Well, after much debate and going back and forth numerous times, I believe that DH and I have come to a conclusion regarding our purchase. First of all, we were totally ignorant about open vs. sealed burners, but a quick trip to an appliance showroom (that carries Wolf and Viking) and a very informative salesperson helped us realize that we currently have sealed burners and that open burners are not for us. Then the debate came back to Viking vs. Wolf, which are the only two brands that we could find that a) had the double griddle in the center of a 48" rangetop and b) had repair service available in our area. We then visited another showroom where they hold cooking classes and had both Viking and Wolf on display. After seeing both griddles that had obviously been cooked on several times, we decided that maybe the built-in griddle was not for us because of the dirt, grime, and smell factor. Also, we'd have to purchase the stainless steel cover (not cheap) that we could tell would get scratched and annoy us to no end :) Price was also a consideration. So, as of yesterday afternoon, we have decided on a Kitchenaid 36" rangetop with all burners and purchasing a double griddle accessory. The price is much less than the Wolf (and Viking's reputation also seems to be doubtful). We are going with an Electrolux Icon double convection oven that seems to have good reviews in that price range. DH really wanted an oven that had knobs which seem to only be available on upper end ovens these days. Viking has one on it's D3 series, but these models are relatively new and have very little reviews as to quality. Again, Viking's past reputation played a factor in deterring us. Even the saleslady at the showroom said she would not pay the price of a Wolf or Thermador double oven when Electrolux's Icon ovens were just as good for half (or less) the price. Thanks for the help from everyone! We haven't finalized any purchases yet, so still feel free to chime in!

jewel, I think it might be the lighting, because our Mannered Gold "in real life" appears a bit darker and richer than the Blonde, but still complementary to the Blonde. The photographer who took these shots was taking pics for a homebuilder's competition and was using all kinds of lenses and things, so color might appear a bit off, or "pea colored." That being said, I initially purchased a sample can of Mannered Gold to try in the front guest bedroom and did not like it all. However, love it in the bathrooms and foyer.

Just for grins - and also because I'm behaving a bit obsessively on this detail (ya think?) - I cruised the FKB slide show seeking out island hoods. I found more than I expected to find, 26 in all and I determined that half of those fell into the traditional design mode, according to my criteria, which may or may not jive with someone else's. I also counted downdrafts for island cooktops - 39. Frankly, I expected to see a greater percentage than that. Don't ask me why, though. I haven't a clue. If you're looking for inspiration like me, here's a quick list (including 2 that posted above): arc1017 billyc busymom2 camargo Diane2566 formosalily Gary64 hiltonc jcthorne jill_77 julier1234 KaCee2002 lnersesian markbr michoumonster Nicole_ pharaoh pjsluna riverrat1 saydiver smooya sue7972 sweeby tobler TommeCA TxRunner Huh, I know I didn't see the kitchen that's on the home page so the latest kitchens might not be in the slide show yet. Here is a link that might be useful: FKB

I have a 36" rangetop and frequently use 4 burners, and sometime use 5. I've even used all 6! If you count having a pan of something from the ovens cooling on a burner or two, then I use 6 pretty regularly. Hey, that would be another "pro" for a cooking surface with more burners: using one or two as a cooling rack for oven items while still having other burners available for active cooking. If you choose rangetop and want that attractive 4 door look, I suggest having one wide drawer with the front made to look like two separate drawers. 24" wide drawers won't be effective for storing pots and pans. Wider is usually better.