"Considering that the installation guide states that the induction cooktop glass will NOT sit on the granite countertop (the weight is supported by 4 brackets below that is drilled to the cabinetry/granite)" No, the installation guide you referenced does NOT say that. The weight of the cooktop DOES rest on the countertop. The four brackets are just there to hold the unit in place and not mover around. "To mount the 4 brackets (shown in the installation guide), it seems that I would have to drill and tap the brackets into the granite " No. These brackets clamp the unit to the countertop. The long screw pushes against the bottom of the granite. It does not need to penetrate. "What is the purpose (of the granite in the front) and again I would ask is it necessary or is it purely for looks/aesthetic reasons? Weight is being supported, again. Will it look crappy if there isn't granite in the front?" You didn't say what is going underneath. My first thought was that you were literally leaving a big hole. I'm guessing now that you are going to install a cabinet of some sort. Without that 2"-3" of granite counter in the front, the top of the cabinet will be exposed, as well as the front of the induction unit where the vents are. Also that front edge of glass would be unsupported and prone to breakage. I think anyone who does this gets new countertops for that section.

For the GE downdraft, from the installation manual (http://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=49-80437.PDF). Note emphisis on 'cooktops', vs. ranges. PLEASE NOTE: The downdraft vent system you have purchased was designed to be used with GE, GE Profile and GE Profile Performance cooktops listed in this manual. We ordered the above unit with the all gas cafe slide in range, fortunately appliance store caught the problem before delivery. I don't think you can use a downdraft with a range, if you find one that is compatible let me know!

There is a thread on here about the same issue with the Bosch induction slide in. There is a kit you can get from customer service to fill in these gaps but I also thought I read where the more recent raNGOs came with the fix it piece. Search on Bosch induction slide in. I am getting the induction slide in and am interested in the fix for this. Also do you have a gap between back of range and the wall? The same thread says your counter needs to be 25" deep, if it is the usual 25.5 then you will have a gap (they do sell a piece that fills in the gap).

Thanks for the input everyone! We finally started the reno, sorry my “before pictures” were lacking… The kitchen was a little box closed off from the rest of the house so we opened it up! We removed the wall the refrigerator and stove were on, and removed the wall with cutout to the “dining area”. We also removed the sliding glass door and replaced it with an awning window where there will be a counter on the patio on the other side. We’re about one week out from having a functioning kitchen and about a month out (due to holidays) to have a complete kitchen. I also want to encourage anyone who wants to do an reno/remodel but is procrastinating because they’re intimidated by the process to find a local cabinet store and meet with a designer. JUST DO IT! Even with an incomplete non functioning kitchen we LOVE IT already!