Hiya Happygram.

One big difference is knobs - the Viking has 'em, the Diva doesn't. Do you care?

Viking can run every burner simultaneously at max power, Diva can't. That could be important if you plan on using all the burners at the same time.

We looked at every model and ended up with the 36" Thermador. We are very happy with induction. Good luck!

The Gaggenau 36" can be had both with stainless trim or without, for flush mounting to your cooktop. It is very powerful--looks to be the best model out of the Bosch/Siemens/Thermador group. And it can be gotten at under $2,600----I have even seen it at under $2,500.
With its CI 491/492 36-inch induction cooktop, Gaggenau is pairing the benefits of an extra-wide cooktop with the precision and power of induction. The cooktop accommodates large cookware and contains five flexible cooking zones, with the largest zone in the center, enabling the faster preparation of a diverse range of dishes with minimal energy output

Features
Extra-wide cooktop, for really large cookware.
 Five flexible cooking areas.
 Twist-Pad control  the manoeuvrable magnetic knob sets cooking zone and temperature. Removable for cooktop cleaning.

Five cooking zones:
ÂOne induction cooking zone 5 7/8" (1400 W, with booster 1800 W).
 Two induction cooking zones 7 1/16"(1800 W, with booster 2500 W).
 One induction cooking zone 8 1/4"(2200 W, with booster 3300 W).
 One induction cooking zone 7 1/16"(1800 W, with booster 2500 W).
 Automatically switch to 11" (3600 W, with super booster 4400 W).

 Main switch.
 Twist-Pad control with removable magnetic knob.
 Memory cooking
 Automatic quick boil for all cooking zones.
 Electronic power control in 17 output levels.
 Booster function for all cooking zones (three cooking zones can be operated simultaneously with booster function: one left, one right, and the one in the middle. When using the super booster, the two zones on the right cannot be used).
 Automatic cooking time up to 99 minutes simultaneously on all cooking zones.
 Memory function.
 Safety lock.
 Child lock.
 Pan detection.
 Individual residual heat indication.
 Cooking zone marking.

CI491-610 - Stainless Steel Frame
CI492-600 - Frameless for flush-mounting

Shipping Weight: 60 lb
Shipping Method: UPS
_______________________________
The new G-E Monogram comes in two colors with the estimated retail price of 36-inch electronic induction cooktops (ZHU36) will range from $2349 to $2649. The 30Âinch models (ZHU30) will range from $1849 to $2149. They will be available in September 2007

The induction cooktops will also be available in two GE Profile models, with choice of black or stainless steel finish starting in September 2007. The 30Âinch PHP900 model is priced between $1799 and $1999; and the 36Âinch PHP960 model, from $2299 to $2499.

FEATURES
Control Type Electronic Touch
Cooktop Finish Ceramic glass
Element Type 5 Induction
Glass Ceramic Cooktop Stainless Metallic
11" Heating Element 1 (3700 Watts)
6" Heating Element (s) 1 (1800 Watts)
7" Heating Element(s) 2 (2500 Watts)
8" Heating Element (s) 1 (3200 Watts)
Pan Presence Sensor Induction
Pan Size Sensor Induction
Warming Burner 1
"On" Signal Light Front center
Hot Surface Indicator Lights Yes
Power Level Indicator 19 Levels
Control Location Front Center
Control Lock Capability Yes
APPEARANCE
Installation Standard
Color Appearance Stainless Steel
Color Appearance Code SS
Frame Color / Material Stainless Steel
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Approximate Shipping Weight 54.00 lb
Net Weight (lbs.) 49.00 lb
Overall Height 3 1/4 in
Cutout Dimensions (Width x Depth) (In.) 33-7/8 x 19-1/8
POWER / RATINGS
Amp Rating at 208V 50
Amp Rating at 240V 50
WARRANTY
Parts Warranty Limited 1-year entire appliance
Labor Warranty Limited 1-year entire appliance

A very tough decision for me between the GE models and the Gaggenau. The new Siemens model appears to be identical to the Thermador.

The volts/kw numbers are things that you can used to compare from one unit to another.

First of all, the volts will almost always be the same between everyone so you can ignore it.

As to power:

Look a the Diva. The maximum power the cooktop can deliver is 7.2kw. But the totals for all the units is 2.8 + 2.2 + 2.2 + 2.8 or 10kw. Where is the missing power? Well, it isn't really missing. What this is telling you is that you cannot run all 4 units at their highest setting at the same time. This is where the idea of 'power-sharing' comes from. The cooktop splits the available power between the units based on its rules described in the owners manual (usually described as zones or groups of 3.6kw each or some such).

The Viking is 7.8kw total for all the units. The numbers are 2.7 + 2.8 + 3.3 which is 7.8kw. This means that all 3 units can operate at full power all the time. The other Viking numbers appear to be for the larger 6-element unit, but I think the results are the same, hence the 60amp circuit.

The other numbers with 240v and 208v just indicate that the units put out less power at the lower voltage.

The better 'flexibility' here would be the Viking, if you like to run your pots hot all the time.

The 36" GE mentioned comes in black or white. It requires 240v/50-amp service, which translates to approximately 12kw of power. Adding up the power of all 5 elements comes to 13.7kw, which means this unit does sharing as well.

I'm just trying to picture either a diva OR a viking at a cooktop.

fori-I have been enjoying this forum for about 6 months now. I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and your sense of humor. You really make me smile :) Thanks because a smile means a lot when the stress of kitchen remodeling gets to me!!

Aw shucks. I think we all get punchy when we've been stuck trying to do a remodel this long!

I am looking at a 30 inch GE and Kenmore and I think the major difference is that the Kenmore does not power share. Are there any other differences in functionality that you can see?
I like the Diva and viking but have a tight budget.

The Kenmore DOES powershare, at least on boost settings. In fact, they both do.

The GE has 6", 2- 7" and 11" rings.
The Kenmore has 6", 7", 8" and 10" rings.

Timers don't shut off the units on either. Nor do they to temperature cooking.

oskiebabu - do you own a Gaggenau? We're trying to decide between the Gaggenau and the Thermador... And interestingly the Gaggenau costs $100 less than the Thermador.

How do you like the "Twist-Pad" knob control? Any problems with the clicking noise I had heard one person complain about? Any issues with customer service?