You said you "I want beveled black edges without a stainless ring/border" and on Miele's USA website it describes KM5773 as "Black Ceran glass with stainless steel frame". I have this model and it has a thin stainless border as you can see in the photos:

Is that the look you want?

regarding your other concerns about Miele
- the big element in the back is not a problem for me. in fact I like it there because I think the steam is captured more easily in the back; have had no problems with spilling anything on the controls
- yes, you can't go directly to power level 7 (I admit - that would be more convenient); but you just leave your finger on the controls and it mores to the next power level quickly.

I have no complaints about the Miele - I do love its power!

Sorry, but I can't be of any help regarding the other two brands because I never saw either of them demonstrated.

Have you had the opportunity to test the KA with your cookware at an appliance showroom to check it's power and the clicking sounds?

How tall are you? One a square layout, traditional stove, I always have my stockpot on one of the rear burners anyway. If you're short, maybe you don't do that. (I'm 5'8".) I seriously considered Miele, and I do seem to remember that the controls at that time were very sensitive.

Fagor are makers of inductors. They are induction. They've been in and out of the U.S. market for 20 years or more, though it looks like they, and induction, are here to stay now that it's catching on.

The clicking sound on the KA is probably the unit, whereas buzzing is often a particular pan on a particular setting.

Why don't you call both Fagor and Miele repair numbers and ask for a referral in your area. (Fagor's is called "Technical Service" (http://www.fagoramerica.com/my_fagor/service_center_locations), so this is probably the questions number you were looking for: 1-877-743-2467) See what they say. If that doesn't get you anywhere, why not call all the appliance stores and repair companies in your area (largest you think is reasonable) and find out who, if any, are certified for Miele, Fagor and KA, and ask if they've deal with induction, etc.

Worse comes to worst, an induction cooktop is pretty small and light. You could deinstall and ship it, if necessary. It would be worth saving the box/packing just in case.

There aren't moving parts, like valves that get stuck, so your likelihood of needing repair is low, but I do get why you're concerned in the boonies.

I wouldn't get too excited about overall power unless you do a lot of wok work, or anything else that's particularly fast. Especially true if there's a boost for a fast boil.

Reading your description, I think the one you really want is the Fagor.

Another member did quite a thorough review of his Fagor induction cooktop (I think I linked it below, but I'm new so unsure if it's worked).

As for the Miele, we went to their showroom and found the touch controls to be a bit finicky. The salesperson had some problems with it herself, but she claims that it's a learned technique that will become second nature. Regardless, we went to another store with a live Wolf induction cooktop and had no issues with manipulating the controls from the outset. As much as we liked the Miele, to me the controls should be immediately intuitive/responsive, not a learned technique. I'm sure others will have some other opinions on this.

Haven't tried the KA. I like the low clearance requirements of the Fagor.

Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: fagor induction cooktop review

Fagor always answered my email. So did Miele.
I found their email addresses on the web.

Many, many thanks for the input and ideas ... and a Fagor phone number! I couldn't find one on the Fagor site, but now I have two in hand. I'll talk with them Monday about the service concerns.

Miele was wonderfully helpful on the phone, and I'm guessing/hoping Fagor will be as well. I was surprised Fagor didn't answer email, but maybe something went awry. They also have a phone number on their site related to a special offer (free pots and pans) that goes to a medical supply company ... a company apparently not happy about it based on their response.

We get into Houston fairly often, so the packing up idea is feasible. Good thought.

I've tried local appliance dealers, including some from the Miele dealer list (Fagor doesn't show any in Texas), but haven't found anyone with a display unit, muchless a working one. There is a Miele showroom in Dallas that sounds perfect, so that's a possibility. And thanks also for the side-view photos ... photos are very helpful.

But you're right. Fagor is my front-runner, and if they can keep me calm about service issues when I call Monday, I think I'll go that way. Miele is beautiful and has some really neat features, along with a great reputation, but I can better picture myself liking the Fagor placement of controls (and using the pre-sets).

Again, many, many thanks!