I did the same comparison on the 30" models and concluded the same thing. Unless you want the light/reflective color instead of black that's an (even more expensive) option only on the Monogram, can't justify the higher price at all.

We have the GE 30" Profile, with the ss frame. Purchased in summer 2008. At the time, the specs were exactly the same between the profile and the monogram, and the profile was a few hundred less (via the induction site). We did think the stainless/mirrored monogram looked really cool, but the black controls on it were funny looking, so decided to stick to all black. Got the framed version because we were worried about cracking an exposed glass corner without it. Performance is excellent. The large burder is quite large and very powerful. Overall, great control, great power and a good price. Cleaning up is easy and no noticeable scratches or other issues after 9 months. Only small quibbles--it does hum (not enough to bother us, but usually it is noticeable), more so with some cookware than others. Wish the larger burner were centered so as to provide better capture of smoke when stir-frying (we have it in a peninsula). Clearance requirements underneath are high--meant we used pullout shelves instead of more efficient drawers under it. On balance, happy and would recommend.

Unfortunately the Elux is a "Hybrid". It has both radiant ribbon burners and Induction Hobs. When that one first came out , I saw several reviews that said the thing never worked. One of the problems with a Hybrid is if you use the radiant ribbon burners, the cooktop will get hot enough to burn stuff on, (Just like any "Conventional" Smooth Electric Cooktop) so you lose one of induction's best attributes, Ease of cleaning (or no cleaning if you cover it with paper towels as I do). Based on earlier reviews of that product, and the fact that it is a hybrid, I would "pass". Sorry to be the "bearer of bad news." WATCH OUT!!!! I found sites that do not describe it as a "Hybrid". If it is model # EW30CC55GW 30 or EW30CC55GW 36, then it is either a 30 or 36" Hybrid. Gary

Haley, I did end up buying the GE Café Induction cooktop just last year when the only feedback I found was this very thread. Since there wasn’t much data then, I based my decision on my last experience with GE and former cooktop. I LOVE THIS COOKTOP! I didn’t care for the layout of most others nor the fact that many of them used shared controllers for all burners which I still don’t get - when I’m bustling around the kitchen, I don’t want to be fumbling though the controls to quickly tend to a burner. I find the layout to be most efficient and useful for my needs. I like each burner has its own control. The slide controls are pretty slick although, not gonna lie, with a wet finger, the slider doesn’t completely respond but luckily there are the manual up/down buttons that do work. It brings water to a boil in about a minute. It has the two bridging burners for my cast iron griddle purposes. I find I don’t use it as much since the middle section does not heat up (where it did on my last GE cooktop which was not induction). However, Rudi does make a good point – it’s nice to have cooler zones.) The cooktop does come with a stainless steel clad aluminum griddle which does work pretty well on the bridge. The cooktop is easy to clean (I use a little Bon Ami or Bar Keepers to light scrub only when necessary) and looks beautiful. It doesn’t take much to make her sparkle! I have no scratches to speak of (outside of those caused by the tile samples a dear loved one set on top and shuffled around, which made me want to cry…) It can be noisier than standard cooktops at times but if I recall from my research last year, that’s induction (period). I do like the timer function. At first I thought it was such a silly feature when my oven timer was right there. Let me tell you I now use the built-in timer ALL. THE. TIME. We won’t discuss that I’m just now realizing it can be set for each burner! I’ll have to try that. I’m still not sure what the variances between the Monogram and Café are worth the dollar difference. Sure, the color of the Monogram is cool but that alone is not worth the price difference in my opinion. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and this is definitely my favorite thing! It’s also one of the most expensive items in my kitchen but completely worth every penny to me.