toomuch - I can certainly relate!! My brain is mush too! Despite having gathered tons of information I feel very much in the dark. However, since my needs are similar to yours (Id like the cooktop to sit flush with the counter, not to take up too much room below, have at least one zone larger than 10", and have adequate power), I thought IÂd post a summary of what I found in my research (at the risk of posting the longest post in Gardenweb history). I hope it helps you and anyone else whoÂs looking for something similar. Each appliance is set off by 5 stars, the zone sizes listed with their maximum power, with the largest zone starred in the summary. As a place to start, here is what AJ Madison currently lists for 30" induction cooktops: http://www.ajmadison.com/b.php/Induction;Cooktops/N~29+4294962678+4294964459 ***** DeDietrich 308x This was my first choice, but my electrician wouldnÂt put in a non-listed appliance. Flush to counter. Available via Cookpower in NZ, or Salon Blue Ridge in NC http://www.salonblueridge.com/products.html Photo here: http://www.ciao.co.uk/De_Dietrich_DTI308X__5697016 ***** AEG 88101K-mn ~ $1900 or more now? + about $300 shipping from Canada to US. This was my second choice. It's the only 30" I found with timers on the cooking zones that is also UL-listed. It also promises to allow the most space underneath. Not sure about availability of service in the US so that knocked it out of the running for me. Flush to counter. maximum power: Rear Left & Front Left = 7 in -2.5 kw * Rear Right = 7-11 in -3.7 kw Front Right = 5.7 in -1.8 kw http://www.euro-line-appliances.com/downloads/cooktops/88100K%20Induction%20complete.pdf The Diva and Heartland models look about the same to me: ***** Diva de Provence DDP-4 ~ $2830 Flush to counter. Comes in black or white. Total Cooktop Power:7.2 kW Maximum power per zone: *Left (9"): 2.8 kW Center Front (6"): 2.2 kW Center Back (6"): 2.2 kW *Right (9"): 2.8 kW http://www.divainduction.com/ ***** Heartland MODEL HCTIF30S list $2384 Flush to counter. stainless steel trim Total power 7.2 kW * 9" zone - 2.8 kW (2 on each side) center rear 7"  2.8 center front 6.25"  2.2 diamond pattern The depth of cooktop is 4 5/16". They want 6 1/2" total depth below counter (2" below unit). specs here for 36" (mfr will fax specs for 30" if requested): http://www.heartlandapp.com/Contents/NewProducts/Induction/heartland_induction_installguide.pdf The Kenmore and Electrolux look like they may similar. I didnÂt explore these in more depth because I didnÂt like the idea of wiping around the raised edge of these cooktops.: ***** Kenmore - Sears item #02242800000 Mfr. model #42800 ~ $1450 or so, depending on the day Zones: 10in, 8in, 6in, 7in * Not flush: Height of Cooktop 1/2 in., Clearance below Cooktop 4-1/2 in Max. Amp Load 40 7.4 total kW http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=02242800000&cat=Cooktops,+Ranges+%26+Ovens&subcat=Cooktops&vertical=APPL&ihtoken=1&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&sid=IOx20060405x0000099 ***** Electrolux E30EC70FSS $2000 Rises above counter about an inch, with a ventilation grille at the front. I found 2 sets of specs by surfing the web: http://kitchenappliances.electroluxusa.com/node30.aspx?productid=35292 6" @1200W (2) 5" to 7" to 9" @ 2700W *9" to 12" @ 2700W . . . or . . . *10" Zone  3200W 8" Zone  3000W 7" Zone  2300W 6"Zone  1500W http://www.electroluxusa.com/files/international_english/0-999/E30IC75FSS_specs.pdf I think the Thermador and KitchenAid may be essentially the same: ***** Thermador CIT304ES $1800 (list $2200) Black currently available, silver coming out in the fall. Sits flush with counter. This is what I got from calling their support line, which is completely at odds with whatÂs posted on their website: Front Left 6" @ 1.8 kW Front Right 7" @1.8 Rear Left 6" @ 1.5kW * Rear Right 7-12" @ 2.9kw Overall height: 3-5/8" http://www.thermador.com/product795.html The manual states that power-sharing is possible between the 2 zones on each side only if one of them is turned off. It looks like this allows 2 zones at a time to work at maximum power (over the limits stated above). So theoretically, one zone on the right side could operate at 4.7, and one zone on the left could be at 3.3 at a time. This doesnÂt make complete sense because the maximum output of the whole unit is 7.2, not 8.1. Still, it seems like a fairly reasonable setup.: http://www.bshextranet.com/files/techtoolbox/CIT304ES_user%20manual.pdf ***** KitchenAid KICU508SBL list $2000 Front Left 7 in / 1,800 Watts Left Rear 7 in / 1,800 Watts Right Front 6 in / 1,400 Watts * Right Rear 11 in / 2,400 Watts Appliance Height 3 1/4 in. http://kitchenaid.com/catalog/product.jsp?src=Cooktops&cat=146?=1352 ***** GE is slated to roll out a Monogram induction cooktop in the fall. A couple of comments. I found lots of good information on The Induction Site and on this site. ThereÂs more knowledge to be gleaned here of induction, and the strengths and weaknesses of various appliances, than can be found in most appliance dealers. Another source is the manufacturerÂs websites. Here I found numerous omissions and errors, including inconsistencies between specs posted on one page of a site vs. another. Very frustrating! Calling manufacturers can be helpful, but it depends who you get at the other end of the line. Given that, I could certainly be wrong about any of this. OK, so what did I wind up ordering? The Thermador. There are elements of design in other units that I like better, but I like the size of the largest zone, and I think the power sharing would be OK to live with. I hope I made the right decision . . . Any comments, corrections, or other feedback welcome. Pam

