Checking back and hoping that someone has a recommendation. I had thought I added under $1000 to the title but apparently I did not.

You might want to check the Frigidaire models. I am not sure self cleaning is viable in your price range- and I don't think that is a great loss. It seems like it would be silly to spend a lot of money for that particular feature. Have you considered Craig's List? For $1000 you might find something interesting. People often buy houses with brand new appliances and then remodel to their own specifications. I know, because it's what I am doing. All new appliances are being donated in my case.

This beauty is $300 on my CL. The ad says it has been regularly serviced and is in great working order.

I am sure there are more modern ranges available- but this one is my idea of sturdy and reliable.

ETA it's a 1940s Wedgwood .

And for $1000 you get this DCS 30" range, plus a Miele glass ventilation hood, and FP dishwasher drawers. I realize you probably don't live in my area- but so long as you are close to a big city, chances are good you'll find something decent for $1000

There was also a brand new 10 burner commercial American range for $1200. I'll stop my little show and tell session now. Good luck on your search.

Thank you Rita--- I have seen quite an assortment of ranges under $1000 that do have self cleaning and other features I require but from reading up on them, there is not a conclusive winner. For example as I mentioned, with dishwashers, CR rates Bosch Ascenta ( a specific model ) as a best buy- it's not the Best Thing Ever, but it's a fine option at a reasonable cost.

There is no shortage of options but I just feel like I am not able to make a really informed decision so I was looking for anecdotal wisdom sharing.

I love my Bosch duel-fuel range. It wasn't terribly expensive and it's a pleasure to cook with. I really like my Bosch dishwasher, too. OTOH, Samsung appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) have been unreliable.

Is this the one you mean einportlander? It looks lovely.

From Best Buy:

Bosch - 800 Series 4.6 Cu. Ft. Self-Cleaning Slide-In Dual Fuel Convection Range - Stainless Steel $2,249.99

My DIL has a Bosch all gas range something like this but it is over the op's limit. It has convection too.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bosch-800-series-4-8-cu-ft-self-cleaning-slide-in-gas-convection-range-stainless-steel/5906111.p?skuId=5906111

Yes the Bosch ones you linked are lovely- but WAY over my budget. And for the record, looking for free standing. I guess the fact that this thread has not really yielded anything I am looking for may signal to me that it doesn't quite exist. I will research some more and then maybe just make an educated decision- and hope for the best.

(likely putting the house on the market within the next year or so and would like to have updated appliances. My other ones are updated within the past 3 years. The dishwasher and range are both over 15 years old.

I bought this one last September. It's a beast, I love it! The prices varies weekly it seems. Frequently it sells for $749.99 http://www.sears.com/kenmore-30inch-freestanding-gas-range-w-convection-oven/p-02274333000P

I do like that one pofin- and I know when I did research with Consumer Reports there was a Kenmore which was well rated. I did buy (and am pleased with ) a Kenmore fridge several years ago but I am a bit more hesitant now buying Kenmore due to the very precarious situation with Sears. I guess if Sears goes bust someone will likely buy the kenmore brand but I am less comfortable.

But yes that's kind of what I had in mind ( on sale of course). It has all the features I would like and looks nice too!

Bosch is a good choice for dishwasher. For the gas range, I like the Whirlpool family (Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana, Maytag) since they're the only manufacturer to use direct spark ignition in the oven. All the other gas range manufacturers use hot surface ignition, which means the range will use 500 watts constantly while in operation just to keep the burner lit. Whirlpool will use closer to zero. Also, hot surface ignitors tend to burn out after a few years, whereas spark ignitors are much more reliable.

I would avoid the Whirlpool models with "AquaLift" though, a lot of people have found it just doesn't work as well as regular self cleaning.

Whatever you do don't buy a Bosch freestanding range, it's just a rebadged Frigidaire with a big price markup.

I think Bosch stopped selling the rebadged free standing range a couple years ago and now sell a slide-in/freestanding range that they build in their North Carolina factory.

Hmm, you're right about that. Though they must have stopped pretty recently, I remember checking last year and they were still selling them.