Bosch HEI8056U 800 Series 30 Inch Slide-in Electric Range with 5 Elements, Smoothtop, Self-Cleaning Mode, Warming Drawer, Star K Certified in Stainless Steel

I purchased the predecessor to this range (HEI8054U) in 2014 and came to love the features. I recently repurchased its replacement (HEI8056U). Like other reviews have said the unit had initial problems and customer service is not easy to deal with so its important to document ALL issues and communications with the range and CS. [The main board was replaced within the first year under warranty, the convection fan failed in 2021 but we didn’t fix due to cost, the bake element was replaced this year ($265 P&L) and then the main board went out again a few weeks ago.]I considered the GE Cafe and Beko both at the same price point because we want/need a warming drawer, but ended up buying the Bosch because the reviews on the GE were all over the place too. I love the features of this Bosch and saved the old range to have a supply of replacement parts. That’s sad, but this range and its parts aren’t cheap. Also note, the GE sits flush to the wall in the center so in my case I would have had to move the wall receptacle. The Bosch has a much larger area for plug placement but maybe that’s why the GE oven has a slightly higher interior cubic footage. If I hadn’t purchased the Bosch unit the Beko was my #2 choice.The new HEI8056U has a few important/new upgrades. The control panel was redesigned so water spillage from the smooth top doesn’t flow into the control panel (although I still put a very small bead of clear silicone caulk between the two to further restrict possible water which other reviews have stated caused problems with the older model control panel). The control panel was also redesigned to fit flush with the stainless steel front which eliminates unsightly crumbs from accumulating on the keypad, and the front knobs (control switch behind knob) are flush/sealed to the stainless steal. The oven now includes a small round electric element behind the back wall which creates “European” or “True” Convection cooking like the GE and Beko. The burner knobs are now metal instead of plastic and have a smoother operation. All else is basically the same as the 2014 range and we use ALL of the range features. My oven operates quietly but I read another review that complain about noise that I would disagree with.Tip: from what I can tell the super high heat for extended times of the self cleaning feature creates a high level of wear and tear. I will avoid the self cleaning feature. Instead I will “manually” use 400º steam cleaning like some other ranges offer to clean the oven interior. Also, only use smooth top cleaner (weekly) and stainless steel cleaner and avoid rubbing too hard on the control knob setting indicators and Bosch logo or they will wear off prematurely. By doing this my old 2014 model looked almost brand new. I’m hoping I’ve figured out the quirks of this range and I don’t have the service issues of the prior one, but if I do I have a supply of matching parts. I’ll try to remember to update this post in a year or two.