Ovens do not fit under rangetops. Only cooktops. If you do a rangetop, you'll have to choose another location for an oven. And buy a cabinet for it. And buy a cabinet for the rangetop. You're still in high dollar territory, and it takes up 30" more of your counter space unless you put it under the counter, which isn't ergonomically a good idea. The whole reason people do wall ovens is to get them off of the floor.

If you are actually talking about a cooktop and not a rangetop, then putting an oven under it makes it lower than a range. It's really hard on your back. And it's more expensive than a range.

If you're on a budget, do a range. And skip the 36 in favor of a 30 if you are really on a budget. A range looks 1000% better than a cooktop with a wall oven below. Especially a 36" over a 30". Yes, that's a personal opinion and everyone will have theirs.

OK - re-thinking previous idea and looking at 36" ranges. Bluestar and Viking.

Hollysprings - thank you for input. I wasn't sure if that would work. We will not have a ton of counter / cabinet space, so back to the drawing board!

now to decide to go with Dual Fuel ($$) or gas range. We live at elevation 7000' so not sure if dryer air will result in better gas oven results?

also need to evaluate gas burning efficiency up here.

anyone have experience to share?