Imagine whipping up a gourmet meal with plenty of space for all your pots and pans. Does your current cooktop feel cramped when you host big family dinners? If you are dreaming of more cooking real estate, a 36-inch gas cooktop might be the perfect upgrade for your kitchen. These larger surfaces offer serious power and flexibility, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. You need to balance burner power, grate quality, and overall design without breaking the bank.
Navigating the world of BTUs, sealed versus open burners, and stainless steel finishes can leave you feeling confused. Getting stuck with a model that doesn’t fit your cooking style means daily kitchen frustration. This detailed guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what matters in a 36-inch gas cooktop.
By the end of this post, you will know how to spot the best features for your budget and cooking needs. Ready to transform your kitchen into a true culinary powerhouse? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about choosing the ultimate 36-inch gas cooktop.
Top 36 Inch Gas Cooktop Recommendations
- 5 Powerful Italy SABAF Burners: The Sabaf Burners consume less gas, ensuring consistent flame, with 1x13,000-BTU wok burner, 1x10,300-BTU rapid burner, 2x7,000-BTU semi-rapid burner, 1×4,000-BTU auxiliary burner, each burner distribute even heat to meet a variety of cooking demand. Such as simmer, fry, stir-frying, roast, steaming, boil, melting, or caramelizing.
- thermocouple&CSA: This 36 inch NG/LPG gas stove-top has CSA certified gas pressure regulator, equipped with a thermocouple flameout protection technology (FFD) automatically turning off gas when no flame is detected. Prevent accidental touch by children with ignition controlled by a push-type rotary switch.
- 1 Minute to Clean: 0.03-inch #304 stainless steel integrally molded panel and removable dishwasher-safe cast iron grates designed for effortless cleanup, resist stains and discoloration. Sealed burners keep the food residue away.
- 5 Minutes to Install: Please verify the gas hob is the right size for you. Product size: 36” W × 20.67” D × 1.73” H, Cut out size: 34.68” W × 19.33” D. 120V AC pulse ignition with 3.9 feet (1.2 m) power cord for quick connection.
- NG/LPG Convertible: The gas range top is factory set for use with Natural Gas, and can be transferred to LPG use with the nozzles attached. NOTE: the gas pressure regulator included is for NG use only.
- 【5 HIGH EFFICIENCY SABAF BURNERS】The TOPWISH 36 inch gas cooktop offers you 5 World-Class Made-in-ITALY SABAF multi-functional burners, including a Dual Ring 12,000 BTU burner, a 10,200 BTU Semi-rapid burner, two 6,000 BTU Rapid burners, and an Auxiliary burner. This powerful gas cooktop 36 inch is designed to meet your versatile cooking needs, such as simmering, braising, frying, stir-frying, roasting, steaming, boiling, melting, or caramelizing.
- 【304 STAINLESS STEEL FINISH】The TOPWISH 36 inch gas cooktop surface constructed with 304 stainless steel, resists stain, heat, discoloration and easy to clean. 5 sealed burners prevent food from falling inside. For cleaning, just simply remove the grates and wipe it with a damp towel.
- 【NG/LPG CONVERTIBLE】 The TOPWISH gas cooktop 36 inch delivers same power to both propane and natural gas (Default Nozzles are Natural Gas). Capable for multi-purpose such as RVs, light cooking family, small kitchen, etc. (Both Natural Gas Regulator and LPG Nozzles are included).
- 【PREMIUM QUALITY & EASY TO CLEAN】The TOPWISH gas stove top is built with 304 food-grade stainless steel surface and durable parts including edge to edge heavy cast iron grates and heat resistant knobs. 5 seamlessly sealed burners prevent food from dropping into them. You can simply remove the grates and wipe it clean with water or detergent, bring more convenience to your life.
- 【THERMOCOUPLE PROTECTION & CSA CERFICATION】 The 36 inches NG/LPG gas stove-top is CSA certified. With FFD, the five burner gas cooktop will shutoff the gas automatically if a flame is not detected, ensure your safety in an emergency.
