Thanks, AMS. It looks like there's a lot of good discussion for me to walk through in that giant GE Cafe thread! In particular, I'll have to look more into this issue of how many steps the dials have got, and what ranges are closer to being 'continuously variable.' I'm not sure how much I care about that issue, but it sounds like a good topic to understand.

My last range was a GE Profile Gas range, the double oven version. This was at my last house. For my last (first) kitchen reno, I wanted induction, but we already gas lines, and my electrician revealed that induction would require an upgrade to the electrical panel a step beyond what we already had planned. So at that point we took the path of less resistance. Anyway, FWIW we did really like the double oven GE gas range. Our one issue with it was that one of the two ovens stopped working on just second or third use after purchase. However, we were under warranty of course and had no issues with getting the faulty component replaced. There were no issues after the repair and we had it for 2-3 years from that point (before moving).

As some folks noted in the big thread, the double ovens is a catch 22. On one hand, you have two. On the other hand the lower oven is awkward to access. Nonetheless, we were pretty happy to be able to load two ovens into a very tiny kitchen. I'm not sure if I would do one or two if we go the GE route, this time. But it sure is nice to have that option.

induction is worth it. There are numerous threads about it. You can do almost everything except roast peppers to get the skin off and using a wok. Less heat, as much control as gas, easy to clean

I wouldn't buy for color or looks. The Bert and Ilve have some absolute horror stories on this site. Viking isn't far behind. The others (as every mfg) have some mumbled gripes but seem to be ok. The big decision is service - the dealer can install, but who fixes it. They all break sometime

if you have an old electrical panel (100 amp), sooner or later you will have to upgrade to 200 amp - at least $2k. Do it now and get the induction range - just don't buy for color or looks

You might check Consumer Reports (http://www.consumerreports.org/join - $10/month digital) for ratings and reliability information. Follow up with owners' anecdotal reviews on sites such as Home Depot and Best Buy which often have hundreds or even thousands of reviews of specific models. You'll find few of those low-volume appliances, even on sites such as AJ Madison or Appliances Connection that sell them.

Yeah, function over form for sure if the two are too far in contradiction. I just have no reference point for the Italian companies and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information online.

I know Viking was having some issues several years ago. Anyone know how they have been doing in the past few years, after they were bought out? I think that was in 2013, so they should be 7-8 years out now from restructuring. I'd really like to have a sense for how they are currently doing, in comparison to Wolf and Miele.

"I know Viking was having some issues several years ago."

In CR's survey, the reliability of a manufacturer's products of one type may differ significantly from the reliability of another. However, Viking wears the brand dunce cap.

I have a Bertazzoni 36" induction range but mine is SS. I love the range. I tried a lot of different induction ranges before purchasing and this was my favorite. After 7 months of heavy use, I am still glad I picked the Bertazzoni.

Do the Cafe. Have the doors powder coated.

We bought a Viking induction range and ended up exchanging it for a Miele. The fan in the Viking was very noisy, plus the baking wasn’t very uniform and didn’t give good temperature control.

moosemac, How do you like the oven your bertazzoni range? Does it bake well? Is the fan loud?

akrogirl32, Did you find the Miele to be a substantial improvement?

Danielle Gottwig,I love the oven in my range. It bakes very evenly no turning required. I do not find the fan noisy at all. The Bertazonni fan is quieter than my GE Cafe French Door oven and I don't find the GE fan loud either.

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Moosemac, do you mind if I ask you another question about your Bertazonni?

Do you find the temperature you set for then oven is in fact the temp you get? And does the temp hold steady? Does the temp dial work OK / is it precise enough that you find it useful?

There's some scattered comments about temp measurements being an issue at one point, but I'm not sure it applies to the current models. I'd be curious to know if you've had issues or if its been smooth sailing.

In my remodel 3 years ago, I insisted on induction and ultimately chose the LG slide in range. I considered the colourful and pricier options like Bertazonni and Viking, but I was reading some iffy reviews -- all brands get them, but those along with the higher price tag and primarily just cosmetic benefits to me, I chose a different brand. I love induction and have been really happy with my LG.

(You can use a wok and get it hot enough......if you have a flat bottomed wok.)

Danielle Gottwig, huge improvement! We can barely hear the fans in the oven unless we are right next to the range. I also love this range for baking. I made an old cake favorite for the first time this weekend, and it came out perfectly at exactly the suggested time.