Addition to original message:
here is where the cooktop will go:

Web retailers like ajmadison.com are great for getting approximate prices and seeing what is out there. I have never purchased from them, but the site is great for reference!

Thanks, I will check them out!

We got a 36" Dacor PGM 365 for $1330 from a local company.

are they really THAT expensive? I was under the impression that I could replace it for under $700. Not sure why I thought that. I guess b/c not that long ago I replaced a range for just $600 and this is JUST a cooktop.

Lovetoshop - I also read your other post about finding less expensive appliances. You can just go on the AJMadison website where they have a huge selection of appliances. You can sort by type of appliance (cooktop), 36", gas, stainless steel (per your other post) and then sort by price. There are a few stainless steel cooktops under $700. You can look at AJMadison for the appliances you mentioned in your other post, in your price range. The Sears website also offers a similar sorting feature, and there are likely other websites that do so too, so you should be able to find easily what you need.

Here is a link that might be useful: AJ Madison Website cooktops

Oh, Fori, I didn't see that you had already posted about AJMadison!

Hi Lovetoshop,

6 months ago prior to starting my kitchen reno I looked
at Sears. They have an outlet section to their site.
I am not sure what you are specifically looking for.
If you just want a standard 36 inch cook top
(Electric? or Gas?...) you might find one in a price
that is fair to you.

Here is a link http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/index.jsp?intcmp=xsite_Sears

This GE cooktop is 36 inches and $569.00

I am not a huge fan of GE. But they are rated well in
Consumer Reports. I think the Sears outlet has other
brands too. You can also check out
Epinions.com This is a site that has public opinions
on everything. I found it really helpful when I was
searching appliances brands.

~boxerpups

Check amazon.com for reviews too, I find those to be very helpful.

I'll repeat my try the location for a while and make sure you can live with it. Even $5-700 is too much if you aren't happy with it after you're done. I changed a lot of things about my kitchen after living with it a while.

Excellent advice from Lascatx!
If you can live with the appliances (are they working?)
then don't replace until you know what you want to do.
Rushing will only have you second guessing your
choice later.

~boxerpups