I researched and specified this oven (for our new Homestead project) so far in advance, I had somewhat forgotten why I chose it. Yes it was expensive, yes, it won't fit in every kitchen, but this machine is extraordinary. Yes quite clearly the oven has certain aesthetic appeal. What has surprised me most of all is exactly how good it is as an oven and how efficiently the cooktop delivers heat. One of the features I didn't think we would use as much as we do is the griddle. Even with the entire machine in operation in the middle of summer the kitchen did not get too hot, it insulates that well. I am not exaggerating when I say that we are eating different things now that we can cook them properly.. like roast beef and roast duck.