Speaking of ranges, why American ones seem to always have controls positioned so that in order to reach them one has to put one's arm over flames or deep-fry one's sleeve?

I can't think of one I've seen off-hand that is like this. The two ranges that have been in my parent's kitchen in an island (one electric and one gas) have had their controls on the front side, and the range I have in my place had its controls on the front, although the controls for the oven beneath the range are on the back face of the range where the clock is. I also went to a showroom for ranges recently (when my parents were deciding what to put in the kitchen that's being remodeled right now) I saw tons of ranges, and none that I saw have their controls anywhere but the front. Maybe you've been using very old ranges?

By the way, the range my parents just put in is incredible. It's made by Wolf, and the flames are just amazing. It'll be a while before we figure out how not to burn our food

I can't think of one I've seen off-hand that is like this.

My former condo had an electric range like that. It was a recent (1995-ish) Kenmore unit. Although, I'm sure it was the lowest priced model since there were no features such as a timer or window on the oven.

Both ranges I've owned have had the controls on the back. I've never found it to be a problem though.

Well, this Drakino's photo reminded me that the only American range I actually used (in Argonne National Laboratory guest bungalow) was also like that, so that was two out of sample of two (not counting movies)

I saw tons of ranges, and none that I saw have their controls anywhere but the front. Maybe you've been using very old ranges?

Or using one that was installed backwards.

"Blimey, how're ya s'posed t' get the ham in the oven?"

I don't like gas ranges - difficult to clean and gas burning leaves traces of greasy residue all over the kitchen, hood notwithstanding. (It might be due to the fact that up to ten or so years ago we in Zagreb used what we called 'city gas' - the stuff is byproduct of turning coal into coke and contains, besides methane, all kinds of rubish. We are now on natural gas.) I prefer electric affairs with ceramic surface, but have only tried those with radiative heating, never inductive ones like this one.

No, my mother in law has one like that but I've got two ranges one glass and one with the electric eyes but the knobs are on the side. Both are drop in by the way.

Ahh, that photo reminds me of something. Make sure they put electrical outlets where you need them. Many people have a crapload of things to plug in around the kitchen. Mine has a total of 7 outlets placed around the counter. Very useful.

And the stove there is the slightly higher then basic model. Built in timers for the oven, and not much else.

The fridge on the other hand is about the best the market has right now here in the US without getting into the "smart" appliances. Here is the official site on it.