Imagine a kitchen where you can perfectly sear a steak, simmer a delicate sauce, and boil pasta all at the same time. That’s the power of a spacious 36-inch gas cooktop! But stepping into the world of these cooking powerhouses can feel a bit overwhelming. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder if you’re truly picking the best fit for your culinary adventures.
Choosing the right 36-inch gas cooktop isn’t just about looks; it’s about finding a tool that makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Are you tired of feeling cramped on a smaller stovetop, or worried about getting a model that doesn’t perform as well as you hoped? We understand those frustrations. That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a great 36-inch gas cooktop. We’ll break down the important features, explain what to look for, and help you avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover how to find the perfect centerpiece for your kitchen that will have you cooking with confidence and flair.
Our Top 5 Gas Cooktop 36 Inch Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gas Cooktop 36 Inch Detailed Reviews
1. AMZCHEF 36 inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Made in Italy SABAF Power Burners.Max 48300 BTU/hr Built-in Gas Stove top of 304 Stainless steel with Double Sided griddle
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the AMZCHEF 36-inch Gas Cooktop. This sleek built-in stove top features five powerful burners made in Italy by SABAF. With a maximum of 48,300 BTU/hr, it’s ready for any cooking challenge. The durable 304 stainless steel surface and included double-sided griddle make it a versatile and stylish addition to your home.
What We Like:
- It has 5 powerful SABAF burners from Italy. Two high-output burners (20,000 & 10,300 BTUs) are great for boiling and searing. Two simmer burners (7000 & 4000 BTUs) provide gentle heat for delicate dishes. This means you can cook many different kinds of food easily.
- The cooktop comes with a 2-in-1 reversible cast iron grill and griddle. It heats evenly and keeps its temperature well, perfect for getting those nice sear marks on your food.
- Cleaning is simple. The 304 stainless steel surface resists stains and heat. The sealed burners stop food from falling into them. You just lift the burner plate and wipe it clean.
- Safety is important. This stove top has a thermocouple flame-out failure device (FFD). If the flame goes out, it automatically shuts off the gas, keeping you safe. It’s also ETL certified for the US.
- You can use it with natural gas or propane. It comes with the right nozzles for both. This makes it suitable for many places, like RVs, homes, and even commercial kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation might require professional help for some users.
- While the griddle is a great feature, it adds to the overall weight of the unit.
This AMZCHEF gas cooktop offers impressive power and versatility for any cooking enthusiast. Its thoughtful features and safety measures make it a solid choice for your kitchen.
2. TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop brings professional-level cooking power right into your kitchen. With five high-efficiency SABAF burners from Italy, this gas rangetop offers a total of 41,800 BTUs, perfect for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but is also incredibly easy to clean, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s convertible for both Natural Gas and LPG, giving you flexibility for any home or RV setup.
What We Like:
- Five world-class, made-in-Italy SABAF burners provide versatile cooking options, from simmering to stir-frying.
- The powerful dual-ring 12,000 BTU burner is great for quick boiling or searing.
- The 304 stainless steel surface is durable, stain-resistant, and simple to wipe clean.
- Sealed burners prevent food from falling into the cooktop, simplifying the cleaning process.
- It’s convertible for both Natural Gas and LPG, making it suitable for various situations like RVs or smaller kitchens.
- Comes with both a Natural Gas Regulator and LPG Nozzles for easy conversion.
- CSA certified with thermocouple protection (FFD) ensures safety by automatically shutting off gas if a flame goes out.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates and heat-resistant knobs add to its premium quality feel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 120V AC requirement might necessitate a dedicated outlet for some installations.
- While the stainless steel is easy to clean, it can show fingerprints.
Overall, the TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop is a robust and safe choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience with reliable performance and a touch of Italian engineering.
3. ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop. This powerful cooktop features five Italy Sabaf burners designed for efficiency and even heating. Its sleek 304 stainless steel construction looks great and is easy to clean. Plus, it’s convertible for Natural Gas or LPG and has safety features like thermocouple protection.
What We Like:
- Five powerful Italy Sabaf burners offer a range of heat levels for all your cooking needs, from a gentle simmer to a high-heat stir-fry.
- The thermocouple flameout protection automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, keeping your kitchen safe.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the seamless stainless steel surface and removable, dishwasher-safe grates.
- Installation is quick and simple, with a standard size and included hardware for NG/LPG conversion.
- CSA certification ensures this gas cooktop meets strict safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included gas pressure regulator is only for Natural Gas, so you’ll need a separate one if you plan to use LPG.
- While easy to clean, the stainless steel surface can show fingerprints, requiring regular wiping.
This ThermoMate gas cooktop offers a great combination of power, safety, and style for your home kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
4. 36 inch Gas Cooktop with Grill/Griddle
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with this versatile 36-inch gas cooktop. It features five powerful Italy Sabaf burners, including a high-heat tri-ring burner perfect for quick cooking. Plus, it comes with a reversible grill/griddle, giving you even more meal options. This cooktop is designed for safety and easy cleaning, making it a smart addition to any home or even an RV.
What We Like:
- The 20,000 BTU tri-ring burner is great for fast cooking like searing and stir-frying.
- It includes a heavy-duty cast iron reversible grill and griddle for cooking eggs, pancakes, steaks, and veggies.
- You can easily switch between natural gas and propane with the included conversion kit.
- Safety features like thermocouple protection and a child lock on the melt-proof metal knobs keep your family safe.
- The 304 stainless steel surface is easy to wipe clean and resists stains and heat.
- It’s CSA certified, meaning it meets safety standards for the US and Canada.
What Could Be Improved:
- The total BTU output of 48,300 might be lower than some professional-grade stoves.
- While the burners offer a range of BTUs, some might prefer more distinct simmer burner options.
This gas cooktop offers a lot of cooking power and flexibility in a sleek package. It’s a solid choice for home cooks looking for enhanced performance and convenience.
5. Empava 36 in. Gas Stove Cooktop 6 Italy Sabaf Sealed Burners NG/LPG Convertible in Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Empava 36-inch Gas Stove Cooktop brings professional cooking power right into your kitchen. With six versatile burners, it handles everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil, letting you create all your favorite meals with ease. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any home.
What We Like:
- Designed and engineered in the USA, it comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, double the usual industry standard.
- It’s convertible for Natural Gas or LPG (propane) and includes both nozzles, so it works with what you have.
- This cooktop works manually without electricity, making it great for RVs, small kitchens, or outdoor cooking.
- Safety features like a push-type rotary switch and a thermocouple flame-out system automatically shut off the gas if the flame goes out.
- Cleaning is easy thanks to dishwasher-safe knobs and durable cast-iron grates.
- The stainless steel drip pan is simple to wipe clean, and the heavy cast-iron grates keep your pots steady.
- You get six different burner sizes, including powerful 18000-BTU burners for fast cooking and 6000-BTU burners for delicate tasks.
- It includes a pre-installed power cord, a natural gas regulator, and LPG nozzles for quick setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cut-out dimensions require precise measurement for installation.
- While versatile, it’s primarily designed for built-in installation.
This Empava cooktop offers a fantastic blend of performance, safety, and style for any home chef. Its robust features and thoughtful design make cooking a joy.
Your Guide to Choosing a 36-Inch Gas Cooktop
Picking the right gas cooktop makes cooking at home a joy. A 36-inch gas cooktop offers plenty of space for your culinary adventures. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
What to Look For: Key Features
- Burner Power: Look for cooktops with a good range of burner sizes. You’ll want a powerful burner for quick boiling and simmering options for delicate sauces. Some have a dedicated wok burner for high heat.
- Ignition Type: Most gas cooktops use electronic ignition. This means you just turn the knob and push it, and the flame lights up. Some older models might have manual ignition.
- Grates: Sturdy grates hold your pots and pans securely. Cast iron grates are very durable and distribute heat well. Continuous grates allow you to slide pots easily from one burner to another.
- Simmer Burner: A low-heat simmer burner is great for melting butter or keeping food warm without burning.
- Sealed Burners: Sealed burners prevent spills from going under the cooktop, making cleanup much easier.
- Control Knobs: Easy-to-use knobs are important. Some have a sleek, modern look, while others are more classic.
Important Materials
The materials used in a gas cooktop affect its durability and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it’s strong and looks good. It resists rust and is easy to clean.
- Porcelain Enamel: This material is often found on the cooktop surface. It’s durable and comes in different colors.
- Cast Iron: Used for grates, cast iron is very heavy and strong. It holds heat well and lasts a long time.
What Makes a Cooktop Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a gas cooktop a joy to use or a hassle.
- Quality Construction: A well-built cooktop feels solid. The knobs turn smoothly, and the grates sit firmly.
- Even Heat Distribution: Good cooktops heat your pans evenly. This helps your food cook consistently.
- Easy Cleaning: Sealed burners and smooth surfaces make cleaning simple. Little nooks and crannies can trap food and be hard to clean.
- Durability: High-quality materials and strong construction mean your cooktop will last for many years.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews can give you an idea of a brand’s quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your cooktop matters. A 36-inch cooktop is ideal for families or those who love to cook.
- Home Chefs: If you enjoy cooking multiple dishes at once, the extra space is a lifesaver. You can simmer a sauce on one burner, boil pasta on another, and sauté vegetables on a third.
- Entertaining: Hosting dinner parties becomes easier. You can keep dishes warm while preparing others.
- Everyday Cooking: Even for daily meals, the extra room makes cooking less cramped. You can easily move pots and pans around.
- Specific Cooking Styles: If you often use a wok, look for a model with a high-BTU wok burner.
Frequently Asked Questions about 36-Inch Gas Cooktops
Q: What is the typical price range for a 36-inch gas cooktop?
A: Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the brand and features.
Q: How many burners do most 36-inch gas cooktops have?
A: Most 36-inch gas cooktops come with five burners, but some models might have four or six.
Q: Are stainless steel cooktops hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel is generally easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. You might need a special cleaner for tough stains or fingerprints.
Q: What does BTU mean?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures the amount of heat a burner produces. Higher BTUs mean more powerful heat.
Q: Can I use aluminum pots and pans on a gas cooktop?
A: Yes, you can use aluminum cookware on a gas cooktop. However, some materials like cast iron or stainless steel can offer better heat distribution.
Q: What is the difference between a sealed and unsealed burner?
A: Sealed burners have a cap that prevents spills from reaching the burner assembly. Unsealed burners do not have this feature, making them harder to clean.
Q: How important are continuous grates?
A: Continuous grates are very convenient. They allow you to slide pots and pans from one burner to another without lifting them, which is great for busy cooks.
Q: Do I need special ventilation for a gas cooktop?
A: It’s highly recommended to have a range hood above your gas cooktop. It helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q: What is the warranty typically like for these cooktops?
A: Warranties usually cover parts and labor for one to two years. Some brands offer longer warranties on specific components.
Q: Should I consider a dual-fuel range instead of just a cooktop?
A: A dual-fuel range combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven. If you want the best of both worlds for cooking and baking, it’s a great option.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.