I'm interested in the the GE Cafe 30" gas range, but can't vent to the outside (so can't have a true pro range) and am therefore thinking about the OTR microwave. But I've read scary things about the handle becoming like a branding iron and the control pad blanking out or stopping working altogether because of stove-top heat. Most of what I've read on this forum and on other sites is dated. Does anyone have this microwave? Should/Could I get the GE Cafe Range but go with another microwave? Any experience/suggestions? Thanks.

The GE online store has prices about 10-15% higher than you will find at most retailers. There's your "discount" right there. No one pays "suggested retail price". Different stores discount a different amount off of that price, but no one sells at that price---except the GE store. And, the rebates they offer require that 4-5 (I can't remember which, it's on the tearoff pad at work) appliances be purchased in order to qualify for the top tier award. If you just buy 2 appliances, it's either $50 or $100. We (and every other appliance retailer) have the same rebate going, and our prices are about 15% lower than GE online. So, I think you can do better than the "friends and family" discount if you shop around. And, don't let the rebate factor into your decision. By the time you pay the upcharge for the Profile over the regular GE with similar features, you've paid more than they're giving you back by far. Yes, you do get more features with Profile, and more yet again with Monogram, as well as more "styling". But, you pay for the priviledge of the branding too. Assess the features you will actually USE in your appliances, and "up buy" only to the model that offers those. Most people don't use ANY of the complex functions of either their fridges or MWs. As far as the reliability/features of GE vs any other competitor, I'd definately buy both the fridges or MWs. They are good products in their price range, with few issues other than the "standard" issue of the ice maker being the most repair prone element. Their new french door fridges from their brand new Chinese factory have dual evaporators (Like SubZero) and truly separate fridge and freezer compartments due to this, so you get no odor transfer and more accurate cooling for both. They've had remarkably few problems for being from a brand new factory and a brand new design to the company. Before the Chinese factory, they sold rebadged LGs as their French door units, like "Kenmore" does. Their MWs are roomy and have good power specs. The most often used feature is the "sensor cook" which works in tandem with their "instant action" keys to keep your food from overheating. It works similarly to how the old temperature sensor probes worked, but without the probe. Most of the other features above the level where that is introduced in the line get rarely used and really aren't worth paying more money for. Their OTR convection MW is overpriced for what it is, and really doesn't offer that much of a second oven experience to justify the price. A small countertop version from a cheaper maker for around $100 will fit the same amount of food in it and not cost so much. Of course, it isn't an OTR, but then again, it's not an OTR. :) OTRs are a PIA and safety hazard for any but the smallest kitchen that HAS to have them. If you can go with an actual vent and separate MW, you'll be miles ahead in both $$ and functionality.

dbear -- is the idea to use that OTR convection-MW model over the counter (suspended from the upper cabinets) somewhere other than over your range/cooktop? That can be done. However, what I found when I looked into this some year ago was that GE's OTR models were three to four inches taller than the freestanding ones, and about three inches deeper (front to back). Basically, the freestanding version was a better match to the upper cabinets and left more usable counter space below it. Also, it was much less expensive than the OTR version. When I bought my GE Profile, it came with a kit for hanging it from the upper cabinets. GE may include that kit or may offer it as an accessory for current models. Worth checking on.. Like HB, I've also never gotten around to using the convection feature, so cannot comment on how well it does or does not work. (I just happened to find a deal on an open-box-return that made it less expensive than the non-convection models I looked at.) Sorry, that I do not have any first hand experience with the PVM9179EKES model you are looking at but maybe somebody else here can comment on how well it work as an oven and a MW?

Boschboy- in case you’re keeping track of his thread, I promise not to keep asking questions but I’d appreciate a tiny bit more input . I’m wondering about rack placement. For instance, the top rack, probably meant for broiling, seems extremely close to the top oven coils. Do you use the rack in the the highest possible position for broiling? I’m wondering about excessive grease splatters on the coils. Also, none of the racks in the top oven are placed at the middle of the oven but it looks like there is an option for adjusting the racks do that a pan can be in the middle? The racks which aren’t on rollers did need to be rubbed with graphite ( which came with the oven) before they rolled smoothly. I know it’s off topic but I love to cook so if there are any cookbooks you recommend for baking bread, cookies, or holiday meals I’d appreciate the info. i won’t keep asking for mor info, promise! You’ve been very helpful. I made some excellent baked fish in the oven tonight. A simple recipe but everything turned out evenly browned on top and perfectly tender.