I am embarrassed that I hesitated buying this cooktop in the beginning because I did not like the way it looked. It was the grates that bothered me. That was pretty stupid of me because it meant that I lived with an aging, though an impressive seven burner, electric Thermador cooktop. Because it had seven burners, five of them were small, one was tiny, and one was big. When the big burner died, we had to get something to replace the cooktop.

I checked all the competition that would fit in our spot, and not wholeheartedly decided on the Dacor along with the optional griddle and wok ring. It comes with a diffuser plate.

We've used this appliance a lot, and I know it well. It is still being made today -- many years after we bought ours. The big burners have increased from 12000 BTU to 14000 BTU. If you get this unit, check your exhaust fan; it is important that it be appropriately matched for the maximum BTU's of the cooktop.

The pros far outweigh the cons. This is a quality appliance. First, the size allows the cook to use large pots and pan, and the alternating of the large and smaller burners is good. The finish of the stainless steel is very easy to keep clean. Using it means that it will get dirty. The best way to clean it is to remove the grates and wipe the surface with a damp cloth with some cleaner on it. I've used stainless steel cleaner and dishwashing liquid. For burned on food, I use aerosol oven cleaner which I allow to stay on the surface for an hour or so, and then I wipe it off. Sometimes I rinse it with some vinegar.

If water boils over, or if for some reason the igniters get wet, they will click and take a long time to ignite. I've learned a trick to solve this problem. Using my fingernail, I lift up the top tip of the igniter; it come up just a little bit. Wiggling it helps, too.

If you get this unit, get the optional griddle which fits perfectly over the grate. It's big! I can do a pound of bacon (two pounds of thick sliced), six pieces of French toast, six pancakes, two extra large tortillas for quesadillas. We use it all the time; in fact, we have two of those griddles.

I also got the wok ring, and have used it just a few times. The diffuser plate has been used many times. Want to keep mashed potatoes warm? Put the pot on the diffuser plate. It is also good for maple syrup, even in the serving pitcher.

What is not to like? This is a small thing, but the escutcheons under the knobs are so close together that the space dividing them is so small that it is difficult to clean. Dacor should redesign that part. Other than that, I'd say it is very well made and designed.

The grates have rubber feet which have worn out. I called Dacor, and they, without cost, sent me six more. But, still, I wonder why those feet are there.

Overall, I'd give this appliance an A-. It's a quality unit backed by a good company.