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Should I wait for new Wolf microwave?

13 years ago

I am remodeling my kitchen, and expect to have it completed this year. I am planning to install the Wolf convection steam oven (CSO24). Last week I found out about WolfâÂÂs new product rollout (http://newgeneration.subzero-wolf.com/) and noticed that the new 24" microwave with the dropdown door (MSDD24) appears to be a design match for the CSO24. I would like to mount the new microwave immediately above the steam oven. The CSO doesnâÂÂt need a trim kit, and if the microwave doesnâÂÂt need one either, I could reduce the stack width from 30â to 24âÂÂ. ThatâÂÂs a lot of additional cabinet space in the adjoining cabinets, so IâÂÂm willing to leave a spot vacant for the microwave until it becomes available. I am also motivated to wait for the new microwave because the current microwave offerings from Wolf require a 30â trim kit, and theyâÂÂre so ugly that if I left them on the curb for the donation truck, theyâÂÂd probably still be there when I came home.

I realize that a lot can go wrong; Wolf may change their mind about offering this microwave, or they may change the dimensions, or they may delay the release. But, given WolfâÂÂs marketing push on the convection steam oven, and the striking similarity of the new microwave, IâÂÂm willing to bet that they wonâÂÂt change their mind or the dimensions.

Which leads me to my main concern and the reason for this post. Does anyone in this forum have information on how well Wolf meets their projected release dates for new products?

Any other on-topic comments are welcome, and donâÂÂt be afraid to call me crazy for wanting to wait.

Thanks in advance . . .

Comments (12)

  • 13 years ago

    I can't comment on the release dates or anything, but I do have the same stack you are talking about, though we are using the current wolf microwave/convection option.

    While it doesn't match 100%, I really don't mind the look of it to be honest.

    If you can wait and are OK with that you might want too. But keep in mind that prelim specs can and usually do change on production items, so even though it says you may not need the 30" kits now for the new micro-wave, things could change down the road, and then you might be stuck without any options.

    Phil

  • 13 years ago

    Phil,
    Am considering the same purchase.
    Do you happen to have a photo posted of your stack?
    Thx,
    B

  • 13 years ago

    Not a great pic, sorry about that, but here it is:

    a href="http://philwojo.com/fridge%20pics/micro.stack.jpg"?LINK TO PICK

    Here is a link that might be useful:

  • 13 years ago

    Thank you Phil!

    This is so helpful.

    B

  • 13 years ago

    I think they make a trim kit for the steam oven, but we didn't have the cabinet space to get that, it would have made things to large for the space we have.

    Phil

  • 11 years ago

    Jelloice- Hi there. I just found your old post. I am picking out appliances myself and thanks to your post learned about the drop down microwave. I am getting the 30 inch steam oven and also stacking with the microwave. I'm not a fan of the trim kit either. The drop downs are still not out yet. Just curious, what did you end up doing?


  • 11 years ago

    Hi upate167.

    Wow, I can't believe that I posted that two years ago, and our project still hasn't started! (Contractor retired, and other complications).

    Anyway, to answer your question, we've changed directions completely. The Wolf rep (and other people) have convinced us that the convection steam oven is so versatile that we won't be using a microwave very much. And my wife was never a fan of having to bend over to get into the oven. So we're going with Wolf's new M-Series wall oven, and switching to the drawer microwave. Our new stack should look something like this, although I've ordered stainless steel knobs for the oven (and rangetop).

    Good luck with your projects (whatever you do). I hope it doesn't take as long as ours has! ;-)

  • 11 years ago

    Hi jelloie and upate 167! I'm going through a near identical selection process....we purchased a home we are renovating and thought we'd be in by Christmas last year but we are just getting ready to start renovations. Strung along by a contractor, etc. ! I was thinking there was a problem with the post date on this thread!

    We originally planned on a single oven with convection microwave, but I really don't care for microwave cooking of any kind, but find a microwave a necessity in the kitchen--and not in the pantry. And with few uppers, I have no space for under the cabinet. I have decided that I definitely do not want the convection microwave to take the place of a second oven. I want at least two ovens plus a microwave.

    I really like the idea of the steam oven and I feel sold on it too--just seems so new I'm not sure yet how I'll use it. I had the same thought that I could reduce the stack size to 24" for both the drop down microwave and steam ovens--and I am struggling with "spending" 30" on a 24" steam oven--not to mention that combo is more expensive. I'll probably be going with the Wolf M-Series single oven plus the steam oven above, or double ovens.

    Jelloice, I looked at the Pro vs. Transitional styles on the M-Series just yesterday and I found the Pro version knobs very confusing and slow to use compared to the Transitional version. Also, my rep pointed out that the plastic knobs on the oven do not match the steel knobs on the range. I like the electronics and the handle better on the Transitional style, but I prefer the bevel of the metal door on the Pro style.

    Where I'm struggling is whether to get a microwave drawer vs. building-in a traditional microwave in my island--with or without a trim kit. Any thoughts/experience with drawers/in-island microwaves? My concern is that they are shallow--only 7", take longer to open and close, and they lack a carousel and I'm concerned about uneven heating--probably my biggest concern. I like built-in the look of the drawer and I understand that the trim kits on a regular built-in microwave take up the same space as the drawer--27" or 30" trim kits. Additionally, the drawers do not come in convection and if I'm going to take up that much space for a built-in trim kit, I may as well get a microwave with convection. Otherwise, I'm looking at a very basic microwave with only a cut-out and no trim kit, but a storage drawer beneath. Any advice? Help!

  • 11 years ago

    Oh, and to better respond to the initial question.....I had also considered the 24" drop down--even in the island, but that is better suited to a combo like you were originally thinking with a single oven and a convection microwave than in an island......I would not want the handle protruding in an island--it would be too easy to catch on clothes or bump into. So for an island microwave, it would have to be a drawer or regular swing door for me.

  • 11 years ago

    Hi JK,

    Well, for what it's worth, we decided on the Sharp SMD2470AS. Since Sharp makes most (if not all) the drawer microwaves, we figured it wasn't worth it to pay extra for someone else's logo. And the tilt out control panel gives this one a nice clean look. Plus, I won't have to bend over to use it. I'm hoping the lack of a turntable won't be a problem.

    I hope this helps. I'm not sure if I answered your question.

    Good luck!

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks jelloice! I agree....no point in paying for a name when the microwave drawers are made by the same company anyway. The only reason to do that IMHO would be for aesthetic purposes....only if necessary. If I put the drawer in the island, it will matter even less...

    Not only do the drawers not have a carousel, they don't come in convection either. But the take up the same space as a convection microwave. I'm thinking that if I'm using up that kitchen real estate, I may prefer the double duty of a convection model with a drop down door. So, drop down door with convection vs. streamlined drawer......

    Can you also order the oven knobs in stainless like the range/range top?

    Good luck with your renovation too!

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