Can you post the proposed layout of the space?

Yes, here it is. Thanks!

Whoops, let's try that again, click here:

http://bit.ly/wJ8t3i

This has been the source of debate on a few posts I've seen. Some people hate the idea and others think it's great. I would say the biggest advantage is that you can be a part of the kitchen conversation. It does seem to work out better with an oversized island. It's nice to have the option of placing counter stools on the opposite side where guests can sit. A couple of downsides are it creates a challenge for venting and you don't have the opportunity to do a decorative backsplash over your range or cooktop. These things may not be important to you. I think if you have really thought through how you would use the kitchen, then go with what you want. I do highly recommend a second sink if you can fit it in. It's fine to have a sink off to on side and your cooktop in the middle. This configuration is what I see the most. Without cooktops on the island cooking shows couldn't easily be filmed. They use island cooktops for the same reason you are considering one. They want the audience to feel like they are cooking with the chef, they need a front camera angle to do this. Hope this helps and good luck with your project. Let me know if you need further information. Charmean Neithart
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Think about your daily cooking, but also when you have friends over....a sink and a range top on your island takes away a lot of space....our island becomes a buffet/drinks bar when we have friends over, and to put a range top...on it would really cramp our entertaining space...maybe not for you. We also use it for extra seating when we have a crew of people over...and I'm a messy cook. So, personally, I would rather have the pots and pans off the island and over at the range....

just think about your use...also think about the site lines in the rest of the room.. from our front door, a guest can see straight thru the foyer, into the kitchen and our entire island....so I like to keep our island cleaned off...gives the impression of a clean kitchen, even if the rest of the place is a mess...

Thank you very much for both of your input.

If there is any chance you may not want that additional seat on the end of the island, your cooking and additional sink would work much better. You may also want to consider turning the sink around the corner on the east side of the island across from the ovens. You could always corner mount the faucet so that it could be used from both sides, giving you a bit more flexibility and space for cooking. If you want to keep a clean sightline without a large hood, but want more performance than a downdraft can handle you may want to check out this flush ceiling hood CC34ESB
CIRRUS - CC34ESB - Brushed Stainless Steel by Best.
Finally, you may want to look at the www.nkba.org website to find a certified kitchen designer (CKD) in your area.
Good Luck!
Christine Ramaekers, CKD
MainStreet Design Build

What did you decide upon and how did it turn out. my question mark key is broken.