We have the GE JEM31(?) and it's fine for our needs (micro basics as the OP listed). They have discontinued that model but the new one that replaced might have the same wattage. Despite not using our micro all that often, we were a bit nervous going from our 18-19 year old dinosaur (huge Panasonic micro with no turntable) to our tiny new GE (with turntable). The size of the space for the micro in our renovated kitchen made micro size a priority. The ability to turn off the turntable was also a priority for us, as we do like to micro bacon in a 9x13 baking dish. Of course, someone told me after the fact, that you can just remove the turntable and let the spinny thing spin around under the dish....!

I have no solution yet, but I have just encountered the same problem. It started after I had strung together a vcr, dvd player, rf modulator, and computer. I do not know if a power surge from this could have caused the stretching. I will let you know if I find a solution.

You guys are awesome! Today I happened upon a photo in a local magazine that shows a similar dining room setup with a larger rug that sits about 2' away from the walls. Now I see what you mean about size. I was trying to go smaller, whereas I really need to go larger so the table and chairs aren't so cramped. Thanks for that reality check. I'll focus on 9 x 12 or something similar. The black rug in my photo actually came from Overstock and the red/green rug (usually sits in my foyer) from Home Dec so I feel comfortable ordering from either place. Unfortunately, because of my crazy schedule, I'm not really able to stalk CL and eBay, so the other online options are a bit more realistic. I'm still unsure about colors so I'll post other options for feedback. Bronwynsmom - that's a gorgeous rug, I'll check it out.

I don't know where you are shopping, but no one has all the models. An appliance store that caters to builders and remodelers is probably the best bet for finding a Benchmark and they may be able to order the others if you want to order something you haven't seen. It is possible that a model has been dropped along the way -- have you loooked at any online vendors to see if they have it (AJ Madison, Yale Apppliance, etc.) or asked about the availability of the 7 model you are interested in? I even called the BSH showroom out in LA to ask questions about the models - the guy I talked to was very helpful. I found a 7 or 800 series at Best Buy that would have been fine if I hadn't needed the panel ready -- but I wasn't ready to give that up. That would have saved me $400 on the sale price, but I bought when I got a $200 rebate on the Benchmark so the net was $200 more than the Best Buy model and $100 more than the lower Benchmark (was $200 less but only had a $100 rebate). For a $100 net difference, DH wanted the quieter rating. We got the interior light and the control panel strip is metal rather than plastic (you may get buttons on the non-Benchmark rather than the flush touch controls). I have looked for the comparison chart I know I saved, but I can't find it right now. If I find it I will come back.