We have the 36" df with the griddle. Small kitchen. Originally DH wanted the grill with 4 burners. We're in northeast region also and I think the thought of grilling indoors appealed to him. Literally within 5 minutes of looking at the griddle version, it was all about the griddle. Breakfast foods, veggies, grilled cheese. For us the griddle version was definitely the best choice, we use it often. If you go with the grill version, the stove hood needs to be higher/stronger than griddle.

When I started my research for my kitchen remodel (about three months ago), my initial thoughts were strongly towards Thermador (for the range and refrigerator), and Wolf (I eliminated Viking due to quality concerns, and I hadn't yet heard of many others like BS, American, DCS, Aga, etc.). Then, I noted that Thermador doesn't offer all gas or open burners, and I better understood that my use of the oven didn't require the electronic functions (nor did I want the risk of having them burn out), and I thus eliminated Thermador even though I love the look (but function is much more important to me than style and looks) and it's star-burner shape does make it probably the best of the sealed burner options (ignoring output) IMO. If one wants to be a better cook, and understand the need of function over looks, then I can't see how one can pick Thermador, given the choice. I would pick BS or Wolf all gas instead. I think you might benefit from watching some of the Bluestar cooking videos Trevor has made (http://www.bluestar-ranges.com/Home_Page.html) - even though they mostly compare BS and Wolf, they serve as a nice educational source for learning more about what to look for in a range.

Thank you all for the additional information. The main problem I'm having is I have to decide ASAP since the cabinetmaker will not start until I nail this down - he's supposed to start Monday and we're already 8 days behind schedule. The original plan was the Viking+Electrolux, and wiring has been done already. My original original plan was a cooktop + double ovens, but that didn't work out since there was no other place for the MW. So it was suggested to put the second oven under the cooktop. I convinced myself this was better in case either broke, I could replace each easier/cheaper - this may not be true. A couple days ago I thought, why not a Wolf range (since I was revisiting the whole thing) --- but with them being so expensive, and having to redo electrical --- I thought maybe it's easier just to go with the original plan. I'm glad you sent the info on the Bertazzoni since it looks like that cooktop would actually work with my oven -- I was worried I'd be limited since the Wolf cooktop plus some others will NOT work above the Electrolux oven. So I do have some options there if I need to replace.... Thanks again!

Larsi - I am not in total agreement on the buzzing. I do have some low level buzzing but harder to hear with the fan engaged. I have all top end (various brands). All Clad, DeMeyere, CIA, LeCr, Staub, ScanPan and probably a few other brands hiding in my drawers and Super Susan. I only have one of each size - just a number of different brands that I picked up over the years.(OK - I might have more than one 2.5qt pan) Lexi - I wouldn't be overly concerned but if you can try it out to make sure it won't bother you too much. I am very noise sensitive and am OK with it. The benefits outweigh this issue. Also- gas makes noise as well - just different noises. I don't think my coil electric ever made noise. I fortunately avoided the ceramic electric non-induction phase. Of note - I seem to have a defective LED light. When it is on, the buzzing is amplified. I need to replace it but in the mean time, I tend to turn off the big lights and use the cooktop light to minimize the effect. I had Wolf come look at my cooktop early on and it the buzzing wasn't bad when they came - but alas, it took me two years to figure out the root cause. When Wolf came to fix my oven, I gave a demonstration so they would know I wasn't totally nuts when I complained about the sound. LOL