Can anyone describe a gravity drain and a pump to drain model? Gravity drain sounds like the way a sink drain works. So would a pump drain have to pump the excess water to a nearby sink drain? I have designed my kitchen with an icemaker and an all-refrigerator, with the all-freezer in the laundry room, similar to athensmomof3. Really appreciate the great information in this thread! I think the reliability of icemakers is very dependent on the hardness of the water. Hard water takes its toll on all plumbing parts. My RO system supplier also told me that the amount of chlorine in your water has a large impact on the plumbing fixtures. Chlorine is very damaging to o-rings and plastic parts. Per the RO system maintenance man, the closer your home to the water treatment plant, the higher the chlorine, the more damage to the plumbing fixtures. He said that in order to maintain the necessary chlorine level at the furthest point from the plant, the chlorine level has to be higher close to the plant. I haven't verified what he said but it makes sense.

Bad experience with these guys, won’t use them again. We purchased an appliance (induction range) and found out before delivery that it wouldn’t work in our apartment. My bad for not understanding this in advance, or for seeing the fine print about the 35% (!) restocking fee hit for canceling the order. But they wouldn’t even work with us to apply a reasonable share of the price we paid to purchase another product from them instead. Just basically told us we’re out of luck. Absolutely their right, and fully disclosed, but seems like really bad business to lose a customer through zero flexibility and understanding. Obviously won’t buy anything from them in the future. Learn the lesson from me: do all your homework, double-check your measurements and installation requirements, and check with your building superintendent before you buy a new appliance. Otherwise, at least with these guys, it will be costly and they will take your money and won’t try to help you out in any way. Thanks for nothing AJ Madison.

I was dealing with the employee closely and he knew my situation and my request based on the appliances so if I was to deal with another sales person I wouldn't be able to explain the whole entire request again it wasn't difficult but just tedious to explain and I tried to deal with another sales person and he told me don't worry Anthony will call you back in a few moments when I said I'd like to speak with you he said don't worry he'll call you back in a few moments so I said OK I'm not going to take with sale from an employee I know how that feels. This was also a question that could be answered over the phone and why would I want to deal with a company that can even pick up a phone call when needed was to answer simple question and it's hard to get in contact with them so why would I even want to buy an expensive appliance nonetheless more than one appliance from them when they can't even pick up a phone call or help me in any matter or anything is wrong with the appliance I can't even get a contact with them the reason I said the store needs to be closed was because I read many other reviews saying they charge them an extra thousand dollars or the pot it came damaged and they were many othe