We had a Capital Maestro installed in my new build home. It's been a month and we still haven't used it yet because it is leaking gas. Service has been out twice already, changing little tubes that are inside the unit. It's still leaking gas and one of the knobs won't depress now. Capital refuses to allow the unit to be taken out to be repaired in the shop. I have them scheduled to return for a 3rd time next week. My heating and cooling tech is going to test the valve AGAIN to ensure that the gas leak is not from the main valve. If this does not work, I'm switching to another cooktop. The problem is I'm not sure which one. Thermador is out. Maybe Wolf?

I'll share my experience with a 800 series Bosch 5 burner cooktop. Although mine is a 30 inch but, hopefully some info will help. My salesman told me that Thermador was the same as Bosch in the engineering (same company) except of course those star shaped hobs. I have two 5500 BTU burners (simmer) and that is what they are mostly good for or reheating something in a small pot. Two 10000 BTU which are fine for most everything and one 16000 biggie centered in the middle that requires a large pan even on low or the flames are licking up the side. But it is wonderful for bringing large pots to a boil or anything else you might wish to do in a large pan or pot. Being that mine is on a 30 inch platform the control knobs are kind of close to the two front burners. Perhaps that won't be an issue with the 36". I find that the stainless finish cleans up best with those clorox (or store brand) kitchen wipes, great for baked on mess and grease. The grates are continuous and wash up in the dishwasher wonderfully. I didn't go with a super huge exhaust like some will recommend over in appliances. My three speed Zephyr 290 CFM is more than I need even for frying probably because it is vented to the outside (only way to go). I rarely use the highest speed. One thing I do regret is not making the capture space (distance between cabinets flanking cooktop) wider, but didn't find the info until it was too late). There was a pro on these boards (wish I could remember who to give credit where it is do) that said a 30' cooktop requires minimum 36" space and a 36" would require 42" and so on. Hope I got that correct. That is not a direct quote, but you could probably search these boards and find it. I realized how much nicer that hearth area would be AFTER my install. So back to the Bosch. I've had it for going on two years now and love it. I use it everyday for meals and lots in the summers for blanching veggies to be frozen. I've used it a few times for large gatherings and the burners can get a little crowded but handle placement is key. The price difference was the clincher for me as the Thermador was way more money. The only thing I don't have are those fancy star shaped hobs.

I'm considering the Bosch, Wolf, but also now the Wolf rangetop. I'm concerned about the simmer burner so would love to hear any reviews on these.

This particular model has two levels of "flush". The "two-cut" approach does make the edges completely flush with the countertop, but as pointed out, requires extra fabrication. However there is another option which leaves just the thin stainless lip on top of the counter. In that configuration it drops in to the standard 36" cooktop cutout that works with most brands. It's not completely flush but very nearly so, and as such, is *way* lower that most cooktops or rangetops. Do note that you'll need to drill through the front of the cabinet for the knobs and although their height is somewhat adjustable you'll want to make sure that will work for your installation. Personally I agree with the op, the clean lines of this particular cooktop look way better to be than the more common look of both cooktops and rangetops. In addition to the flat lines. I especially like that the knobs are not on the upper surface. It seems more custom and similar to a rangetop and allows more space on the top surface as well as a better (IMO) appearance.