Thank you both so much for your suggestions. I am feeling like I am really leaning toward induction, but I am disappointed as I just read rave reviews on Elux ovens, but awful reviews on their cooktops, and vice versa for Bosch. If I could install a Elux oven under the Bosch cooktop I think Id be very happy, but Im not sure if that can be done. I don't want anyone voiding my warranties because we mixed appliance brands. I could possibly put my oven in my island? Glad to see I have an option to get a very professional gas range if I go that route. I'm not sure yet what the discrepancy is regarding the size of the hood. Would a 20" pass inspection and adequately remove grease & odors or not? If it would, don't know why I'd need bigger? But if it wouldn't, think I better look for more affordable range, if I go that route. What type of hood would I need for an induction cooktop? I believe the requirements are lower? Induction sounds like it would fit me best, especially since I've never used gas I think maybe I just don't know what I'm missing. But I have to figure out how to get a decent oven in an acceptable space.

Buying a suite of appliances from one brand is almost always a bad deal and no retailer can possible sell every brand available in the US. Induction is not amazingly superior to gas. Although induction is superior to typical sealed gas burners induction is not superior to commercial type open gas burners. There are pros and cons to each. KitchenAid induction is in fact inferior to American Range and Capital Culinarian range tops. Many induction cooktops produce a buzz noise and KA is in fact notorious for it. The younger you are the more likely you are to hear it and some people refer to KA induction as teenager repellant. LOL Both AR and CC have a higher high plus you can use the multiple power burners all day long. In the KA you can only use the single power hob for a time limited and it pulls electricity from other hobs so you can't use all induction hobs at maximum rated KW at the same time. Induction is in theory more even in heat distribution but in reality undetected. KA has a lower low but not really useable below what is provided by dedicated simmer or small pot burner in the CC and AR burners. When induction breaks it can't be used until replaced with specific part or assembly. Gas burners can only have two things that break; generic spark modules or igniters, and you don't need them because you can light with a match or lighter. Those commercial burners will give 50 years service life while the induction will be in the landfill with no longer made antique parts. No appliance company makes the best appliance in every category. KA's main competitor is GE Profile. Profile makes better ovens while KA ovens have a reputation for dying after self-clean cycle. KA makes the best American type dishwasher while GE dishwashers suck. Miele makes even better dishwashers. They clean better, have fewer problems and use less water and electricity. The one advantage of some KA dishwashers is they can dry plastics better. KA refrigerators have shown to be more reliable than GE but less reliable than Samung. It is better to buy the best appliance in each category and shop for best price than to buy a suite of some good, mediocre, and bad appliances. Even if you get a rebate and matching handles.

m2 perhaps you are confusing BlueStar and Thermador? Thermador makes a "star" shaped sealed burner -- some of the newer models have that burner on a sort of pedestal or post (I gather to improve air flow). Interesting design and I have a friend who is happy with her Thermador range, but my own experience with it is limited. In any case, it's a sealed burner. BlueStar, on the other hand, offers a true open burner -- also in a sort of star shape (a central ring with radial arms extending outwards). BlueStar also offers open burner range tops and cooktops, if you want separate ovens. As noted by others, Capital also offers open burner ranges in the Culinarian line, and open burner range tops.

This is mostly an efficient use of space issue, so I suppose it would come down to more of a look than specific performance that I am looking for, since I have never cooked on higher end appliances. I do hope to be inspired to be a more adventurous cook with the new kitchen! The big issue is whether the double oven being across from the end of the peninsula will bother me. I am afraid it will. I have 36 in. of space allotted for the cooktop on the other side of the room, so I feel like I can easily switch from cooktop to range and in so doing get better cooktop performance (I do mostly stove-top cooking.) I saw the Blue Star 36 in range today and did not particularly like it. I did like the Viking, though. I was advised against the Kenmore pro line. I am new to this forum. Thanks for your responses.