The consensus here is that American Range is a good choice but Bluestar is a better choice. If going with American Range then the Performer Series is the way to go. Things that I don't like about AR include their double burner grate. A one burner grate is heavy enough to lift and clean. Double burner pro-style grates are very heavy. The only AR that does not have this is the step up range. That is just a silly gimmick. The other thing I don't like is the black coated cooktop surface. IMO difficult to clean. Much easier to clean cast iron or just let the small stuff patina over. I have never baked in the double convection oven offered by AR. I imagine it can't be worse than standard pro style gas oven. DCS fridges are rebadged Whirlpool/KitchenAid fridges. Usually good but not best in class. DCS ranges were considered very good before they were bought out by Fisher Paykel but seem to have suffered a bit lately. There is really nothing particularly innovative here. They do offer an All-Gas model with self-clean but the simmer is 140 /~750 btu and it is above your stated limit of $4.5k. Capital offers a Culinarian with self-clean, 23k btu very even heat burners that go down to 145 degrees plus one small pot burner that goes down to 500 btu. no development in a while They have developed quite a bit lately. In the Platinum Series.25k btu burners, true European convection, and quick preheat. And in the larger models they offer French plates and double griddles, and French doors. In 30" they offer standard grates that convert to wok grates, copper and different metal finishes, all the colors in the RAL color book including custom color knobs. In my perfect world I would add self-clean and heavy duty motorized rotisserie to the Bluestar Platinum Series like in the Capital Culinarian plus the knob bezels that light on when a burner is on like Dacor. But nobody makes that perfect range.

OK, I've made a little progress in narrowing my choices. I'm finalizing my cabinet order and need to pick certain elements to get the openings sized correctly. I've solve my microwave dilemma by hiding it behind a pocket door. I'm looking for a warming drawer that does not stick out too much from the cabinets. I'm using inset cabinetry and a fully integrated, inset panel will be very difficult in an island situation with a standard 24 inches of total depth (interior space of less). (I know the Dacor indoor/outdoor unit might work, but it may not be recommended.) I've looked at Miele SS, Dacor SS and GE Monogram. These all seem to stick out the least of all the choices. The problem is that these handles don't match anything but their own sister refrigerators and dishwashers. (I'm not getting the integrated Miele fridge) Here's my current configuration choices: Set 1 Thermador 36" range Thermador (Bosch) Dishwasher KA FD CD refrigerator, Pro Series KA or Thermador WD, with matching handle (not happy with this, these stick out so much... any alternatives?). Another possibility is the Dacor WD Set 2 CornuFe 90 Albertine Range Bosch Panel Front DW GE Monogram SS CD Fridge GE Monogram WD Set 3 Wolf 36" Range Bosch Panel Front DW Dacor WD KA CD BF Fridge Anything else I should consider? I'm also concerned with the venting requirements of the Thermador and Wolf ranges (let alone the higher BTU BS or Capital).

A few suggestions to get you some replies: -include a picture of your cabinets showing style and stain color. What are you considering staining or repainting them to? Do you want white or black cabinets or some other color? Either one might look nice with blue eye granite. What is your style? You might have seen them already but do a search on the forum for painting or staining cabinets and you will find photos of people's kitchens who have done it, and even instructions. -do some research about faucets by looking at some faucets online and then repost when you have an idea of what you like and ask a more specific question. Do you like pull out, pull down, separate sprayer, deck mount or wall mount, modern or antique styles, etc.? Many people have trouble finding a faucet they like even when they know all those things. Ask about particular faucets you like and do searches for those faucets on this forum. Many people who have them will tell you why they chose them, if they would get them again, pros and cons, etc. There are hundreds of faucets in satin nickel available. Good luck. Sue

Here is the first rule of appliance selection. Don't buy a suite of everything from one manufacturer. No one does everything well. Many of the appliance salesmen will try to steer you into one brand. Why? It's easy or they get an incentive. Next, organize you thoughts and select what is the best fit for you and your family. You may want to splurge on one item and economize on another. Do a lot of research on the appliance thread. Gardenweb is the best resource out there. Plan on spending some time here. Then go out and shop, armed with an idea of what you need, what you want and what you can afford. You have given us a budget, ~$20,000. Don't forget you will need ventilation. Everyone always forgets it and it's not cheap. I like Vent-a-Hood. I hate downdraft ventilation. Everyone has a preference. Those are mine. Rethink convection in your ovens. If you are buying double ovens, consider making one of them convection. If you have never had convection, you may not know what you are missing. But, you don't have to spend extra for double convection. If you have double ovens, you probably don't need a warming drawer. Plan on never running the self clean function on your ovens and you will be a happier customer. You only have to fry the mother board once to learn this lesson. This goes for all manufacturers. Dishwashers: Bosch, Miele, Asko for quiet. Bosch makes a wide variety of price points. I've had success with them on a number of homes. But, Miele and Asko are highly regarded. Cooktops/rangetops: You want gas. You have to decide whether you want sealed burner versus open burner. The difference is the amount of BTU that the burner can deliver. Open delivers more, closed delivers less. Some people believe that closed is easier to clean if you have an over spill. I don't agree, but let some other posters offer an opinion. I can only say I am replacing my closed burner Thermador for an open burner Bluestar rangetop. Refrigeration: You won't go wrong with Subzero, but your wallet will ache. There is nothing sexier than a set of Subzero full refrigerator and freezer. Liebherr is a competitor. I suggest that you take a look at your kitchen plans. You may be able to surround a full depth refrigerator with cabinets to create a built-in look. You will pay a lot more for counter depth and get less storage. Rather than a 48", think about a 36" full depth and supplement with an additional garage refrigerator or freezer. It's a cost effective way to get capacity. Instead of Subzero, I ended up buying the Kitchenaid Architect II 36" French door. I used the money I saved elsewhere. Educate yourself on one item at a time and it will all come together. I think the dishwasher is the easiest place to start. Good Luck.