Imagine creating restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen. A powerful 36-inch gas cooktop can make that happen! But with so many brands and features out there, picking the perfect one can feel overwhelming. You want a cooktop that heats evenly, is easy to clean, and looks great, but the sheer number of choices can leave you scratching your head.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. We’ve done the hard work for you! This post dives deep into what Consumer Reports has found about the best 36-inch gas cooktops. We’ll break down the pros and cons of top models, helping you understand which ones truly stand out.
By reading on, you’ll get clear, easy-to-understand advice to help you choose a cooktop that fits your cooking style and budget. Get ready to transform your kitchen and your cooking!
Our Top 5 36-Inch Gas Cooktop Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
GE PGP9036SLSS 36 Inch Gas Cooktop | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
36 Inch Gas Cooktop | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
Frigidaire Professional 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with Griddle | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 36-Inch Gas Cooktop Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOPWISH 36″ Built-in Gas Cooktop. This sleek stainless steel cooktop features five high-efficiency SABAF burners imported from Italy, offering a total of 41,800 BTUs for all your cooking needs. It works with both natural gas and propane, making it super versatile. Plus, it’s designed with safety and easy cleaning in mind.
What We Like:
- Powerful cooking with 5 SABAF burners, including a 12,000 BTU dual-ring burner for fast heating and a low setting for simmering.
- Durable and easy-to-clean 304 stainless steel surface that resists stains and heat.
- Convertible to Natural Gas (NG) or Liquid Propane (LPG), with all necessary parts included.
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates provide a stable surface for pots and pans.
- Built-in thermocouple protection automatically shuts off gas if the flame goes out, ensuring safety.
- CSA certified for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 120V AC requirement means you’ll need an electrical outlet nearby.
- While easy to clean, the stainless steel surface might show fingerprints.
This TOPWISH gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both performance and safety. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their cooking experience.
2. ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Italy Sabaf Power Burners
Rating: 8.7/10
The ThermoMate Heavy 36 Inch Gas Cooktop is a powerful and versatile addition to any kitchen. With five Sabaf burners from Italy, it offers precise heat control for all your cooking needs, from simmering delicate sauces to searing steaks. Its sleek 304 stainless steel design looks great and is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for busy households. Plus, it’s designed with safety and convenience in mind, featuring thermocouple protection and easy installation.
What We Like:
- Five powerful Italy Sabaf burners provide a range of heat levels for diverse cooking tasks.
- The thermocouple flameout protection (FFD) adds an important safety feature.
- The 304 stainless steel surface and removable grates make cleaning simple.
- It’s convertible for Natural Gas or LPG, offering flexibility.
- The CSA certification assures you of its safety standards.
- The push-type rotary switch with ignition control helps prevent accidental use by children.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included gas pressure regulator is specifically for Natural Gas, meaning an additional regulator might be needed for LPG conversion.
- The product requires a 120V AC power source for ignition.
This ThermoMate gas cooktop is a solid choice for home cooks seeking performance and safety. It delivers excellent cooking power and thoughtful safety features in a stylish package.
3. GE PGP9036SLSS 36 Inch Gas Cooktop
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE PGP9036SLSS 36 Inch Gas Cooktop in Solid Black brings professional style and powerful performance to your kitchen. Its sleek design fits seamlessly into your countertop, offering ample cooking space for all your culinary adventures. With precise heat control and durable construction, this cooktop is built to handle everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil.
What We Like:
- Precise simmer-to-boil control for perfect cooking results.
- Heavy-duty grates offer a stable surface for pots and pans.
- The sealed cooktop design makes cleaning up spills easy.
- Electronic ignition lights burners quickly and reliably.
- The 36-inch width provides plenty of cooking area.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the burner knobs a bit stiff to turn.
- The black surface can show fingerprints easily.
- Installation might require professional help for some homeowners.
This GE gas cooktop is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook. It offers a great balance of style, functionality, and power for your kitchen.
4. 36 Inch Gas Cooktop
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen with this powerful and versatile 36-inch gas cooktop! It boasts five high-efficiency burners, giving you the perfect heat for everything from a gentle simmer to a roaring boil. The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, and its smart safety features offer peace of mind while you cook.
What We Like:
- Five burners with different heat levels (up to 10,500 BTU) let you cook many things at once.
- The thermocouple system automatically shuts off the gas if a flame goes out, keeping your home safe.
- Child lock on the knobs prevents accidental turning on.
- The stainless steel surface is easy to clean, and spills won’t seep into the burners because they are sealed.
- Heavy cast iron grates hold your pots and pans securely.
- You can use it with natural gas or propane, making it flexible for your home.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for extra confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The electric ignition needs a 110V AC power source, so you need an outlet nearby.
- Natural gas pressure regulators and gas pipes are not included, so you’ll need to get those separately if you use natural gas.
This gas cooktop is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook. It combines safety, style, and performance, making meal prep a joy.
