Do a search on this forum - there's a bigger problem with the burners on the range.

Two years ago, we purchased a new, counter-depth GE Cafe Refrigerator and paired it with a suite of Jenn-Aire Pro Style appliances: a Duel Fuel, Convection Range, Steam Dishwasher (stainless steel tub) and above-the-stove Microwave. We considered both the Jenn-Aire Pro Style and GE Cafe appliance suites, due to their comparable costs and features. I realize that some people might be mortified by this idea, but rather than choose between the two brands, we found a solution that gave us the best of both. A review of our unique circumstances, thinking and shopping process may be helpful for some. Each product line really is very nice. But at the time we needed to do our appliance upgrade, the budget prevented us from doing an entire kitchen and countertop remodel. Besides, our countertops and grout were in great shape, even though the house was 20 years-old. Fortunately, our refrigerator isn't clustered on the same walls with the other appliances, so the minor design differences aren't really all that noticeable. In the end, we chose this unusual brand-pairing for reasons of functionality, not aesthetics. Also, I reasoned that over time, reasonable people often install different brands of replacement refrigerators in kitchens. Our solution isn't perfect, but it worked for us. The GE Cafe line of appliances has beveled edges; the Jenn-Aire Pro Style line of appliances has straight edges. From an interior design standpoint, this is the single biggest difference between the two. The result is the Jenn-Air line has a no-nonsense, restaurant-style look; the GE Cafe line has a more graceful and stylish appeal. But both have beefy, pro-style handles and knobs and the brush-stroked finish of the stainless steel is similar. However, the GE Cafe appliance's stainless steel does take on a slightly warmer (yellowish) tint while the Jenn-Aire steel is cooler (blueish). Again, the difference is very subtle. 1. We really liked the GE Cafe refrigerator far better than the matching refrigerator for the Jenn-Aire Pro Style suite. At the time of our purchase, the refrigerator compartment in the GE model had a significantly larger capacity. This may have been because the GE model was taller. This meant it also did a better job of filling the existing cabinetry's built-in space. The GE Cafe model also made better use of the internal refrigerator space, as it had wider shelves that fully reached to each side of the compartment. The Jenn-Aire refrigerator-compartment design left unusually wide gaps between the interior shelves and the sidewalls. This mean this lower-capacity model also would be far less space efficient. Again, we were comparing the counter-depth models. 2. The GE Cafe range is a freestanding design. This would have required us to replace our kitchen countertop because it would have exposed the raw, saw-cut tiles that define the edges of the stove opening. We had some extra tiles in storage, but not enough edging tiles. In turn, this would have forced us to also replace the counters in the downstairs bar and bath, if not the ret of the house. Also, the matching GE over-the-stove microwave measured just a little larger and deeper, making it a tight fit with the existing cabinetry. 3. The Jenn-Aire Pro Style drop-in stove slid right into our existing tile countertop opening and the top edge of the stove overlapped the counter to cover the raw, saw-cut edge of our older tiles. Now, two years later I have three observations about the design and performance of these appliances. GE CAFE REFRIGERATOR Our model's interior light uses an old-fashioned (low wattage) light bulbs. This means the lighting fixture is very large, and it really intrudes into the compartment space. At the time of our purchase, I was very surprised that GE didn't use LED lighting, and maybe it does by now. I wonder if an LED conversion kit is (or ever will be) available for our model? The extra capacity of the GE refrigerator compartment remains important to our small family and I'm still glad we decided on this model. However, the GE Cafe refrigerator just doesn't keep drinks like water, soda and milk as cold as we like, nor as cold as our old refrigerator. The refrigerator compartment measures a standard 32F (the lowest setting available), but this just is not quite cold enough (for us, but it may not be a big deal for you -- we like our drinks icy cold). This may be due to the position of the refrigerator compartment's cold air duct (which gets cool air from the freezer), the interior air-circulation, the fact that GE is designed to store drinks in the door, or a combination of all these factors. Also, we notice slightly warmer drink temperatures when the refrigerator is fully-loaded (such as after a big trip to the store). This makes me suspect the compressor may be slightly under-engineered. One day, when we opened the door to the freezer compartment, a hard package of frozen food dropped to the bottom and cracked the interior liner in a semi-circular line. We just had a repairman out to look at the small crack. These liners are thin shells and a single part (or two). I was told that a styrofoam backing insulator is behind this layer. The only repair is caulk (to prevent the crack from spreading). GE sent the special GE-branded caulk and the repairman drilled two tiny holes at each end the crack and then filled it all with the caulk. JENN-AIRE PRO STYLE DISHWASHER Our inner tub is a stainless steel model, which should last longer. However, the versatile, fully-adjustable baskets have a lot of moving parts and attachments that work using space-age plastic hinges, snaps and roller wheels. These plastic parts started falling off within the first few months of use and this continues today. I think the connector designs need improvement and the harsh wash temperatures quickly took a toll on the functionality of these parts. We just had to replace a locking gate for the top basket due to a broken snap lock. This part cost over $25, though it probably was a 50-cent component. JENN-AIRE PRO STYLE STOVE This stove has two removable grates for the four burners. The grates have rubber feet that nestle into the openings for the burners, but the edges of the grates actually rest atop the stainless steel stovetop. You must carefully lift out the grates to clean the burner wells. When you place the grates back onto the stove, you MUST drop the grates straight down into position. If you misalign the grate placement and then slide the grates front to rear to correct the misalignment, you scratch the hell out of the soft, stainless steel finish. Our otherwise conscientious housekeeper has wrecked the top finish of the stove. No matter how many times I explain how to properly place the grates on the stovetop, she always gets it wrong. Most of these scratches aren't visible when the burner is in place, but they are disappointing and it points to a design flaw in the grate system. The stove's front control panel faces straight forward -- it is not angled up -- even slightly. This makes it very difficult to read the oven control labels and the writing on the knobs that control the cooktop burners. The GE Cafe stove's control panel was angled up slightly, and better in this respect. Also, the digital interface and integrated touch panel for selecting and choosing the Jenn-Aire oven settings leaves much to be desired. The small control panel display forces the manufacturers to use an array of digital, touch buttons and then step through levels to find the setting and value you want. IMPROVING THE DIGITAL KITCHEN I won't see this idea implemented in my lifetime, but it's time for all appliance manufacturers to move the digital controls off these appliances and place them on the iPad using WiFi, Bluetooth or the new NFC (near field communications) radio technologies. Imagine an App for all these controls! The iPad really is a marvelous and versatile device that already is being used to control entertainment center components in the den, lighting, water, heating, air conditioning and security. Why not the kitchen too?

