Sorry, the fridge should be Samsung RFG297AARS

Good selections.

See the thread I have going about your fan if you stay with 6" duct size.
I calculated that I needed 150 to 250 CFM and not more.
--This is counterintuitive to someone reading the many GW threads on venting kitchen cooktops. It goes against what the threads all imply, that one "needs" a whole lot more CFM. I'd like to know what your conclusions are.

-david

Here is a link that might be useful: Right Sizing the Blower (Kitchen Fan)

Hi davidro1, thanks for the info. I read through your link and tend to agree. However, we're sticking with the 600cfm Electrolux for now because it has the look we want at a reasonable price (only the made in China brands are cheaper with similar styling).

For the microwave, we're now thinking of the Electrolux Icon E30MO65GSS convection microwave, which would match the wall oven better. This microwave comes with a trim kit, so it should work out to cost about the same as the Panasonic plus trim. However, I've read really good things about the Inverter technology in Panasonic microwaves... too many decisions =P

As someone forced to live with a 6" duct, I wish every time I use my hood that I had 8". Since you have the luxury and opportunity to have an 8" duct, please go for it. You won't look back a couple of years from now and say, "gee, wish we'd gone with that 6" duct". OTOH, you WILL regret the 6" duct. It's not just that you will be constrained with the choice of hoods available, as most of them need 8". It is also likely that 6" duct will be noisier than an 8" duct, as more air is having to travel through a smaller passageway, creating noise. And of course, it's also that you won't get the higher exhaust cfm's. I don't understand people seeking to have a minimum amount of cfm's. Is erring on the high side of cfm's such a crime? Unless you are constrained by preexisting ductwork, like Davidro1 and myself, why the desire to keep cfm's to an absolute minimum? People re-doing their kitchens are spending multi-thousands on counters, backsplash, appliances, cabinetry, but they are concerned about the relatively small upcharge to go to higher cfm's. I don't get it. Davidro1, mark my words, you will regret your 150-250 cfms. At least get 300 with your 6" duct!

While induction does not have the gas fumes that may come with a gas cooktop, those gas fumes are a small percentage of what a hood's functions are. Really what you want a hood for is to exhaust smoke, grease, and steam from your cooking. The amount of smoke, grease and steam depends upon your cooking style and tastes, not upon whether you are cooking with induction or not. You should base your hood choice on whether you will be, e.g., cooking hamburgers in a fry pan, sauteeing fish, making stir frys, and the like, not on whether you have induction.

Regarding your built-in MW - there have been a number of threads regarding the shortened lives of MW's these days. When you have a builit-in MW, you may be heading for aggravation in 3 years or so, as it seems that 3 years is the life span these days of MW's. We know the older ones seemed to last forever, but not so today. Also, think about whether you want to be pulling hot sloshing dishes from an overhead MW. The Panasonics are really great, so that's a good choice, but think whether you want it built-in or not.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about Microwave Expected Lives

The Samsung 29 cubic foot French Door refrigerator is the same one that I've been considering.

See the link below for a recent thread discussing this model. My big concern right now is reliability and servicing.

Also search this forum for "Samsung" and you'll find several other recent threads on the 29 cf model.

On the dishwasher choice you might want to test fit some dishes in each model before making a final decision. My top two choices for a dishwasher a few years ago were a Kenmore Elite model and a Bosch model (SHU43?). These both had stainless steel tall tubs. When I test fit some dishes in both models it became apparent that the tub in the Kenmore was much larger. (Like KitchenAid, the particular Kenmore Elite model that I ended up buying was made by Whirlpool.)

On the choice of stainless steel finishes, be aware that these can be a royal pain to keep clean. Stainless can show everything, including fingerprints. This is more of a concern if you have small children and some faux and coated SS finishes are fingerprint resistant.

Best of luck with all of your choices!

Bob

Here is a link that might be useful: 29 cf FD Samsung Refrigerator Discussion