Cosmocat - It sounds like we need to veer off from what I originally responded to (you looking for a non-SS range), and discuss instead one of the most common questions and decisions on this forum--whether to have a range or cooktop/wall ovens instead. You should do a search on the forum on this topic, and read all the threads, as this is a major decision and you should be happy given the expenditure you'll make. But, in reading your OP, your mentions of family of 5, parties, people bringing food over that needs to be kept warm...those things would lead me to recommend you have a 36" cooktop with 2 wall ovens, or cooktop and 1 wall oven + micro/convection wall oven or Advantium-type oven. A 36" range just provides you with one oven, and it sounds to me like you are needing two. Furthermore, a 36" wide oven takes a long time to heat up. If you are cooking and keeping warm multiple dishes, that potentially need different temps, it would be better to have two ovens--whether two traditional wall ovens or 1 wall oven and a micro-convection or Advantium or something like that. Also the 36" separate cooktop would give you the number of burners you'd need for a family of 5 or for multiple dishes brought over by friends. A 36" cooktop is also great cause it gives some cooktop real estate if you are using, say 3 burners, and want to have a spot to set down two other pans somewhere even if they don't need heating. Anyway, I think you need to do some more reading on the Gardenweb on this topic. Use the search box on this forum and the Kitchens Forum for topics like "30" or 36" range", "cooktop or range", and the like.

I don't know about quality being diff, but texture and ease of cleaning varies greatly. For example, our GE micro is a breeze to clean (SS Magic, 3M SS cleaner spray, or even Cinch work well), our Pando range hood, easy as well, the bullnose on our Wolf AG range is easy, the two strips on the top (on either side next to the counter), not as easy, and the door is a very textured SS and a bit tough to clean (esp spot cleaning), but the biggest bear to clean nicely is our KA built-in fridge. SS Magic just left horrible streaks, which is why I picked up 3M SS cleaner in the first place (rococgurl turned me onto that). Even so, you have to really coat it with the spray, and buff it well (makes me wish I had considered a wood paneled fridge). I'm willing to put up with the cleaning 'cause I like the look of SS appliances, but I wish they were all as easy to clean a SS as the micro....

I always had a chrome faucet with a stainless steel sink, mainly because that's the way the house came. Our countertop is coming in tomorrow so we needed to buy a faucet quickly. We decided to go with a stainless faucet to match the sink and the stainless appliances that are supposed to be delivered on Wednesday. Also, there is nothing shiny in our kitchen, so we thought the SS would work better than chrome. The only worry we had was with the finish of the faucets. Some of the stainless ones seemed to have a bronze tint to them in the stores where we looked. Below is a link to a question I asked about that. There were good responses, but we went with a Moen that has just a hint of bronze (or so MrsPandy says - I don't see it). Here is a link that might be useful: My question about faucet finishes

I'm in the same boat. I fell in love with a $3000 Blanco apron front. I researched reviews on line and Kraus got really high marks. I went with the Kraus, though it hasn't come in yet. I paid $450 w/free shippping for 33". I went with Tico for my Laundry sink 23x20x10. It seems to be a good heavy product. I need something big and deep enough to bath my yorkie and minidach. Paid $249 w/free shipping also. Hope that helps.