I have a Sharp MW drawer across the aisle from my warming drawer placed under my Wolf ovens. I use the WD 4-6 times a week and don't have an issue using it so low. Yes, it'd be better if it was higher, but it was a last minute add. This was the only place for it as I could just swap it for the drawer in my already-built cabs. If Wolf's MW controls are placed as Sharp's are (and I think they are), I wouldn't like using them placed in that location. I don't think the stooping up and down the few times a week you use it would be as much of an issue as being able to easily view the buttons. I don't mind my up/down for the WD because I'm not visually locating and aiming my finger at a little button or two with each use. The writing is very small! Good luck! Doesn't the planning stage seem to take more time than you think it should? You're getting the best kitchen for YOU this way though. Oh, btw, did you see the thread a couple of weeks ago over in KF addressed to you asking about the status of your kitchen?

I just installed (OK - the GC installed) our new ovens Went with a Wolf (it was on sale) and a GE Advantium 240. Kitchen is not finished yet - but have used the Advantium several times and have been amazed. The reheat food has been perfect. Today, I defrosted bacon and then cooked it to MW perfection (no cooktop, so only option is the MW) It is very intuitive and easy to use. It also looks great together - Here is a picture before cleaning off the instal fingerprints. I would go Elux over Bosch but others can chime in.

Valleigh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hijack your thread but it seems that I did. Your question is a good one and your cooking habits are the same as mine also. In addition we live in Florida and grill outside year round which also lessens the need for the second oven. As you have found out KD's seem to not like microwaves that sit on the counter and that can eat up valuable space. But I've also heard KD's object to refrigerators anything that isn't built in since it interrupts the "designed" look of the kitchen. Here are a few of my considerations in choosing which convection/microwave to use as my second over. 1. It had to at least sit on a shelf and off my counter. 2. It had to be big enough to hold a 9 x 13 pan. Since most convection/microwaves have a turntable that always rotates when the oven is in use this means the turntable must be at least 14" in diameter. I have heard that some turntables can be switched off but I haven't actually seen this feature listed in specs. I went back in and read the specs on the link shortycakes gave and the Sharp does have a turntable that is over 15" so I'm curious as to why the 9 x 13 pan doesn't fit. If the size of pan you can use is important to you, make sure you check the specs on turntable size or to see if you can turn off the turntable. 3. There is a thread either here or on the kitchen forum on just putting the microwave oven on an open shelf without trim kit. If the air space clearances are sufficient this will work and many prefer this arrangement since it's easy to replace a broken microwave. A convection/microwave is a bit different because often/always it must have its own dedicated electric circuit because it draws so much energy. Also it creates so much heat in operation that a shelf big enough to make it usable would have to be very large. This is where the trim kit comes in. This is not just decorative but serves to funnel or channel the heat to vent out the front of the cabinet. If you try to use the oven in a space to small without the trim kit it will probably shut down from overheating, sort of a mini brownout right in your own kitchen. You could also eventually damage the electronics and void a warranty. There also used to be a thread here on Advantiums and installation specs you may want to try to find it if you decide on the Advantium since GE was, as of a year ago, very picky about where and how to install it. HTH.

Thank you both for your thoughts. I think you are right. Black and stainless look really nice together and the wall oven does go with the cooktop. I am trying not to test my husband's generosity by going overboard and trying to be sensitive to his needs (even if he really NEVER cooks!) because he likes the look of stainless. We have a 25% chance of the Thermador having problems, but I guess that is the chance we can take. The appliance store will fully warranty it for 5 years for $29. It seems like a good compromise to get such a nice unit for the money. I spent the last several days researching lots of brands and just getting a micro/wall oven combo (Bosch, GR profile or Electrolux) is going to be 3k. I almost sprang for it, but it is just hard to justify. I think I am going to just do this and move on to the next decision, like our countertops. We found incredible custom cabinets on Craigslist that were built 3 years ago by a cabinetmaker and removed by the new owners. We only paid $1,500 and they are all wood construction with dovetailed drawers. So this savings is going to allow me to do a really nice remodel for a reasonable $25,000, which in our neighborhood is all we really should spend to keep our investment. Thank you! I am calling with my credit card this morning to just go ahead and buy the Thermador and keep my fingers crossed that it works. :)