Before you buy anything Kitchenaid that has an oven, you might want to read the comments about the Aqualift cleaning system. You can pull it up in a search-I think it's in appliances.

It seems your decisions need to be divided in two: one about appliances and their features, and the other is about kitchen design. Installing a range vs. installing a cooktop/wall oven has a big effect on how your kitchen is designed, how much space you will have for a big sink, or more counters or less.

Me, I prefer a separate cooktop and wall oven. Wall oven means no bending low, and it's better for a kitchen where 2 people cook. I also would not do a 30" cooktop (you said 2 sizes, so I am assuming you meant that one of them is 30"). If you are going to have separate cooktop/wall oven, then get a 36" cooktop. Not larger than 36" either, because then your hood purchase becomes daunting. Speaking of which, I am concerned you make no mention of a hood. A hood is as integral to your kitchen appliances decision as the fridge. Don't skimp. Make sure your duct out of the house is 8" in diameter, and get a hood with baffle filters, not mesh.

DWs, people like Bosch and Miele. Choose between those 2 based on features and price.

Fridges, you need to decide whether you want a fridge that costs an arm and a leg, but will last 20 years, like a Subzero, or a less expensive fridge that (unfortunately these days) will last 5-7 years. If the latter, then just choose one with the features and size you like. The Whirlpool family has had dismal reliability records lately, but parts are easily available. The Korean companies Samsung and LG have had better reliablility (not saying much, since Whirlpool so dismal), but when they break, parts take weeks to come in. So it's a roll of the dice which risk you are more comfortable with.

Cooktop, I can't advise you because I am not knowledgeable about induction. There's is a TON written on this forum, spend some time looking at the threads.

Wall oven - what is your budget. I wouldn't get the KA. The Miele is beautiful but some reports that it is overengineered and overly complicated. Is there a Miele showroom near you to see it? People seem to like the Thermador wall ovens and the Bosch.

Anne Duke's point is sadly spot on. I have had tremendous luck with my Miele refrigerator for example, while there have been a few posters who have had nothing but trouble.

For me and my money Bosch is a great value. I have had their appliances in the past and currently have many appliances from one of their sister companies and they are solid performers- great induction and oven- great d/w- I don't know much about their refrigerators- though I am pretty sure they come from the same Turkish factory as Thermador and Miele and Gagg.

Your Kitchen Designer should be weighing in strongly in this. There are a lot more global consequences of appliance choices than A has 16,000 BTU and B has 18,000 BTU. You need someone knowledgable who has the big picture in mind. You need someone who is not just a cabinet seller.

Anne, yep, more information seems to be inversely correlated to successful decision making.

Rita, thanks for the Bosch recommendations . My only Bosch experience has been with dishwashers. I have had Bosch dishwashers in all my houses since 2002 and wouldn't look at anything else except that the incentives offered by different appliance packages require me to look at other brands. Thermador (which is repackaged Bosch)offers a free dishwasher in certain packages. and Miele if, you get some of the appliances and a dw, one gets a 10 % discount.

Live wire oak unfortunately I don't have a KD yet. I was hoping to use the one who I used in 2002 and who got 2nd place in the NKBA large kitchen competition in 2002 or 2003 with my kitchen but seems to have disappeared . I found another one who I was going to use and was very enthusiastic but also disappeared over the holidays and hasn't resurfaced.

I never find the packages worthwhile in the long run. Yes, you get a discount today. But for years to come you have to live with these appliances, after the 10% discount is long forgot.

MMiller, very true. It only works if all the appliances are really good.

Annettea, thanks for the info. interesting about the Thermador controls. I must take another look at that. What didn't they like about it. One reputable appliance store employee told me that all the induction cooktops are so similar, it's not worth paying extra for a "top" brand. But in looking at them there are features, like size of cooking area, bridging abilities and top wattage figures are. I'm looking at the yale appliance blog again. They do a good comparison.

annettea, thank you for letting me know about the change in Bosch refrigerators. Good to know. I apologize for the misinformation on my end :-(

I recently put in a Miele induction cooktop, Miele ovens (CSO, speed oven and 30" convection oven), Miele refrigerator and freezer (separate units) and Miele dishwasher. I love all of them. I did not intend to get one brand of everything, but it worked out that way. I do have a subzero ice maker and a u-line beverage center. I have had Miele and Bosch dishwashers in the past, and both are excellent, but I do think the Miele is a little better. I have had sub zero, wolf, thermador and bosch appliances in the past and had a good experience with all except the sub-zero and wolf (I had a lemon refrigerator/freezer and blue enamel issue with wolf ovens). An appliance salesman who sells every brand was very helpful in my ultimate decision making, but aesthetics played a big roll as our kitchen is very modern; also, Miele service is readily available. My kitchen designer was pushing Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Wow, jdsb, you are thoroughly modern Miele ( yes, I know, groan.....). Thanks for the review on all things Miele. I know what you mean, I am finding in my research, that all roads seem to lead to Miele.( but not the refrigerators. I haven't looked at theirs. I HAVE to have ice and water dispenser in the door. I would love to see photos of your kitchen.