I think the decision should be more fundamental than two countertops or not. Move higher-level in your thinking and decide whether you want the island to be the same or different: A) - Island to match the rest of your cabinets and be an integrated and harmonious part of the whole kitchen; or B) - Island to be a separate, free-standing design element - like a table - something different from the rest. If you go with option A, then keep the island cabinetry and countertops the same colors and styles as the others and know that you're making the right decision for that design. If you go with option B, then I'd suggest changing the color of the island as well as the countertop, possibly even a different door style and/or different hardware. Make it visibly and distinctively different from the rest of the kitchen. Give it its own identity. Add legs, base molding (versus standard toe kick) - other details that separate the island from the rest of the kitchen and make it look like furniture instead of kitchen cabinets. IMO, the one thing you DON'T want to do is 'split the difference' design-wise, because then your kitchen design becomes muddled, and those are the kind of designs that don't wear well. Is the island the same? Or is it different? Choose one!

I know the trepidation you are feeling in finalizing such a big and expensive decision. The feeling of once I pull the trigger that's it I'm stuck with it good or bad. Hang in there you are doing your do diligence and Miele stands behind it's product. So if your temps are off they will adjust it no questions asked. That is my experience with them. You should also get there extended five year warranty also. They did offer the warranty free if it was over a certain price but they run that promo from time to time so check with your vendor. It does seem slow to preheat when in baking mode but convection heats faster so I will switch after it reaches temp. I don't know if somebody has done a test to see the preheat time of each brand of oven, but that would be an interesting thread to read if everybody posted the time it takes to reach 350 in different baking modes. I really enjoy using the master chef as well as my Miele steam oven, the probe roasting is great and rotisserie works fantastic.

This has been so helpful- argh I wish I had posted earlier instead of agonizing for weeks. I thought I had a long post yesterday after about half the comments came in but may not have hit submit so repeating some info. I did not think about the dark cabinets weighing down the room and lower whites being more susceptible to dirt. we talked about that a great deal yesterday evening. I'm still trying to distinguish whether I really like grey because I am seeing it everywhere or if its something I can live with for a while- right now the answer is yes of course as I have been planning this kitchen for almost 3 years but plan on going back to look at other colors with a more open mind. I included a pic of what the kitchen may look like with current revisions. Grey base for island and cooktop. White uppers. Initially thought the cabinets on the right here would also need to be white but grey looks nice. Also mine will be a lot less grey as the refrigerator/freezer columns are SS front so only about 5 feet of cabinet. The one other thing I should mention is that I plan to have bright colored pendants over the island to provide pops of color there and in other spots around.

I think you can't go wrong with the off white and white together. if that's what you love and are drawn to, I almost think you maybe disappointed if you dont do it. I love the pics you show and love the idea of the blue too. I get it, it's a big decision and you don't want to be disappointed.