We currently have a 30" cooktop plus double ovens and a separate countertop microwave. We are also at the beginning of our remodel (finalizing layout) and about to change it completely. IF I HAD THE ROOM, I would absolutely, keep a cooktop and separate double ovens. However, I am now planning for a 30" range, plus a 30" combo micro/oven. Here are some details why I love what I have today: 1. The height of a double oven stack is wonderful. I am never bending down very far even for the lower oven. The height of the top oven isn't too high for me either (I am 5'5"). 2. I like that I don't have heat coming out of the oven while I am standing over the cooktop with other food. I am very nervous about this in the new setup; however, I am taking a chance given our space constraints and other feedback I have received. Here is why I am willing to change: 1. There are many options in the 30" range category that more than cover my needs both from a cooktop and oven capability perspective. 2. While I use my 2nd oven 2-3x per month, that isn't enough to justify giving up the space for that and a microwave. Therefore, I am combining the oven and microwave to save space all around while at the same time, having enough capacity for the cooking needs in our home. A few final thoughts: - Are you sure you want to give up your pantry space? Even though it may be too deep / things get lost, there are many rev-a-shelf or other brand accessories that can help with this problem. I currently struggle with going into our finished basement storage to get cooking appliances instead of having them at arms reach in the kitchen. - Could you retrofit your pantry cabinet to house a countertop microwave incl electrical outlet. This may not be a huge deal and you may enjoy having it hidden. :)

Well, unfortunately Electrolux has discontinued their speed oven. I've had one for over 8 years now, also their Electrolux Icon wall oven. Both have been trouble free for over 8 years now, and the Speed oven is our most used appliance. I suspect most people here will guide you to the Miele oven and speed oven, although that will be your most expensive option, (By far)!!!! Bosch ovens seemed to get good reviews, but their speed oven is pretty new to the scene, so not a lot of data about it yet, but should cost considerably less than the Miele. You are correct thou, any Speed Oven Option, should be 240 volts. Gary

I posted this in the appliance forum, but I am copying here in case someone else asks: Miele, Bosch and GE Café/Monogram/Profile make a version of what you are looking for. There are some differences but they all will accomplish 95% of what you are looking for it to do...and the 5% you can probably live without! http://mieleusa.com/Product/Details/1198 That is the miele speed oven. The higher end models have full broilers and can be ordered with a trim kit to match their ovens. Their menu is the most robust with a ton of options for all of their modes, plus some step up features like a probe for cooking. You also have options on there ovens depending how much you want to spend. The combo can range from about $8k to $10k depending on the pairing. http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooking-baking/wall-ovens/combination-ovens/HBL8751UC.html?source=search This is the bosch one. It has a simpler control, less deluxe feature wise but still has a broiler and solid microwave. It does less in the "speedcook" department, but if you just bake/broil or microwave its a good option. This is also easier for install, its 2 units, but they install in 1 single opening to 1 single power supply. So if one breaks you can replace it and the other will work. This should be around $4k http://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-specs/CT9800SHSS The GE one comes a few ways. The Café is a one piece unit, with one power supply. The drawback to that is that if the control panel fails...both units will probably not operate since its a shared control. Otherwise they do some different things. They use convection and a halogen light heating element. So it doesn't have a traditional broiler, but the halogen works well for that. There is a lot more emphasis on speed cooking, as the menu is programmed with hundreds of different items that you can speed cook. Its an established design though they GE has been selling for years. The Café will be $3-4k and the monogram will be separate components so figure more like $5-6K

Reviving this thread because we're in almost the same position: putting in a 36" Wolf rangetop and trying to decide on a 30" wall oven/speed oven combo. The Wolf oven flaking issues concern me, as I use the oven at 500 degrees to bake bread and I've heard frequent high heat can exacerbate the issue. Thermador looks good, as does Miele (for those who don't need service). And any feedback on why to choose CSO over speed oven? We'd hoped to eliminate the need for a separate microwave . . .