That's an awesome looking cooktop!! But if you want safe, you should look at induction.

I don't understand how the flush grate would make the cooktop unsafe. Gaggenau has made that kind of cooktop for a long time as well. Leaving any gas cooktop on and unattended is a bad idea.

I second the rec for induction for better safety- even then- cooktops should not be left on and unattended.

I have raised grates and have forgotten that I put the kettle on while I did stuff around the house, so having the flame exposed and visible isn't a guarantee you won't forget something! Just got a new kettle with a whistle to use on my new range!

I have that cooktop. The knobs light up when the burners are on, so it’s hard to forget. I used to worry about sliding a hot pan partway onto the counter, but the cooktop is large enough that it’s not an issue either. Cleaning under the grates is annoying though.

While the look is sleek, I’d always be worried in the back of my mind like the OP is. Sophie makes good points, but even with stone counters, that inset configuration makes me uneasy. There are so many other choices in cooktops on the market, why buy one that carries a bit of worry with it.

Here’s the photo, in case people don’t want to click on the link in the OP.

Edited to add: I just noticed the knobs are in front the way a rangetop is. I’d just get the rangetop then. Not as sleek a look, but many people prefer the beefy restaurant look anyway.

Wolf 36” rangetop:

Sophie Wheeler - that said (and induction cooktops aside), is it less safe than any regular cooktop? I mean, with the whole matter of it being next to a countertop.

There's nothing unsafe about that rangetop.

The largest burner is right in the middle. The heat definitely doesn’t go anywhere near the edge of the cooktop, even cranked up all the way with a giant pot on it. I use 12 inch pans on the side burners as well, no problem. I’m not seeing the issue. I cook a lot, use all the burners, add a griddle sometimes. It’s been 6 months. So far so good. No scorched quartz.