I'm a CIA graduate. I've currently got a 48" Viking AG. But, it's 10 years old. It's in good shape and hasn't given me any trouble, yet. It does have open burners. I think they discontinued this version a long time ago and the new versions have closed burners. I bought the house with it in the house already. It would not have been my choice. Given a choice, I would have chosen the BS.

In my previous home, I had a BS range top that I loved. Smooth, dependable and a delight to use. It was much easier to keep clean than the Viking. While I have a griddle on the Viking, I rarely use it. It's a mess to keep clean. But, it does make a good warming station. I find myself pulling out my griddle pan rather than use it. The BS range top was paired with a set of Thermador double convection ovens. That was a great combination. IMO, that is the best set up.

I would suggest that you take a second look at the BS. The teething pains they had a few years ago with hot doors, etc. have been resolved. My experience was the quality was very good. I liked their product. Enjoy your new home.

My Viking is 18 years old. My advice is don't even consider Viking. Nothing but headaches. The griddle paint dissolved after several uses. Just a joke. Serious issues with a hole in an oven burner that was clearly covered under the warranty but I had to threaten to sue Viking to cover what was clearly covered. The only thing I like are the open burners. When you clean the stove all the markings (Low, simmer, high) just wipe off. The guy I use at a premium appliance store tells me they are WAY worse now. There is NO WAY I would ever buy another Viking. But, it does look awesome!