[Serial #XS2902847] A housekeeper broke the corner of my BLACK ceramic KitchenAid cooktop. I have learned that KitchenAid has discontinued the Black surface a number of times but that the part MAY be replaceable with a Whirlpool part but you do not have any ETA for that part. However, your people told me the part is also available in stainless steel but that part is also not available. The black surface is smooth and the electronics set within it. Since the black part has broken and could shatter again, stainless steel might be a better replacement material...but I don't want an old fashioned look, i.e. where the round electrodes are set in a coil "above" the stainless steel. OR, are the electrodes somehow the same on the stainless so that there is a completely flat surface?

Why has this been discontinued so many times and can you get the black (surface only) part? Would you recommend the stainless steel instead...provided it has the same look? Is there a place to see a picture of the stainless steel replacement part? Can you get the black part, is it made by Whirlpool, and is it wise to go with the Whirlpool part? When do you think you'll get the black part in? I invested about $1100 in this cooktop and like it. However, is your recommendation that I should replace the whole unit? Please call me at (949) 852-1111 x 228, my daytime business number, if you have any questions. Thank you.