Thanks- live wire oak I can get the GE Cafe for $2450 here. I have been scared by the poor reviews it has gotten on this forum and the Consumer Reports site! By electronic module, I mean the touchpad controls and "brain". I feel certain that the self-clean high temps and baking bread with steam were the demise of the two previous stoves' modules.... which is why I was leaning towards the simpler, less-computerized, more "pro" and less "consumer" varieties. if I get a GE Cafe I would not dare to use the self-clean feature! guadelupe- I am very interested in the NXR ranges but have concern about their newness to the US Market, the fact that they are Chinese assembled, and the fact that I cannot see one in person locally. I am in maine. do you know of anyplace i can see one? Thanks!!

No catches. Here are the two major features that should sway a decision. Cooktop power is more of the standard Btu and the ovens are not self clean. Other than that fit and finnish is on a par with much more expensive items. Great bang for the buck product.

Finally installed this week! Have cooked two nights in a row--typical weeknight fare, nothing fancy. Stir fry last night and pasta tonight. I'm LOVING my stove. I'm going to roast chicken tomorrow night, which will be the maiden voyage of the oven. One confusion only so far, and that is the digital clock. I'm not stupid, but I'm starting to feel that way--anyone with a fratelli have trouble getting the clock to work correctly? I think I have it set, and then it doesn't keep time. Even with the manual in front of me I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Anyhow, here are some pictures...I'll eventually pretty everything up for a 'finished kitchen' post but in the meantime, with plastic coating still on my hood chimney and no cabinet glass,and debris everywhere-- I at least have a WORKING kitchen! Yippee! And some dishwashing, too ! :)

LWO, I believe you're right, that we are tipping heavily toward vintage right now and it may be time to right the boat, so to speak. Here's another thing that occurred to me...I've been searching for a black range because in all my "best" inspiration photos, there is a black range (usually french but sometimes a black pro style like a Viking or a Bluestar) with a stainless steel backsplash and hood. Looks great, but then I realized they also have stainless steel countertops on either side of the classic range, whereas I will have soapstone. More vintage!! Maybe the french range wouldn't work in my case? I could go with a Wolf or Bluestar, and still pair it with the Modern-Aire stainless steel hood, but then what would I use for backsplash? Wouldn't ss be too much then? Plain white subway? plain white subway with utensil rack? LWO and others, care to comment?