The Bosch would be my choice of those three, especially when you are getting a matching DW.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into your calculations but there is a knob controlled Frigidiare slide-in, FGIS3065PF that is much less expensive than your other choices. . I think AJ Madsion and other online vendors have it on offer for around $1500. (You may have to add it to a "cart" to see the selling price). The downside for the design is the oven vent is at the front of the range and the oven is about the same size as the one in the Bosch (that is, smaller than those in your other choices.)

The Samsung Chef Collection slide-in also has the oven vent at the front. While it has knob controls, it only offers 10 power settings. Some folks are fine with that few but many find they want finer control. The deal on having more than 10 levels is an issue for "basic" cooking as well as more advanced folks. What do you do when you need a setting between 1 and 2 to steam your rice properly or run your pressure cooker? (What you have to do is what I learned to do back in the previous century when we had GE coil burners with ten pushbuttons -- go back and forth to the stove switching between 1 and 2 every so often). Samsung also can be a bit skimpy on product support.

I think I saw that Sears is or will be be offering the KA but I don't know if it is even shipping yet. AFAIK, the Kitchenaid is pretty much the same as the Jenn Aire JIS1450DS so you could try searching on that model for some reviews. . Apparently it is supposed to have a steam-oven function. Issues start with having only 10 power settings for the stovetop burners. Oven self-cleaning is the much maligned Aqualift. With the cooktop touchpad front and center on stovetop, I would worry about risks of pulling hot baking pans out of the oven and setting them down on the stovetop. (I would have the same concern about the Bosch). The other concern I would have is that the membership surveys from Consumer Reports are showing unusually high defect rates and breakdowns with KitchenAid and Jenn Aire electric ranges in the first five years of ownership. (They are now running about a 17% problem rate versus 7% for GE, 9% for Frigidiare and 10% for Samsung according to CU members who bought one within the last five years.)

There are other recent posts about these mid range induction ranges. In several I have mentioned I love my GE. I also mentioned my friend's free standing Kitchen Aid induction had oven problems. Whirlpool who makes them admitted there were problems on those ranges but couldn't resolve it. After a year of frequent repair calls Whirlpool and the appliance store refunded her money and she chose a Samsung free standing unit which she likes. I'm not saying the new slide in Kitchen Aid is the same oven as the free standing one from 2 years ago, but there is a good chance that it is.

Thanks so much for the replies! I've read many reviews from both Silken and Jwvideo on these boards and you've both been extremely helpful!

I had not looked at frigidaire at all, but will look at that model although as long as we keep the range under around 2800 ish or less we are good. I'm very lucky to be doing work with a local appliance co and "trading" services in a way. Is there a specific GE model that is highly recommended with comparable oven features? I keep seeing GE but not a specific model. Are there others that I should be looking at?

I'm really not concerned about the lower quantity power settings on the induction

I was originally thinking having the control panel on top might be a pro as I have small children but I didn't think about setting pans there. I'm sure they'd touch the panel. Has anyone heard of this being an issue?

I guess my hold back with the Samsung, as it does seem to have amazing reviews, is that I keep reading they've been doing induction less than all the other brands and the service issues also.

When considering that we'll most likely do the French door ref and dishwasher from the same brand which brand would recommendations be the same. Unfortunately I don't think I can handle this much research for the other appliances!

thanks again!!

My friend who switched out her Kitchen Aid for the Samsung (but free standing) is very happy and she is a very avid cook. She has even written her own cook book and published it for family and friends and has had to re-publish again-just to give you an idea how much she cooks. My sister has one and likes it too but is so busy she doesn't use it as much as some people might. Hope that makes you a bit more comfortable with a Samsung if you go that direction.

I would go with the Bosch. They have the best reputation with their dishwashers and get very good reviews on their refrigerators and cooktop/ovens. I have their electric cooktop and their 800 series oven (5 years old) and have been very happy with them both. In my new build, I'm definitely replacing my oven and cooktop with Bosch except I'm going with induction this time.

>>>"Is there a specific GE model that is highly recommended with comparable oven features? "<<<

PHS920SFSS. Long threads here on it, on the freestanding versions (PHB920) and on the similar predecessor models (PHB925/PHS925).

On the entry level, I have had Frigidaire Induction Range FGIF 3061 NF since November 2013. Am very pleased with it. No scorching blasts from vent. Like using knobs, surface cleans easily (although texture would be nice rather than reflective), 3 racks in oven, even heat. Love induction. ( Easy to adapt to lifting the skillet rather than sliding it back and forth.) Got such a good deal w AJ Madison, new pans, warranty - great after the old range lost 2 eyes within weeks. Could not wait, so just worked with kitchen layout as it was. Figured I'd upgrade later but never think of it now.

Thanks for the review. We haven't seen many reports on the freestanding Frigidaire.

