There are numbers of long threads on NXRs here. The site-search engine can be hit or miss. Go out to google/ask/bing/whatever and type "gardenweb + nxr" and you'll have reading for a week.

Note that the NXR line was recently "refreshed" to move the NXR product line further upscale, so the price has gone up a bit from when most of the threads were written. Near as I can tell, the main changes are: (a) an upgraded burner ignitor control unit (prior model was the less expensive kind that sparked all four ignitors and the new one has independent control channels for each burner) and (b) updated appearance with more LED indicator lights and beefier control knobs. Otherwise, the new models work like the older ones (NRG and DGRB) so the older discussions should still be applicable.

For a comparison of the GE Cafe and the NXR, have a look at this thread on that very subject. As far as I can tell, nothing has changed in the last 3½ years since that thread started. One thing on reading reviews about the Cafe models, there were some very negative reviews when the line came out in the 2010-2012 period. GE made some changes that mostly took care of those problems. Concentrate on reviews after 2012. Another thing to bear in mind is that GE sells a ton of them. If 10% of buyers have problems, that is a lot of potential posters. It is an axiom here that unhappy customers are more likely to post than happy ones. That said, the main longevity concern with any major brand stove (induction, gas, electric or dual fuel) is electronic control systems. Consider five year extended warranties if you can get one for $200 or so. Read the fine print. Some have better coverage and terms than others. (Another subject you can research here, too.)

We've had a couple of threads discussing the Thor ranges which have recently appeared on the market. Probably the most informative one is this thread which is titled for "Kucht" ranges. FYI, NXR, Thor and Kucht are all just brand names used by American and Canadian import companies/resellers/branders. The stoves are all contracted from, designed by, and fabricated-assembled by Hyxxion Metal Works in China.

In terms of avoiding mistakes or being stuck with lemons, consider buying your stove from vendors with absolute satisfaction guarantees. Costco, for example, famously has that kind of guarantee. That means you can just return the stove if you get a freight damaged unit, or receive a lemon, or just plain don't like the stove after a few weeks use.

On hoods, you might want to start a separate thread with your requirements in the title. Also, try posting that question in the Kitchens forum, too, which is where design mavens hang out.

One suggestion, though, is to consider getting a 36" wide hood if you can fit one in. The extra width will do a better job of collecting vapors and heat from the stovetop and oven vent. This just a suggestion. If you can't fit one in to your kitchen space or budget, you can't do it. We work with the kitchens and budgets we have.

Thank you so much jwvideo. Your comments are very helpful.

Very detailed & helpful, thank you!

Do be aware that my comments were written years ago and that there are now three levels of ranges sold under the NXR brand. AFAIK, only Costco carries the "NXR-Pro" models which are the updated (and slightly upmarket) versions of the the NRG and DRGB models discussed in most of the older threads you find here. (Also, Costco currently seems to have only 36" wide and 48" wide models on offer. The 30" NXR-Pro models seem unavailable for the time being.) The 2 lower levels/versions sold under the NXR brand at other retailers and big box stores are equipped a bit differently and are much like the models sold under the Thor and Kucht brands.