"Considering that the installation guide states that the induction cooktop glass will NOT sit on the granite countertop (the weight is supported by 4 brackets below that is drilled to the cabinetry/granite)" No, the installation guide you referenced does NOT say that. The weight of the cooktop DOES rest on the countertop. The four brackets are just there to hold the unit in place and not mover around. "To mount the 4 brackets (shown in the installation guide), it seems that I would have to drill and tap the brackets into the granite " No. These brackets clamp the unit to the countertop. The long screw pushes against the bottom of the granite. It does not need to penetrate. "What is the purpose (of the granite in the front) and again I would ask is it necessary or is it purely for looks/aesthetic reasons? Weight is being supported, again. Will it look crappy if there isn't granite in the front?" You didn't say what is going underneath. My first thought was that you were literally leaving a big hole. I'm guessing now that you are going to install a cabinet of some sort. Without that 2"-3" of granite counter in the front, the top of the cabinet will be exposed, as well as the front of the induction unit where the vents are. Also that front edge of glass would be unsupported and prone to breakage. I think anyone who does this gets new countertops for that section.

On the question about 50 A circuits: All of your candidate ranges have been "spec-ed" for 40 amp circuits. Your existing hookup should be fine. Do be aware that you will need to separately purchase and attach a cable and plug for the stove. There are two kinds of plugs and that you need to purchase the type that matches your existing outlet. Assuming that your 240 circuit was installed in the 1980s with the old coil-burner stove, the outlet is most probably a three-conductor outlet (three wires in the cable and three pins on the plug). Since the 90's, codes have required 4-conductor cables and outlets in new construction but usually do not require you to upgrade an existing installation. The stove's install instructions will tell you how to attach both kinds of cable/plug. Just make sure you get the one that matches your existing wiring. (You can buy the connector cable from the store that sells you the stove or just get one from a hardware store.) Regarding oven odors, virtually every installation and user manual for every kind of currently available stove will tell you to remove the oven racks and run a self-clean cycle (with a hood vent running) before you do anything else with your new stove. For ovens without pyrolitic self-cleaning, the manual wll tell you to run a "burn-in" on the bake/roast setting at, say, 400F for 45 minutes and then to run the broiler for a similar time. This process gets rid of "bad smells" by burning off the oils from manufacturing and shipping as well as any accumulated dust. Most reports of bad-smells-on-first-use come from folks who did not read their stove's manual and skipped this step. If you do this and still get bad smells, it is time for a warranty call. For info on the specific stoves, the GW search engine can be hit or miss. I suggest you try an external search engine, such as Google, and include "gardenweb" in your search string. For example, google "GE + PHB920 + gardenweb" to get a list of threads discussing that stove. For more info on the GE freestanding, try using "PHB920" in your search string. That may garner more hits than "GE Profile PHAB920SFSS," especially here at GW. Also, you can check out the mechanically similar slide-in version, PHS920 plus the long threads on the predecessor models, and PHS925 & PHB925 which had very similar guts. The main differences between the old 925 and current 920 models are the exterior styling and the 920 series has a different convection oven set-up. The newer 920 models have a full power (2000 watt) third heating element for a "truer" convection set-up. Like most current three-element convection ovens. the ovens in the older GE models and those made by Elux/Frigidaire models all use a much smaller 300 watt third element. I looked at an Electrolux EI30IF40LSfor a friend a couple of months ago and it seemed to be very similar to the CEI30IF4LS that you cited. (I'm guessing that the "CEI" simply means they are selling the stove in Canada and that it is otherwise the same.) We were not able to find one hooked up for testing-out so I can't report on actual use. I do recall from the owner's manual that it has the ability to link the two 7" diameter left-hand burners for use with a griddle (you can do the same with the GE except that the burners are a bit larger -- 8" in diameter -- and have to be controlled individually.) The Elux also has more finely graduated settings at the low end -- I think it was quarter-steps between numbers rather than half steps -- which might be useful with some pressure cookers and/or delicate sauces, if you are into those kinds of cooking. You are right that there is not much here on the Elux freestanding or the knob-controlled Frigidaire. If memory serves, seattlelandlord posted about the Elux last year, and that name may help with searches. The newer knob-equipped Kenmore induction ranges are made for Sears by Frigidaireand are variations on the CGIF3061NF. You could search on them as well as the Frigidiare. They also might be a better buy than the Frigidiare. IIRC, the Kenmore model numbers are 95053, 95073, and 95103. They more or less straddle the Frigidaire features. There was a brief discussion of those models here a couple of months ago. Here's the link if you haven't already seen it: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg111159038999.html?10 This post was edited by JWVideo on Wed, Jan 7, 15 at 17:52

Yes, this is for you, amck2. Doesn't look like messaging can easily be done here, so I just set up a temporary e-mail address that you can reach me at. I'll give you the real one when I hear from you, I just don't want to put it out here where I might get spammed. Try me at QuUJa2H3p6q8@meltmail.com (don't try to type that mess, just copy and paste it). Thanks!

Brooklyn, Thank you for pointing out the 2 different models, I will look at the lesser $ one. Jar G, I see lots of people switching to induction in this area. The heat output in the kitchen is key here where it is hot and humid most of the year. Also, if you cook a lot, and use gas, the venting needs to have make up air, it is mandated here. Daisychain01, Good point and I agree. Brooklyn, Yes that is true. The chef in my family picked the smaller apartment as the owner had redone the kitchen with quality appliances, not top of the line but reasonable and good, well above the electric coil burners. SG, It will get used that's the point. Bry911, I agree, everyone in my family, lots of younger people, always look at the kitchen appliances. It is most often a decision maker. I don't mean to omit anyone that has taken the time to comment. I thank everyone for taking their time to comment and provide food for thought and help me think this through.