I didn't try more than two pans on a bridge when I test drove cooktops. I have the Wolf and and put two small saucepans on the largest element. Both heated as expected on high. Put 3 saucepans on one two way bridge and all 3 pans heated as expected. I would expect the Bosch and miele to perform similarly but hopefully someone who owns these can test it out for you.

Awesome. Looking forward to more flexibility than i initially thought possible. This is a 36", but this pic made me realize they are zones, not burners!

Have you checked out the user guides/owner's manuals? If not, ajmadison has links to pdf copies. Just scroll down the product page to the row of tabs and click on the one for "info and guides" to find them. IIRC, both Miele and Bosch have some pretty good descriptions of how the mutli-element zones work.

I did read them and this specific question isn't covered. In fact, the Miele owner's manual makes it sounds like all 9"x15" of that area becomes usable, but is only as clear as other information I've found. Hoping someone can confirm.

I have a Miele,and it is possible to put more than 2 pots on the flex-zone, and I have put 2 smaller pots on the large hob. You could likely do more than that depending on the size of your pots. You just have to keep in mind that if the pot overhangs the zone too much you won't get even heating.

ETA: I usually have more hobs than pots.... so not something I think about doing.

I think the Miele is two hobs that can be linked.

The Bosch is 4 rectangular elements that (I think) can be used as 1 large (all 4), 2 medium (2 top, 2 middle or 2 bottom. This doesn't mean 3 hobs, just where you can locate the pan.), 2 small (1 top, 1 bottom, or substitute either of the middles). I believe it defaults to all as 1.

Usually, the pot sensor is in the middle. If you put multiple pots on a single unit but the pot sensor is not covered, it will not work. I generally don't try to do this since I don't have any pots that are small enough to fit once the center is covered by something else.

Sherri, the entire 9x15 becomes an induction? That is awesome.

I could probably get 6 pots on a 30" cook top if need be. Glad to hear it!

Weedmeister, thanks so much. Sounds like I can also put 3 pots on the rectangle. Better get to comparing them.

How often are you needing 6 pots/pans going at once? A better solution might be a 36" cooktop, or if you don't regularly use more than 4, you could consider buying a portable unit for those occasions when you need an extra hob.

Would love 36" and really hoping I have the space, but not counting on it. 30" will work. I don't find myself needing more than 4 or 5 pans a lot, but the flexibility of it is definitely a positive aspect of the cook top. Thinking the Bosch may be the one if it is direct power adjustment like the Miele. Tough to find specific info.

Also great idea about the extra single hobs. I've definitely considered it too. Is definitely an option.

A 36" induction cooktop lines up exactly with the outside of the molding of this window. I think it could work really well. Window goes to a side deck where patio furniture would be.

Under counter fridge gets pulled out and we put in an oven. The cook top and oven aren't aligned exactly (oven would be a little to the left of the cooktop), but wife and I prefer that the cooktop line up with the window. Do cooktops need to be aligned with an oven?

Nevermind, the 36" cook top is going to be centered with the 27" oven we'll be putting in under the counter. Can I mix and match the brands? Love Miele cook top. They don't make a 27" oven and the 24" combi they do is too small.

Alright this thread can die. Putting in a 30" Miele KM 6365 and some 27" oven underneath. Eventually a hood. You've all been great. Have a good one.

One question. Why go with a 27" oven? Why not a 30"? 27" ovens are primarily made for replacing older ovens, not for new kitchens. This is why you will find less brands that offer them, and down the road there will be fewer replacement options.

The oven is replacing the under counter fridge/freezer. That is 27". To put in a 30" oven we would have to remove cabinets. Unless there is some way I don't know about to get a 30" oven in there.

Update: due to the fact I have no idea if a Meile 30" or 36" induction would be able to go over another brand's 27" oven, I may be doing a 36" Bosch Benchmark because that 100% can go over an oven. Nice to know that I know of one certainty. Really hope that instead of the Bosch induction I can make a Miele work though.

Sorry I missed your earlier post, I understand now. You're not supposed to mix and match brands when you do a cooktop over an oven, the manufacturers have lists of "approved" cooktop/oven combinations which only have their own products.

Well of course they only list their own brands. Why would they want you to buy anyone else?

I'm going to talk it over with the people I buy it from/people who would install it. I can't see why a Miele couldn't work with other ovens as long as the clearance mentioned in the manual is maintained.

Code may not allow you to put a cooktop in front of a window in your area. Better double check. Most areas do not allow cooktops in front of usable windows.

That's good to know. We are now going to put it over the fridge (pulling it out and putting an oven in) so only about 10 inches maybe woukd overlap with the window. Will definitely look into it.

Update: I'm going to do a 30" Miele KM6365 induction top and put a 24" Miele Combi Steam Oven underneath. Eventually close up the window and put in a hood.

We have a 10 foot blank wall where eventually some built-ins will go and a 30" oven.

Thanks everyone for the insights and advice!

Thank you! We're really looking forward to it! Not the largest kitchen, but we're being very efficient with our space (Joule circulator, additional induction hub as well) and getting the appliances we want. 10-15 years from now if we decide we're never moving and blowout the kitchen walls, etc. we'll already have some of the appliances covered!