You're going with Asko DWs and Frigidaire ovens and fridges? Something just doesn't match up here. Frigidaire is the builder grade leader with a poor to so so build quality and Asko is the upper priced tank built boutique appliance. I personally wouldn't consider Frigidaire appliances, except for their cooking products, which seem to have a decent but not spectacular rating.

So, decide if you want your kitchen to be builder's grade, or upper end, or somewhere in between and keep all of your appliances somewhere on the same level. Consistent in quality. If you're going Asko DW, then GE Cafe (like your range) or Monogram for your other choices, etc.

I agree with Live Wire Oak. Also, I am wondering whether someone else put this package together for you, like your Builder, or your Appliance Salesman. You can do better price-wise and quality-wise by picking other brands.

Also, for your two microwaves - since neither is a convection, you only need to spend $120-130. And the Frigidaire MW's get poor reviews on the 'net. I have a countertop Sharp MW that cost me $120 which works perfectly and has all the bells and whistles except for convection (I didn't want a convection MW).

There is an contingent here on the Appliances Forum who believe that built-in MWs are not a good idea. Yes, you get an attractive built-in look on your wall, and that may be worth it for you. But here are the caveats: the trim kits are rip-offs, costing more than a MW itself cost; and MW's don't have long lives, so when the built-in breaks, it's a PITA to replace a built-in with a new one that'll fit the same. Just a heads-up, but I understand that the built-in look is desirable.

I'm going to slightly disagree with the previous posters. I think it's reasonable to splurge on certain appliances that are important to you and go cheaper on others. I consider the range the most important appliance in the kitchen so to me that's really the place to splurge. On the other hand, I'm really not that familiar with Frigidaire so l_w_o is probably correct that you can do better with regard to those appliances.

I had considered the Cafe range and converting to propane until I found out that the conversion decreases the btu output by approx. 1/3. That btu decrease was just too hard to swallow for such an expensive appliance. I would search for a range that was pre-plumbed for propane and had a better btu output. Going from 18,000 to 11,000 is huge!

I agree... How does the cafe' price compare to the Electrolux Icon dual fuel range..? For that matter, how do the prices compare on all your Electrolux/Frigidaire selections with Electrolux/Icon products..? I've sold both in the past and really liked the Icon versions...

I also notice that you are only going to have a 300cfm hood for a gas range. It really isn't enough and the recommendation is also to have a hood 6 inches larger thatn the range or at least one deeper than the upper cabinets. Frigidaire fridges are also very poorly rated for repairs....

Hello everyone. Thanks for the responses.

Live Wire Oak-- I think the Frigidaire is made by Electrolux. It says Electrolux inside it. Also, its the largest all refrigerator/all freezer units that don't cost upwards of $3K each. I love the look of the units side by side when they are built into a cabinet and the trim kit is used. I hope they operate as well as they look. Thanks :)

AKChicago- I thought long and hard about the built in microwave, but thought it the lesser of the two evils of either the built in MW or the combo with the wall oven (built together). Those are really the only two options I considered for my kitchen (mostly for the look). I actually picked out all these appliances myself. My builder wasn't involved.

Weissman- My thought exactly. The dishwasher performing very well is very important to me, so it was imperative that I find a great one. I think I have in the Asko. It has great reviews. The fridge and freezer just need to cool, freeze, and have spill proof shelves, and hold a lot. I think I have accomplished all I need in the Frigidaire, with a great built in look (built into my cabinetry and with the trim kit).

Footballmom- I didn't know about the lowered BTU's. I'll have to ask some questions about that. Thanks :) And also the fan. Its actually a 36" cabinet above but the cabinetmaker says the bigger vent hood will not fit. I would like to double check.

hilferty77- I also wonder about the Electrolux/Frigidaire vs the Electrolux Icon.

I like pizza, which is why the Kenmore microwave + pizza maker combination caught my attention. The link does not give a product rating, but you should be able to find user feedback on the internet. Pitty that you can only insert 1 pizza at a time.

mamabearpapabear, maintaining your position, I'd take the list to Sears in person and see if they can do better, with some Kenmore and some of the same.

I'd consider getting one "fancier" microwave, of the two. A convection microwave, or another one with big features. Big difference.

I'd ask what size diameter the ducting is before I'd try to optimize the venting. Your duct size may be a physical limiting factor. I have a 6" round duct which I cannot change. Going to 7" or 8" would have made a big difference. It would have given me a thousand more options.

guido_gardener - I have a microwave with pizza oven currently. I had to go look on it just now to see the brand and I'm shocked to report that it's a Daewoo. I never even notice the name in the lower left corner. The name Daewoo doesn't exactly conjure images of elegant and hardworking appliances, but that's exactly my experience with this microwave and pizza oven. It prepares perfect pizza, and I also use the pizza oven for cinnamon toast. Its great!

davidro1 - I looked at Sears, and their prices were fairly similar for Kenmore stainless. I was looking for a 5 burner range, so I'm not sure if they had anything like that. I might take a stroll through there again to see. I appreciate the input! Thanks!

i bought a chest freezer years ago and still use it....BUT, i hate it...because i tend to keep it full/almost full. it is hard to find stuff in it....the upright freezers aren't as energy efficient, but i would trade energy efficiency for convenience in this case!