Induction would require replacement pots so that's not a go. The hole can be increased in size. The ceramic units are deeper in the front than the current cooktop, which is less than 2" deep (!) where the ceramic controls need more space, so with any ceramic she will lose at least the two drawers and with a 36" might have to cut into the frames for the adjoining cabs, but not necessarily lose any more drawers. Gaggenau also makes Vario ceramic units that would fit the cutout (the current one was a Vario model and is three strips), but then my mom doesn't get the perfect smooth glass cooktop she covets because those would be three strips.

LL, I just saw your new post. Sorry for the delay--I haven't been on that much. I think your window sill idea sounds fantastic! That will look really great. As a contrast to all the people who are trying to talk you out of perfectly good tile because they're so caught up in a different look: Last night, I was tired. I had made duck legs and was pouring out the separated fat before reducing the sauce. As I often do, I poured the fat in a container from the recycling. Didn't notice the holes in the bottom! So there's duck fat with port wine and cherry juice running all over the tile counter. I thought, well, here I go, I'm going to find out how hard it is to clean grout! Feh. What problem? Cleaned up as easily as stone. Again, no sand in the grout, which I agree is a pain. Sanded is perfectly cleanable, but not pleasant. The glass idea was clever, but please don't do it! Glass nicks very easily, and you can also shatter the corners. It's fine for an eating or serving counter, but is not a good material for heavy work. And that's counter glass. Just regular tempered sheet glass wouldn't work at all.

My Aunt did a black mat finish uneven surface 4 x 4 with black grout and painted black wood edge. Also used 4 x 4 white for back splash. It looked nice when it was done and tile counters were pretty popular then. I'm guessing 10 years. It has been a long time since she did it and it is starting to show signs of wear and tear. The black tile she used was probably that not high fire tile meaning it's pretty soft. It is showing signs of scratches and she is speaking of replacing it. But she has had it a long time now. So it's not forever stuff but it will get you thru the next few years. I do agree tho with the cleaning and the grout issue. I would guess it would be a huge problem if you don't use cutting boards. Hope this helps.

Thank you all for the good reviews on ceramic tiles! I was thinking a darker grout would look better than white (blend in more with the tile) and sealing the grout, sounds like a good idea. Cement board would be an easy fix, since they'll be new cabinets and I can use whatever surface I'd like. I don't know if I will do it myself, but it's nice to know I could with some practice, unlike laying stone. Also, tile seems more friendly and inviting, less likely to be babied and much more colorful :) Still thinking of wood on the island, and if I lose the prep sink, much easier to maintain. I still think a piece of marble, rather than the sink, might be a better choice...and the island could move, if I decide I want to be able to slide it over a foot or so, for special occasions, with lots of people over. Can't move plumbing!