If you are dead set on tile for your counter . . .use epoxy grout with very small grout lines. That will give you a chance at having a cleanable surface.

For a cooktop I'd look at a Bosch 800 induction. You can also use their convection oven.

Back to the tile countertop. It'll have to be really spectacular to overcome the negatives.

ok what about granite in white and sun
subway backsplash?

Find a Kitchen Designer to work with.

thanks! will do!

Thanks everyone! we're going with white granite countertop and a mix of gray, tan, and white subway tiles for backsplash. We are still researching stove cooktops- Bosch 800 is out of our price range however.

Instling stainless steel range hood over cooktop . Current cooktop is black - should range hood be black to match? our refrigerator is stainless steel and our sink will be stainless steel.