Imagine crafting a perfect meal, where every simmer, sear, and sauté happens just the way you want it. That’s the power of a great 36-inch gas cooktop! But when it comes time to buy one, it feels like you’re lost in a maze of knobs, BTU ratings, and fancy features. It can be frustrating to figure out which one will truly make your kitchen shine and cook your food beautifully, without breaking the bank.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in! We’ve dug deep to find the best 36-inch gas cooktops. By reading on, you’ll get clear, easy-to-understand advice. We’ll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and which models our experts recommend. Get ready to transform your cooking experience and find the cooktop that’s perfect for your home.
Our Top 5 36-Inch Gas Cooktop Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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36 Built-In Gas Cooktop | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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GASLAND 36 Inch Gas Cooktop 5 Burner | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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AAOBOSI 36 inch Gas Cooktop | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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TOPWISH 36 Inch Gas Cooktop | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 36-Inch Gas Cooktop Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. 36 Built-In Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful GE 36″ Built-In Gas Cooktop, model JGP5036SLSS. This cooktop brings professional-style cooking right into your home. Its spacious 36-inch design offers plenty of room to prepare meals for your family and friends. The gas burners provide instant heat and precise temperature control, making it ideal for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil. Its stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen countertop.
What We Like:
- Generous 36-inch cooking surface provides ample space for multiple pots and pans.
- Precise gas flame control allows for perfect heat adjustments, from low simmers to high-heat searing.
- Durable stainless steel construction is easy to clean and looks great in any kitchen.
- Sealed burners contain spills, making cleanup quick and simple.
- Electronic ignition lights burners quickly and reliably.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the knob placement requires a slight adjustment period.
- While durable, the stainless steel can show fingerprints if not wiped regularly.
This GE gas cooktop is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook. It offers both style and performance to elevate your culinary experience.
2. GASLAND 36 Inch Gas Cooktop 5 Burner
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GASLAND 36 Inch Gas Cooktop, PRO GH2365EF. This sleek, black built-in gas stovetop offers five powerful burners, perfect for any cooking task. Its smart design and safety features make it a fantastic addition to any home.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean thanks to the black enamel surface and sealed burners.
- Five high-efficiency Italy Sabaf burners provide versatile cooking power, from rapid boiling to gentle simmering.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates offer stable support for all your cookware.
- Melt-proof zinc alloy knobs are easy to grip and control each burner.
- Built-in thermocouple protection automatically shuts off gas if the flame goes out, keeping you safe.
- It’s CSA certified for use in the US and Canada.
- It can easily switch between natural gas and liquid propane with the included nozzles.
- The automatic electric pulse ignition is convenient and uses a standard 120V AC plug.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 120V AC power requirement means it needs to be plugged in, which might limit placement options for some users.
- While the burners are powerful, the lowest BTU simmer burner is 4000 BTU, which might still be a bit high for extremely delicate simmering tasks for some chefs.
This GASLAND gas cooktop is a safe, versatile, and user-friendly choice for any kitchen. It offers excellent performance and peace of mind for everyday cooking needs.
3. ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners
Rating: 8.9/10
Elevate your kitchen experience with the ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop. This powerful cooktop features five Italian Sabaf burners, designed for efficiency and even heating. Its sleek 304 stainless steel construction adds a modern touch to any countertop. Plus, it’s built with safety in mind and is easy to install and clean.
What We Like:
- Five powerful Italy Sabaf burners offer versatile cooking options, from simmering to stir-frying.
- The thermocouple flameout protection (FFD) automatically shuts off gas if the flame goes out, ensuring safety.
- It’s CSA certified, meaning it meets high safety standards.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the seamless stainless steel panel and removable, dishwasher-safe grates.
- The cooktop is convertible between Natural Gas (NG) and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), offering flexibility.
- Installation is straightforward with a 120V AC pulse ignition and a generous power cord.
- The push-type rotary switch prevents accidental ignition, keeping children safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included gas pressure regulator is only for NG use; an LPG regulator would need to be purchased separately if using LPG.
- While easy to clean, the stainless steel surface can show fingerprints, requiring regular wiping.
This ThermoMate gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any home kitchen, offering a blend of performance, safety, and convenience. It makes cooking a joy and cleanup a breeze.
4. AAOBOSI 36 inch Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.7/10
The AAOBOSI 36 inch Gas Cooktop is a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen. This freestanding range offers a commercial-grade cooking experience with six burners, perfect for everything from delicate simmering to high-heat grilling. Its sleek stainless steel design and durable cast iron grates make it both stylish and built to last.
What We Like:
- The six burners offer a total of 78,000 BTU, with different heat levels (18,000, 12,000, and 9,000 BTU) for precise cooking control.
- It easily switches between natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LPG) with an included conversion kit and clear instructions.
- Safety features like pulse ignition and thermocouple flameout protection are included.
- The stainless steel surface and porcelain drip pan make it easy to clean.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates provide stable support for pots and pans of all sizes.
- ABS rotary knobs are flexible and stay cool to the touch, with helpful panel lights.
- The cooktop is CSA certified, ensuring it meets safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Natural gas pressure regulators and gas pipes are not included, so these must be purchased separately.
- The product dimensions are 25.8″D x 36″W x 8.7″H, so ensure you have adequate space.
This AAOBOSI gas cooktop provides excellent performance and flexibility for home cooks. It’s a durable and safe choice for those who love to cook.
