Hi, I've received my Lacanche last April, and for me the bar is not blocking the view, in such a way that I need to bend over. I have to admit I only see ¾ part of the knob, but because the shape of the knob, you know exactly how far open/closed you have it. Only if I have to set the temperature on my oven, I need to bend, but that was the same for my old oven. Hope this helps

Have you seen a LC in person yet? Probably best to see how it works for you.

Bonjour Jess ! There is definitely a learning curve to any new oven Range, and Lacanche is no different. Getting the 'feel' will take a moment, but we've not heard owners having grave issues with the towel bar... most in fact love it ;) Let us know if we can answer any questions large or small, and very happy shopping!

Lacanche US

In addition to my earlier comment. It's funny how you can have an image in your head and it turns out to be different. The ¾ part I was describing is actually when I turned around from my kitchen island towards the stove. There is approx. a large meter between the two. When I actually light the stove, I look over the bar and it's not in the way. Only if I hang a tea towel over the top bar, it can get in the way, but that is why I hang it over the lower bars. Also if you look at pictures of lacanches many other lacanche owners do the same.

This has never been an issue for me, I can see the dial just fine from above. The only time I lean over is to make sure the ignitor has lite.