Hi- I am a mom and an interior designer. The flat, ceramic tops are awesome. I have one myself and the cleanability is wonderful. They have now come out with a product that stays cool to the touch as well, very nice with kids around. I am unsure of what that is called and what the cost is, but I'm sure it would be easily found on the internet.
A word of caution regarding stainless steel. Stainless is anything but, fingerprints, splatters, drips, and smudges are all going to show like none other! It is the last thing that I would use in a home with little kids. Unless you are up for some extra housework go for black!
As far as Maytag goes, all of our appliances are Maytag. Each one is 6 years old and ALL have had to have a repair out of warranty in the last 5 years ranging in cost from $200 to $500. I can't say that I would recommend their products, sorry!
Hope that all helps, appliances are a big investment and once it is in your house it is hard to change your mind.