DH wanted our hood back a few inches for the same reason as salal. This freaked me out b/c I like symmetry but the KD said that this is the preferred position for tall people. Despite my misgivings I agreed to do it their way and I do like it. First, I never notice that is off center to the cooktop. Second, and maybe this is just my kitchen air swirl pattern and wouldn't apply for anyone else, the steam that rises when I'm cooking seems to naturally drift backwards so the larger capture area of the hood to the rear of the cooktop helps to make the setup more efficient. HTH.

There are several good brands available. I like Faber, Best by Broan, Bosch and Thermador are great choices too. They should come with filters and other items needed for installation.

Hi Jeannie, I love my kitchen! I spent over a year planning it and pouring over pics on Houzz. I even found my architect on Houzz, just like the videos say. :-) Here's the photo with measurements for the cabinets. If those aren't the ones you wanted to know about, I'll try again. The ones I've shown are all double doors. They have magnetic touch latches so no pull hardware needed. I do have finger pulls on the trash/recycle and the spice pull out but otherwise, no hardware. I don't have this brand, but here's a video about the hardware https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlNht6yDzpM. I really wanted the cabinets to look like furniture, not a kitchen. I agree, the pull on the vent hood is plenty for me and the CFMs are regulated by code based on the range, so it is the same as a traditional one. Yes, it's ducted to the outside. The cabinet maker put stops on the cabinets so they don't open so as to not be tempted to cram stuff around the venting (he knew me too well apparently), so I can't send a picture of the venting, but it's just ugly old hood venting that goes through the roof and out. The ducting was added by the contractor. It didn't come with the hood. Here is the other one recommended by my architect. I see they have a 36" one. https://zephyronline.com/product/pisa-vent-hood-under-cabinet/ Good luck with you kitchen!

Another question related to above - do I run backsplash entire length of upper wall cabinet, especially if we end up butting the vent hood against the cabinet? And yes, I know the cabinet door style is different but we are using it for now and will replace the doors at a later time. All of the cabinets are similar in color but a lot of variation throughout the kitchen. I know I need to stain the doors of this upper cabinet also. If we center the vent hood, then the cooktop will be more to the left of the 48-inch base cabinet, which I am ok with. If we butt the vent hood against the right side cabinet, then we need to remove the wall outlet above the 48 in cabinet. I am just trying to make the most of the space and cabinets I have at this time.