Thermador is selling a zoneless induction cooktop. They announced it way back at CES but just started shipping it a month or two ago. The cooktop is 36" wide and can handle up to 4 pots. It auto-senses the pan locations, lets you move them around, and so on. There are some catches, though. The two halves (left and right) are kind of, sort of zones, since you can only have two pots on each side. And if you have a big pan in the middle it counts as one each on the right and left, so you can only have one additional pan on each side. And 4 pots/pans is itself a limitation: most of the 'zoned' 36" units have 5 positions. Another issue for me is that I haven't seen one of these units anywhere and haven't seen any forum posts -- here or elsewhere -- from anyone who has one. I definitely wouldn't buy something this new and expensive without trying it out first. A showroom near me says they may get one later this fall, so I may get a chance then. Finally there's the price: about $5,000 USD MSRP. Wow. I can get it for the dealer price, but that's still a lot of money. I'm thinking of getting one anyway, but fortunately I don't have to decide for a while. Being able to put a big griddle on one side and a couple pots/pans on the other side is attractive. As is the ability to use huge pans anywhere on the unit rather than just on one special burner. And I suppose I could use the griddle as a sort of french top if I wanted lots of little pans on one side. I hope other companies come out with more zoneless models by the time I need to order mine (5-6 months?) so I have more choices. I've heard rumors that Gaggenau may release one, but since they're owned by the same company as Thermador and Bosh I'm guessing it won't be much different from the Thermador model. Laura Here is a link that might be useful: Thermador Freedom Induction

The cabinet maker just told me that the posts will be constructed using MDF board to create a solid block. I imagine that is probably Ok, since they bear the load vertically, but if he suggests using MDF for the apron stretchers, that would be a definite no, am I right? I will definitely talk to the cabinet maker about adding cross pieces. Also, suppose that instead of 2 x 3 1/8 inch for the stretcher boards, I asked him to use square "beams" of 3 1/8 inch. Would that add more strength and combat warping? I'm not sure I can get a custom made steel frame. That is highly custom work here and would add several thousand euros to the cost. The legs and apron alone is probably going to set me back 3K.

There is a big difference between hand painted, brushed cabinets and those sprayed with a catalyzed conversion varnish. I doubt anyone has ever done a true test as to which lasts the longest, as it depends on so many variables. I have seen a lot of interior and exterior wood painted with Fine Paints of Europe and it is just a joy to behold. It is readily available in the US, but be prepared for serious "sticker shock". Also, a painter must be familiar with how to paint using this very special paint. Their web site does list painters by state with experience. I had very good luck using an oil-base enamel when I painted my old kitchen cabinets...twice one the years. They were painted twice, not due to wear, but due to change of taste! I had no chipping/wearing problems. But today, many states do not even allow the sale of oil-based paints and such cannot be shipped to these states. It involves an illegal "run over the border" to a state that does. I do not believe that any acrylic paint will wear as well. I've had my new cabinets now for 3 years, and I've gotten used to the "perfect" look of the catalyzed conversion varnish paint that was used by the factory (my cabinets are by Shiloh). I've had no problems with them, but know if there is a chip, it will be far more difficult to touch up than a hand-brushed finish would be. In the end, it's all about what your budget is and the availability of experienced craftsmen.

why the duplicate post? so much easier if you keep everything confined to one post. can you back up so we can see all of the kitchen? show us the floors too any way you can make drawers out of your lower cabs doors? meaning, slide out drawers for pots? for instance, under your stove, can you insert slide out shelving? I was hoping you could modify them into drawers, but w/that door style prob not. (unless you plan on painting) for a new countertop, I'd suggest you get one w/o the 4" piece up the back if you plan on doing any type of tile splash do you have a pantry? lets see the entire area surrounding that shelf thing you have