On Thanksgiving, I cooked on a friend's Kitchen Aid gas cooktop, and the height of the grates made the pans higher than was comfortable for me to see into easily. When I mashed the potatoes on the cooktop, it was difficult to work, as well.

Now when I look at the ranges/cooktops, I notice that many of them have very high grates. On some of them that have lower grates, there is often a panel of knobs that sticks out pretty far that would, again, make it difficult for a short person to easily stir/see into high pots on the back burners.

I would love some advice on what works for others.

So, if you are short, plan a run of counter with a cooktop instead of a range at less than the standard 36" high with a wall oven elsewhere. Just be aware that you would be personalizing your kitchen to your tastes and that a negative impact come resale might result from doing that.