Make sure that you get a chance to turn on the Thermador. Some people have complained about loud fan noise on Thermadors. It doesn't bother everybody, but it's probably worth a listen.

Cavu

Keep in mind that sales people may have their own agenda at times. For example, there may be a spiff (sales incentive) on the KA oven in question or even on all KA products that allows him/her to earn extra money.

Research your choices to your satisfaction (which it sounds like you have) and follow your instincts.

On another thread, someone is complaining that on the KA oven, the top broiler element always comes on during bake mode which I know would be a problem for me. Do your research but then buy what you want - not what the salesman pushes on you - although to be fair, some salesmen do know their sutff - I had never heard of DCS until a salesman strongly recommended it to me - and I'm glad he did.

Have you compared them at the same store? I saw them almost next to each other, and the kitchenaid seem very tinny to me. I started looking at appliances for a new house last February. I was all set to go Kitchenaid all the way. This was a big step for me going from an all Maytag elect. kitchen. But in the end we are spending way more $$$ then I ever dreamed. And the best part is my DH is the one who pushed for the better range when he compared the kitchenaid to the Wolf, Thermadore & the DCS. I was torn between the Thermadore and the Wolf. I actually like the look of the Thermadore better, but the garden web, and a lady my DH works with steered us toward the wolf. I will post tomorrow, I am ordering ALL my appliances in the a.m on Friday. Thanks to the web I am very happy with my choices. Although a Sub Zero, or Thermadore built in would have been nice. I just could not justify over $6,000 when my range is over $7,000.

I hadn't heard about the loud fan noise on the Thermador...would love some feedback from owners of this model...is this an issue?

As for incentives, I did notice there is a rebate in the KA. I agree that the oven isn't as substantial as the Thermador...so unless I get any negative feedback about the model I'm buying...I guess I'll go ahead with my first choice. I have a week to decide so I'll keep watching this post.

FYI...the quote I have is for $2999...which is the max of what I can pay.

To be fair with fan noises listen to all fans. Usually if you hear a fan while the oven is on, the fan is cooling the electronics... which is a very good thing and will make them last longer. The fan will also cool the front of the oven so that it cool to the touch.

I think you will be happy with the Thermador. If you got the KA you would always be thinking of the fast preheat and the large oven.

At $3k you're not in the ballpark for a T'dor double oven with the fast preheat feature. This was most likely the reason for the switch to KA.

Yes, the model I'm looking at has the speed preheat. Just cut and paste this model...you'll see that the speed preheat is included.

Sorry, those ovens do have fast preheat but I don't think it's as fast as their new generation of ovens the are 3500+ . Those heat in about 7 minutes, and no one can touch that time for heating. Hence, everyones baseline for fast is different.

I was torn between the Thermador and Electrolux ovens. One of the reasons that I was leaning toward the Thermador was the greater capacity. And then I did my multiplication of the actual interior dimensions. It's really not bigger. I ended up buying the Electrolux because I loved that 3 of the 4 racks are on a glide system.

shknba:

Although he may not be referring to the Thermador oven (model) you have chosen, your dealer may be considering a variety of Thermador quality issues, including poor customer service and, in some cases, long delays when scheduling product service.

The attached link may explain why your dealer is steering you away from Thermador.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thermador Customer Service Experience

I believe my friend has the Thermador and complains that it is too loud.

I have a KitchenAid and I've been pleased. All consumers should base their purchase decisions on budget, and culinary needs. Research and compare all ovens in your price range only. Sometimes, on this website it's easy to feel inferior when purchasing less than the top of the line, that costs thousands more than the $3000. you budgeted. Don't feel that upgrading to more than you can afford is necessary to find an oven that will suit your needs.

At one time I used to work full time as appliance salesman for a major retailer. Several of the other salespeople I used to work with used to laughingly say:
The customer thinks they know what they want but they buy what I want to sell them !!!
These were the preditory salespeople who's first task in the morning was to pick up the floor Spiff Sheet and find what paid the highest kickback and the highest commision. These would be the only product they would show. So one week a product would be the best product ever and the next week it wouldn't be something they would sell to their worst enemy.
My advice is to do your research, make your choice, find the store that sells what you want and buy it. If a salesperson trys to strong arm you away from your your chosen product walk out of the store and go somewhere else. Be sure to stop and let the store manager know why you have chosen to leave.
I find it insulting when a salesperson discounts my research when their product knowlege is based on a marketing feature sticker on the product and a spiff sheet.
Both Kitchenaid and Thermador make excellent product. Buy what you want and have no regrets.

I don't have it yet, but I ordered a new generation Thermodore oven (Masterpiece). I wanted to comment re: price. Mine is 27 inch convection below with a combination convection/microwave on top. It cost me $2,800 and has the 7 minute pre-heat. I was debating between Thermodore and Kitchenaide at the end and followed the salesperson's advice to get Thermodore. I hope it's not too loud! It should arrive in Sept.

Thanks for all of the feedback. I would love to hear from some people that actually own the ME302ES oven. It seems that the big noise/fan issue has been with the range, but is it also the case with the ovens?

I looked at the Electrolux and liked its appearance, but is the service any better with this brand?

We, too, are going through the oven search. After all I've read about problems with KA, two diffeent places this week have been recommending KA. I laughingly said to my husband that they are probably getting a bigger payout on the KA. Not far off the mark, I guess. But our budget is on the lower end - so KA, GE Profile and even Monogram are what we're considering. Any advice from those of you who already have any of these ovens?

Does anyone actually have the Electrolux oven? An appliance store owner highly recommended that one and the Jenn-Air today. I have decided against the GE Profile; I love the Monogram handles but also love the Kitchen Aid full extension racks. I may have to look at the Electrolux if it has full extension racks. I think it is made by Frigidaire, which is owned by who-knows who?