Imagine a kitchen where every meal is cooked to perfection. The sizzle of onions, the gentle simmer of a sauce – it all starts with a great cooktop. But when it comes to choosing a 36-inch gas cooktop, it can feel like a culinary puzzle. So many brands, so many features! It’s easy to get lost in the details, especially when you want something that cooks well and looks good in your kitchen.
Many people find it tricky to figure out which 36-inch gas cooktop is the best fit for their cooking style and budget. You want a cooktop that’s easy to clean, heats up quickly, and has the right burners for all your favorite recipes. Without the right information, you might end up with a cooktop that doesn’t quite meet your needs, leaving you frustrated with your cooking experience.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a 36-inch gas cooktop truly great. You’ll learn about the most important features to look for, understand different burner types, and discover what makes certain models stand out. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a cooktop that will transform your kitchen and make cooking a joy.
Our Top 5 Rated 36 Gas Cooktop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated 36 Gas Cooktop Detailed Reviews
1. TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with the TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop. This sleek stainless steel cooktop features five powerful SABAF burners from Italy, offering a total of 41,800 BTU for all your culinary adventures. Whether you’re simmering a delicate sauce or stir-frying a quick meal, this cooktop handles it all with ease. Plus, it’s designed for both natural gas and LPG, making it super versatile for any kitchen or even an RV.
What We Like:
- Five high-efficiency SABAF burners from Italy, including a powerful 12,000 BTU dual ring burner for fast heating.
- Durable 304 stainless steel surface is stain-resistant and simple to clean.
- Convertible to Natural Gas (NG) or Liquid Propane (LPG), with all necessary parts included.
- Features thermocouple safety protection, which automatically shuts off gas if the flame goes out.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates provide a stable surface for your pots and pans.
- CSA certified for safety and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 120V AC power requirement means it needs to be plugged in.
- While easy to clean, the stainless steel might show fingerprints.
This TOPWISH gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering power, safety, and style. It makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
2. Frigidaire Professional 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with Griddle
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the Frigidaire Professional 36 Inch Gas Cooktop! This sleek stainless steel cooktop features five powerful burners, including a super-fast Turbo Boil center burner that heats things up in a flash. It even comes with a griddle and a propane conversion kit, making it super versatile for any kitchen. Whether you’re searing steaks or simmering sauces, this cooktop handles it all.
What We Like:
- The 18,200 BTU Turbo Boil center burner is amazing for quickly boiling water or getting a fast sear.
- It includes a handy griddle, perfect for making pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- The stainless steel design looks really nice in any kitchen.
- It comes with a propane conversion kit, so you can use it with propane if you don’t have natural gas.
- The different burner sizes (9,500 BTU and 12,000 BTU) offer good control for various cooking tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 9,500 BTU burners might feel a little slow for some cooks who prefer very high heat across all burners.
- While powerful, some users might wish for even more BTU options on the smaller burners for faster simmering or delicate tasks.
This Frigidaire Professional cooktop really upgrades your cooking experience. It’s a fantastic choice for home chefs who want power and versatility.
3. 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: 9.1/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen with the AMZCHEF 36-inch Gas Cooktop! This powerful cooktop brings Italian engineering and serious cooking performance right to your home. It’s built with high-quality stainless steel and features five SABAF burners, giving you the power to cook anything from a quick sear to a slow simmer.
What We Like:
- Five powerful SABAF burners from Italy offer great cooking flexibility, with high BTU output for fast cooking and lower settings for delicate dishes.
- The reversible grill and griddle, made of durable cast iron and steel, is perfect for getting those nice sear marks and heats evenly.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the 304 stainless steel surface and sealed burners that keep food from getting underneath.
- Safety is a top priority with the ETL certification and thermocouple flame-out protection, which automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
- It easily switches between natural gas and propane, making it suitable for various kitchens, RVs, and even commercial spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the built-in dimensions are provided, it’s always good to double-check them against your existing countertop cutout before purchasing.
This AMZCHEF gas cooktop is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook and wants a reliable, safe, and versatile cooking experience.
4. SAMSUNG 36″ Built In Smart Gas Cooktop with Illuminated Knobs
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the SAMSUNG 36″ Built In Smart Gas Cooktop. This sleek black stainless steel cooktop offers a powerful and smart cooking experience. With five burners, including a high-heat 19K BTU Power Burner, you can tackle any recipe. Plus, the cool blue illuminated knobs let you know when it’s on.
What We Like:
- Powerful cooking with a 19K BTU Power Burner for quick boiling or gentle simmering.
- Stylish illuminated knobs that glow blue when the cooktop is in use.
- Convenient Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring via the SmartThings App.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your cooktop looking clean and beautiful.
- Three sturdy cast-iron grates make sliding pots and pans easy.
- Includes a griddle for versatile cooking options.
- Grates are easy to remove and clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Wi-Fi setup might require some technical comfort.
- The black stainless steel, while fingerprint-resistant, can still show smudges if not wiped properly.
This Samsung cooktop is a fantastic addition for any home chef. It combines power, smart features, and style to make cooking more enjoyable.
5. Frigidaire Gallery 36 Inch Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.5/10
The Frigidaire Gallery 36 Inch Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and five powerful burners offer a versatile cooking experience. This cooktop is designed for modern living, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The 36-inch size fits well in most kitchens.
- Stainless steel looks great and is easy to clean.
- Express-Select controls make adjusting heat simple.
