Lucky you, a husband with no budget control... several people around here are throwing vegetables at the screen in disgust (organic, locally-sourced of course) ;) I would consult a local realtor or check our the high end spec homes in your area. I was told by an appliance distributor that Wolf was the marquee name that the builders were sourcing, almost without exception. They sold the rest as well. A BlueStar has foodie-appeal, but not quite the same marquee value around here. YMMV. If you go with the all-gas range, you might consider another electric wall oven, if you have space. Judging from the advice I've read, the SubZero is your clear cut winner. On the hood, you need to mention the style you are looking for.... are you looking for an insert or a full hood. And is it wall mount or island mount?

I am so not an expert, but am also considering a Zephyr insert for over a 36" induction cooktop (probably Miele), and from what I've gleaned 27" doesn't seem wide enough. Based on recommendations that exhaust hood be at least 6" wider than cooktop, I'm looking at the AK94AS ("Power Monsoon DCBL") - blower goes from 250 min. to 715 max. CFM. I THINK that "power pack" means that you're buying the operational guts of the hood (motor, grease-collecting apparatus, lights, etc.) to be installed in your own enclosure (e.g. cabinetry, custom fabricated metal surround, etc.), and that "internal blower" means that the mechanism that actually blows the nasty stuff out of your kitchen is located right within the guts that you're buying - as opposed to having the blower within the ductwork or outside at the end of the duct run ("external blower"). Hope that I haven't horribly mangled anything & that someone with more knowledge will chime in!

Ah, I haven't checked out Robot Coupe yet---used to use them in my distant restaurant days in Paris! I'll check into Costco, too, although the hassle of returning stuff is not my idea of 'easy'. Thanks for these responses, though. Has anyone got feedback on the Braun K650 CombiMax Food Processor/600W? FYI, rhome410, I got my flat Cuisinart cover from A Cook's Wares and I believe they still carry them. Here is a link that might be useful: Cook's Wares Cuisinart Parts

I'd agree that's a very tough budget, even more so if that needs to include tax, delivery, extended warranties and installation. If you eliminate a griddle on the range you can pull that in to line much easier. If you try to stick with 1 line your appliances will match. Not only the handles but the SS. Not all SS looks the same. If you are choosing different brands do it in a showroom where you can see these products. With this budget I'd skip most of the commercial style ranges. If you are not focused on a single brand I would suggest looking for a single manufacturer package. It's not at all uncommon to see promotions for a free dish machine with a range etc. Those savings can add up. As far as reliability goes just about every brand has had some issue at some point. I would gear my budget per appliance before approaching brands. Dishwasher 750-1250 I like Bosch and Asko Microwave 500-900 Hood 1200-1800 I'd look at Ventahood Fridge 1800-2500 Lots of options in this price range Range 4500 That might be very difficult with a griddle but eliminate that and you should have plenty of choices in the 3,000-4500 price range I'd take a close look at Bertazoni Master series range ($3200).