While I love the gas cooking, I am very disappointed with the exterior quality. 1) The plastic knobs scratch easily, and one is stuck on and we can't remove it. 2) The black stainless steel surface scratches VERY easily, even in the bottom part of the tray where no pots or utensils are used.  It is especially bad around the edges. We've only had this stovetop for 2-3 years, and it looks at least 10 tears old.  3)The cast iron grates are impossible to clean, even after putting in the dishwasher. Th stove works great - it's the exterior that needs some work.