I like induction a lot and I like the Fagor. That said there are some negatives. I still can't get the grease shine off of the glass top to my satisfaction and cleaning at the metal rim is a nusiance. Also, I sometimes foolishly walk away and the water is boiling away furiously when I get back. Have to stay at an induction cooktop unless it's something on a very low setting. I don't know if the diamond configuration is best for a 30" unit. A rectangular or asymmetric burner configuration might be better. But it's not something that will keep me awake at night. You have the same kind of issue with the various 36" configurations but there is more flexibility since it will probably be rare that all will be used concurrently. Although the induction site mentions a 10 piece cookware set that comes with the unit I would verify it. I got a 7 piece pressure cookware set instead - they ran out of the 10 pice cookware set and I don't think that Fagor makes it anymore. (Never had one before and finally made some chili in it. Turned out to be less complicated to use than I thought and the beef cubes were "soft" in 25 minutes.) If I had the room for a 36" unit I would re-evaluate since there are more units available now. (Notice that the vast majority of inducion cooktop owners at GardenWeb is happy with their chosen unit.) It wouldn't surprise me if I would still pick the Fagor since it has a balance of proven track history, minimal amp requirements and air space beneath, and cost. I wonder if kimwok, bikefan, dvbkansas and some others purchased a Fagor and also had comments. My longest responses on Fagor (and other stuff) is at the link. You can also search for dbaguy and Fagor for more. Here is a link that might be useful: New induction cooktops ...

New information! We had not gotten any codes or beeps when power cycling a couple of times, but then I read in the manual that a light code might come on after a LONG power failure. So I turned off the breaker this morning and only turned it back on to make dinner. On the control for the front burner, it came on with a #5. All of the others had zeros. So now I can call Joe again and see if this tells him something new. In my manual, it only mentions a code "F7". If anyone knows what #5 means, please let me know. Kimba00 - What exactly happened to your cooktop? I guess there was a thread about cooktop failures last year, but I wasn't here too much in '06.

The Gaggenau 36" can be had both with stainless trim or without, for flush mounting to your cooktop. It is very powerful--looks to be the best model out of the Bosch/Siemens/Thermador group. And it can be gotten at under $2,600----I have even seen it at under $2,500. With its CI 491/492 36-inch induction cooktop, Gaggenau is pairing the benefits of an extra-wide cooktop with the precision and power of induction. The cooktop accommodates large cookware and contains five flexible cooking zones, with the largest zone in the center, enabling the faster preparation of a diverse range of dishes with minimal energy output Features Extra-wide cooktop, for really large cookware.  Five flexible cooking areas.  Twist-Pad control  the manoeuvrable magnetic knob sets cooking zone and temperature. Removable for cooktop cleaning. Five cooking zones: ÂOne induction cooking zone 5 7/8" (1400 W, with booster 1800 W).  Two induction cooking zones 7 1/16"(1800 W, with booster 2500 W).  One induction cooking zone 8 1/4"(2200 W, with booster 3300 W).  One induction cooking zone 7 1/16"(1800 W, with booster 2500 W).  Automatically switch to 11" (3600 W, with super booster 4400 W).  Main switch.  Twist-Pad control with removable magnetic knob.  Memory cooking  Automatic quick boil for all cooking zones.  Electronic power control in 17 output levels.  Booster function for all cooking zones (three cooking zones can be operated simultaneously with booster function: one left, one right, and the one in the middle. When using the super booster, the two zones on the right cannot be used).  Automatic cooking time up to 99 minutes simultaneously on all cooking zones.  Memory function.  Safety lock.  Child lock.  Pan detection.  Individual residual heat indication.  Cooking zone marking. CI491-610 - Stainless Steel Frame CI492-600 - Frameless for flush-mounting Shipping Weight: 60 lb Shipping Method: UPS _______________________________ The new G-E Monogram comes in two colors with the estimated retail price of 36-inch electronic induction cooktops (ZHU36) will range from $2349 to $2649. The 30Âinch models (ZHU30) will range from $1849 to $2149. They will be available in September 2007 The induction cooktops will also be available in two GE Profile models, with choice of black or stainless steel finish starting in September 2007. The 30Âinch PHP900 model is priced between $1799 and $1999; and the 36Âinch PHP960 model, from $2299 to $2499. FEATURES Control Type Electronic Touch Cooktop Finish Ceramic glass Element Type 5 Induction Glass Ceramic Cooktop Stainless Metallic 11" Heating Element 1 (3700 Watts) 6" Heating Element (s) 1 (1800 Watts) 7" Heating Element(s) 2 (2500 Watts) 8" Heating Element (s) 1 (3200 Watts) Pan Presence Sensor Induction Pan Size Sensor Induction Warming Burner 1 "On" Signal Light Front center Hot Surface Indicator Lights Yes Power Level Indicator 19 Levels Control Location Front Center Control Lock Capability Yes APPEARANCE Installation Standard Color Appearance Stainless Steel Color Appearance Code SS Frame Color / Material Stainless Steel WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS Approximate Shipping Weight 54.00 lb Net Weight (lbs.) 49.00 lb Overall Height 3 1/4 in Cutout Dimensions (Width x Depth) (In.) 33-7/8 x 19-1/8 POWER / RATINGS Amp Rating at 208V 50 Amp Rating at 240V 50 WARRANTY Parts Warranty Limited 1-year entire appliance Labor Warranty Limited 1-year entire appliance A very tough decision for me between the GE models and the Gaggenau. The new Siemens model appears to be identical to the Thermador.

Call Salon Blue Ridge in North Carolina and see if they are still importing De Dietrich's. I'm sure if they carry them still the price has risen due to the dollar dropping like a stone. At one time in 2007 they had the top of the line DTI 309x at under 2K and in early 2008 it was at $2,300. I think they are very good, but am uneasy with the fact that they aren't UL certified because they aren'tmeant to be marketted in the US or Canada. It would also likely wipe out your fire insurance if they should be the cause. I would give GE's tech department a call. With any induction cooktop, whether they say 2" or 12" I would opt for putting cabinets under them with slide-out metal mesh drawers for p[ots, pans, and other metallic objects that are within 12". Heat is the enemy of all electronics so I would give most every induction cooktop more than adequate breathing room, unless they have special ductwork "heat dissipation system" that allows them good "breathing and cooling. Maybe many of the induction units that say 2" or so are only interested in making them last just past the warranty:-) Greg