- 【20,000 BTU Powerful Highly Efficient Tri-ring Burner】This 36 inch drop-in gas cooktop features 5 Italy SABAF highly efficient sealed burners. A 20,000 BTUs high output tri-ring center burner for boiling, searing, pan frying and stir frying, one 10,300 BTUs rapid burner offering high heat control, and three dedicated simmer burners with 4000 and 7000 BTUs delivering consistent and accurate low heat for delicate cuisines.
- 【95% heat efficiency】This 5 burners gas stove adopts the Italian SABAF burner design, which enables oxygen and gas to be able to get enough fusion, and not only improves the combustion efficiency, but also makes the fire more stable, with a thermal efficiency of up to 95%. More energy saving and efficient than ordinary stove burners.
- 【2 Convertible Gas Supply】This dual fuel stove top is designed for natural gas and liquid propane. The initial setting is for natural gas. For use of liquid propane, no worries - the package includes all the necessary conversion accessories, including LPG nozzles and pressure regulator, ensuring an easy transition to your preferred fuel type.
- 【Thermocouple Protection + CSA Certification】This 36 inch gas stove-top is CSA certified for US and Canada use including a CSA certified gas pressure regulator. A safety device is installed in every burner unit, automatically cutting off the gas supply when the flame goes out and preventing gas leaks and potential fire hazard risks.
- 【1 Minute Clean Up】Built with 304 stainless steel surface, resists stain, heat and discoloration. 5 sealed burners prevent food from dropping into them. You can simply remove the grates and wipe it clean with water or detergent. Automatic ignition by rotating the knob, which will become more convenience for your life. This 36″gas cooktop measures 35.43" L x 20.08" W x 4.53" H and is designed for a snug fit in various kitchen setups or as an RV cooktop. The cutout dimensions are 32.87" L x 19.09" W.
- 🔥 5 Powerful Highly Efficient Burners : The 36 inch gas build-in cooktop features 5 Italy SABAF highly efficient sealed burners. 20,000 & 10,300 BTUs high output burners for boiling, searing, pan frying. And 7000 and 4000 BTU simmer burners delivering consistent and accurate low heat for delicate cuisines. Excellent for cooking in versatile styles.
- 🔥 EASY MAINTENANCE : Featuring 304 stainless steel surface, it resists stains, heat and discoloration.5 sealed burners prevent food from falling into them. All you need to do is remove the burner plate and wipe it clean with water or detergent. More convenience for your life. The built-in dimensions of this built-in gas cooktop are 34.06'' x 19.3'', while the entire product measures 35.43'' x 20.08'' x 2.6''.
- 🔥 90% heat efficiency : AMZRVSTUDIO 5 burners gas stove adopts the Italian SABAF stove design, which enables oxygen and gas to be able to get enough fusion, and not only improves the combustion efficiency, but also makes the fire more stable, with a thermal efficiency of up to 90%.
- 🔥 2.CONVERTIBLE GAS SOURCE : This dual fuel gas stove is designed for natural gas and liquefied propane. Initial setting is natural gas with natural gas and propane nozzles. Can be used in RVs, home kitchens, commercial restaurants, mobile homes and many other uses.
- 🔥 Thermocouple Protection + ETL Certification : This 36 inches NG/LPG gas stove-top is ETL certified for US . The thermocouple flame-out failure device system(FFD) will shut off the gas automatically if a flame is not detected to ensure your safety in an emergency.
- Designed and Engineered in USA with 2 Years US Based Manufacture, DOUBLES the usual industry for an exceptional quality Empava stove top.
- LPG/NG Convertible (Both Nozzles Included) delivers the same maximum BTU power to propane and natural gas cooktops – Works manually w/o electricity. Capable for multi-purpose such as RVs, light cooking family, small kitchen and outdoor use, etc. Compatible to install above any Empava 30/36 in. under-counter single wall oven.
- The ignition is controlled by push-type rotary switch which can prevent accidental touch by children. What's more, being equipped with a thermocouple flame out fault system ensures the gas is automatically turned off when no flame is detected, in case of gas leakage.
- The durable knobs and laser cut full-width edge-to-edge heavy cast iron grates can be cleaned in the dishwasher for hassle-free, effortless cleaning and maintenance to enhance the premium look.
