I should mention that the distance between the bottom of the upper cabinet and the stovetop is now 30 inches.

I would keep in mind the lower the bottom of whatever choice you go with shouldn't be too low so you don't hit your head on it.

I would remove the upper cabinets to have more space, so the kitchen doesn't look too cluttered. Do you use the upper cabinets that often to actually need it?

Thanks for the response! I don't use the upper cabinet very much. Would I have to adjust to molding at the top to cap off the cabinets on either side?