We went through the same process -- we will have kids at home for another 6 years or more and the extended family gathers here. We are using them both regularly, and I have been glad we got the two full size DW's so we can easily wash mixing bowls and larger items when I want to. It seems to maximize the benefit of having two DWs and I now think I'd be frustrated if I had more limitations on one side. We figure that if we get at least 8 years (had them nearly 2) out of a DW and then decide our lifestyle no longer justifies 2, we have a 24" space ready for some DW drawers, more cabinet drawers, an open cabinet if we put a floor in, a beverage fridge, fridge drawers right next to the sink for veggies, an ice maker and a narrow cutting board cabinet -- lots of options with little change to the space. In the meantime, we have a DW that is quiet, cleans well and cost less than the drawers. I understand the thought process you ar going through. I'm sure either option will be good, but I have no regrets with our choice. And as much as I talk about not worrying about symmetry on this forum, I do like the fact that the two DWs balance on either side of the sink. Of course, the drawers on either side of the DWs are different. ;-)

We have the stacked dd. I thought about this thread as I just spent about 3 minutes unloading the bottom drawer. Yes, it would be more convenient to have 2 single dd just under the counter. But, really, the drawer concept is so much more convenient than the regular dw configuration, that I'm thankful every time I load/unload...even the bottom drawer. The extra work involved with the lower drawer is really minimal and might help keep your back a little more limber. From a design concept, I could see how the single dd's would work well in your layout. But as far a convenience goes, I would think having the trash under the sink would add much more incovenience than a lower dd. You'd have to move away from the sink anytime anyone wanted to throw something away. Also, I think threebees has a very good point...stacked dd's give you more options down the road. I know I felt better about purchasing them knowing that it wasn't a lifetime commitment. We've had ours for almost 3 years and I love them.

No, Gail, I don't have induction....at the time the cheapest ones were in the $4,000 range vs the $1,000 range for a "regular" electric cooktop. My DH did not want to pay that much for a cooktop plus have to buy all new pots & pans (ours are not induction-friendly!) I started to fight for it but then realized that (1) I could put one in later if it's wired properly for it (it is) and (2) if I gave in to DH with this he would be less likely to fight me on other things (like my $500 faucet or Trivection rather than just convection oven). We ended up getting one of the least expensive GE Profile cooktops for the simple reason that it was the only one that had a bridge element to use w/my griddle for pancakes, etc. In our old kitchen I just put the griddle on the two left (different sized) burners and it worked OK although the heat was uneven. With the bridge element (an element b/w the two equal-sized left burners), the griddle now heats evenly. ci_lantro....our cabinets sit on top of the tile, so that may be why our toe kick is the full height. I measured from the floor to the opening of the cabinet itself. We tiled the entire Kitchen, Foyer, & Powder Room...underneath all cabinets, etc. We thought this would provide us with the best water protection. We've already had two under-cabinet water leaks from our first DW that weren't detected immediately so the water sat under the DW & cabinets...luckily we had vinyl and it didn't go through. Our water is slightly acidic and did a number on our old GE DW. We replaced it w/a Maytag a few years ago and had no problems. We have a KA with the new kitchen...we'll see how long it lasts (OK, I'm hoping only about 3 or 4 years so I can replace it...I don't like it!)

I can't answer your question as we don't have ours installed yet and we'll only install the double drawer unit. The only difference I can think of would be the obvious - the 2-drawer would hold more. You can run both at the same time, or run each separately. From those who responded to my questions some time ago they typically used the top drawer most often (for obvious reasons). I think what you get would depend on how much your MIL washes dishes. She might be reluctant to use it at first - the first time I saw them I walked away completely uninterested - they look small and odd. After I brought my dishes/pots/etc. into the display area and loaded into the various DW's I found with practice the double's worked incredibly well. You have to watch where you load and the spray arms, but otherwise, they are much easier to load IMO than a regular dishwasher. For resale, I think either would work for you. Sorry about your MIL and I do feel for you - sometimes In-Laws aren't the easiest to get along with (I know from very unpleasant personal experience). Just suck it up and be the best person you can be around her, avoiding her and problems best you can - you'll have no regrets when she's gone someday and your DH will appreciate your efforts (men notice things even when they don't say a word!). Good luck house hunting!