- The cooktop surface is constructed with 304 stainless steel drip pan for easy clean; front ABS knob without knob ring can withstand high temperatures and heavy-duty flat cast-iron cooking grates is perfect to keep the pot stable. it has an overall silver bright appearance and elegant finish, let you experience a modern superior quality of life.
- Professional 36 In. Gas Cooktop
- Left front burner: 9500 BTU
- Left rear burner: 9500 BTU
- Center burner: 182000 BTU Turbo boil
- Right front burner: 12000 BTU
- Powerful Cooking Burners: This gas cooktop features five high-powered sealed burners, including a dual ring 11260-BTU burner, a 10200-BTU Rapid burner, two 5975-BTU burner and a 3415-BTU Auxiliary burner.. With this exceptional power, you can effortlessly simmer, roast, steam, boil, melt, fry and stir-fry various dishes.
- Premium Quality and Easy to Clean: Our gas stove features an exquisite stainless steel panel, sealed burner, and zinc alloy knob for excellent durability, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. The stylish design not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, but also makes cleaning a breeze. Just wipe the surface with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh cleaners that can damage the panel.
- Thermocouple Protection: The 36 inch gas cooktop is equipped with a thermocouple flameout protection technology (FFD), ensuring that the gas is automatically turned off when no flame is detected to protect the safety of your family.
- NG/LPG Convertible: 5 burner gas cooktop offer flexibility and convenience with their rotary control automatic ignition and adjustable gas regulation. The natural gas nozzle comes pre-installed, but it can be easily replaced with an LPG nozzle to meet your specific needs.
- Perfect Dimension and Quality Warranty: This 5 burner propane cooktop dimension: 35.43 x 20.08 inch . The built in size is 32.68 x 18.9 inch that can fit your kitchen perfectly. We provide the 12-month warranty for the gas cooktop, replace a new set directly once it has any quality problems.
- 【Easy Maintenance】Built with black enamel surface, resists stain, heat and discoloration. 5 sealed burners prevent food from falling into them. You can simply remove the grates and wipe clean with water or detergent. The automatic electric pulse ignition uses a 120V AC power.(Come with 3.93 ft cord plug.), which will become more convenience to your life. The built-in size is 34.7'' x 19.3'' while the whole product size is 36.0'' x 20.7'' x 4.5'' for this built in gas cooktop.
- 【5 Powerful High Efficiency Burners】This drop-in 36-inch gas cooker features 5 Italy Sabaf high efficiency sealed burners. 13,300 & 10,300 BTUs high output burners for boiling, searing, pan frying. And 4000 and 7000 BTU simmer burners delivering consistent and accurate low heat for delicate cuisines. Excellent for cooking in versatile styles.
- 【Thoughtful Design】 Heavy cast iron grate make cooking more stable, won't drop even a mini pan. 5 melt-proof zinc alloy knobs can respectively control 5 burners, allow cooking 5 meals in the same time. Shorten dinner party preparation time.
- 【Thermocouple Protection + CSA Certification】This 36 inches NG/LPG gas stove-top is CSA certified for US and Canada use including a CSA certified gas pressure regulator. The thermocouple flame-out failure device system(FFD) will shutoff the gas automatically if a flame is not detected to ensure your safety in an emergency.
- 【2 Convertible Gas Supply 】This dual fuel gas hob is designed for natural gas and liquid propane. The initial setting is for natural gas, come with both natural gas & propane nozzles. Capable for multi-purpose such as RVs, light cooking family, small kitchen, mobile home.
Your Essential Guide to Buying a 36-Inch Gas Cooktop
A 36-inch gas cooktop is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen. It gives you more space to cook big meals. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make cooking easier and safer. Think about what you cook most often.
1. Burner Configuration and Power
- Number of Burners: Most 36-inch models have five or six burners. More burners let you cook more dishes at once.
- BTU Output: BTU (British Thermal Units) measures a burner’s heat power. Look for high BTU burners (15,000+ BTU) for fast boiling or searing meat. Lower BTU burners (around 5,000 BTU) are great for simmering sauces gently.
- Specialty Burners: Some cooktops include a powerful dual-ring burner or a dedicated griddle burner. These offer great cooking flexibility.
