I have 30" counters and don't regret them for a minute. But I don't have a window on the 30" counter side of my kitchen.

I have 25.25" deep counters on the side of the kitchen that has the windows. I can't easily reach to open those windows since they are elevated about 15 over the countertops.

Moral of the story is to get the 30" deep counters and install the windows lower to the counters. After seeing both since I have 25" AND the 30" counters in my new kitchen I can resolutely say that the 30" counter is brilliant. Very Very useful. Were I to do this over, the one change I would make is to move the doorway over 6" so that I could have the 30" counters on BOTH sides of my galley kitchen. The location of the doorway is what defined the counter depth on the window/sink/stove side of my kitchen.

I have 30" deep counters and a garden window behind them. While it is a stretch to open the garden window, it can be done. I can always grab a step stool or climb (gasp) on the counter if need be LOL. Balancing the advantage of extra counter space and all the extra storage space I got (we have custom cabinets) with the extra 6" of depth vs, ease of opening the window, I'd go with the 30" deeper cabinets any day.

Obviously I meant 30" counter tops, but thanks for your replies. I'm guessing I'll be able to manage crank-out windows easier than double-hung... Want to be able to open them easily so I can smell the roses! Thanks