Cookaholics Bulletin Board

I have a decision to make:

(1) Wolf L series double oven, floor model, 5 years old, never been cooked in, no visible defects: $6,000 (regularly $7,230) OR
(2) Miele MasterChef recently discontinued but same as current model except handle style. Still shrink wrapped in box from reputable store: $4,500-$4,800 (regularly $6,000)

Some things I'm thinking about:

On the Wolf, should I spend this kind of money on a 5-ear-old oven?

On the Miele: Broiler seems underpowered at 2000 Watts, but they claim it's "infrared" (doesn't look infrared so I don't know), but it's also a 12-pass broiler vs. Wolf's 3800W 8-pass). Read complaints of oven not reaching set temp, but talked to Miele, they acknowledge and say problem is fixed. Oven light is either on or off while you cook - no button. Timer maxes at 99 min 59 seconds.

Thank you!

Do a search on GardenWeb.com on specific model numbers to see if anything comes up.

Personally, I think a $1,200 discount on a five year old model is kind of pathetic. In my mind, it should be at least a 50% discount.

I have an infrared broiler and love it.

Based on the info you provided, I'd be more likely to go with the Miele, but that's in an absence of detailed information.

Good luck!

Amy

ab55 - BTW, welcome to the board

I'm not sure I'd take a floor model that's been handled for the past 5 years, cooked in or not. I'm inclined to agree with Amy too, that the discount seems low given the age of the unit. I'd want to make sure they are still offering the full warrantee.

As for the brands, gardenweb is a great resource.

With concerns like underpowered broilers and oven temperature control, I would not consider the Miele ovens without more research. There is also a vast difference between a company representative acknowledging a problem and saying it is fixed and the issue actually being fixed. If true, a date and serial number of the first “fixed” unit to roll off the line should be available.

I would probably turn my back on the Miele and focus on getting the best possible deal on the Wolf. I have fewer concerns about the "age" of a floor sample that has never been used than I do about questionable design issues.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I ended up making a deal for the Wolf for $4900. Full two-year parts and labor warranty and a five year warranty on major parts (like heating element and control board). I just have to hope that it fits in my existing cabinetry and I'll be happy to put this decision behind me!

ab55,

Sounds like you got a pretty good deal. The warrantee would go a long way or me in settling any worries about damage from wear and tear as a floor model. I hope you end up loving them!