There's not much radiant heat at all. However not sure I would want to stand directly in front of it while prepping, it is convection so does blow a lot of pre-heated air out of the vent. When opened while in steam mode it will emit quite a large cloud of steam. Personally I could see it in an island but not below a frequently used work surface.

I would agree with Mistmans comments about the Wolf CSO. I don't have anything to add to it other than what he typed.

phil

After you have finished using it I understand you leave it adjar, correct? How open is the at rest position? My option for it not to be at my prep space is the end of the island and I'm a bit concerned about someone (I have little boys) whipping around the corner into it. Is it just slightly open, or majorly open?

A couple inches, enough that it will help evaporate the leftover water in the cavity. The door will stay open at pretty much whatever angle you want to leave it at but a couple inches s/b plenty. My DW always forgets to leave it open and often when I go by and open it up (you can see water vapor on the door when it's wet inside) she'll go behind me and close it as she can't stand doors left open and doesn't consider why it may be open. She's getting better about it, I've even had guest walk by and shut it thinking someone must have forgotten to close it all the way. It's not a big deal, you can wipe it out or run a straight convection mode to dry it out.

Okay good to know! Thank you for your responses!