Ladybug: I'm not sure if this helps or not, but I'm in a very similar situation as you. I have done a lot of research on 48" ranges and am keen on having high BTU and a lot of interior space. After having a long conversation with Trevor (from Eurostoves), I actually went to the Capital factory and was very impressed. In fact, it's the only appliance I have decided on! So, if they can assure you that you can get easy service relatively close by, I'd go with the Culinarian. Hope that helps!

Don't know if you have already made your decision, but I would actually describe the burners opposite of idrive65. Front to back to me describes the direction the burners run front to back with them left right and perhaps several in the center. That means that for indirect heat (slow cooking for ribs, brisket, whole poultry and large meats) you can use one or two burners on one end and cook on the opposite end, one on either end and cook in the center, use the center burner(s) and cook on wither side -- gives you options and full use of the front to back grill space. With side to side (not side by side) are burners going across from one side to the other where you have one front back and center. For indirect heat, your options are to use the back only or the front and back and cook in the center. You have the full width of the grill to cook, but less room front to back and the heat may be less indirect for whatever you are cooking. Webber has 3 different types of grates and different stores may carry one or two. Cast iron sears (may give a bit more char flavor) and retains heat well but rusts most easily (they suggest not cleaning after cooking so that the oils from cooking protect the grates until you preheat and burn them off when you cook the next time). Porcelain coated have protection from rusting, but some may feel they don't retain heat and sear as well as cast iron. We've used both and never had any complaint with the porcelain-- the rust factor probably makes it a better choice in our climate). Stainless is an option that comes standard on the higher end Summit grills or as an option or additional purchase for the Genesis. I've cooked on the other ones so long I wasn't sure about the stainless even though the rust proof definitely appealed in our humid climate. We were thinking about it when I realized the charcoal grills I've used all have stainless grates and the Summit ones were heavier and should do even better. So far, they've been working very well. I can cook happily with any of the grates, but the use of space -- having enough, being able to use it efficiently for large of small cooking needs and having it arranged well for what you want to cook would be what I would focus on. The burner direction matters most if you pile charcoal to one side and cook on the other. If you usually place evenly across the bottom, it may not matter to you at all. Have fun looking and hope you find one you enjoy.

I have the Monogram 48 rangetop so cannot answer for the ovens, but I think you will be VERY pleased with the burners and stainless steel griddle. All burners are full range from ultralow simmer with NO clicking to relight every few seconds all the way up to 18k btu. Ours has the grille and we use it all the time. If you are not using yours due to cleaning 'issues' you have unrealistic expectations of what a 'clean' grille looks like or have insufficient ventilation or both. Cleaning the grill should take about 5 minutes with the burner on high followed by 30 seconds with a SS grill brush and a quick wipe with a damp microfiber towel around the trim. Done. Twice a year we do throw the grates in the oven when we run a self clean cycle and they come back to near new look. Good luck either way. The Monogram is an excellent choice.

Have 36" Wolf with grill and 600CFM VH. 1. Would not sacrifice grill for 2 more burners at all. Like the grill way too much. 2. Blanket hood CFM recommendations are pretty much useless--much depends on hood size, configuration, duct run, brand and how surrounding area (kitchen size, cabinets, walls etc.) direct airflow. Ours works well; fish is probably the mildest offender in terms of smoke and odor. If it's a wall mount and flanked by cabinets in a typical NYC galley kitchen that should enhance its efficiency. I'm assuming you'll be externally venting: Given that different apartments can have different ducting connections I'd find out what those are first (e.g., shared stack, max ducting size, etc.) These can make a hood either more or less effective as they determine what the hood has to push against to exhaust ("static pressure" in the trade). Once you find that out try calling the hood manufacturers' customer service lines and see if you can talk with a tech rep. If you can externally exhaust and the kitchen space you'll be amazed at how much cooler the kitchen stays, especially when you're using the oven. Those small kitchens get really hot even with a window open. My $.02 worth.