5. TOPWISH 36 Inch Gas Cooktop
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOPWISH 36 Inch Gas Cooktop brings professional-level cooking power and versatility to your kitchen, RV, or outdoor space. It features five high-efficiency Italian SABAF burners, offering a total of 41,800 BTU, perfect for any culinary task from gentle simmering to rapid boiling.
What We Like:
- Five world-class SABAF burners deliver excellent heat control for various cooking methods.
- The dual-ring 12,000 BTU burner is great for quick heating or large pots.
- Durable 304 stainless steel surface is easy to clean and resists stains and heat.
- Sealed burners prevent food from falling inside, making cleanup a breeze.
- It’s convertible between natural gas and propane, offering flexibility for different locations.
- CSA certification and thermocouple protection ensure safety by automatically shutting off gas if a flame goes out.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates provide a stable surface for your cookware.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 36-inch size might be too large for very compact kitchens or RVs.
- While easy to clean, regular maintenance is still needed for optimal performance.
This cooktop is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook and needs a reliable, safe, and adaptable cooking solution.
Choosing the Right 36-Inch Gas Cooktop: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
A 36-inch gas cooktop can transform your kitchen. It offers more cooking space and the precise heat control gas is known for. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one for your needs? This guide will help you find the perfect fit.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a gas cooktop, these features make a big difference:
- Burner Power and Types: Look for a variety of burner sizes. A powerful “power burner” is great for boiling water fast or searing meat. Smaller burners are good for simmering sauces gently. Some cooktops have special burners, like a simmer burner for delicate tasks or a griddle burner for even cooking.
- Ignition System: Most gas cooktops have electronic ignition. This means you just turn the knob and the burner lights up. Make sure it’s reliable and lights quickly.
- Cooktop Surface: This is where you’ll be doing most of your cooking. A good surface is easy to clean.
- Knob Controls: Sturdy knobs feel good to use. They should be easy to grip and turn precisely. Some have LED lights that show which burner is on.
- Grates: Heavy-duty cast iron grates are strong. They hold your pots and pans securely. They also distribute heat evenly. Look for grates that are easy to remove for cleaning.
- Safety Features: Many cooktops have safety features like auto-reignition. If a flame goes out, it relights automatically. Some have a simmer setting that stays on at very low heat.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a gas cooktop affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. Stainless steel is strong, looks modern, and resists rust. It can show fingerprints, so some models have a smudge-resistant finish.
- Porcelain Enamel: This material is often found on the cooktop surface. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean. It comes in different colors, like black or white.
- Cast Iron: As mentioned, cast iron is used for grates. It’s very strong and can handle high heat. It needs to be seasoned and cared for to prevent rust.
- Sealed Burner Heads: These are usually made of brass or aluminum. Brass is more durable and resists corrosion better.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a cooktop better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built cooktop feels solid. The knobs should turn smoothly. The burner caps should fit snugly. Look for a cooktop that seems sturdy and well-made.
- Ease of Cleaning: A cooktop that’s hard to clean will become a chore. Look for removable grates and a smooth surface. Some stainless steel finishes are harder to keep clean than others.
- Burner Performance: Does the cooktop heat evenly? Can it simmer gently without burning food? Does it boil water quickly? Consumer Reports often tests these things.
- Durability: How long will the cooktop last? Good materials and solid construction usually mean it will last longer.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you cook and what you need.
- Everyday Cooking: If you cook simple meals daily, you need burners that are easy to use and clean. A few different burner sizes will handle most tasks.
- Gourmet Cooking: If you love to cook complex dishes, you’ll appreciate precise temperature control. Power burners for fast cooking and simmer burners for delicate sauces are important.
- Entertaining: When you have guests, you might be cooking multiple dishes at once. Extra space and powerful burners help you manage everything.
- Small Kitchens: Even in a smaller kitchen, a 36-inch cooktop can be a great upgrade if you have the space. It makes cooking feel less cramped.
- Busy Families: Easy-to-clean surfaces and reliable ignition are lifesavers for busy families. Safety features give peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About 36-Inch Gas Cooktops
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: The most important feature depends on your cooking style. For most people, it’s having a good variety of burner power and types.
Q: Are stainless steel cooktops hard to clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges. However, many models now have smudge-resistant finishes that are easier to keep looking clean.
Q: What does “sealed burner” mean?
A: Sealed burners have a cap that prevents spills from going down into the cooktop. This makes cleaning much easier.
Q: How much space do I need for a 36-inch cooktop?
A: You need at least a 36-inch wide opening in your countertop. Always check the manufacturer’s specific installation instructions for exact cutout dimensions and clearance requirements.
Q: Are gas cooktops more expensive to run than electric?
A: The cost can vary depending on local utility prices. In some areas, natural gas is cheaper than electricity.
Q: What is a “power burner”?
A: A power burner is a high-output burner designed to boil water quickly or sear food at high temperatures.
Q: Do I need special pots and pans for a gas cooktop?
A: Most standard pots and pans work well on gas. However, flat-bottomed pans will make the best contact with the grates for even heating.
Q: How do I clean cast iron grates?
A: You can usually clean cast iron grates with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid harsh detergents. They may need to be re-seasoned occasionally.
Q: What is auto-reignition?
A: Auto-reignition means that if a burner flame goes out, the cooktop will automatically try to relight it.
Q: Where can I find reliable reviews?
A: Consumer Reports is a great source for unbiased reviews and testing data on appliances like gas cooktops.
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.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!