5. Frigidaire Professional 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with Griddle
Rating: 9.0/10
The Frigidaire Professional 36 Inch Gas Cooktop with Griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you love to cook. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and the five burners give you plenty of space to prepare multiple dishes at once. Plus, it comes with everything you need to use it with propane, making it super versatile.
What We Like:
- Powerful cooking with a 18,200 BTU Turbo Boil center burner for fast heating.
- Precise temperature control for all your cooking needs with 9,500 BTU and 12,000 BTU burners.
- The included griddle is perfect for making pancakes, bacon, or grilled cheese.
- The stainless steel design is both stylish and easy to clean.
- Propane conversion kit means you can use it with propane gas right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The powerful center burner might take some practice to get used to for delicate cooking.
- While the stainless steel looks nice, it can show fingerprints easily.
This Frigidaire cooktop is a powerful and versatile appliance that will make your cooking experience more enjoyable. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a professional-looking and high-performing cooktop.
Choosing Your Perfect 36-Inch Gas Cooktop: A Consumer Reports Guide
A 36-inch gas cooktop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers more cooking space and powerful burners for serious cooks. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you make a smart choice, just like Consumer Reports would.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 36-inch gas cooktop, keep these important features in mind:
- Burner Power (BTUs): Burners have different power levels, measured in BTUs. Look for a cooktop with a good range. A high-BTU burner (15,000+ BTUs) is great for quickly boiling water or searing meat. A low-BTU simmer burner (under 5,000 BTUs) is perfect for gently melting chocolate or simmering sauces. Most cooktops have 4-6 burners.
- Burner Configuration: Think about how you cook. Do you use many pots at once? Some cooktops have a central power burner, while others spread the power out. Grates are also important. Continuous grates let you slide pots easily.
- Ignition System: Most gas cooktops have electronic ignition. This means you just turn the knob and push it, and the burner lights. Some have auto-reignition, which is helpful if the flame goes out.
- Controls: Knobs are common. Look for knobs that feel sturdy and are easy to grip. Some cooktops have digital controls, but for gas, knobs are usually preferred.
- Safety Features: Flame failure shutoff is a crucial safety feature. If the flame goes out, the gas supply automatically stops.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cooktop affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular material. It’s strong, looks sleek, and resists rust. Stainless steel cooktops are generally durable.
- Cast Iron Grates: These are the heavy racks that sit over the burners. Cast iron is very strong and stable. It also holds heat well. Some cast iron grates have a special coating to make them easier to clean.
- Sealed Burner Bowls: These are the areas around the burners that catch spills. Sealed bowls prevent food from falling into the cooktop’s mechanics, making cleanup much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cooktop great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built cooktop feels solid. The knobs should turn smoothly, and the grates should sit firmly in place. Cheaply made cooktops might feel flimsy.
- Burner Performance: Even heat distribution is key. Do the burners light quickly? Can they hold a low simmer without going out? Good burner performance makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
- Ease of Cleaning: A cooktop that’s hard to clean will become a chore. Look for smooth surfaces, sealed burners, and grates that are easy to lift off and wash. Some stainless steel can show fingerprints easily, which can be a downside.
- Durability: A quality cooktop should last for many years. Good materials and solid construction contribute to its lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your cooktop.
- For the Home Chef: If you love to cook and entertain, a powerful cooktop with multiple burners and precise temperature control is ideal. You’ll appreciate the extra space and the ability to multitask.
- For the Busy Family: Easy-to-use controls and simple cleaning are important for families. A cooktop that lights quickly and wipes down easily saves time.
- For Small Kitchens: Even though it’s 36 inches, a well-designed cooktop can make a small kitchen feel more functional. The extra width can help with workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a 36-inch gas cooktop?
A: The most important feature is burner power, measured in BTUs. Having a range of BTUs allows you to cook different foods properly, from simmering to high-heat searing.
Q: Are stainless steel cooktops easy to clean?
A: Yes, stainless steel cooktops are generally easy to clean with the right products. However, some finishes can show fingerprints more than others.
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 heat.
Q: How many burners does a typical 36-inch gas cooktop have?
A: Most 36-inch gas cooktops have between 4 and 6 burners. This gives you plenty of space to cook multiple dishes at once.
Q: What is a simmer burner?
A: A simmer burner is a low-BTU burner designed for delicate cooking, like melting butter or keeping sauces warm without burning.
Q: Are continuous grates better than individual grates?
A: Continuous grates allow you to slide pots and pans from one burner to another easily. This can improve your cooking workflow.
Q: What is flame failure shutoff?
A: Flame failure shutoff is a safety feature that automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame on a burner goes out. This prevents gas leaks.
Q: How do I maintain my gas cooktop?
A: Regular cleaning is key. Wipe down surfaces after use. Clean grates and burner caps as needed. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: Can I use cast iron cookware on any gas cooktop?
A: Yes, cast iron cookware is generally safe for use on gas cooktops. The heavy weight of cast iron is well-supported by sturdy grates.
Q: What should I do if a burner doesn’t light?
A: First, check if the gas supply is on. Ensure the burner cap is properly seated. If the problem continues, consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!