We have a Sharp microwave drawer in our island, which works great. I like it because it’s kind of hidden, not being at eye level. Since you said that you’re looking for one in your cabinet, this may not be an option for you, but would be if you have space in your lower cabinet area.
My favorite new appliance is our ridiculously expensive Miele Optima dishwasher. I think it cost around $1500, which sounds crazy, but I was so tired of our hard water ruining wine glasses and clouding up drinking glasses. The Miele has a built-in water softener, to which we add salt about once every couple of months. It’s also super quiet, and washes dishes beautifully but the thing that makes it really great is the built-in water softener. When I was researching appliances, Miele was the only manufacturer that made one w/the water softener and maybe now there are others. Also, if hard water isn’t a big issue in your new place, then I wouldn’t pay extra for the Miele.
Sorry I don’t have any personal experience with a slide-in range…for what it’s worth, I have a friend who loves her GE Profile gas range.
We’ve moved many times and re-done more kitchens than I care to remember, and I’ve always researched appliances by first looking at Consumer Reports online (buy an online subscription if you don’t have one already so you don’t have to save up all those magazines) and secondly (less scientific and for simply anecdotal feedback), I check this website – http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/. You can browse around there and get a general feel for brands to stay away from or those that are particular favorites.
