The Induction Site suggests that many of the induction coils are the same across brands -- which explains Choc-Mool's point that all the brands seem to be about equally reliable. Differences show up in areas such as these: sizes and placement of hobs wattage of hobs (and overall) power sharing (which only seems to be an issue when using the boost feature) types of controls (e.g., Gaggenau's magnetic knob, Bosch's touch on the stainless strip) timers and types of timers We have a Bosch 36" (800 model). The touch controls are not terribly "touchy" -- since most of them are on the stainless strip. You directly select the power level instead of tapping from one level to another. The more important factors were hob placement & sizes. The arrangement on the Bosch worked best for the way we cook and the sizes of pans we use. Well, the Gaggenau has the same sizes and layout, but it was more than twice as expensive! As to the buzzing. We do hear it for a brief while when first using either the highest power level or boost, but it doesn't last long. You also asked about searing. We made lamb chops the other night. We seared them in a skillet and finished them in the oven. The searing worked just fine. You don't get the same sear as on a grill, but the chops were very tasty. And, yes, for keeping a pot on a low (or even medium) simmer, our induction is far superior to the radiant cooktop we had before. It was a nice one; a Thermador. At low temperatures, it cycled the temp up and down, so we had to constantly watch whatever we were cooking. In short, we are very happy with the choice of induction. But I echo other posters' advice about finding a way to try it for yourself.

I really love my Miele Induction cooktop. I also really love the rotisserie on my Miele oven. Love the way it looks and love the display. What I really dislike, I mean REALLY dislike is the way Miele Customer Service treats a warranty customer. My ovens are off in temp, my clock is running fast. I would like someone to come out and take a look at the oven. Miele went over voltage with me two times, it is correct. They will not send a person out, I DON'T GET IT! I have been in contact with the distributor. It has been three days, NOTHING! Again, what is going on? Even with my incredibly CRAPPY Electrolux refrigerator, they would at least come out, if only to try and fix a problem with a piece of tape; but Miele won't even do that. I am sure in the end, I WILL get service. Who knows when, but it will happen. I will be writing Germany. (There was someone on here who did, if you are that person, do you have the contact info?) Until this problem is remedied, I will NEVER recommend a Miele product to anyone, not even a dishwasher. I don't care if they do make great products, stand by the ones that do get through with a problem! IMO, Wolf has the best service - if I can ever afford to do this again, I will be buying a Wolf. And say what you want about Asko and issues with their DWs, they have been great. Courteous and prompt with replacing a broken wheel. Miele USA get your act together!

Tracey, if you are limited to the GE Advantium be aware that there is a 30" 240v version and a 27" 120v version. They are not identical. Make sure you understand the different features. The Miele speedoven has a broil element. I think only one of the GE's can broil and I'm not sure if it uses a conventional element or quartz lights. I don't own either one so don't take my word for it, just be sure you and your builder know which one you are talking about. Of course for the 240v version the electrician will have to run another 240v circuit in addition to the oven circuit. I plan to get the E'lux Icon speedoven when we replace our wall ovens. The E'lux is more affordable then the Miele, but it doesn't have the broil element but that is okay. And of course the e'lux won the infamous baked potato race so hey... gotta get it!

I just saw these two new microwave + wall oven combi on AJ Madison's web site. Again they have the scoop even on E-Lux's own web site. I've been looking for a combi to replace our separate built in's. The combi oven are more compact and the control panel and microwave are at a better height for my wife. Anyway my short list was the KitchenAid and new Jenn-Air, (both built by Whirlpool) but haven't been able to decide. Now E-Lux introduces a 30 and 27 inch model. Not really thrilled with the bake element power though. We do like the separate e'lux wall oven. Looks like I'm adding this new oven to my short list. But I'll need to wait for a sale ;-) and do some more reseach. Here is a link that might be useful: AJ Madison 27