The Bosch HDI8056U did not perform well in CR's tests. Though expensive, the Cafe C2S900P2MS1 (Home Depot, Lowes) and the most common mention of noise in the reviews was that the end-of-cooking signal wasn't loud enough.

I believe the fan is part of the convection feature in the oven.

Not all range ovens have cooling fans, but most modern ranges and nearly all built-in wall ovens do. These fans protect sensitive electronic controls from heat damage. While common in modern, electronic-heavy models, some, particularly older or strictly mechanical freestanding ranges, may not have them.

Here are key details about range cooling fans:

Purpose: They prevent the electronic control panel (clock/timer) from overheating.

Operation: They may turn on automatically during baking, broiling, or self-cleaning, and often continue running after the oven is turned off until it cools down.

Types: This is distinct from a convection fan, which is inside the oven cavity for cooking; the cooling fan is generally hidden in the top or back to protect components.

Exceptions: Free-standing models, especially simpler gas ranges, are less likely to have these fans compared to slide-in or wall ovens.

Thanks for the responses. A little follow-up: we went ahead and bought another Bosch, and LOVE it so far (can you love a stove?). And, its quiet!!! Certainly I can hear the cooling fan, but it’s just a quiet sound, not the rushing, raging ocean-wave sound of the older one.

Part of the reasoning behind choosing this over the Cafe: I cook a big turkey for Thanksgiving, also other big roasts and briskets, hams, etc. And I didn’t want to have to lift those heavy, precarious pans from down near the floor. It’s all about timing, and i can easily hold sides very nicely in the warming drawer, also pancakes, bacon, etc. - love the warming drawer!

But depending on what/how you cook, the Cafe seems like a wonderful choice as well... my 2 cents worth 😁.

p.s. - Our Bosch dishwasher is also super quiet.