Hmmm...interesting idea about the microwave on a shelf in the base cabinet instead of the drawer. So silly that I didn't think of that in the first place. Much simpler than the fancy (and pricey) drawer! Thanks for the idea. I will go back to the appliance place and talk to my cabinet guy about that. Yes, unfortunately, I'm sure we have hard water. We've read and figured out what the numbers mean in those reports that the Water Authority provides annually, talked with our town's Public Works guys about it, discussed it with plumbers, etc, etc. In our last remodel, we had a huge problem with the water hardness because it caused some corrosion on stuff that we thought would never corrode and the consensus of all the experts was that it was all due to the water hardness. As a fix, we did buy a whole-house water softener, but ended up disconnecting it because a plumber told us it was a bacteria factory, plus we disliked the feel of the slimy soft water. Maybe it was the wrong water softener, or was installed wrong (this was the accusation of the plumber who did not install it, accusing the plumber who did install it)...who knows, but now we're living in a different house (although same neighborhood and same water) and I'm hoping the Miele d/washer with softener will do the job on the glasses. Which other hood manufacturers would you recommend? Are there others that are likely to offer a 48" wall hood with 1200 cfm motor for $1300? I checked the Broan again on the internet and found that instead of $1400, I can buy it for $1250 or so inc. shipping and tax, so the price is getting better, but I'd love to know if there are others out there that offer same features for better price. Thanks again. Really appreciate the opinions and info! Susan

DCS F&P 24" 2-drawer DW = OK. Where will you put the DCS convection microwave? I read on the web somewhere that it "can be part of a complete built-in system when combined with a DCS Wall Oven and using the CMOTTK30SS Trim Kit. DCS Microwave Dimensions (in inches): 24 3/4 W x 14 3/4 H x 18 5/8 D. " Does this mean you are intending to put it On The Countertop? 700 TCI fridge = OK; in fact it's overkill unless you insist you have the money and you want this one. I sense that someone is selling you packages of what they have that they can sell you the most of. Maybe it gives you a symbolic discount but I doubt that it's the best bang for your buck. No comment about gas ranges. A matching Berta hood = OK; but I sense that this is not the most likely-to-win in a contest for hood efficiency. In any case the information you provided is minimal so you won't get much evaluative feedback unless someone goes hunting for the Berts range and sees a combo package being offered and then surmises this must be your hood. Hth

I would only object strongly to your MW choice. As to your other choices: KA DW - I have several friends with KA dishwashers, who love them. I'm not sure which "letter" model though, but whichever are the ones with the utensil tray at the top, like what the Miele has. They feel they saved about $900 over a Miele DW and are very happy about that. Wolf Cooktop - great choice. I believe it has the same btu's on each burner, which I prefer (vs. cooktops where 2 or more burners have different btu's). That way, you don't have to shift pots around depending on the burner; each Wolf burner can go down to simmer or go up to high. MW - I don't think Wolf sells an OTR MW that exhausts. I think Wolf just sells built-in MWs (I could be wrong). Do you have a model number? As for the Viking OTR MW, please be aware that it is a re-badged Sharp. The Viking version, a convection MW, sells for about $1100. The Sharp, model #R-1874, is identical, and looks almost identical except for the Viking badge, and is selling for $513 at buy.com. Also, are you certain you want a convection MW? Some people love convection MW's and wouldn't have anything else, some don't. The convection element does cut down on the MW capacity. Oven: Between your two choices of Wolf and Viking,I recommend Wolf. Wolf simply makes a better wall oven than Viking. Sorry, I can't help you with your fridge. People here like the Thermador columns a lot, so you should look into those.

Easy, get the Miele! Very hard to find negative reviews on Miele DW's regardless of age. Not so hard to find for Bosch. Number of reviews on fowl smells, Several on the racks not gliding out properly. There are quite a few folks that like the Bosches but The Miele is a much safer bet. To me it would be a contest between Kitchenaid and Miele. In my case the Miele won, (back in 2006) due to it's top cutlery tray---Luv it. It has cleaned well, been quiet and trouble free since 2006. As far as the Steam oven goes, there is a current thread about the Wolf Steam oven. The concensus seems that you need both the steam oven and a microwave, (Read the posts on the thread and see for yourself). Good luck on your quest. Gary