Personally I splurged on my range - a kitchen is for cooking. If I'd had the room, I would have gotten a second oven. Built-in fridge was not a priority for me - in fact I didn't even get a counter-depth fridge. But everyone has there own priorities, interests and needs.

My cooking habits are similar to yours and I think it looks good. Of course I'm stuck with the smaller Bosch as I'm dealing with "old construction". (I admit I don't get the appeal of a rangetop over a cooktop, though--I'd get the Caldera cooktop if I were getting gas, and it doesn't hurt that it's cheaper...it has a wonderful stirfry burner).

Have you planned for a microwave?

One appeal of a rangetop is that you get all burners the same size/power. Many of us like that feature - no moving pots around unnecessarily - also useful if more than one cook at a time.

Thanks for all the thoughts!

As far as a microwave, I figure a regular counter one will be fine that can be purchased at costco...unless technology has grown to a point where there really is a difference?

Unless I'm completely not understanding what a cooktop vs a rangetop is, I prefer the rangetop because the controls are on the front as opposed to on the actual cooking plane...if that makes any sense.

Thanks again.
Doug

I think countertop (tastefully located of course!) microwaves are just fine, and I prefer them if they have a good location. Plus it's not as major a commitment as a built-in appliance.

I see the point about a rangetop--they are definitely more spacious as a cooking surface.

As far as budget distribution goes, I do think you're right on (if you want the builtin fridge, which of course takes more than its fair share of the budget, but what else can ya do?).

Thanks everyone!

Anyone have any thoughts on what hood/ventalation or wall oven to get?

Thanks again.
Doug

That's tricky. Especially the hood. I suggest picking a style first, then getting into brand and other particulars. Chimney, cabinet enclosed, pro-style, etc.

I was sold on the VentAHoods. I heard the one I am getting in the showroom and it was the quietest one with great CMF rating. As far as budge does I'd spend more on the range/cook top. You could do a 48' Leibherr for less but it would be a different configuration.

Here is a link that might be useful: VentAHood

Tube...which hood were you looking at? I also considered the VAH units as the under cabinet ones looked good to me. Anyone have any opinons on that?

I looked at the 48" Liebherr but the storage capacity just seemed way smaller than the Bosch combo.

We bought the XRH18 and the cover to conceal the pipe. The side strips are stainless steel and everything else is painted to match the range.

I think it looks good! But if you want to cut costs on ventilation, Zephyr makes one or two with 600 CFM for only $700. You can buy a cabinet with a shelf for your microwave so you get it up off your counter but without the hassle when it comes to replacing a built-in.

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

For me, that budget is weighted too heavily for refrigeration. I'm more about using my money for great performers for cooking and baking. A more expensive fridge isn't really going to keep your food any colder than a less expensive option that has an attractive 'built-in look' instead of being actually built-in. But those are my priorities.

Not all rangetops have burners with all the same power. I think only Wolf, Monogram, and Capital offer that. I have a Wolf and really do like that I can choose the burner by the location that works best for me and the pan I'm using than by what power different burners offer. And I don't have to move a pan if I want to start it with high BTUs to sear or boil, then move it to simmer.

I have Bosch Integra (500 series) dishwashers and are quite happy with them.

We also elected to put a counter microwave in the lower shelf of an upper cabinet, rather than spend extra for a built-in unit. I've replaced too many microwaves to think of spending $700 or more for one.

Best wishes!

Although I have the Thermador columns and love them, my reaction was the same as rhome's. If you cook, I think the cooktop/rangetop is the most important appliance in the kitchen for most people, with ovens close behind -- maybe slightly ahead for serious bakers. They really do the most work in your kitchen and make your efforts so much easier if they perform well.

You don't need to spend over half your appliance budget on refrigeration, and most folks who cook would have an issue with that. On the other hand, if you don't cook much but entertain and want a WOW factor, the built-in fridge has that. It is also true that it is easier to change out a cooktop or oven if you want to upgrade later than it would be to put in a built-in fridge which is a very different size than a freestanding one.

If you are going to get a built-in fridge, the towers are really nice. Don't regret our at all.

We also have a Bosch DW and am happy there too.

Our hood is a Best by Broan with external blower. I think it was within your price range.

rhome410...thank you very much for giving me your thoughts. We've somehow managed to live with a crappy 15 year old no name stove so I figure whatever we get would be a step up. That said, maybe you are right about putting a little more money into the range. I will have to consider it and maybe take a little money out of the home entertainment budget to cover it.

lascatx...thanks for your thoughts as well as they seem to echo those of rhome. I'm really happy that my dishwasher and refrigerator seem to be a solid choice amongst this community.