Hi- I too am looking at purchasing all new appliances. I am on a limited budget and decided on the Kitchen Aid Architect II line for the fridge, ovens, dishwasher and microhood. However, after finding this site and others, I am very concerned with the oven issue. Is there a way to determine if the "problem" has been fixed? such as a manufactured date? I am also now considering the following as I would like to keep all the same brand: Jenn-Air, GE Profile, Frigidaire I'm in a bit of a hurry to finalize, as my cabinets are being made as this is being written and I want to make any changes for size as soon as possible. Any comments are greatly appreciated. Also, anyone have information on the Caldera Arrow Touch Gas Cooktop? Thanks.

Our royal blue interior KA was probably bought in 2008. We mainly use it for cookies and bread and the occasional turkey. It doesn't seem to get very dirty. I only used the self clean two times (successfully) while under warranty and I have occasionally wiped it down with 409 or other regular household cleaner, and used easy off oven cleaner a couple times. I think the interior is easy to clean as it appears you found as well. It doesn't sound like you think the self clean cycle is really needed. If you use it, you probably have one of the newer models with the slightly larger cooling fan and will be all right. I have noted that my oven (and probably yours) gets cooling air drawn in thru the front bottom of the oven. Due to poor unpacking, we never found the decorative bottom trim cover plate. It was called a vent, but when we finally bought a 'replacement' I could see that it doesn't let all that much air in. If I ever do a Self Clean Cycle, I will remove the vent before turning it on (I never actually placed the two retaining screws in anticipation of a self clean; and the 'vent' rests in place without them). Thinking more about my own plan for the self clean: I think it would be wise to buy a backup replacement fuse for the self clean system in advance. The problem is that several years ago they cost ~$50. So I haven't bought one yet. KA 'thoughtfully' put this fuse on the outside back of the oven so you have to slide the oven out to get at it; gee thanks.

Would owners of KitchenAid's Architect Series II 30" double wall ovens please chime in and let me know how you feel about it's performance (also do you find it, controls easy to use & fast to preheat?). It's the convection upper/thermal lower configuration(#KEBS207SSS). Thanks so much!

it's an expensive gimmick What are you hoping it'll do for you?