- The angled front controls look modern and are easy to reach.
- The right front burner has a powerful 12,000 BTU for fast cooking.
- It includes a liquid propane conversion kit, making it adaptable.
- The 5,000 BTU right rear burner is good for simmering.
What Could Be Improved:
- More information about the other three burner sizes would be helpful.
- The product description doesn’t mention specific cleaning instructions.
This Frigidaire Gallery gas cooktop offers a great blend of style and practicality. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and good-looking cooktop.
Your Guide to Finding the Best 36-Inch Gas Cooktop
Choosing the Right 36-Inch Gas Cooktop
A 36-inch gas cooktop can be the heart of your kitchen. It offers plenty of space for cooking and looks great. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? This guide will help you understand what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
Burner Power and Types
- High-BTU Burners: These are great for fast boiling and searing. Look for at least one burner with 15,000 BTUs or more.
- Simmer Burners: A low-BTU burner is essential for delicate sauces or melting chocolate. Find one that goes down to 5,000 BTUs or less.
- Dual-Flame Burners: Some cooktops have burners with two rings of flame. This gives you more control over heat, from a gentle simmer to a strong boil.
- Sealed Burners: These burners prevent spills from going under the cooktop. Cleaning is much easier.
Cooktop Surface
- Continuous Grates: These are sturdy metal racks that go over the burners. They let you slide pots and pans around easily.
- Individual Grates: Some cooktops have separate grates for each burner. They can look stylish but might be harder to slide pots on.
Ignition and Controls
- Electronic Ignition: This means the burners light up automatically when you turn the knob. No more matches needed!
- Infinite Burner Control: This lets you adjust the flame to many different levels, giving you precise heat.
Other Helpful Features
- Wok Grates: If you love cooking with a wok, look for a cooktop with a special grate that holds it securely.
- Burner Indicators: Some cooktops have lights that show which burners are on or still hot.
- Built-in Thermometer: A few models offer a built-in thermometer for perfect roasting.
Important Materials
Cooktop Surface Materials
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. It’s durable, looks modern, and is resistant to rust and stains. It can show fingerprints, though.
- Porcelain Enamel: This material is tough and easy to clean. It often comes in black or white and is more affordable than stainless steel.
- Ceramic Glass: While more common on electric cooktops, some gas models use a smooth ceramic glass surface. It’s very easy to wipe clean but can scratch.
Grates Materials
- Cast Iron: This is the most common material for grates. It’s very strong and holds heat well, giving you a good sear. It needs to be seasoned and cared for to prevent rust.
- Enameled Cast Iron: This is cast iron with a protective enamel coating. It’s easier to clean and less likely to rust than plain cast iron.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Cooktop Better
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built cooktop feels solid and stable. The knobs should turn smoothly, and the grates should sit firmly.
- Even Heat Distribution: Good burners provide consistent heat across the bottom of your pots and pans.
- Precise Temperature Control: The ability to go from a low simmer to a high boil without much fuss is a sign of quality.
- Easy Cleaning: Sealed burners and smooth surfaces make cleanup much less of a chore.
What Makes a Cooktop Less Ideal
- Flimsy Grates: Grates that feel light or wobbly might not support heavy pots well.
- Uneven Heating: Some burners might have hot spots, making cooking less predictable.
- Difficult Controls: Knobs that are hard to turn or don’t offer fine adjustments can be frustrating.
- Hard-to-Clean Design: Gaps and crevices where food can get stuck will make cleaning a nightmare.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 36-inch gas cooktop is perfect for busy families and passionate home cooks. You’ll have enough space to cook multiple dishes at once. Imagine simmering a sauce on one burner while sautéing vegetables on another and boiling pasta on a third. It’s great for holidays when you’re making a big meal.
For those who love to entertain, a powerful cooktop lets you whip up appetizers and main courses with ease. The instant heat of gas is a big plus. You can quickly adjust the flame to get the perfect sear on a steak or a gentle simmer for a delicate custard.
Cleaning is usually straightforward with sealed burners. Most spills can be wiped up easily. However, if you choose cast iron grates, remember they need a little extra care to keep them looking good and rust-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is BTU?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much heat a burner produces. Higher BTU means more heat.
Q: Are sealed burners better?
A: Yes, sealed burners are generally better because they prevent spills from going under the cooktop, making cleaning easier.
Q: How do I clean my gas cooktop?
A: Most cooktops can be cleaned with mild soap and water. For tough stains, you might need a special cooktop cleaner. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Is stainless steel hard to maintain?
A: Stainless steel is durable, but it can show fingerprints and water spots. Wiping it with a microfiber cloth can help keep it looking clean.
Q: What kind of pots and pans work best on a gas cooktop?
A: Most types of cookware work well. Heavy-bottomed pots and pans with flat bases are ideal for even heating.
Q: How many burners does a 36-inch cooktop usually have?
A: A 36-inch cooktop typically has five burners, but some models may have four or six.
Q: Is it hard to install a gas cooktop?
A: Installation can be complex as it involves gas lines and electrical connections. It’s often best to have a professional install it.
Q: Can I use cast iron grates on any gas cooktop?
A: Yes, cast iron grates are common and work well with most gas cooktops. Just be sure to care for them properly.
Q: What is the difference between a gas cooktop and a gas range?
A: A gas cooktop is just the stovetop. A gas range includes both a cooktop and an oven.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a 36-inch gas cooktop?
A: Prices can vary greatly, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the brand and features.
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.