Long-term lurker on these forums, finally joining the fray! After a year long process, complete with immense sticker shock and a total redesign, I am about to start my kitchen renovation - it will be really exciting to finally get the kitchen I've always wanted. I am struggling with a couple of my appliance decisions (range and fridge) and am hoping that some of the Gardenwebbers out there can lend a hand, as from what I can tell some others have had to make similar decisions. Needs - I bake and cook a lot so both the cooktop and oven are important to me; I've decided to indulge in dual fuel since I have really liked having an electric oven (the only thing about my current range that I like!) It's only me and my yellow lab, so I don't need a big fridge, and I don't want water in the door or a water dispenser. And I'm not really concerned about being matchy-matchy, though the appliances will be on the same cabinet run with about a 20" cab in between. So...after the frugal Mainer in me dropped the fantasy of the Wolf range, I've come up with the following set of options (in order of preference, though this seems to change daily): Bosch Integra 700 slide-in dual fuel range (the higher end "pro style") with Kitchen Aid Architect II 19.7 cf fridge, or possibly the LG 20.7 cf fridge. This range would be my no-brainer first choice EXCEPT that when I actually saw it I was taken aback by how high the grates seemed - a good 2" taller than the others in the store. I'd like to think that when it's actually in my house and installed I won't ever think about the grate height again, but the nightmare option is that I end up kicking myself about it every day. I would love to hear from anyone who has this range and maybe struggled with this question - do you even notice the height of the grates now? One salesman also mentioned the much-documented problem with the knobs (which seems to have been resolved, though not with metal knobs) and that one customer had reported that the labels on front had melted off (first time I have heard that one). Both fridges seem to get good reviews and I'd be happy with either though the KA seems a little dated - those LED lights in the LG are seductive! Electrolux wave-touch slide-in dual fuel range and Electrolux FD fridge (entry level version with no water and ice in front, and no water dispenser). Beautiful appliances but my personal preference would be a simpler control panel like the Bosch. A little high tech looking for my traditional kitchen (but they are so gorgeous that I'm not sure that is really an issue). I'm also concerned about reliability (though I will be buying from a dealer with a good service department) and about the relatively small oven size (but those rollout grates could be worth the size sacrifice!). Kitchen Aid Architect II slide-in dual fuel range and 19.7 cf fridge (or possibly the LG). This will be the most economical package, but from what I can tell KA ranges aren't universally loved. The oven racks feel a little flimsy. GE Cafe dual fuel slide-in range and fridge - I like the looks of the range but was somewhat taken aback when I was checking it out at the appliance store and another customer was in to try to exchange hers because the oven fan was so loud. Build does seem a little flimsy compared with the Bosch and Electrolux. Fridge seems to have mixed reviews. These packages are all close enough in price that I don't really see that as a factor - I just want to make the best decision I can. Chime in please, especially those of you who actually own and use these appliances!

ain We have the 36" AG open burner range in stone gray color - While Viking takes a beating on GW & other forums for that matter. After much research & the realization that much of the bashing was not 1st hand experience - I went to their distributor in Wallingford CT - 1st hand live experience with Viking up against it's competitors - that sold me. 3.5 yrs later - Love this range I have an Miele DW -Advanta (mieles "entry level") - Very pleased - it's a workhorse, hard to get used to not rinsing or "pre-washing" things - It can handle anything - quiet I also have JA CD refrig - LOVE IT! I searched your product # for JA hood & couldn't find it - Is that the right model? - I would make sure you have 800CFM's or better with that range - Best of luck

I say get what you want and what is important to you or you will regret it. Our OTR microwave was placed low and is fine for me now, but we are remodeling now and I am a bit worried that "proper" placement will be too high for me as well as I am also 5'2. But we don't have a choice...I have a galley kitchen with not much counter space so OTR is the only option that makes sense. Even with our low microwave, there was room for a stockpot on the front burners. We live in an average tract house neighborhood and don't cook or entertain a lot, so getting high-end appliances did not make sense for us. I have had a GE Profile electric stove and OTR MW for 14 years without a single repair needed, so we went with GE Profile again...I also liked the looks more than other brands. Cabinets and counters were more important to me than appliances (my analysis paralysis was counters!). If you really have your heart set on GE Cafe or Bertazzoni, etc. then go for it! Otherwise you will look at your plain jane stove every day and wish you had gotten the model you really wanted. BTW--I bought my stove, MW and DW (Bosch) from Number1Direct.com and saved about $1,000....they carry the high-end brands as well. Everything arrived on time and was well-packed and crated.

Oak can be stained to give it a very different look. True, it has a strong grain that may but it can give you a from the traditional golden oak. You can even get a really light look, depending on how you finish it, and whether it was stained before. Unstained oak *can* sand up lighter, and sometimes it is the finish that yellows to that golden tone. That would be my tack, rather than ripping out a perfectly good existing substance (not "green," and not economical). i'd rather have that money for "upgrading" my retirement and the experiences of my life. Congrats on the house! Think of all you can do with all the time and angst you have saved! Here is a link that might be useful: