Is there any reason we should avoid them for either the units or the
doors?

Get the door closing dampers (or whatever they're called). Vastly superior
to those horrible looking stick on bumpers.

Any recomendations on electric touch control hobs, double built under
ovens
(stainless steel style) and integrated dishwashers? (we're looking to
spend
£1500 max on the 3)

Merloni do a good fully integrated dishwasher for around the 270 quid mark.
I managed to get mine Ariston badged, although I believe they've dropped
that brand for kitchen appliances and they are all badged Indesit now. I've
got one and it is excellent.

Also can a standard under counter fridge be placed in the same space that
a
built in under counter fridge would occupy, later being replaced with an
integrated model?

Yes. However, you must buy the door/carcase for the integrated fridge and
store until needed. The only way you can guarantee the range you want will
be available when you decide to upgrade, is to have already bought it. Also,
you might not want to cut the plinth to size until the under counter fridge
is in. Alternatively, you could overbuy the plinth and replace it when
required.

Also, undercounter integrated fridges are considerably smaller (and less
practical) than free standing types. Are you sure you only want a tiny
fridge? If there is space in the design, a tall integrated fridge/freezer
with the appropriate split is normally a more practical proposition. We went
for a 70/30 split, which gives a freezer up to the worksurface and fridge
from there to the ceiling. We never run out of room in that.

Christian.