Sorry, ellene613, I was out of town for four days and just read your response, for which a big thanks. Actually, I was thinking that additional insulation inside the oven cabinet on the side shared by the oven and refrigerator might be just the ticket, as long as the additional insulation doesn't make it too hot for the ovens! It's something to ask the oven manufacturer when the time comes. Meanwhile, DH and I visited innumerable appliance showrooms and stores in the S.F. Bay area this past weekend and have started narrowing down our possibilities. When we come up with a list, I'll post it on this forum and ask all you good people if you've had experiences--good or bad--with the models and manufacturers we've selected on our first cut. Thanks again, everyone!

Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I'd post pictures, but I'm having trouble finding a showroom with the Jenn-Air refrigerator on display. The model is JFC2290 with the Euro handles (REM), or the Pro handles (REP). Either handle would be fine. The ovens I'm considering are the Electrolux EI30EW45PS or the Electrolux Icon E30EW85PPS. I don't need an exact match, just handles that don't look too mismatched! I was hoping someone with the same issue had found a solution :) lindsey - I know many on the appliance forum share your views about finding the best in each category, but my kitchen is fairly small, so I'd like appliances located right next to each other to have at least some visual similarities. My current oven is a Frigidaire Gallery, and it is horrible for baking! My old GE Profile did a much better job at baking.

Here's some information I noticed when looking into this topic on another thread. From a Whirlpool French Door specifications guide (bottom of page 1) on the Home Depot website, "NOTE: It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 55°F (13°C)." https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/20/20aeceb3-7449-49cf-a6d2-9a0763f54928.pdf From a Samsung French Door, open the installation guide (top of page 8), "Critical Installation Warnings: Do not place this refrigerator in direct sunlight or expose it to the heat from stoves, room heaters, or other appliances." https://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-28-15-cu-ft-4-Door-French-Door-Refrigerator-in-Stainless-Steel-RF28HMEDBSR/204729870 From an SFGate article, "An oven right next to the refrigerator heats up the fridge and makes it work harder, consuming more energy and potentially shortening the refrigerator's life. The doors can also interfere with each other when open and the lack of counter space next to the appliances is inconvenient." http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-put-wall-oven-next-refrigerator-85913.html From an Angieslist Q/A, "Can you place a range right next to a refrigerator? "How convenient! The answer is....absolutely not! By NKBA standards, you must have at least 9" on each side of a stove, cooktop or any other cooking surface. However, personally, I always plan no less than 24" on either side. Any cabinet placed above the stove - especially a gas stove - must be at least 30" up from that stove." "I think it is improtant to clarify some reasons for the code so you understand why you shouldn't do it. The first is being a gas appliance it can not be right next to a possible ignition source. The second reason is heat. Most refrigerator manufacturers clearly state that the refrigerator should not be placed next to a heat source. It makes the cooling equipment work harder and can cause premature failure." http://answers.angieslist.com/Can-place-range-refrigerator-q31238.aspx From the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors forum, scroll down to the post by Doug Edwards, "Distance between Refrigerator & Stove: "And William, your wife is exactly right. The typical refrigerator has to pull air at floor level across the coils if they are located on the bottom of the unit (some have coils buried in the sides) and across the fractional horsepower compressor at the rear of the unit. Hot air is going to effect the performance (and consequently) the life span of the refrigerator. If it has to run all the time it will shorten the life of the compressor. The other consideration will be the burners (2) right next to the skin of the refrig making it difficult to use and also less efficient. You got one smart cookie for a wife." https://www.nachi.org/forum/f18/distance-refrigerator-stove-6451/

If you put refrigerator and ovens adjacent to each other, insulate the wall between them so the oven heat doesn't keep the refrigerator running more than necessary. Invest in some really good potholders, perhaps some silicone or silicone lined ones, and create some good habits so that "too hot to handle" doesn't become an issue. You can get the potholders, fabric and/or silicone, in a variety of colors. Keep a pair or two of your favorite hanging on the nearest wall (or on or in your pantry or other cabinet within easy reach) and make a habit of using them. Alternately, you can get magnets to put on the refrigerator that can hold the best pair of potholders you have. Also invest in a large decorative metal trivet in your favorite color and, anytime you have anything in the oven, set the trivet atop your countertop and/or island nearest the oven.