I haven't looked at current specs or installation instructions but I did my downdraft install and duct design. First, your inline blower set off sirens in my head. Please have Dacor mail you their specs and confirm that their current spec permits the inline blower. For me it was 6 weeks from receiving specs from them until I purchased the unit and installed the ILB. They changed specs without notice (I found out accidentally) and then it took a lot of calling and arguing to get them replace the ILB with a remote blower. When I did my install, the cutout for the dd adjoined (and was narrower than) the ct cutout. The dd does not come apart. It was lowered straight down through the counter cutout and screwed to the bottom of the cabinet. Mine is in a standard depth cabinet in an island. I ducted through the back of the cabinet and down between the floor joists and then a run to outside to the remote blower. I then installed cabinets behind the island on a platform raised 9". In the 9" space is the ductwork curving into the floor, the gas shutoff valve, the junction box for the oven (undercounter next to the cooktop). All wrapped with house matching panels. So the counter must be installed first. You need to be able to access the front of the unit to anchor it to the cabinet floor. You have to plug it in to the outlet. (My outlet is installed in the far back floor of the cabinet.) You have to be able to access the side that you are going to be attaching to the ducts; I vented through the back but my unit had more than one option. You need the right tools. I had a couple of very large drill bits and what I believe was an electric coping saw to cut the cabinet backs as necessary. You need to be able to access it for servicing. My island back cabinets with house matching panels fit together like a puzzle but removing 4 screws lets you move a cabinet (with attached panels) to expose the the duct attachment. (Removing one screw from a panel for the gas shutoff, another screw from another panel for the oven junction box., I have 18" drawers (standard is 21") under the cooktop that all come out to allow access to the unit.

I also have a Dacor drop-in gas range. We have been very happy with its performance and looks. I did some google searches about cleaning after we got some brownish spots around the burners. Many Dacor cooktop owners have successfully used Easy Off oven cleaner to easily remove the spots. I used Bar Keepers Friend last time and it also worked, but I will try the oven cleaner next time due to the positive reviews by others. On a daily basis after cooking, I wipe off any debris with a wet sponge and then wipe down with stainless steel cleaner. I find it much easier to keep clean than my old black ceramic top range which showed every bit of dust and dirt. The grates have a nice coating on them and clean up well. I had rough iron grates on my previous range and the Dacor grates are much easier to clean. Good luck with your decision!

We've had a 36" Dacor Epicure gas cooktop for nearly 7 years and absolutely love it. We have the pop up vent with a remote blower motor. After a few months one of the igniters started clicking and when I called Dacor they sent 6 new ones and had a factory authorized tech replace them without charge. It's worked flawlessly since. We also had an Epicure double wall oven that developed excessive moisture between the glass. Dacor replaced the glass pack and when that didn't solve the problem they offered to either buy back the ovens or replace them with the new Millennium model which was much more expensive. I don't think this is an everyday event but the CR rep told me that they were aware that several ovens had this problem and Dacor replaced them or bought them back.

Thanks for the follow up and help guys! The only reason I was leaning towards Dacor classic was the bead blasted technology which seems to be easiest to clean (Cleaning being a top priority) Am I overrating the bead blast tech?? Its based on what I heard from the sales person and a few gw reviews... I looked at the DCS and the grates looked very bulky...i am pretty petite and had a hard time lifting it even :: ...so that is probably out for me even though it has the best reviews. I am a vegetarian (ie dont need high high BTUs for cooking) and do not know what simmering is used for traditionally. So, my concern for a extreme BTUs is limited.