After a lot of research, reading everything I could get my hands on here on the forum and elsewhere, changing my mind a dozen or more times, I finally bought the GE Cafe dual fuel range and refrigerator at the end of 2009. I had used an all electric range for over 40 years so buying a range with a gas cooktop was a huge leap of faith for me. I was so sure I would NEVER buy or use gas but I have to say that I am absolutely crazy for the Cafe dual fuel! I love everything about it--the powerful front burners, the small back burner for simmering or small pots, the center griddle, the convection oven, the lower warming drawer that can also bake up to 450 degrees, the big beefy professional looking knobs. It is only 36 inches wide but looks so much bigger. There was a bit of a learning curve for me in using gas for the first time in my life but once mastered no problem. I like the Cafe refrigerator as well because of the clean uncluttered front--didn't want water or ice in the door--wouldn't use it. My only whine is that you must open both doors to access the full width bottom drawer. There is only two of us so size isn't a problem but for a larger family, it might be. It can be overwhelming with so many brands and features but do your homework and I think you'll feel more confident in your final choice.

I appreciate this thread, because I am looking for appliances for my new home here in Canada. The prices up here for Wolf and Miele are outrageous, comparing to what you pay in the US, and so I am looking at Thermador and Dacor. While I appreciate that Dacor appliances seem to be more expensive than Bosch etc, but when I compare their features, they do have more. However, what I am not comfortable with is that, for the Modernist line, they are based on Samsung products, and they are made in South Korea (confirmed with the Dacor consumer line person), yet while some of the prices are reasonably higher (e.g. the four door fridge is slightly higher than the comparable model for Samsung) but then the wall oven is much more expensive, even taking into account the additional features. Unless there are major differences in the materials and features that I am not aware of, the price difference is a bit too much. I am wondering if anyone has any additional information on this please? BTW, where is the best place to look for Dacor Modernist appliances review please? The Appliance Connection site seems to have the most number of reviews, but are they all genuine and reliable please? Any other place where I can find them please? Thank you!