Fisher & Paykel 36" Split Oven Stainless Steel Free-Standing Gas Range - OR36LDBGX1

I have been really impressed by this product. As it was designed in New Zealand, it has some unique features as compared to American designed ranges. It has fewer bells and whistle, e.g. the comments about the timer/clock. However, I love the fact that I can use all five burners at the same time without worrying about the size of the pan. One feature that is different, is that the front burners heat much more quickly than the back burners, so simmering needs to be done on the back burners. My large cookies sheets do fit sideways in the larger oven. I wish I had bought my appliances from ABT as service in my downstate area has been abysmal and ABT is known for their service. Everyone who has seen this range has really liked it. The kitchen contractor even featured it in their brochure.

First let me clarify that there *is* an alarm feature. You have to read the manual to figure it out, as it's not intuitive to use. The tiny button system (as opposed to a digital pad) makes it inconvenient to set a timer. But you can set it for minutes and seconds -- or hours and minutes.Second, you *can* change the minutes on the clock. Does no one read the instruction manual?? Seriously people...do you REALLY think they make a clock where you can't change the minute???? (sorry, minor rant as those reviews are soooo unhelpful since they clearly did not read the small paragraph explaining how to do both steps)Onto my review:If you're reading this review, you're finding out that your choices in the 36" gas range is pretty limited, if you're on a budget. I chose this model because it was relatively inexpensive, looked great and had a split oven. I just couldn't justify the price range for a Wolf, Viking or Thermador...especially when housing values keep falling. The split oven can be a pro or con depending on your needs. I also have a double wall oven so I did not need another full-sized oven. I liked the split (knowing that large cookie sheets weren't going to fit) because sometimes I just want to bake a single serving dinner or whatever. Besides, for cookies, I find that electric delivers better cooking consistency. The larger portion of this split oven is big enough for me to broil (which is what I wanted). The smaller part is perfect for me to heat up a couple of pot-pies without wasting heat. Both ovens have convection fans.But if this is your ONLY oven source, I would not recommend it unless you do not plan to bake sheets of cookies or a large thanksgiving bird.Also, the temp control dial (yes, round dial as opposed to buttons) was weird to get used to. Basically, the dial has numbers 1-8. On the range, there's a key to show you what the temp. is for each number (in both convection and conventional). For ex. #5= 400 degrees without a fan. It's just something to get used to. I put my grill thermometer to test it out and the numbers are dead on. Major oven CONS:*You MUST open the oven door before lighting it (according to the user's manual, otherwise it states there is risk of an explosion! What the Frig People???) I consider this a MAJOR flaw as clearly people don't read the manual before operating.*Also, there's no preheat alarm. This means you have to peak in the oven after a guesstimated time to check the oven temp--which means you need a grill or oven thermometer in there.Moving onto the cooktop portion:*Looks sleek.But during installation (I used a local appliance install company who was not too familiar with F&P)-- the tech could *NOT* get the burners to light. It was so frustrating [...] YOU MUST PUT ALL THOSE LITTLE GRAY PARTS ON THE BURNERS FOR THEM TO WORK! Also, figuring out which ones go on which burner is NOT intuitive as it is on most ranges. And putting the wrong one on-- will prevent the burner from lighting. SOOOOO frustrating, especially because all of this could have been prevented with a one page diagram.All in all, I give this purchase an average rating. It's not great that I love it, nor is it horrible that I hate it.Again, it depends on your needs. Although, this seems like the perfect range for someone who does not cook but wants a sleek looking kitchen without paying Viking prices.Lastly, as some reviews state, the oven doors (which are removable, as is the glass inside so you can clean it) are more of a mirror look...not black as it looks in the picture.

There is no timer for the oven. There is no alarms, size of the largest part of the oven is too small to fit any of my new cookie sheets. Things that are great about it are that it looks great and the mirror design and the 5 burners.

The legs are not sturdy. Even with proper installation, the range is still shaking when in use. Grills are too high that heat escapes to the side of pots and pans. The electronic clock is aweful. Can't change the minute. Instruction doesn't show how to change minute either so perhaps minute can't be changed. Whenever I want to use the button to turn on heat, to find out which button is for what, I have to bend over to see the little logo printed on the front of the range, but obscured by the front edge of the top surface.d