Re your comment, >>>" No scorching blasts from vent."<<< , I would not expect that on a freestanding range like your Frigidaire because it has the oven vent in the backsplash at the . rear of the stove. The OP was interested in a slide-in version. Frigidaire's slide in induction range, the FGIS3065PF, has the vent on the front of the range. I had seen few reports of some buyers having issues with the vent at this location on some other kinds of Frigidaire slide-ins --- deformed knobs and control panels, overheated trim. etc. Just something to research for anybody considering the slide-in model.

Just an update on comments I made earlier in this post. My friend who had major problems with her Kitchen Aid freestanding induction range and replaced it with a Samsung, now reports that in about a years time she has burned out the convection fans on the oven and had to wait a number of weeks for new ones to be ordered and installed. I expect that part would be the same whether it is freestanding or slide in. That is unacceptable performance. Not sure if others have had the same experience or if she got a dud.

@silken1 are you referring now to the fans on the samsung?

Yes, not any cooling induction fans but the convection fans in the oven. But it is the induction range that she has.

Thanks Paul for your thorough breakdown, can you expand upon the spacer you said was needed for the samsung?

We actually ended up ordering the Kitchenaid set mainly because I love the refrigerator, the dishwasher had excellent reviews and I preferred the non-overlapping cooktop glass of the KA induction over the samsung and bosch. I have friends who've chipped their tops due to this exposed edge plus I'm installing with existing counters. The height is ok for me as ours are 36". I am slightly worried about depth as Ive seen a few people posting about the new slide ins being deeper than old freestanding but I think I'll just have to deal with that.

Of course after all this deciding I get the call that the KA will not be available until january and while we don't need our new appliances I'm not sure I trust they'll be ready then, you make a good point about first quarter vs january as I was told by my dealer. I've refused delivery of my other appliances until I decide for sure if I'm going to wait for the KA or jump ship. Miele was never one I had considered. The bosch still looks like a great option but their ref reviews are not good and I am crazy about the appliance handles matching, the interior designer in me, so I really need same brand appliances. I was actually considering just going all for the samsungs but something about the service just stops me. The other bother I have with them is they don't have a ref that coordinates with the style of the chef collection slide in, the handle style is totally different and the 4 door option they have is just too big. Would love feedback on your Miele after installation and use.

If you compared the Bosch to the Samsung slide in, you will see that the Bosch is "full depth", meaning that the back will rest against the back wall. While the Samsung will end up being about 2" - 2.5" from the back wall. You can either fill that space with a piece of your counter top or you have to use the "filler strip" that comes with the range. If you are building the counter top around it, that looks fantastic. I have had that in the past. The filler strip, not so much.

I was going to go with the KA. I even bought the KA matching dishwasher a couple months ago. I am getting the KA Convection/Microhood as well. Love the looks. But KA promised this for an April 2015 release, then June, then August. Now 1st quarter 2016. That period ends March 31, 2016. So I would not count on it being available in January.

Keep in mind that that range uses many of the same finish pieces and oven pieces of the other ranges in that line. Induction is a very low volume seller, as most people who spend that kind of money opt for separate wall oven and cook top. That being said, they sell in the millions, so they are ramping up production. Once they get caught up, they will start building the induction. It's a low priority to them. I decided not to wait.

The Miele is a better range anyway, albeit at more than twice the price. The electricians just upgraded my electrical to the range from 40amp to 50amp today. The plumber has also run the water line for the Miele range today as well. Now I just have to wait for the range to arrive. ETA is Sept 18. Will post my experiences.

Interesting Paul, I was never told this about the samsung, I'm assuming just the top piece isnt full depth not that the whole range sticks out 2" further from the wall. This would not be ideal for our situation as we're not redoing counters but I'd love to see what the filler looks like. I just realized the price difference for the Miele and why that wasn't ever an option:)

I would assume that the filler strip would be the same color as the range. Stainless Steel may end up being a black strip. My first foray into a minor remodel in my old house, we upgraded to granite counters. I upgraded the appliances at that time and purchased a Frigidaire duel fuel slide in and had the counter top people install a strip in the back for the range to sit on. Makes it look like it's a built in. We moved earlier this year into a condo, downsizing. The previous owners had purchased white appliances with the cream colored cabinets. Not a nice combination. The slide in range is a GE Profile. But it is a electric smooth top and a non convection range. Needless to say it has got to go! It has a white filler strip in the back and it does not look very pleasant. I attached a photo of the range I currently am replacing. It's pulled out of the area as we just had the electrician and plumber do their work. I have to patch the wall and clean up the area before putting it back. Can't wait till it's gone!

as most people who spend that kind of money opt for separate wall oven and cook top

I don't have the $$$ to be able to do a major remodel of my kitchen to accommodate that scenario. Not everyone on this forum makes huge salaries. I'm average middle class single. But, I still know what I want. I still have a 32 y/o coil slide-in range. I never liked radiant heat flat surface and didn't want to "settle" for that. I knew I wanted induction. First saw induction in late 1970s. And I want induction, side in, dual ovens, and self-clean In both ovens not this water steam clean crud. And anything Miele isn't an option where I live. Closest service provider is over 50 miles. So it has to be where ordinary servicers have parts access. I'm willing to wait. And I'll compromise with free standing if I have to. I like the KA dual oven, free standing range. Wish GE would come up with an equivalent. A friend who has been repairing appliances for over 40 years doesn't think too highly of quality and longevity of Frigidaire or Elux.

