I have a Bosch free-standing range, and I can tell you the spin and set dial takes a little getting used to, but once you figure it out it's as easy as any other dial. Had to help other family members figure it out, but no biggie, they all eventually got it too.

I love the Bosch. It has been a very dependable range, and no issues at all with it after 4 years of service. It's my first Bosch appliance, but I wouldn't have any hesitation recommending it to someone else -- the true Eu. convection has been great, and I have used it continuously since getting the range and no issues with it either -- cooks evenly and I rarely burn things anymore.

If the indicators have remained the same, there's only one for the whole surface, and it is on the top front center of the range.

Love the look of the slide in -- I think you should go for it.

I'm also pondering the Bosch range and I've only read one somewhat negative review. Someone said it was loud. I hope others can comment on it.

mpagmom-Yes, I hope so also. I was happy to read kris_ma's experiences though, and about the loudness, I also read a couple of reviews about that, but then found many more that basically negated that observation and said it was not loud at all, so I think is here nor there. With the presence of a fan, there is obviously going to be some sound, unlike a fan-less, silent conventional oven, but I think it is just something to get used to and again, a subjective matter, and also maybe a factor of the size of the kitchen and rest of the house. If it is a small apartment, it might be more obvious and annoying. I feel all of the good comments about the Bosch quality outweigh one or two obscure negative ones :). On another note, someone on the appliance forum got me interested in induction, so now I am looking up information on that. But still really like the Bosch!

I haven't noticed the fan being noisy. It is audible, not loud by any means but more a kind of a low, even vibration type of sound -- I don't find it annoying at all, and really it's not the kind of thing you'd notice (kind of like the sound of the refrigerator when it's running). I actually find it helpful at times in that it reminds me when I've inadvertently left the oven on.

I'm glad you're looking at induction -- for a quick lesson, google for some YouTube videos showing comparisons between induction, gas and electric. Actually, I think one of the videos is by Bosch. It doesn't look like they have an induction range, yet, but they do make a cooktop. If I were in the market for a new range, I would definitely be looking at induction -- David said in another thread that induction is to gas what the computer is to the abacus. It is pretty amazing technology.

jk - re: your pm about the simmer feature on the Bosch -- I'm not sure mine is new enough to have that as a feature -- it looks like that's a dedicated and separate feature as opposed to just being the lowest setting on the burners? I don't seem to have that -- or at least don't know if I do (which probably means I don't).

Good luck with your search.

kris-thanks once again for your guidance! I am torn between the Bosch electric and induction. There is a GE profile induction slide in on sale at sears now that is very tempting. I will for sure view youtube videos. Another complication is whether or not I am able to accomodate a slide-in into my cabinets/countertops. I am analyzing the installation manuals on both the Bosch and the GE induction and do not know if I meet the 36" height requirement for the flush mount slide in surface. It depends on if they include the thickness of the countertop or not. Well, I guess I need to talk to an installer, or at least a very knowledgeable sales person! Really want a slide in for the controls on the front and also the built-in look.

mpagmom- Good points brought up here..I feel the same way you do--my head says to choose induction for safety and function, too. It really makes sense and I would kick myself in 5 years when everybody will be getting one and I went with the old school electric knowing I could have had state of the art. I really am not a 'keep up with the Joneses' type, that is not what I mean, but I truly believe it is the way of the future (like cell phones, microwaves, TVs and indoor plumbing!) unless someone down the road finds some terrible hidden flaw in the design (like it causes cancer or something awful like that). And I don't think I would let a few negative reviews about broken panel fixes sway me too much cause there are so many more positives out there.

But on the other hand, that Bosch is really so darn cute and especially seems so well made and thought out. It really has everything I like, I would be happy with it, because it is no comparison to what I have now. I am agonizing so much because think that this will prbly be the last stove I ever own--my present 'Hardwick Classic 100' is 27 years old and still going strong, not broken but basic and just looks bad! I so wish Bosch made a slide in induction. I'm sure they are working on it, probably one with knobs, too! Well, at least they do have a freestanding electric WITH controls on the front (knobs even), if I need to resort to that in the end. I really need to have that feature (reaching issues because I am very short and a little more endowed up front, if u kno what I mean) and always prefered knobby look to touch screen anyway. But I am willing to go with the touch screen for progress's sake, with what's out there presently in induction. I am kind of strapped for time as I need to pick out something in the next couple of weeks. We are getting our countertops replaced and I want to have the stove picked out so they can view the installation instructions when making the template. I am so trying to avoid any problems. I didn't know about the drawer issue, but I do not have full overlay drawers, so hopefully that will not be an issue. I will have to look into it though, so thanx for the heads-up. We are having our cabinets refaced and a new one built to add on as a penninsula, so the cabinet guy might be able to help.

And speaking of form, I hear ya about the Profile eyeball/football window--I really dislike that also!! But GE does have a good track record with ranges, and it is on sale at sears for 450 less than the Kenmore slide in so I am telling myself to live with it, if that is how I end up going. (I do like the look of the Kenmore better, though--maybe Friends and Family sale in a couple of weeks will bring it down more) I already went over budget picking out a fridge (Kenmore also) and that really needs to stay b/c of size constrictions there. I'm just really nervous now about the installation process so really need to talk to someone in the store about my concerns. This remodel has been in the works for literally years, and I just want to make all the right decisions. But there always will be something to wish for that doesn't exist yet, no matter what the timing is. Heck, I never dreamed I would be considering an induction range in the plan, but at least can still make that choice at this point. If you have time on your side, maybe you should wait a few more months and see what evolves. The Bosch Pro electric just came out, so it will still be around.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and listening to mine!

Here's another vote for induction! I've had it for a few months, and it is amazing. Heat control is almost immediate; I can't imagine it any faster. I can boil up a big pot of water is a few minutes and turn it down to simmer - it reacts within 3 seconds. I can't imagine you being disappointed with an induction decision.

And, induction has been around for 25+ years. It's very popular in Europe! I think the only thing that keeps it from being mainstream here is the cost. But, it is so worth it.

I can't help you with slide in vs. range as I have a Bosch cook top (which is awesome!).

Oh, you guys have really turned my head around. I just wish my family was as savvy...my brother just said, no he does not know about it, he cooks with fire. Well, I told him it is like fire but without the burning part! It is really a novel thing in my world. Maybe little ole me will be turning their heads some day!

I looked again at the GE induction slide-in and I don't think there would be any issue with your full-overlay drawers. Some of the electronic panels stick out to the side a bit, but the GE's panel does not. It is slanty, and it sticks out in front, but that design makes sense with electronic controls.

I would think that the cut out for the GE induction slide-in and the Bosch radiant slide-in would be the same.

I've wanted an induction range for a couple years, but if I don't find a slide-in a really like, I may just stick with radiant.

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide!