You mean like this? https://invisacook.com they only work with particular countertop materials (it really was designed for porcelain/sintered stone) which there are not a huge population of good fabricators for in the us; not sure what the service coverage would be like either as they are uncommon. Replacing it in the future could be hard too vs a drop in unit.

There are some threads on here about this. Invisacook does not get a good rating. Other competing products TSP? and Cooking Surface Prime? appear to work better because materials are incorporated into the countertop itself. Search for those threads. Gaggenau is also introducing one that will initially only be in Europe and Middle East.

Great idea. I'm not sure the tech is there yet, so I passed and am just installing induction. Gaggenau and Thermador have induction without the circles on them--you can place a pot anywhere on the surface and unit adjusts to that location. You still see the induction cooking unit top, but life is trade offs.

i think there is plenty of room with a 36” cooktop for 2 cooks - i don’t think they need to be spread out and its easier for one cook to use hobs that are close together. no opinion on invisacook other than having read mediocre reviews.

Here’s a thread with some input from someone who did some tests on how long it takes to boil water, and also from someone who likes theirs. As mentioned above there are other threads as well so it’s worth a search.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6352989/invisacook-use-and-abuse

Yes, looking at Invisacook type set-up. Thank you for your feedback regarding these!

Another option is to draw the cooktop out proud of the usual linear format of a straight counter. Do that enough and the burners become accessible from each side. Counter and cabinet finishing would be needed with a good sized work zone for each.

I like the idea of having it as a sort of built-in warming tray. Expensive idea to replace a $20 warming tray but would be very cool at house parties to have.