So, I don’t have smart appliances so cannot speak to that, but my oven has lots of features allowing me to set a delayed start time and cook time etc. Does your new range option have that available? It will function the same way just not programmable from an app. You will have to set before you leave in am. I personally would save the $4000. That’s a lot of money and I’ll bet you will be happy in the end that you have the larger range + cash

Smart home starts with smart selection of products and installation. First, how much time is required for you to set it up, ensure it's interoperable with your main home operating system, and set to your user preferences (and remains a set to those user preferences).

2. How is the app interface? Is it easy to use, or is there significant learning curve to figure it out? And if you don't understand it who can you call to help? Did they often change the app interface so you're constantly relearning? What happens when the app doesn't work anymore?

3. What is the customer service support when your smart oven, or any smart product, stops being smart and does not connect to your home operating system? Obviously you can still use your ovens without the Wi-Fi connection but now you just have an oven.

4. And finally when all your smart appliances uprise against your family what are you going to do? Just let them take over your home? I kid I kid.

I like smart home features for lights and thermostat but I haven't embraced appliances because I don't think the price for that feature is worth the investment. That's the only thing that matters to you - will the features improve your life in areas that are important to you and should they not work are you okay for spending that extra money but not getting those features?

I just want to say as someone who has a 30" range in a large kitchen, go with the 36", I really regret not going bigger. (and I have the cafe 30" electric range and I do not like it.)

The GE oven I wanted came with wi fi connection, so I have experimented with it just to see if it's useful. Newideas is right: if the Bertazonni has delay start & timed cook features, you won't miss an app. I suggest going to Google Play or the Apple Store & read the Smart HQ reviews -- they are mostly negative.

My experience with SmartHQ: it's ok, but I can easily live without it. It needs to reconnect to my oven frequently, & remote operation, say from the grocery store parking lot, is sluggish. The oven bell is loud enough that I can hear it everywhere within my house, so that negates the app Cooking is Completed feature. Plus I'm in the habit of noting what time I start cooking, so I have a pretty good idea about remaining cook time, no need for the app to tell me. It will be a sad day when I'm too lazy to get up off my rear end to get to the oven to turn it on or off versus using my phone. And that's about all it does: turn on/off, set or adjust temp & time.

GE does dangle the offer of free upgrades via the app. My oven might get an air fry feature or a Precision Cook feature in the future, judging from the ads in the app (yes, there are ads). You can use it to schedule service, & I think some services can be done remotely via the app. Sounds good in theory.

But now you have to fuss with app/phone operating system compatibility, available phone storage space, & software/hardware aging woes -- all the usual tech annoyances. Will it all seem so cool in 10 years with a still perfectly good oven but with outdated computer features? Will I pay to upgrade the motherboard or cpu or whatever? An article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal says that ransomware is a huge issue now, very lucrative for hackers so they are increasingly on the prowl for targets.

ETA: I am a geek. I love bells & whistles, software & hardware, new technology. So my bias would normally be in favor of smart appliances. But my connected oven -- the utility just isn't there yet.

Not sure of your style, but know that GE Profile and Cafe are essentially the same products the main difference being the aesthetics. And Profile tends to be slightly less expensive than Cafe. I mixed appliances all in stainless to get what I needed. I splurged on a Wolf cooktop, but bought GE Profile wall ovens. You might want to check ad see if Profile has the smart technology you seek if you want to go GE.

Smart appliance features are mostly dumb appliance features. They break, don’t work, and are a general pain rather than any help to creating great meals.

Get a 36” cooktop plus wall ovens. A 36” range has a big oven that takes forever to heat up and is overkill for 95% of use. Most people who have a 36” have a separate small oven, and use it almost exclusively.

I don’t really understand the need for smart appliances, especially in the kitchen. Yes, you can control from your phone. But how often do you find the need to do that? I just perused on Whirlpool’s website and I’m not understanding the lure of these features. Is it really that difficult to turn on your oven? Seems like an extra step to open and app and operate everything from your phone. Even if you’re out of the house, how often would you need to control appliances?

I personally would save the $4000, upgrade your range / cooktop to 36” and skip the Platinum Finish.

I’m very cynical about newer appliances in general; “smart” appliances especially. I personally think it’s just something else to break. My sister, a person who loves all that latest gadget stuff has had problems with her smart items. Just my humble opinion. I’m not that old, but I’ve bought enough “newer higher end appliances” that have failed to live up to their advertising to be jaded.

36” range top a must. Don’t need smart features. Built-in oven with smaller oven for smaller jobs. I mix brands to get the right features I need and want. Pocket the $4k for a trip to somewhere you love where they cook fir you! Or hire a chef to cook you some gourmet meals or cater a wonderful party for you and your friends! Making fun memories are far more valuable than some very breakable electronic device. Just my experienced opinion. Happy travels!!