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Twisted Minds Custom Designs Is the area under your planned island accessible from below? If not, running plumbing could be a real deal breaker due to cost, as where running electrical or gas line might be more readily accessible. I prefer to see cooktops on islands that are going to double as eating spaces, because it creates a more intimate setting for the cook of being able to converse with family/friends during meal prep, because we all know everyone always congregates into the kitchen anyways. Your daughter may be also feel more comfortable if she favors the culinary arts, being able to be side by side or face to face during cooking times.

Dezign Studio Inc while installing the cabinets in the island, you can go with something like the passport series in kraftmaid cabinets, convenient for wheelchair users. http://www.kraftmaid.com/learn/universal-design/

homeexchanger I struggled with this same question. My architect wanted to put the cooktop against the wall where it was easier to vent.

Instead, I decided that I spend more time cooking than washing dishes and put the cooktop in the island. Enjoy being able to look out into the room or across the island when cooking--I think they call it "social cooking." I know people that do NOT want to socialize while cooking. They know this already and have no question about where to put the cooktop. The fact that you are thinking about this and asking this question makes me think you will be happier with the cooktop in the island.

Also, if you can put gas to the cooktop do not even consider electric. I kept thinking I might be happier with induction or electric. Gas is much better--but it took me awhile to get to that conclusion.

rubmop I am building an island for a combination of eating space and food prep and opted for a small rectangular sink with a disposal unit. After much consideration, I decided I didn't want the cook top there because of space required and the heat etc associated with it.

LB Interiors Since you say that it can be large...On your new island I would try to have a cooktop and counter height for guests but .... also I would add a lower counter top space for your daughter. Another drop down counter at regular chair height. She will be so comfortable with the family and her friends at the island.
They could do all their bookwork, homework or ?

Toni Sabatino Hi Hope G, I have done several remodels with lowered island spaces for seating. Here are a few photos. Personally I like prefer the sink to the cooktop in an island as there are no ventilattion issues.

Hope G. Thank you for the comments! Lots to think about. Our home has a full basement, so we can reroute plumbing/electrical/gas. We want to include a few more accessible features-side hinged 2nd oven, a sink cabinet with some kind of doors that can be opened to allow my daughter to use the sink with increased ease. Our daughter loves to bake. I do like the idea of social cooking, but as I have been researching this issue, I was surprised to read comments by people stating they would never buy a home with a cook top in an island. We have saved and saved for this major renovation and are eager to get started!

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders I love my cooktop in the island, but our island is deep enough so that no one could touch it from the opposite side so it is very safe. I don't want my back to everything when cooking. I wouldn't however want a slide in range in my island - I don't want the extra heat from a range and I just don't like the look. I would find ways to install undercounter ovens or wall ovens that work for all of you.

You can get a space made for the sink that has pocket doors (like in a TV armoir) that slide in so that a wheelchair can access the space.

Twisted Minds Custom Designs Ventilation should be no more of an issue in the island than on the perimeter, many cooktop units come equipped or can be modified to include a downdraft exhaust. Seeing that you have the full access in basement, running the needed venting should be relatively easy. Or if wanting a dramatic design add-on, decorative/functioning overhead hoods could be incorporated and would probably work well in your new space with the plans for a large island, it could anchor the space and really make the kitchen island a focal point in your kitchen. Of course, all this depends on budget, but a few ideas for your consideration.

Dytecture You would probably have equal number of people that likes the cooktop on the island with sink in front of window where possible and vice versa. It really depends on your lifestyle.

homeexchanger Adding on to my previous answer. We have a Thermador cooktop with a down draft. The down draft raises up and can help to block the hot surface from the other side, where people might be. We also have a radius on the island so people in the center are seated further from the cooktop than if we had a straight sides.

I have to say that there is no way our down draft is as powerful or efficient as an overhead vent. (And I am talking about a big Thermador down draft.) If I were to do it over, I probably would find a way to place an overhead vent over the island--might be difficult in our 2-story 1928 house. That being said, I would not give up the island cooktop if the only way I could have one was with a down draft.

My architect thinks the downdraft also "steals" heat from the back burners. Maybe, not sure on that one. I only cook at home 3-4 times a week. If you do a lot of cooking, every day, I think you do need an overhead vent.

I also prefer the look of a drop in cooktop versus a slide in range. But I prefer wall ovens in any case. Much easier on your back.

Lastly, we added a small prep sink with a garbage disposal to the island. My husband loves this sink and considers it "his" sink.

Toni Sabatino I agree with homexchanger that a cooktop in the island is definitely a viable option and although I have done island hoods, I don't love the visual obstruction most of the time. You can make a focal point as picture below.....I am not a big fan of downdrafts as I do agree with homechanger that I do not find them as efficient as hoods.