Imagine the sizzle of perfectly seared steak or the gentle simmer of a rich sauce. For many home cooks, a gas cooktop is the heart of their kitchen, offering precise control and that satisfying culinary feel. But when it comes to a 36-inch gas cooktop, the choices can feel overwhelming. Are you wondering which burner is best for boiling water quickly, or how to get that low, even heat for melting chocolate without scorching?
Choosing the right 36-inch gas cooktop can be a puzzle. You want one that cooks your food just right, looks great in your kitchen, and fits your budget. It’s easy to get lost in all the different features and brands. You might be worried about spending your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great 36-inch gas cooktop. You’ll learn about the important things to look for, like burner power and easy cleaning. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect cooktop to make your kitchen dreams come true. Let’s dive in and explore the world of 36-inch gas cooktops!
Our Top 5 Rated 36 Gas Cooktop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated 36 Gas Cooktop Detailed Reviews
1. 36 inch Gas Cooktop with Grill/Griddle
Rating: 8.7/10
Elevate your cooking game with this versatile 36-inch gas cooktop. It boasts powerful burners, a handy grill/griddle, and a sleek stainless steel design. This cooktop is built for performance and safety, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 20,000 BTU tri-ring burner is super powerful for quick cooking.
- It comes with a reversible grill and griddle, perfect for cooking breakfast or grilling steaks.
- You can easily switch between natural gas and propane fuel.
- Safety features like thermocouple protection and child-proof knobs give peace of mind.
- The stainless steel surface is easy to clean and looks great.
- It’s CSA certified, meaning it meets safety standards for the US and Canada.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setting is for natural gas, so you need to convert it for propane.
- While powerful, some might find the specific BTU output of the smaller burners could be higher.
This gas cooktop offers a lot of cooking flexibility and safety. It’s a solid choice for home chefs who want reliable performance.
2. Empava 36 in. Gas Stove Cooktop 6 Italy Sabaf Sealed Burners NG/LPG Convertible in Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Empava 36-inch Gas Stove Cooktop. This sleek stainless steel cooktop features six powerful Italy Sabaf sealed burners, perfect for all your cooking needs. It’s designed for both natural gas and propane, making it super versatile for any home.
What We Like:
- Exceptional Quality: It’s designed and engineered in the USA and comes with a 2-year US-based manufacturer’s warranty, which is twice the usual industry standard.
- Flexible Fuel Options: The cooktop easily converts between Natural Gas (NG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), with both nozzles included. It works manually without electricity, ideal for RVs, small kitchens, or outdoor cooking.
- Safety First: The push-type rotary switch ignition prevents accidental use by children. A thermocouple flame-out system automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, preventing leaks.
- Easy Cleaning: Durable knobs and laser-cut, heavy cast iron grates are dishwasher safe for simple cleanup. The 304 stainless steel drip pan is also easy to wipe down.
- Powerful Performance: Six burners offer a range of heat levels, from 6,000 BTU simmer to 18,000 BTU powerful boil. This lets you simmer, boil, stir-fry, steam, melt, and caramelize with ease.
- Modern Design: The cooktop boasts a silver bright appearance and an elegant finish, adding a touch of modern style to your kitchen.
- Convenient Installation: It’s compatible with Empava 30/36-inch under-counter ovens and includes a pre-installed 110v power cord, natural gas regulator, and LPG conversion kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Burner Power: While versatile, some users might prefer an option with even higher BTU burners for extremely rapid cooking.
- Installation Complexity: While compatible with Empava ovens, professional installation might still be recommended for optimal performance and safety.
This Empava cooktop offers a fantastic blend of performance, safety, and style. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
3. GASLAND 36 Inch Gas Cooktop 5 Burner
Rating: 8.7/10
The GASLAND 36 Inch Gas Cooktop, PRO GH2365EF, brings powerful cooking and safety to your kitchen. This built-in gas stovetop easily converts between natural gas and LPG, making it a versatile choice. Its sleek black enamel surface and robust cast iron grates offer both style and durability.
What We Like:
- Five high-efficiency Italy Sabaf burners provide a range of heat levels for all your cooking needs, from rapid boiling to gentle simmering.
- The black enamel surface is easy to clean and resists stains and discoloration, making maintenance a breeze.
- Sealed burners prevent food from falling through, simplifying cleanup even further.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates offer stable support for all your cookware, including small pans.
- Thermocouple protection automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, ensuring your safety.
- It’s CSA certified for use in the US and Canada, and includes a regulator.
- The cooktop is convertible for both Natural Gas (NG) and Liquid Propane (LPG), offering flexibility.
- Automatic electric pulse ignition with a 120V AC plug makes starting burners quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord plug is 3.93 ft long, which might limit placement options for some kitchens.
This GASLAND cooktop is a great addition for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and versatile cooking experience in their home or even for mobile applications.
4. ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop. This sleek and powerful cooktop features five Italy Sabaf burners, perfect for all your cooking needs. Its durable 304 stainless steel construction ensures it will last for years, and the CSA certification means it’s safe and reliable. Whether you’re simmering, frying, or boiling, this gas hob delivers precise heat control for delicious results every time.
What We Like:
- Five powerful Italy Sabaf burners offer a range of heat levels for various cooking styles, from simmering to stir-frying.
- The thermocouple flameout protection (FFD) automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, ensuring safety.
- Easy to clean with a seamless stainless steel panel and removable, dishwasher-safe grates.
- Simple installation with a standard power cord and clear cut-out dimensions.
