Hi again, well to tell the truth, it has limited the amount of cooking (using the oven) a lot. I noticed way later on, after the fact, that I was trying not to use the oven, without even knowing that I was doing that. I think this range would be great for someone that has a larger kitchen, with a real vent hood. Mine is a recirculating micro hood vent, which we all know doesn't work for the smoke, or heat. One appliance I was very happy with is my New GE Profile, french door, bottom slide out freezer, water and ice on the door) Refrigerator. Stainless Steel. Knock on wood,(knock, knock) I have had no problems, and its wonderful. Do you all have any suggestions where to look for a cousin of or something like the stove that I had. I have looked up vintage stoves, but most of them are very large, and very expensive. Any ideas?

I agree with Deeageaux with a few additional comments. We were faced with a similar situation as you are. We went to order the Electrolux Icon and the store had a 3 year old Viking floor model that was discontinued. After researching on GW and reading the issues with Viking (most dealt with gas ranges, fridges and DW in conjunction with their customer service) we decided to make an offer on the Viking. We offered them 50% of the $6,200 normal price and they accepted. We have been very pleased with our choice and it has worked out for us. While the Wolf is the best oven on your list, keep in mind that it is still a floor model. The doors may have been opened more in a weekend than you will open them in a month. We chose to get an extended warranty (normally we don't) because it was a Viking and it was a floor model. After 18 months (6 beyond the normal warranty) the hinges on the top oven started to fail and the distributor's repair company replaced both upper and lower hinges on the extended warranty at no cost to us (I also know how to change them out now and can do it in the future if necessary). In my opinion you can always increase your offer, but you can never get them lower. I feel that floor models are not a deal unless you get a minimum of 1/3 off, so I normally start at a 50% discount level. Keep in mind that that unit has helped the store sell products for 5 years, and as Deeageaux said, all they can do is say no. Decide what you are willing to pay and remember it needs to be worth the risk that you will carry, not the store. Good luck.

The bad news was that it was impractical to bring a gas line to the island (more of a penninsula really) in our kitchen where the cooktop is located. Yes, we tried everything we could think of, but we have a slab foundation (common for Southern California) and our roof design prevented running a line to the roof and down to the wall next to the cooktop. Only option was to knock a 10 foot long hole in the kitchen wall, which we didn't want to do. Thus we had to continue using electric. After a lot of soul searching, we decided to replace the Thermador units with a new Kitchenaid downdraft and black glass cooktop. The age of the existing units (which I've had to repair on my own on occassion) were major factors in the decision. I found the installation to be surprisingly easy, though I did have to do a lot of cutting of the interior of the island to make it fit. The downdraft is superior to the old Thermador (much taller when extended) and while it does have an internal fan I also kept the original Thermador external blower on the roof (I cannibalized the controls and built an auxillary switch under the cabinet). This gives me the option of running the roof blower when I want quieter operation. As for the cooktop, well, I'll probably never get used to a new style black glass type. Far more maintenance that the old Thermador coil radiant unit, and I find it nearly impossible to see where the cookrings are without strong light. Coil units are obvious where the hot places on a cooktop are, glass radiant are not, as my many burnt pot holders will now attest. I'll live, but for you folks deciding to move away from coils, then do whatever you have to do to get a gas line to your new cooktop. Selling your first born child might not be too high of a price.... Cheers, Nick in Palm Springs

I too have the same problem and from what I can tell, we are out of luck. I have been in need of 2 knobs for over a year and periodically scan the internet looking...just as I am today. If I find anything I will let you know and please, please, do the same for me. It really is a shame that for what we spent on these ranges, Thermador isn't of any help. I have the vent and a dishwasher and cringe thinking I'll have the same issues.