We own the Thermador CIT362DS. The one you mention is CIT365DS, by the way.
The unit is fabulous. I don't know if it is the best, but we are very satisfied and would buy one again in a minute. The performance far exceeds any other cooktop I have ever used. It's incredibly fast - boil 2 quarts of water in 1 min 20 sec - rolling boil. Very easy to clean even while cooking (induction hobs only) just move the cooking vessel and wipe with a paper towel, then keep on cooking. No knobs, it's all touch controlled (sleek and beautiful). The range of control is fantastic and the cooking temperature (power) is perfectly consistent every time, even between hobs. This unit makes cooking fun again.

As I said above, we have the hybrid model (2 radiant, 3 induction). We do not use the radiant burners unless we are using old cookware that we just couldn't part with (some nice teapots, for example) or more than three pieces at once, which is rare for us. Induction is much better. The other reason we went with the hybrid is so that if we ever saw a specialty cookware that was not compatible we could use it. I don't have a strong opinion on whether or not you should go hybrid or full induction but I will say that you can always get a hotplate if old cookware is an issue. Don't be too concerned with the new method of cooking (if you haven't used induction prior) you'll get used to it quickly. It's easy and safe.

The unit came with some sample Demeyere cookware. We liked it so much that we bought the set. Very expensive but worth every penny as it is pro quality. Heats evenly. This cookware has a gorgeous finish and cleans very easily. It's eight months old and looks like it did when it came out of the boxes. I strongly recommend Demeyere.

I'm sure that all the brands you mentioned are good. I looked into a few before settling with Thermador. Induction, no matter what the brand is the most efficient method of cooking and my kitchen does not get as hot as it used to. I forsee induction getting real big in America as soon as the price comes down a bit.

Good luck. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them for you. Thats the beauty of these forums.

By the way. One real important thing. If you are going to go with induction, make sure your home has the proper electrical supply for it. The Thermador requires a dedicated 50 amp breaker and line. This is VERY important.

At this point, we have to say beware of the Thermador, which we have. Like Klaa2, we love induction. But our Thermador, after the repair from the recall in May was made, makes a very loud clicking noise at low settings and a very loud humming noise at high settings. When we first got the unit, there was a low humming at high setting and very, very low click at low. The noise annoyed my husband, but I was ok with it. Now the noise is loud enough that it can be heard in another room. It's embarrassing when friends are in the kitchen and ask, "what's that?!" Thermador has replaced the electronics, but the noise is still there. They are going to do it again. If the noise is still there, we will be replacing the unit. Another problem that occurred after the "repair" was that the center unit (the recall had to do with the electronics that covered that hob)has become ultra sensitive to pan size. If the pan does not cover the outer circle completely, only the small inner hob will work. Thermador says it will send a repair person as often as we want, but only the dealer we bought it from can seek a new unit. Our dealer says it's under warranty and up to Thermador to do it. So we're in a catch 22. We think it would be easy enough for Thermador to ship a new unit.

Monogram is coming out with induction in Sept. Our other appliances are Monogram and we love them.

cushy, I can't believe you are in that same position! It's become louder? Have them make another service call and don't let them leave until you're satisfied. You know from before the replacement of the touch control board (part recalled) that the unit funtioned as intended.

The recall did not have to do with the center hob. The recall was a proactive move that had to do with a potential ground in the touch control that could have initiated one of the radiant burners. It was only on the hybrid model and it had nothing to do with any of the induction parts. If they changed any of the induction components, it was either in error or they may have been acting on your complaint of noise.

In either case, you should not have this problem. My dealings with Thermador were very satisfying. They came so fast that it was like having them on call and they went out of their way to make sure I was happy. Why is it taking so long in your case? Have you been persuing it?

I'd be stark raving mad if I paid as much as I did and the cooktop did not function as intended. They'd be at my home so often that I'd be on a first name basis with the Thermador rep.

I agree with you in that at this point, it would be best for them to replace the entire cooktop. That's what I would be persuing.

Good luck and please let us know how it turns out. Thanks.

Hi Klaa2-The noise problem hasn't gotten worse. It's the same as before. The repairman only came last Fri, because Thermador took a long time to send the parts from Calif to the authorize service place in our area (actually 15 miles away). There is not an actual Thermador rep in this area. Instead, there are two Thermador-authorized appliance repair shops. We're in a small town on the coast of Florida and the repair places are in another small, but very upscale, town about 20 miles away.

Re the recall, the first repairman who came told us that although the potential fire problem was with the electric side of the hybrid model, the electronic control boards were somehow interconnected, so what he actually had to work on were controls involving both sides (electric and induction). I have no way of knowing if this is correct, but the guy was there well over an hour. The repairman who came that first time said ours was only the 2d induction unit he'd ever worked on. At that point, we switched to the other authorized repair place, which seems much more competent. The two people who have come talk knowledgeably about a wide variety of induction units. They said many if not most induction units have a low noise, but that the clicks and hums from our unit are way too loud.

Unfortunately, our experience with Thermador has not been as satisfying as yours. The problem with the sensitivity of the center hob has not been resolved, because the part still had not come in at the time the guy came out to work again on the noise issue, even though it was ordered weeks ago. We still have not received the free Demeyere cookware, although I sent the paperwork months ago. I called Thermador, and the person said something like, "We promised cookware, but we didn't promise a particular brand and we didn't promise when we'd send it."

My husband and I both travel extensively for our work, so having to arrange for one of us to be at home or on the phone with Thermador is a bit frustrating. We're getting the impression Thermador wants to wear us down and then the 1 year warranty period will be over.

I'm very happy you don't have these issues with your unit, and that you have gotten a good response from Thermador. We really like induction, but right now would not be able to recommend the Thermador unit. But we're still hoping for the best.

