I'm happy with it and yes, it's easy to clean.

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

I have seen it in person, but I don't have one on display in my store yet. It is definitely less mirror like. It looks a bit like frosted glass but has a smooth surface. It's very unusual. I happen to like it, but I have a feeling its going to be one of those units you will either love or hate, so be careful. I wouldn't purchase it without seeing it in person. There's no shame in the regular black and stainless one if you're not a risk taker. Anthony Appliance Buyer's Guide

I second looking at the Bosch benchmark. I liked the controls on the Bosch and the Wolf. They both seemed to do a good job recognizing small pots on large burners. I don’t own either but I have tested displays. I really disliked the Thermador Freedom. Reasons are: 1) I had trouble getting controls to react when I pressed them. The gaggenau version was worse. Even the salesmen had trouble. 2) Limited to four pots/pans. Most 36 inch cooktops allow 5. 3) it is not as free as you expect. If I recall, there are limits to how many items you can put on one side. If you turn up the heat on one item, it turns down heat on the other behind your back. Other cooktops have these restrictions also, but they are explicit. Here they are implicit which makes it very confusing whenthings don’t work or you discover 15 minutes later the water you set to boil is only simmering..... I have seen reports of problems with Miele controls but I have not tested them myself. This was several years ago when the 42 inch first came out. I love the idea of a 42 inch induction cooktop but I also think it’s too risky when only one manfacuturer makes one that size. I found the Bosch flexinduction cooktop the most flexible followed by the Wolf. Caveat: I tested these out several years ago. I don’t know what improvements/changes manufacturers have made since then.