We're installing a Miele electric cooktop in an island. It looks similar to the Miele induction model. We're using a Thermador downdraft in brushed stainless to match the trim on the Miele cooktop. The Thermador had a higher reach than the Dacor. But there are probably even taller brands out there. Our installation will have no space between the downdraft & the cooktop. We tried a mock-up installation & it looked great. I've also seen installations done with an inch or two of space between the downdraft & cooktop. Those look good too. But we wanted the downdraft as close to the cooktop as possible, to capture the most steam, etc. Especially since downdrafts are not as efficient as hoods. Good luck with your project. -- ccc123

I finally saw the mirror-y GE and Thermador today. I was expecting a slightly reflective surface like that typical of stainless steel, but the GE really is almost like a mirror - little reflective dots that clearly reflect whatever is on your backsplash and the underside of your cabinets and range hood. The latter two aren't all that attractive in the kitchen I was looking to install it in. I didn't think it looked as good IRL as in GE's online photos. The Thermador was somewhat less mirror-like, but less attractive and had unintuitive controls. It was last year's model though and the new one may be different. White wouldn't work at all in this application (beige countertop, light wood cabinets). Bisque would work but it's obviously considered declasee for any higher-end appliance, and getting hard to find on even the cheaper stuff nowadays. Maybe we'll stick with black, or reuse the old halogen/radiant cooktop.

Oh yeah!!! Any darn where, any motif, color scheme, counters, etc. Just make sure you have enough clearance underneath. And ventilation too, if you are a serious cook. The website, www.theinductionsite.com was a great resource for me when choosing. The top is black, many trims are stainless, depending on which brand you choose. I've used electric coils, gas, and induction. My heart sings joyously when I cook on induction. or it could be the food joyously singing cooking on a respectful and responsive cooking miracle :)

Thank you everyone. We are taking the plunge and getting the luce di luna quartz on the island with the Miele induction cooktop in black. Our island cabinets are a very dark stained cherry and our permimeter will be white with a dark green granite countertop. All of your kitchens are so beautiful and so different. Ice, your contemporary look is great. Although it's not the traditional one that I'm doing it all fits together and I'm trying to have faith that my vision of a traditional kitchen will look as pulled together as your contemporary one. Redroze, I can't believe your lanterns---they are almost exactly what I have picked for my kitchen---two and not three as everyone recommends. The two just seemed right in my space. lsandler, your kitchen is so cozy looking even though the space looks big and I like the way the cooktop looks on your granite. All of the advice has been encouraging and now I'll just hold my breath until it's all put together. Pictures someday but I'm afraid all the subs will be on party time until January. Thanks again.