I used to have the 30" AG version and when making my original decision, suffered from the same cash shortfall you do. I purchased the AG version in late 2004 and it performed extremely well in all aspects (as described in detail in other discussions). The oven required nothing more than an occasional wipe down after doing some messy baking (roasts etc) but I had not used any cleaner. Gas ovens perform differently than electic. It's a moist heat which is great for meats and casseroles. When baking, you will notice a slight difference but it's really not noticable, unless you're a bread person. They tend to notice the difference more. I left that stove at the old house (and my brother is enjoying it now!!) as I was fortunate to find a prior year's 30" DF model for LESS than I paid for the 30" AG new. While you won't regret the purchase, check outlet stores and what not. You will be happy with whichever model you purchase.

Hi darboydoughboy, When I first got my GE Cafe in November, the cooling fan would turn on at 350 degrees and it did drive me nuts--it was about as loud as the exhaust fan above the stove. After GE installed a new circuit board in an attempt to correct problems with the covection bake, the fan didn't come on until the oven was hotter than 400 degrees. The loudness was still annoying but that was more acceptable to me since most of my cooking and baking would be under 400 degrees (pizza being a big exception). Although the cooling fan was annoying, it would not have given me reason to return the stove. Hope that answers your question. Unfortunately the convection baking issue never was able to be corrected and two subsequent Cafes had physical damage and were never installed so my experience is limited to that one range. Maybe others will be able to give you more info.

I hope you do. Ones done by people who've owned an appliance for a while are the most helpful. I feel like I'm still in the burn off period. Sorry I don't have a lot of photos to show - most are documentation. It's not completely installed. The range came with an optional spacer for the back and we will be installing that onto the back of the backsplash. Without that piece, the crack between the oven door and the oven is a little too far back and the island trim vents a little too close to the wall. It's not a fire hazard - just makes fluid on the wall. We're buying the "L" shaped trim kit for the sides so they will lap over the counter edges a little. That will stop the rain-of-terror where things go down between the end of the counter and the range. this one is just a little bit smaller than the NXR. We've spent a little while deciding what to do about the shortness of the legs. We're thinking put the entire thing up on 3/4" wood runners screwed through the floor and into the subfloor. The anti-tip bracket would be mounted on the runner. Since that will look a little clumsy, maybe a tiny little toe kick in front of it? Or Dacor sells a little stainless toe kick for this range. It's removable but a little costly.

spent most the day looking at ventilation systems. Thinking about replacing current system with 10 inch rigid ducting, broan external blower 1200 cfm (not that much of price difference compared to lower CFM https://www.homedepot.com/p/Broan-NuTone-External-1200-CFM-Blower-for-Broan-Elite-Series-Range-Hoods-335/100025769#product-overview, and broan hood shell 30 inch with 24 inch depth https://www.homedepot.com/p/Broan-NuTone-Elite-30-in-Range-Hood-Shell-with-Light-in-Stainless-Steel-E60E30SS/202905883?#product-overview. I didn't look too much into silencers but I think this is what you all are speaking of in the forums I've read so far... https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-LD10-Galvanized-Steel-Silencer-for-10-Duct.  Waiting for broan to respond about a duct cover since i dont have a cabinet there. I looked at faber, but nothing is available with higher than 600 cfms at 30 inch depth (must keep that depth because my cabinets are in the way). Also looked at prizer, abbaka, bluestar, z line, dacor, GE, stuff at home depot, stuff at costco, stuff at friedmans but something was either the wrong size, cfm, or not available. There is a fivestar that works but no pictures to see if the inside of the hood is "tent" shaped as recommended by @kaseki. @Joseph Henderson any other recommendations for good value brands? I looked at wolf too but the duct cover was so expensive! I started my journey contacting HVAC professionals in the Los Angeles area to see what they would recommend, but I haven't had much luck finding someone who does vent hood installation or would recommend something roof mounted which I found frustrating and odd. One company did recommend a KOBE internal hood with 600 CFMs https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOBE-Range-Hoods-30-in-600-CFM-Stainless-Steel-Wall-Mount-Perimetric-Range-Hood-with-Flame-Temp-Sensor-Auto-On-Off-and-Fan-Control-CH7730SQ6-WM-XX/310852212 which would cost 2500 including hood, installation, and "ducting changes". I found it a little odd that his recommendation for hood CFM was so low and the hood actually does not require any ducting changes whatsoever (Duct Width 6 inch). Another company had someone come in for an estimate and then said they wouldn't be able to give us a quote for a month due to covid. Another company I called for recommendations said just pick the appliance and he will install it. When prompted about what he would recommend he said usually the more expensive the better... Would love to have any recommendations for installation in Los Angeles area if possible since changing the ducting does require cutting a hole in the roof and futzing around my attic. i feel as though this is a VERY important part. havent heard back from friedmans (who sells appliances in our area) @M yes, I was on houzz forums last night reading about flexible ducting and fearing a house fire X__X larger rigid ducting is definitely at the top of my list. @Buehl I am limited by cabinets on each side, will definitely look at something deeper at least 24 in, seems like there aren't a lot of options that are deeper than that. I appreciate everyone's input. You've been more helpful than the professionals that I've contacted! I've been looking through houzz forums I can't believe @kaseki responded directly to my post! thank you so much it really seems like you know what you're talking about I will definitely look for 800 cfms and up.