Replace range during kitchen remodel?

14 years ago

Hi,

We originally planned to keep all our existing appliances during our kitchen remodel. They're all stainless steel, are 1 - 8 years old, and work perfectly fine.

Then, my husband suggested replacing our 8-yr-old range, mainly because it's a 'slide-in' (Thermador). There appear to be fewer 'slide-in' ranges to choose from than 'free standing' ranges, which concerns me a bit since we will likely have to replace it some time in the (hopefully distant) future. So, now, I'm wondering if we should buy a free standing range now, which will require changes to the cabinet and counter layouts. I figure better to do it now since we'll already be in the midst of a pretty major kitchen remodel.

If it were only that simple! We currently have an over-the-range microwave that vents our range. Unfortunately, the mw vent is too week for the free-standing range we're interested in, the Wolf DF304. So, that means we would have to get a hood vent and find a new home for the microwave (I do like the look of a hood better than a bulky OTR mw). I want to relocate the mw in the upper cabinets, but the uppers won't be deep enough (13"), as I understand most microwave's are at least 14" deep. So my cabinet maker suggests putting it below the counter. But, I really don't like under the counter microwaves, as it seems very awkward to bend down to use.

Just looking for anyone's advice. Is it worth getting a new range? Doing so is creating a ripple effect (new hood, additional configuration of cabinets for the mw). While I think the Wolf range and hood would really look sleek, the main reason I'm even thinking to replace my current range is because I'm afraid there won't be many slide-in options to choose from when it comes time to replace it. And, if we are 'forced' to opt for a free-standing range down the road, might as well do it now. As a side note, we plan to live in this house long-term (at least the next 20 years).

I keep going back and forth and it's driving me crazy!

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

remodelfla
14 years ago
Me? I'd sell the current range/MW on craigslist and buy the new range, hood, and a cheapo countertop MW that you can place on a shelf and is cheap/easily replaced.
beekeeperswife
14 years ago
Ditto
Related Professionals
New London Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Madison Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Mesquite Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Honolulu Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Beaumont Kitchen Remodelers · Tyler Kitchen Remodelers · Portsmouth Kitchen Remodelers · Janesville Kitchen Remodelers · Sheboygan Kitchen Remodelers · Medford Kitchen Remodelers · Olympia Kitchen Remodelers · Baltimore Custom Countertops · South Bend Custom Countertops · Lawrence Custom Countertops · Laconia Custom Countertops
a2gemini
14 years ago
As you go forward, be careful about the new hood. Check your local ordinances for requirements for make up air if over 400 CFM. Our local inspectors just starting enforcing this - so I went induction and can keep it at 350 CFM. The Michigan code is M1503.3 - many states have the same number for the code with a different state initial.
We are getting a Wolf 5 burner induction and a Broan evolution hood.
Good luck
PS - If it isn't broken..... new stuff isn't always better. We are keeping our refrigerator and dishwasher.
weissman
14 years ago
There are a few MWs that you can mount in an upper cabinet. The GE PEM31 and there's a Sharp Model also. I have the previous model GE JEM31 and have it mounted in an upper cabinet with a trim kit but we did have to recess it into the wall a little.
kitchenkrazed09
14 years ago
I agree with Remodelfla and Beekeeperswife, but I would also (while you're changing things) talk to my cabinet maker about an appliance garage for the microwave. You can have them made deeper than the standard wall cabinet.

My feeling is, if you are planning to stay in the house long term and you like the look of a hood better than OTR microwave, better to get what you want now while you are already renovating. It is much easier to change the layout before everything is installed. Also, appliances unfortunately don't last as long anymore and you could be replacing the range sooner than you'd like.
lisa616
14 years ago
We did exactly the same thing years ago...we had a shelf built above the cabinets and have a cheap little microwave sitting there. We really only use it for popcorn and occasionally warming things up. Not a big microwave family. Heres a pic. Excuse the wall....haven't had the backsplash installed yet!
Emilner
14 years ago
I agree with the sell on craigslist comments. It still has some value and it is a unique model that would limit future choices. On the MW- I had one of my top cabinets made 20" deep to accomodate the MW (basically just like you would do for a double wall oven only my cabinet stops at the base of the other top cabinets). It looks great and breaks up the wall of cabinets. I really don't like the DW drawer design or trying to use one in a base cabinet...
babushka_cat
14 years ago
i would switch ranges now, sell on CL as suggested. i purchased the wolf 304 AG and love it! no regrets! i looked at the dual fuel but do not bake enough to justify the additional costs of the dual fuel. it did cause a ripple effect for me too, i had to upgrade the venting through the attic to provide the proper CFMs required, went with a Ventahood over range. I have a small kitchen so microwave will sit on counter in corner, kitchen not big enough to sacrifice cabinet space for MW.
cooksnsews
14 years ago
Re the microwave fitting on a shelf.... We opted for a purpose-built "micro-wave shelf" when we replaced all our cabinets. But this type of shelf is really just a plain old 24" wide upper, with an extra deep shelf attached. One could easily retro-fit such a deeper shelf into an existing upper, which will give more flexibility as to usable MW models.
chicagoans
14 years ago
You can also consider a drawer MW that goes under the counter. Since it's a drawer, you access it from above so you don't have to bend over. We really like ours; it's by Sharp. (Several on GW have these.)
House123
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate everyone's input.

Unfortunately, we can't create a deep enough shelf in the uppers to accommodate a microwave. The max depth allowed is 13" due to the space the Wolf will be installed (We have a fairly small kitchen). The only options are to either put the mw on the counter (again, small kitchen = limited counter space) or put it under the counter. I'm considering the under counter option.

And I didn't even think about whether any vent upgrades would be needed, yikes! Thanks, a2gemini and babushka_cat for your input on that. The ripple keeps going :(

I realize this really is the one chance we'll have to make the upgrade and I don't want to blow it. But, then again, it's coming at a fairly steep price. Lots to think about. I'll be mulling it over up until the very last minute.