I have the previous model of the GE Cafe dual fuel range. I have used it both in convection and regular bake mode, and did not notice a difference in fan noise. The fan runs continuously regardless of whether it's in convection or not. I don't find the fan noise to be particular bothersome. In fact, I never even really noticed it until I started seeing people posting about it here. Now I do notice it, but mostly as background white noise that I don't really hear until it shuts off, and then I notice it is suddenly very quiet in my kitchen. Everyone has a different threshold for noise. I have a busy household with four kids, so maybe I tolerate more noise than others? The fan does not seem to be any louder than the exhaust fan I have (I don't have a range hood yet - current have an OTR microwave that eventually will be replaced with a hood). I wish I could comment on the length of time to preheat the bottom oven but I actually haven't even used it yet (I've had my range for about 9-10 months but did not host any holiday meals here this year so haven't needed it). Right now it is storage for my cookie sheets and baking pans. If I remember, I'll try to test it out tomorrow for you. I've been very happy with my range. I was able to see it in action before I ordered it because one of my good friends has the AG version (same older model). I'm bummed I didn't wait another year and get the new model with the 20K burner, but mine suits me just fine w/o.

The GE Cafe range is free standing, but the controls are on the front, w/ no back splash, so it really is a hybrid. Basically, just doesn't have the side strips to cover the counter top edges. Really a nice looking unit. May go that way myself.

andiswife-I have a GE Cafe dual fuel range, and I love it. It has a huge oven and I have not had any problems with any of the burners. Yes, there is an oven fan that comes on, but to me anyway, it not that annoying, and it has never blown out the back burners. This range also sat in my garage for over 1 year before it was installed and it has always worked perfectly. I love the power boil and it simmers and I truly mean simmers. The thing with the griddle is that to use the griddle, you have to take off the grate. I tried to cook on the griddle with the grate on and I did take forever and did not heat up very well, but once I read the owners manual and it said to take off the grate, it was perfect. I have seen on this forum and on the kitchen forum complaints and boasting about every appliance manufacturer, so I guess you should just take everything with a grain of salt. Yes, I would buy a GE Cafe range again. I also purchased the GE Cafe vent hood, and I must say it is very quiet on low and med low. Does start to get loud on med hi and hi. Just my opinion.

We remodeled our kitchen in 2009 and went with all GE cafe products. We regret it everyday and have separate issues with each of the products. - The GE cafe 30" stand alone oven with warming drawer - while one of the burners is super powerful, the smallest burner is useless. And every time we use the warming drawer we blow a circuit (not the oven's fault but worth mentioning). - The over-the-hood microwave....we have replaced it x2. Each time the touch screen panel has gone out because it cannot take the heat from the range. - The fridge continues to make ice even when the ice maker is full and something inside the fridge makes a loud clicking/banging sound (just one bang) several times throughout the day. It is so loud that it makes us JUMP. - The dishwasher spills water on to the floor but the seal is good. Frustrating. We have had GE repairmen out several times and they each have stated that they have never done as many repairs as they have done for the Cafe series. They are beautiful but I swear I will never purchase appliances from GE again.