-law who ONLY eats the white meat said it was moister then the usual Turkey. Did not use the temp probe, I guess I should try, and yes the oven door was hot, it is stainless steel so it is bound too. But I don't think it would have burnt anyone just by touching it. The only problem I am having is burning my hands when I grip the handels to my pans. I keep forgetting that they do get hot. I am so use to electric. The knobs do not get hot. At least as far as I have noticed. I did tons of research on this forum and was torn between the Thermadore and the Wolf AG & DF. I have NO regrets. I love my oven, and I am making my home made Italian Sauce on Thursday and this will test the simmer powers. Other stoves were a lot less $$$$$ but I love the Wolf so far.