- Convertible between Natural Gas (NG) and Liquid Propane (LPG) for flexibility.
- CSA certified for gas pressure regulator, providing peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included gas pressure regulator is only for NG use; an LPG regulator would need to be purchased separately for LPG conversion.
- While installation is designed to be quick, verifying the exact size for your countertop cutout is crucial before purchase.
This ThermoMate gas cooktop offers a fantastic combination of power, safety, and ease of use for any home chef. It’s a reliable and stylish addition to your kitchen.
5. Frigidaire Gallery 36 Inch Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.7/10
The Frigidaire Gallery 36 Inch Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop, 5-Burner Range with Liquid Propane Cooktop Conversion Kit, FGGC3645QS brings professional-style cooking to your kitchen. This sleek stainless steel cooktop offers five powerful burners, giving you plenty of space to prepare meals. The intuitive Express-Select controls make it simple to adjust heat levels, from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil. Plus, the angled front controls are conveniently placed for easy access while you cook.
What We Like:
- Spacious 36-inch design with five burners for versatile cooking.
- Express-Select controls offer precise heat adjustments.
- Angled front controls provide easy and comfortable operation.
- Powerful right front burner delivers 12,000 BTUs for quick heating.
- Includes a liquid propane conversion kit for flexible installation.
- Durable stainless steel construction looks great and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5,000 BTU rear burner might be slow for some tasks.
- Some users might prefer knobs over the Express-Select controls for tactile feedback.
This Frigidaire Gallery gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any home kitchen, offering both style and performance. It’s designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Your Guide to Choosing a 36-Inch Gas Cooktop
A 36-inch gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It gives you more space to cook and usually comes with more powerful burners. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Number of Burners: Most 36-inch cooktops have five burners. This is great for cooking multiple dishes at once.
- Burner Power (BTUs): BTUs tell you how hot a burner can get. Look for a range of BTUs. A high BTU burner is good for searing meat quickly. Lower BTU burners are perfect for simmering sauces gently.
- Grates: These are the metal racks that hold your pots and pans. Heavy-duty cast iron grates are very durable. They also stay hot and help with even cooking. Some grates are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning easier.
- Ignition Type: Most gas cooktops have electronic ignition. This means you just turn the knob, and the burner lights up.
- Simmer Burner: A special burner designed for very low heat is a plus. It’s ideal for melting butter or keeping food warm without burning.
- Continuous Grates: These grates run all the way across the cooktop. They make it easy to slide heavy pots from one burner to another.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cooktop affect its look, durability, and how it performs.
- Cooktop Surface: Stainless steel is a popular choice. It’s strong, looks modern, and is easy to clean. Some cooktops have a ceramic glass surface. These look very sleek but can scratch more easily than stainless steel.
- Burner Caps: These are the parts that sit on top of the burners. They are usually made of metal.
- Grates: As mentioned, cast iron is the best for grates. It’s heavy and holds heat well.
Factors That Affect Quality
Some things make a cooktop better, while others might make it less ideal.
- Build Quality: A well-built cooktop feels sturdy. The knobs should turn smoothly. The grates should fit securely.
- Burner Performance: Good burners heat up quickly and provide consistent heat. They should be easy to control, from a high flame to a gentle simmer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for cooktops with smooth surfaces and removable grates and burner caps. This makes wiping up spills much simpler.
- Durability: High-quality materials and solid construction mean your cooktop will last a long time.
- Noise Level: Some cooktops can be noisy when the burners are on high. Check reviews to see if noise is an issue.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your kitchen. A 36-inch gas cooktop is great for many people.
- Home Chefs: If you love to cook and entertain, the extra space and powerful burners are a dream. You can easily manage multiple dishes for a dinner party.
- Busy Families: The ability to cook several things at once saves time. You can boil pasta, sauté vegetables, and simmer a sauce all at the same time.
- Small Kitchens: While it’s a 36-inch unit, it can still fit in some smaller kitchens if you have the counter space. It offers more cooking power than a standard 30-inch model.
- Specific Cooking Styles: Gas cooktops are preferred by many for their precise heat control. This is essential for techniques like stir-frying and delicate sauces.
Choosing a 36-inch gas cooktop is an exciting step! By considering these features, materials, and quality factors, you can find a cooktop that makes cooking a joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is BTU?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much heat a burner produces. Higher BTUs mean a hotter burner.
Q: Are stainless steel cooktops hard to clean?
A: Stainless steel cooktops are generally easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
Q: How many burners does a 36-inch gas cooktop usually have?
A: Most 36-inch gas cooktops come with five burners.
Q: Is cast iron better for grates than other materials?
A: Yes, cast iron is very durable and holds heat well, which helps food cook evenly.
Q: What is electronic ignition?
A: Electronic ignition means the burner lights automatically when you turn the knob. You don’t need a separate lighter.
Q: Can I put very large pots on a 36-inch gas cooktop?
A: Yes, the extra space and often larger burner sizes allow for bigger pots and pans.
Q: Are gas cooktops good for simmering?
A: Gas cooktops offer excellent control for simmering. Many have special simmer burners for very low heat.
Q: What’s the difference between a sealed and unsealed burner?
A: Sealed burners have a design that prevents spills from getting under the burner. This makes cleaning much easier.
Q: Do I need special pots and pans for a gas cooktop?
A: No, most pots and pans work well on gas cooktops. However, flat-bottomed pans are best for efficient heat transfer.
Q: How much counter space do I need for a 36-inch cooktop?
A: You will need a cutout space that is 36 inches wide. Always check the manufacturer’s exact measurements for installation.
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.