Is it worth complaining about scratches on a brand new GE Cafe range?

The GE Cafe series uses a specific brushed stainless finish that is incredibly unforgiving when it comes to deep scratches, especially those that run perpendicular to the grain. If the installers caught the metal with a tool or the edge of a heavy grate, that mark is going to catch the light every single time you walk into the kitchen. You aren't being too picky; when you spend four or five thousand dollars on a range, you're paying for the aesthetics as much as the BTUs.

You should call that small appliance store first thing tomorrow morning. Local shops usually pride themselves on their delivery teams and they almost always have a **damage allowance** built into their margins for exactly this reason. Since you like the range and it's already installed, asking for a partial refund is the smartest move. A credit of $200 to $400 isn't unheard of for cosmetic damage on a premium unit like this. It compensates you for the loss in value without the headache of a full swap. If the scratches really bother you and a discount won't cut it, ask them to order a replacement **main top**. On the Cafe gas ranges, the stainless surface under the grates is actually a replaceable part. A technician can come out and swap just that stainless skin in about thirty minutes. It’s a lot less work than dragging the whole stove out and risking damage to your floors or cabinets a second time. Don't feel bad about the installers being nice guys. They likely work for a third-party delivery service or the store has insurance for this. Reporting the damage ensures the store knows there's a training issue, and it gets you the pristine appliance you actually paid for. Once you have that credit or the new part, then you can start cooking and not worry about the first scratch anymore.

Have you ruled out that it’s just leftover adhesive from the protective film? I’ve seen plenty of Cafe owners get worked up over "scratches" that turned out to be streaks from the factory packing oil or bits of blue plastic caught in the grain. Before you start the claim process, have you tried a microfiber cloth with some actual stainless polish? Sometimes those bright kitchen LEDs make surface smudges look way deeper than they actualy are. If you can't catch it with your fingernail, there's a good chance it’s just gunk that needs buffing.

You’re 100% right to speak up. I’d just add that most of these independent shops have a relly tight 48-hour window to file a claim with thier delivery insurance, so don't wait. Also, if they offer to replace the main top like the other poster suggested, ask them to bring a new set of burner gaskets too. Sometimes the old ones don't seal perfectly once they've been peeled off the original stainless surface, and you don't want spills getting under the new skin. It’s a tiny detail but saves a second service call later.

If that’s the CGS700P2MS1, those heavy-duty cast iron grates are notorious for gouging the stainless if the installers get lazy. I’ve seen this a dozen times. Check the manifold cover right above the knobs too—installers love to lean tools there. If they caught the metal with a wrench, that’s a permanent scar on a $3,500 range. Don't try to buff it out yourself or you'll ruin the factory grain. Call the store and demand a 'scratch and dent' credit. For a Cafe, you shold be getting $300 to $500 back. If they won't budge, make them replace the manifold or the top.

Update: So I tried checking if it was just residue like one of you suggested. Turns out it was actualy leftover adhesive from that blue protective film! I feel a bit silly, but I'm so relieved it wasn't a permanent gouge in the grain. Thanks for the heads-up before I called the store—it's looking perfect now!