i am looking at the gas one. i love the grates and it looks like a well made range. i wonder why they discontinued the 500 series tho... it was more in my price range.

kittyhead, I was told they are discontinuing ALL their free-standing ranges. Not sure if this is true though.

I'm not sure of all the differences between the 500 series and 700 series, but I think with the 700 series you get the temperature probe, the multi-temp warming drawer, the full-extention rack, and (I think) the opti-simmer (not sure if I'm calling this the right name...the burner that flame can be decresased so the burner becomes a sort-of hot plate), and possibly the 500 series may not have the stainless cooktop (?).

I think I have the 500 series dual fuel. I never thought of it as a series but I think the serial number is Hx55 or something or maybe it is HD5255... I bought it in December 2005.

I like the range and it has all of the things you mention the 700 series has including the SS top. I think I saw the 700 range in the store and it seems like the same stove, but the grates seem lighter than the ones I have. I don't know but mine is a very nice range. I like the convection oven with the separate fan and heating element.

Check it out.

I have the 700 (HDS71) series dual-fuel free-standing range and LOVE it! This is the middle of the 700 series. Even though this range is $2,199, you can get the price down. If you're not in a hurry, you could wait for one of Sears percent-off sales (they are suppose to have one in November). A couple months ago, this range was $1,600 when they had 15% off, then an additional 12% off. The first range in the series (HDS70) is $200 less. It has a split shelf instead of the telescoping shelf, no temp probe, and a little less stainless.

kharmony, that is my plan! I'm going to Sears this Friday to talk to them. $1600 would be a great price....and the model you have is the exact one I was looking at (although I'm not sure I will get the dua-fuel model).

Thanks so much for the feedback (I've not heard/read anything negative about them yet).

One other question,

Have you had any trouble 'matching' the Bosch with other appliances? Its lines are a little different (but I really like the look without all the gadgets on it!). I suppose the appliance I'm most concerned about is the OTR microwave. I may go with the matching Bosch, but I was really looking at the the GE Profile that has the convection feature (the Bosch does not).

have a look here too. i live in the chicago area and this company is having a big sale this week thru sunday. i may just go and get my bosch... i hope!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Abt Electronics

My Bosch Integra looks good with the LG OTR above it and the KA fridge nearby.

Jennymamma - I'm glad you brought that up! I also wanted a convection microwave, which the Bosch isn't. I wanted one with at least one rack (not a rack turntable). I bought the JennAir, my husband installed it before the range was here. Once the range was here it did NOT match (even though I was assured it would). The microwave had a blue hue to it while the Bosch has no blue to it's stainless. It drove me nuts! I told Lowe's about it when I was shopping for something else and they said "no problem, just take it down and we will exchange it for one that matches." I was shocked since I had had it for 26 days already. They gave me a full refund and I got the GE Profile Convection (I think 1750 or 1740), not the Advantium. They look great together!

Thanks so much for that kharmony!

Good to know it won't look silly! Are you enjoying your Ge Profile convection?

We just installed it a few days ago and I have spent alot of time just staring at how great it looks with the Bosch (since the JennAir didn't). On the functional side, it didn't do as well with popcorn as the JennAir did, but that's adjustable by adding time. I love that it has two racks for convection cooking. I did bake a casserole that came out fine.

Here's a picture of the GE Profile with the Bosch (disregard the stuff sitting on the Bosch).

Here is a link that might be useful: Bosch/GE Profile

Thanks so much for the picture, kharmony! And I agree, they do look very nice together.

I really appreciate you posting a picture...it was very helpful!