Hey, Tex.

We have a Brandt, which is the exact same thing as a Diva- but with a different name slapped on it. Ours has the thin stainless trim and the flat cooktop. Very powerful, very easy to clean. No knobs means I can use it as extra counter space if needed. We have not had any repair issues.

The Brandt/Diva/AEG family of induction cooktops have been around a very long time, which heavily factored into our brand choice. Sort of like passing on a brand new model car for a tried-and-true.

My 2 cents worth...

I'm sure this qualifies as hijacking the thread, but would any of you consider putting in the drop-in CookTek units, side by side rather than resort to bringing in propane and a gas rangetop? I need at least 4 large burners to cook for our brood, and am disappointed at the small burners on the induction cooktops. My only alternative to turning to LP gas is to put in 3 CookTeks for 6 burners @ about 9 or 10 inches. I'd have less burners (and a bit smaller) than on a 48" gas rangetop, but they'd be spread out for easier use. It would also cost me about $800-1000 more. I think I probably just need to go to LP, but I've never cooked on gas before and was so convinced of the plusses of induction, I'm disappointed in having to give up the idea.

Thanks for letting me butt in.

I once thought of putting in two double modules of Cooktek and realized I'd need almost a 36" x 36" space because of the tolerances needed. To put 4 in a row you'd need about 62" in length. Go look at the dimensions and the installation instructions.

Remember with induction cooktops the heat turns off when the unit turns off; there is no need to move the pan to get it off the still hot burner.

THanks margareta mi...I have 48" under the hood plus plenty of side clearance, and would only need 3 in a row, so I don't think that's a problem. I did look at these yesterday and each unit needs 2" clearance on the sides...Could it be the same 2", or would I need 4" in between do you think?

The units going immediately cold is one of the plusses I'm sorry to give up to go to gas.

Rhome410,

Are you planning single elements; front to back; or side to side?

Do you really need 6 elements? How about the 5 element 36" cooktops? They have one large element and 4 smaller ones.

Start another thread if you wish to contine discussion.

As I explained in my first post, I do need large burners...Certainly more than 1 (4 or more), which is why I was considering alternatives to the 36" units that I've researched over several months.

Again, johntex, sorry for taking up room on your thread. I was just hoping to see if avid induction people would go to these lengths to have it or if I was totally crazy. As for your original question, I can only offer what I found in my research and the thoughts I went through in considering my options. Everyone, regardles of brand, seems to love their induction. This is the first I'd heard the specifics of the Thermador recall or any problems from it. The Electrolux/Kenmores are definitely the leader in pricing with Viking being the most expensive. I was afraid of the Electrolux models being a pain to clean around because of the way they sit up from the countertop, but owners assured me it was not a problem. The glass surfaces would be pretty equal in cleaning, but the ones with speckles, rather than glossy black, should hide fingerprints and waterspots better. I know this from having ceramic cooktop before.

I never considered a hybrid model, because I figured I'd love the induction and avoid using the radiant burners, and I wanted to use every inch of it with no reservation/hesitation. I didn't want to resent having to use the other burners when forced to...Also, I'd think that part would be a pain to maintain, since food spills would cook on, which they won't on the induction side.

I came to the conclusion that the way to choose a cooktop was by price and by configuration...How many and what size hobs will you need? Do you want a huge one in the center, or more evenly sized ones with larger burners in different places? Electrolux has their largest burners right next to each other. That might be a problem for me if I wanted to have large pans on both at once...and I thought it might be hard to reach the small burner behind the larger pots. I noticed yesterday that Kupperbusch offers a bridge burner, which might be desirable.

As was already mentioned, Monogram has induction coming out soon. By the end of the year Miele should have theirs in the US (already in Canada). I talked with a rep aabout them and they sound exceptional for the construction quality and how the hobs are independent for power use and easier repair. I've also read rumors about Wolf and Bosch coming out with induction. Bosch is related to Thermador and Gaggenau, so I'm surprised they're lagging behind.

Best wishes on your decision.

The Miele is great. I'm in Canada and to me it was a much better purchase than the Diva. It has timers, is programmable, ... Lots of power too!

It's all digital (no knob) which is good (easy to clean) and bad (not always responsive with wet fingers, sometimes slow, ...)

rhome410: do you have a cooktek now? I have the 1800 apogee portable cooktop and I love it but it's LOUD. I think it's the fan that makes most of the noise. Some one told me on an earlier thread that built-ins were quieter but you might want to look into it to make sure.

No, I haven't tried any CookTek, cheri127. Thanks for the info. I think I've given into the idea I'll have to go with a gas cooktop. It was just a last minute brainstorm in the attempt to figure out if I could have induction before the gas line goes in and the option is gone. Gas users assure me I'll be thrilled with the gas over the electric radiant I've always used, so I'll concentrate on that! I could always get one like you have later on if I want induction for occasional use...Does it plug into a regular outlet?

What would you suggest for the best power available for the various burners? I have absolutly no idea how to figure out what the various watts mean relative to cooking. I know that more watts equal more heating power, but what would be the ideal wattage for, say, the most powerful, the medium, and the least powerful burner? The cooktops I've looked at are all quite different and I'm totally confused.

Thanks for your help. Knowing this will help in deciding which cooktop to choose...I hope.

The more power the better.. you can always turn the power down but can never add what you don't have.

mart242: Is there such a thing as too much, or an unnecessary (expensive) amount to have?

I have the Viking 36" unit, 6 burners. Not one problem to date and have had it 9 months now.

All burners operate independently of one another so none of that "pulsing" that others talk about. Has more power than I will ever need and has extremely good control at the very low ranges of power too. Very easy to clean, looks sharp. No loud humming noises or clicking sounds when it operates either.

They do require 50 or 60 AMP service though.