Refrigerator: SubZero BI36U/O. 36" bottom freezer with overlay � This unit has more refrigerator space than other 36 and 42" refrigerators, which it achieves by limiting the freezer space. The SZ has no water dispenser, but we don�t need one since we are putting in a water filtration system. We are adding a small GE frost free freezer to the pantry to supplement the freezer space.

Induction cooktop: Thermador with stainless trim, but I'm still debating 30" or 36". I don't think I'd need more than 4 burners, but the 36" gives more pan size alternatives. I considered Bosch, but it looks the same as the Thermador except the trim and controls and I like the Thermador better. (The Thermador is about $400 more than the Bosch.) I know a lot of people in the forum don�t like stainless trim, but I know someone without it who has already cracked the edge. I�d prefer to protect against accidents like this

Hood: Here is where we had to compromise. Minnesota building code requires make-up air if you install a hood with anything more than 300 cfm. Our builder priced adding make-up air at $5,000! 300 is the minimum recommended cfm for a 36" induction range and I almost never fry food, so this will have to work. Thank goodness I decided against a gas cooktop � there would be no alternative but to add make-up air.

If you have room for 36" and budget isn't an issue, I'd recommend the larger cooktop. The extra room for large pots and pans makes a difference. I often cook with big woks, so I needed the extra space.

Venting at 300cfm isn't desirable. Is this the maximum you can have? We have a Kobe 36" which vents at 720 cfm maximum. For high-heat cooking I would not want anything less. You may not stir-fry or sear as often as I do, so you may be able to live with lower venting. I understand that make-up air requirements limit your choices, so this may just be what you have to live with.

Cheryl