I don't know enough about Canadian prices, but I know a sometime chef in California who didn't have money for anything close to a great range. He found an old Wolf commercial/residential range (they used to make residential versions of commercial ranges, rather than designed specifically for the home) at a thrift store for an incredible price. He called Wolf to check with them, because it was moved around so much, and they said it would be fine. He loves that range. His wife found a great hood (which you will also need) for a song, new at a charity store as well. I'm sure you must have something like Craig's List as well.

There're also scratch and ding outlets, inventory reduction sales, distressed builders, and other sources for great deals on brand new appliances. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used range that's in good operating condition, but would want a brand new fridge for sure.

Re the cooktop and double oven, that requires more cabinetry plus services (electric and gas) in separate places, so could cost you more, depending on your contract with your builder. I prefer this kind of arrangement, but while it's totally possible to cook great food on an apartment style Hotpoint, a dream house deserves dream appliances, so get the best your budget allows, so check your prices and see what works best with what you can pay.

Check your local codes, as within the last half-dozen years, the US and International gas codes have changed to forbid the installation of commercial certified cooking appliances in residences or anywhere that residential cooking is done.

Craig's List is a good idea, though the 30" and 36" residential ones here in San Francisco disappear pretty quickly.

I don't know the exchange rate or duty at this time. I'd check some of the following lines as options in addition to the Wolf:

* Wolf
* NXR
* American Range
* Capital
* BlueStar (may be available at your Costco -- though I don't know if it's the RNB series or the slightly-lower-line RCS)

Something like a Samsung RF266 at under US$2000 and a hood for another US$2500 hopefully still leaves a lot for a range in that budget.

The Costco BlueStar deal comes and goes, but it really can't be beaten for the price. Do a Google on 'costco' in this forum and you should be able to pick up a couple of threads on it.

A cooktop and wall oven will cost more than a range. A frig is just a cold box, so don't spend more than you have to, and a scratch'n'dent model for this and the DW and frontloaders will save you a lot of $$$.

We just bought a Kitchenaid DW and are very happy with it. I'm a believer in extended warranties for anything with electronics, heat and steam, so we have a 5-yr warranty on it (those circuit boards are expensive little necessities). So far so good: it cleans beautifully, is quiet, handles huge mixed loads, and the stainless front is a breeze to clean, which I understand isn't always true for all stainless surfaces.

"A cooktop and wall oven will cost more than a range."

Not necessarily. In the case of Wolf (or at least our 48" Wolf), the range top + double ovens costs less than the same size range.

Don't forget the range hood, and do find out about code requirements re make-up air before you commit to your range. In my jurisdiction, it cost me $7K+ to install a $2K hood over a pro-style range.

I am also new here and as I serach for my new applincaes my head spins! There are so many choices and of course all the stores push the most expensive brands and options!!!!
My first question is, which is better in terms of space and ease of use, a cooktop and double oven combination or a double oven range?

Second, please give feedback on Wolf products? Are they worth the price or should I consider the GE monogram series? Or any other brands??

Third, I am reading all over that Sub Zero is the way to go. Any feedback would be great. I am looking for a 48 inch built in.

jkom51: Thanks for the info. My concern with the bluestar from costco is not being able to get an extended warranty. I do like your comments about the fridge and the dishwasher. I will be getting the extended warranties for all the appliances.

geo91324: Could you tell me if you ended getting a deal for your cooktop and double oven? Did you get wolf as well for the double oven? I was thinking if I got a wolf cooktop 36inches for a reasonable price, I would go with a double electric oven, but again, I don't know if it will end up costing more.

The Bluestar is so simple there's not much to go wrong with it that it would need an extended warranty. I'd be more concerned about proper installation. Use a credit card that doubles your warranty, and that should be all you need.