I couldn't justify the cost - and would prefer to have something made locally (but that's just me). In terms of a 90cm cooktop over an 80cm oven - yes, just make sure that they're centred.

Thank you. I am thinking that way but as I love to cook thought I'd have one stand out appliance. I'll keep researching.

I know exactly what you mean! One standout appliance you love - make it something that improves your time in the kitchen. I decided that mine was a self cleaning oven (I hate cleaning the oven).

Hi Kylie.

Quality of an appliance is hard to answer. We've used all of the brands you've mentioned with varying results.

And the manufacturers don't always play fair with what you are getting.

I have been to China with the reps of a 'brand name' appliance company looking for new models that were simply a rebadged product. It was all about buy cost landed vs sell cost. Not one ounce of quality assurance and the features that the public were going to get were simply what the factory had already designed.

We've always worked on the basis that Gaggenau are the most expensive, then Miele then Smeg, and that's how people perceive the quality.

I've seen clients install all of the above, and not one of them doesn't have a story to tell about a dud.

For ourselves, we use Smeg, as it is not the most expensive but is still recognized as a brand name. We had a dud cooktop for cleaning once but otherwise have had nothing but good experiences over many houses.

We have installed Gaggenau for a client. Would I pay the money for it? Well, if I had their money I guess I would but as I don't I can't justify it as nothing more than a want (not a need)

Cheers

TCR I think you are right. I am now leaning towards and Ilve to replace the one I have or a Miele or Smeg which have good reviews. I phoned Gaggenau and asked them why I should pay more for their product and the sales assistant couldn't tell me! I'll shop around and get the one of these three that combines the elements in the way I want them.