We had a 240v Monogram Advantium before the fire that I loved, but the microwave wasn't the easiest to use with the dial (I just did the +30 button a bunch of times since it was quicker). I totally geeked out on the playing with the 4 heat choices in combination though and I had really good results most of the time. We replaced it with a Thermador Pro steam and I'm still getting used to it. I haven't really "cooked" anything yet, but as advertised, it heats up leftovers really well--so well things taste just as well the next day as the first. It doesn't reheat at microwave speed though so things take a while. The water is kinda putzy though. You aren't supposed to keep the tank full so you pretty much need to clean the oven and drain the tank after every use. I'm looking forward to having some time to play with it and learn to use it more. For a microwave, we got a small Panasonic Inverter for $100 at Costco and it is one of the best MVs I've ever used. It's wicked fast and actually can soften butter without melting it. I'm glad I didn't drop a grand on a fancy drawer unit like I was originally considering.

This is very very helpful. Thank you so so much. With the exception of the Miele Dishwasher, all the other appliances (36" Wolf Range, 42" Wolf Vent Hood, Miele Refrigerator, and Sharp Drawer Microwave) have been delivered and are on site. There is an island in front of the range and the width of the walkway between the island and the range is around 40" so I was a little bit concerned about trying to slide in the range once the counter top was installed and if there was enough room for easily maneuvering it in place. The appliance store was going to send their installers to install all the appliances, but at appliance delivery time, the installer came along and said that they do not install 42" wide vent hoods, so I am stressed out about finding someone to install just the hood for me. I just didn't need this hassle in an already extremely difficult remodel that I am going through. Any helpful hints (or something that I should watch out for) about vent hood will be greatly appreciated as I am clueless about that part of the job. And does anyone tile behind the range (heat considerations) or is drywall good enough?

I use all of my small appliances.. and if there happens to be one that I don't use for a year, out it goes.. I give it away. I just cannot clutter up my space with stuff just to have stuff. Let someone else use it or dust it. I use my Kitchen Aid mixer nearly every day and my food processers too. I have a small one for small amounts and then the big honker for making large batches of stuff. I have a Quesadilla cooker that we use probably a couple times a month. I don't have a blender, because I can use my food processor to do anything a blender can do. I had a potato machine that makes curly fries. I use that when I wan to make home made fries. I have a couple of crock pots of differnt sizes.. Use those often as well. and an electric deep fryer that I use for frying chicken and fish. So, anything I have, I use or it is outta here and off to a home where it becomes someone elses responsibility..

nannygoat18: all the best with the new regimen!! its so hard figuring out what your pet needs and what works for them. we just started to eliminate things that might be bothering him. i found a very good resource at my independently owned feed store and he recommended changing the protein source. so that's how i started him on lamb. he was vomiting square chunks and we thought it was sweet potato from original food but it wound up being carrots from treats. those went right in the trash!! i think they were a milk bone variety we bought the day we adopted him. annztoo: i did look into his present food and there are a lot of carbs., so i am going to do some research on the right mix. i am afraid to give him food with a high fat content b/c they thought that could be a problem for him when he had the gastric inflammation. when he had the GI inflammation they did say he had pancreatitis. on the 2nd U/S, no inflammation in the GI tract. Good for you that u make his food and you found something that works for him!!! whatever happened to the days of "you get a puppy and they go on Purina Puppy Chow and then "graduate" to Dog Chow!! our 1st two dogs were on that and both lived to 14 with no gastro issues!! back in the 80's & 90's.... way back :) right now he is on no meds! i really think between switching foods from the foster in texas, then the long ride to Jersey, then the Jersey foster, then us, his system was in disarray. in the fosters and rescue group they feed them whatever is donated so he could and probably had his food changed 3 times in 3 weeks. not good!! then we lavished him with treats, 2 surgeries in 6 days and his system has totally out of wack!! then multiple cycles of antibiotics, stress, plastic and more than likely a chicken intolerance, its no wonder he's been sick !! now we just need him to gain weight and keep moving forward! in the last 2 weeks or so, he has been much better. so we are sticking with VeRus, no reason to switch. all the blood in stool is gone, mucus is gone, did have semi-loose stool for a day and half but that's cleared up. i have added Firm Up! pumpkin and cranberry supplement to his food once a day. i only give 1 teaspoon. it say he can get 1-2 tbspns for his weight but as with everything with him, i go slow!! the only thing 'not right' is he does get lethargic at times and he is ALWAYS hungry!! so the food might not be filling him?? we are getting him tested for whipworm. our vet cannot do it, special test, they have to send it out. just waiting for a fresh sample to drop off! DH was looking into possible parasites and whipworm came up and he did fit some of the criteria. most importantly its seems to be a problem in the South -check-and does cause lethargy and hunger - check. so we shall see!