The problem with the ref in the exact position you have it is that it can become a serious choke point. Using the 38" length marker supplied by Scherrs, and allowing for counter overhangs, the aisle is 38" without the ref-freezer doors and handles. Those will take away 3-7" depending on the depth of the handles(2"?) and panels (1.5") and the doors(3"?). Unless you're getting a very expensive ref, you'll end up you with a 31"-35" aisle. That makes two things tight. Carrying stuff like grocery bags or a platter through that opening - it takes about 42" for comfort. Maybe you never need to do that. People also need to stand in front of the ref when they use it and they sometimes have the doors open and stand in front of the doors cruising the contents. If that's a 36" ref, the doors will protrude around 18" when open, normal sized body depth is 16-18" and there is nothing left for others to pass. If you have a drawer freezer, same deal - but it can use a little bit more of the aisle. A door freezer uses a ton of aisle - like the entire space. Also the end stool user might get elbow in face - because everyone will turn around and set stuff on the peninsula. I'm not trying to say you can't trade off a bottleneck and a seating position, I'm trying to say I'm pretty sure that aisle will end up being a bottle neck. ================================== Scherrs might be able to make that entire end cabinet out of one piece instead of two seperate cabinets. You might ask what that costs because a 3" cabinet (without the door) may actually be 2" or less deep. You lose either about an inch (structural rail + cabinet back) in depth or perhaps as little as 1/2" if they can do a solid back that is structural instead of the loose back. Also ask about the depth required by the hinge itself for whatever hinges you've selected. If you're thinking 3" includes the door, then the cabinet will be either 1.75" deep or 1.5" deep. If it doesn't include the door, the cabinet could be 2.5" or 2" deep. If its built as one piece with the drawer cabinet (without the door), it increases to 3" deep.

I like your layout, and being someone who has her one and only sink in the island, have lots of experience with the setup. My setup flows similar to yours but on a much smaller scale; my open plan space is only 24' x 24' and functions as kitchen, living, and dining room. My DW and sink are across from the range. I never leave the DW open, much less load while opening the oven. I have a large, deep sink. Dirties are never hanging around too long in my house, and as you said, would be visible whether the sink is on the perimeter or the island. You may want to look at slabs befor you finalize your island size and layout. I wouldn't want a seam. My original marble slab was 9' x 4 1/2', but ended up with an 8x4 1/2' walnut island because of fabrication issues. Have you determined where your dishes and glassware will be stored? That was important to me in the final placement of my DW. Where will you stand when you prep? The trash is a bit far from the sink. Have you considered trash/recycle pullouts under the sink? I like the location of your MW and coffee. It's quite suitable for entertaining and out of the prep area. Mine is on that same isle and we have no problem filling the water. Will your pantry be pullouts/roll outs? I think you will have ample room for staples especially with your extra storage around the corner. I store a tremendous amount in my 15" pullouts. I have 4'8" between my island and the sofa and 4' between the side of the island and the table. Although it would be nice to have more space, we've not encountered any dangerous nor overcrowded situations I've got a 90 lb lab and a toddler that love chasing each other around the island and through all the traffic paths. Regarding your fridge question, I have a 36" full depth French door fridge and love it. I have not survived with only one fridge for a very long time though. I have a second side by side in my garage. I keep the most used items in the house and longer term storage and beverages in the garage. I always freeze leftovers in individual serving sizes and they stack nicely in the side by side freezer. I like your idea of the fridge drawers near the eating area. My sis had two stacked on the end of her island next to her breakfast nook and they were quite convenient for grabbing drinks. If you plan for your 36" bottom freezer and two fridge drawers, you could always add a fridge or freezer to your garage later. My only suggestions are to layout where you will be storing everything, only order drawers or pullouts for base cabs, and have a good idea what stone you want for the island before finalizing your island design. Also, a very large sink with two faucets would be benefial, especially with a large island. I highly recommend the Kohler Stages45 and 2 Kohler Karbons.

It took Miele a long time to get back to me when I called customer service about descaling the steam oven but I think they are faster if you have a critical issue like the fridge not working. My Miele applicances are built in and were installed by Miele. The fridge / freezer towers we have were complicated to install and that is a concern as you would probably need Miele for service. It is hard to know but things may be slow because of covid issues right now. We have had no problems with any of our Miele applicances. At times Miele offers a five year warranty and I suggest finding out if or when that will be available.

Erica - hey there! We decided not to get one in the end; too much money for what it would do for us. I would totally consider installing a whole bank of them under the countertops if I was loaded, though, as the concept is excellent. I just wish there was some more competition from affordable domestic brands to keep the pricing more reasonable. I went back through the other replies and only one person responded who installed one - all the others were speculative, not real life experiences (typical Houzz). You could try tagging cheztaki who was the only respondent who actually has one, maybe? I'd say if it looks like a great option for you, get it, but make sure it's not dead stock with an old warranty or anything, just in case. And if you do get it, let us know how it works out, and in the meantime I'll keep buying lottery tickets :)