I would go with the smooth topped types of stoves. I forget what they are called. They are electric and they just have zones that heat. The look clean and neat all the time. My house is small and my kitchen does not have a vent hood, but if I got one, I would get one with a built in microwave to save space. As long as I am not frying anything for long periods, I am fine. I have some wire baskets attatched to the walls for cooking oils, spices, etc. They also make very small stoves that are gas, with 4 burners and the oven part is really small. also check RV stoves.

Hi sun2007,

You might want to try posting your question over on the Gardenweb kitchens and appliances forums; there's lots of activity on each (especially the kitchens one) and I'm sure folks will offer suggestions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen forum