2. Ignition System
You want reliable ignition. Most modern cooktops use electronic ignition. This means you just turn the knob, and the flame lights instantly. Some older models might use a pilot light, but electronic is usually better.
3. Grates and Continuous Grates
Grates hold your pots and pans over the flame. Continuous grates are a big plus. They form one flat surface across the entire cooktop. This lets you slide heavy pots easily from one burner to another without lifting them up. This feature really improves the user experience.
Important Materials for Durability
The materials used affect how long your cooktop lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Cooktop Surface Material
- Stainless Steel: This is very common. Stainless steel looks professional and handles high heat well. It resists rust. However, fingerprints and smudges show easily on stainless steel.
- Sealed Burners: Ensure the burners are sealed. Sealed burners prevent spills from dripping down into the inner parts of the cooktop. Cleaning becomes much simpler when spills stay on top.
Grate Material
Look for cast iron grates. Cast iron is very heavy and durable. It holds heat well and stays put, which prevents accidents. Lighter, thinner metal grates can warp over time or slide around too much.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality often comes down to the details and how the appliance is built.
High-Quality Indicators
- Heavy-Duty Knobs: Good quality cooktops feature solid, metal control knobs. Plastic knobs can crack or wear out quickly with frequent use.
- Precise Flame Control: Test the knobs to see how smoothly they turn. High-quality units offer very fine, incremental control over the flame size, which is crucial for delicate cooking.
- Easy Removal for Cleaning: Are the drip pans and burner caps easy to lift off? If cleaning requires a lot of effort, you might avoid using the cooktop as much.
Quality Reducers
Cheaply made units often have weak burner heads that distribute flame unevenly. Also, flimsy grates that do not sit securely are a safety risk and lower the overall quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your daily cooking habits. A 36-inch cooktop offers space for busy households.
For the Home Chef
If you love to entertain or cook complex meals, the extra width is essential. You can simmer a sauce on one side while rapidly searing steaks on a high-BTU burner on the other. The extra space between burners stops crowding when using oversized pots.
For Everyday Cooking
Even for simple meals, the layout matters. Consider the placement of the high-power burner. Many users prefer the most powerful burner in the front center for easy access. A good user experience means the controls are intuitive and spills are managed easily.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 36-Inch Gas Cooktops
Q: What is the standard cutout size for a 36-inch cooktop?
A: While the overall width is 36 inches, the required cutout space in your counter is usually smaller, often around 34 inches wide by 19 inches deep. Always check the specific model’s installation manual before cutting your countertop.
Q: Can I install a gas cooktop in an electric countertop?
A: Yes, if you have the proper gas line available. You must hire a licensed professional to run the gas line and connect the cooktop safely. This is not a DIY job.
Q: How difficult is it to clean a 36-inch gas cooktop?
A: Cleaning difficulty depends on the design. Models with sealed burners and removable cast iron grates are the easiest to manage. Spills are contained on the surface.
Q: Do I need a ventilation hood above a gas cooktop?
A: Yes, a ventilation hood or range hood is strongly recommended. Gas combustion creates moisture and byproducts. A good hood removes heat, smoke, and odors from your kitchen.
Q: What is the difference between a cooktop and a range?
A: A cooktop is just the top part with burners that drops into your counter. A range is a single unit that includes both the cooktop and an oven underneath.
Q: Are stainless steel cooktops hard to keep shiny?
A: Stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. You will need to wipe it down frequently with a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or mild soap and water to keep it looking its best.
Q: What does “sealed burner” mean?
A: Sealed burners have a tight seal where the burner meets the cooktop surface. This prevents liquids and food debris from falling into the mechanics below the surface, making cleanup much easier.
Q: Which burner size is best for everyday use?
A: Most people use the medium-sized burners most often. Look for at least two or three mid-range burners that offer good heat control for general cooking tasks.
Q: How much does a good 36-inch gas cooktop generally cost?
A: Prices vary widely based on brand and features. Basic models start around $700, but high-end models with professional features can cost $2,500 or more.
Q: Do I need special pots and pans for a gas cooktop?
A: No, gas works with almost all cookware. However, pans with flat, thick bottoms heat most evenly. Very warped pans might not sit flat on the grates.