Wanted to update anyone who may be interested on our outcome. We purchased the Modern-Aire PSI1630-336 model and it is fabulous! We are totally happy with our decision. Best of all, the hood looks OK in our kitchen. There are two 600 cfm centrifugal force fans and they do a terrific job venting smoke and odors. I really like the infinite speed control. When on high, the fans do such an incredible job, that we had to have the spacers next to the baffles replaced - the fan would lift them. The spacers are now attached to the end baffles, so they are stationary when the fan goes on. The noise level is about what I expected - it's a bit loud, but not unbearable on the highest speed, and most of the time we use it on the lowest speed, which is just fine. We were concerned about lighting since we had to remove two of our overhead lights. I'm pleased to report the four lights on the hood do an excellent job, and best of all, they are on a dimmer, so you can control the brightness. Anyone installing an indoor grill needs to be careful about ventilation. Based on our experience, only an overhead hood will do an adequate job. I don't know if you really need something as powerful or large as we installed, but we were not willing to risk another under-ventilated solution. This post was edited by willaf on Fri, Dec 6, 13 at 15:29

I feel your pain. I am building an outdoor kitchen on my deck as we speak and the built-in models are not cheap. I assume it is mostly due to less demand. Although I think most of the built-in models are constructed to be a little less disposable than some of the free standing ones. I ended up getting a Napoleon Mirage grill. Price point was good and they seem to be quality units. As far as grease goes, since mine is built-into a cabinet I am not as concerned, but my grill came with a grease tray under the grill that catches the grease. You can slide it out and clean it when it gets too gross. I have not even used mine yet, as I just ran natural gas last weekend to my island and I am still trying to get everything constructed so I can't offer any first hand experience at this point. Good luck. Riles

Thanks so much, lalitha. Decided, since I have some leftover countertop remnants, to have a small table made. It will sit flush up against the end of the island, but will be a regular table. The marble is super-heavy, so wouldn't work as a leaf. The drop-down is clever, though!

The same floor everywhere is what works best and of course you can have the new flor stained to match the other I have no idea why you need another table in the space you have a table right beside the kitchen where you can see outside.There is IMO no need for radiant heat in a kitchen since if you go wood the floor will not be cold.Honestly a floor plan of the kitchen now would be great also since I think the planning of this needs some pro help.