My counters must have been 1" deeper than standard because my Bosch didn't fit all the way up against the wall. I purchased what I thought was a very reasonably priced filler strip from Micro-trim. Notice the ears that wrap around on the side of the filler strip too.

A friend who has been repairing appliances for over 40 years doesn't think too highly of quality and longevity of Frigidaire or Elux.

Just like homeowners, repair people all have their own opinions about appliances. There is no consensus among them which brands are best and which are worst, just like there is no consensus among the rest of us.

The key, though, is to remember that different manufacturers excel at different appliances. I can see where he got that opinion because Frigidaire/Electrolux has had serious issues with their dishwashers, fridges, and laundry in the past. However, their cooking has always been a solid product and an excellent value.

cfillyaw,

That is a nice looking filler strip. Well done! How do you like that Bosch? That was my 1# choice until the wife decided it was our #2 choice. lol.

If my counter top was exactly 36" I probably would have gotten the Samsung and hoped for the best. I think for the price and all the features, it is a nice unit. I would have purchased it from the best rated local store that services the units they sell themselves. I tend to be be more fiscally conservative when it comes to appliances. But I do have to admit, the Miele is going to be a heck of a toy, and I do like to bake.

Overall I am quite happy with the Bosch induction range. I must admit that I got it in the spring and during the summer I try to grill out as often as I can so I don't have a ton of use on it yet.

At first I really didn't care for the touch controls. Overtime after getting used to them they aren't too bad and they do offer some positives.

- It is more tedious to adjust the burner setting with push buttons and this was kind of a pain at first because I wasn't familiar with the setting numbers so I was hunting around for the right temp a lot. After learning where I need to cook things I don't adjust them as often.

- When you press the on/off button it will turn off all of the burners. Nice when you are all done cooking, but it was a pain to push the temp setting button multiple times to get to 0 to turn off just one hob. Now I just remove the pan for the hob and allow it to automatically shut off if I am still using another burner. The hobs don't get hot unless you put a pan on them.

- With little kids I really like the fact that I can lock both the oven and stove top controls so the kids can't turn them on. Our 18 month old tends to do that type of stuff right now.

The oven seems to work well. it is my first convection and it is a nice sized oven.

Paul Kailas - can you update us on the Miele? I need to replace a malfunctioning E'lux induction asap. Local Miele dealer has an almost new floor model discounted more than $1k. This is an issue for all free standings over slide in - but does the gap between the counter and range bother you? With my current slide in, this is covered by the range top. I prefer the Miele but am also looking at the Samsung and Bosch slide-ins.

Mr. Kailas:

Have you gotten rid of the White GE yet? That's the same one I have, only mine needs a $450.00 part. How far are you from Sarasota, FL? I'm always looking for a reason for a road trip anyway.

Sorry I didn't check back sooner. I live in the Grand Rapids, MI area. I gave the range to the guy who installed my microhood with venting outside.

Metro East, I am sorry I didn't review the Miele earlier. It is a very nice range. I absolutely love the induction top. My wife had to get used to how fast the pots can heat up vs gas or electric. She burned a few meals at first. lol. One you get used to it, wow! We just made some sea foam candy last night, and it really much easier knowing that the temperature is a good constant. Much easier to control than gas or electric. I love to freak out our guests when I cook with paper toweling on the range between the pot and the "burner". Make is so much easier to clean up and won't scratch the top. The oven cooks very evenly and I have even baked bread using the steam function as well. It is pricey, but if you can swing it, it's worth it in my opinion. When someone compares the Miele to a Wolf or Viking, it is not a fair comparison. It would be like comparing a BMW (Miele) to a Buick (Wolf or Viking)

Paul,, you mentioned building the countertops around the samsung slide in. The cooktop sits on top of the countertop, so you would have to build the countertop first and then sit the cooktop on top on of the countertop, I think??

Not Paul, but yes. Paul's comment above alluded to a potential mismatch between the height of countertops and the height of the stovetop side-overhangs on some induction ranges including the Samsungs. The tops of standard counters sitting on standard cabinets might be anywhere from 35½" high (as they are in my kitchen) to over 36" above floor level. Some slide-ins stoves (induction and otherwise) cannot be set low enough to sit close to a 35½" high countertop. So, if your are building, you find out how low your stove can go and build/shim/whatever your cabinets and countertops to match.

Does that answer your question?

Thanks jwvideo! Met with the fabricator this morning to have a "stove ledge" installed.