Microwave over range is the worst possible combination. Those microwaves don't provide good ventilation and they are up too high for easy use as a microwave. They may be the best solution in a few situations, but it would be my last resort.

Cooktop and wall ovens are more expensive and typically fit best in a bigger kitchen. They are typically the best ergonomically (depends on the height at which you mount those ovens). This would be my first choice if space and budget permit.

Ranges can be much less expensive and they typically fit better in smaller kitchens. They also are often standard sizes that are easy to replace.

(edited to fix typos--sorry)

ditto crl.

We're not getting any younger, so we choose to do wall oven (don't have to bend down as low) and cooktop.

I also do not like people reaching for the oven of a range, while I'm trying to cook on the range top.

Same for the heat rising from the oven while I'm standing there cooking.

I like the 2 in separate areas, since I tend to cook on cooktop, and DH bakes.

Our reno was also to put in a hood, since the previous layout did not have any. LOVE my hood!

Also, I wanted a 36" cooktop, but not a 36" oven (takes too long to preheat). So I got my 36" induction cooktop and 30" wall oven (which I put under the Advantium (or microwave), all at my short height.

---

Please post your layouts here, to get great feedback on function.

Good luck,

Amanda

My kitchen is probably large enough to justify a cooktop and wall oven. The kitchen I'm replacing was 10x10 and had them. However, we are on a very tight budget and it would have added several thousand dollars to our reno that we couldn't really afford between the additional appliance and the cabinetry. We decided to go with a range and I was originally looking at a double oven range, but decided at the last minute to go with a single. I hope I don't regret it!

As far as the microwave over the range - just don't do it. They are terrible at ventilation and overpriced. I'm putting a countertop microwave on an open shelf at the bottom of one of my upper cabinets. If we'd had a bigger budget and a large island I'd have gotten a drawer micro.

Pros and cons of separate items:

- You can pick and choose the items that suit your needs best; for example, you could have the high-end induction cook top, but stick to a basic, inexpensive oven. However, buying separate items is always going to be more expensive -- probably MUCH more expensive.

- You can place the oven(s) out of the main cooking area, and you can have pot/pan storage right under the cook top.

- Your oven is higher up, and you can probably have a storage drawer underneath.

- You lose counter top space where the oven is placed; thus, this is suited only for kitchen that're at least medium-sized.

- All cook tops sit "flat" on the counter, allowing for an uninterrupted back splash.

- Cook tops fit into islands, whereas ranges typically don't.

Pros and cons of a single-item range:

- A range is MUCH less expensive; for example, if you're looking at mid-priced items, you can almost have a range for the price of JUST the cook top. Most of us don't really need /use those fancy features in the more expensive items, and those fancy bells and whistles are more likely to break than a simple, standard range.

- A range is cheaper to install because it's only one item /in one place. Likewise, if you need to replace it, it's cheap: You can pop in a new range yourself, whereas, if you need to replace a built-in oven, you're stuck with a larger bill.

- Some models have two ovens -- one small, one large -- though the large one is low to the ground.

- Most ranges have a "raised lip" around the edge, which prevents spills from hitting the floor. Cook tops tend to be smooth.

- If the back splash is important to you, you can go with a slide-in range, which is flat on the counter top like a cook top.

- If you have small children, you might want to go with a typical range -- they tend to have the controls at the back /next to the wall; thus, children can't reach them.

Other thoughts:

The microwave is a problem! I think -- and most people here agree -- that above the range is the worst option. Being short, I personally don't like reaching up to get out hot food. And if you use your cook top often, you probably want a better vent than a microwave/hood combo provides.

How much do you use your microwave? Mine is only used for making popcorn, warming butter, and baking the occasional potato (and I'm fine with a small, $50-60 microwave -- I don't want to spend money or space on a built-in model). I'm flip-flopping between putting mine into the large, walk-in pantry or an appliance cabinet something like this: