Credit:
Thermador
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Credit:
Thermador
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When we think of the most common cooking appliance in a kitchen, we typically think of a range—that is, a stovetop and oven in one unit. However, some kitchens are designed to feature a standalone cooktop or range top and wall oven(s). Sure, buying two or more separate appliances is often more expensive than a single unit, but there can be many factors in play that dictate this choice.
If your existing kitchen design features a cooktop and stacked wall ovens you’re unlikely to change this unless undertaking a full-scale kitchen renovation. Placement of current appliances such as a cooktop in an island, or preference for certain types of appliances such as wall ovens, help make this choice clear.
Despite the rising popularity of [induction cooktops], if you’re replacing an existing gas cooktop, you might be looking to stick with the fuel source you’re used to. While electric and induction cooktops are said to help combat greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality, some people still prefer the ability to control a flame and enjoy the visual feedback that goes with it.
Gas cooktops from high-end brands like Thermador, Wolf, and Bosch promise smart features, precise temperature control, and a sturdier build quality than their more affordable counterparts. While it isn’t true of all luxury appliances, we’ve found that high-end cooktops do perform better. The Thermador SGSX365TS (available at AJ Madison) remains one of the best 36-inch gas cooktops on the market because of its fast water boiling, maximum heat, and wide-open arrangement.
While the Thermador SGSX365TS doesn't come with the motorized downdraft system pictured above, it does pair well with this sleek range-hood alternative.
Impressive BTU range from 1,000 to 18,000
Six burners, and one is a dual-ring
Choice of stylish knob finishes
None that we could find
Sleek drop-in design
Burners range from 9,200 Btu to 20,000 btu
Comes with black knobs
Requires specialized installation in countertop cut-out
18,000 BTU power-boil burner
Dishwasher-safe steel grates
Integrated griddle option
So-so knob design
FlameSelect and OptiSim features help control flame without guesswork
Continuous grate for easy movement of cookware
Center burner is dual-flame
Smart controls may take getting used to
17,000 BTU professional burner
3-speed knob for fan control
Cast-iron grates
Noisy exhaust fan
17,000 BTU central burner
Heavy-duty cast-iron grates
Easy to clean
None that we could find
Anyone who wants to increase their cooking capacity should consider a 36-inch cooktop. While a 30-inch range is the most common size in kitchen design, if you have the counter space to install a 36-inch cooktop, there is a lot to be gained. In addition to the extra burner(s) often associated with a larger stove, a cooktop frees up the space typically occupied by an oven so you can use it for cabinetry and cookware storage.
Cooktops are often paired with a set of double wall ovens, which means double the oven capacity over a standard stove/oven combo.
Drop-in vs. Slide-in This distinction may seem minor at first but it makes a big difference in how you install a cooktop. A drop-in cooktop requires a complete rectangular cutout in the countertop, while a slide-in design requires a three-sided cut with an open front. Drop-in models typically feature controls on the top surface, which may cut into the overall cooking space, while slide-in styles typically feature front-facing controls.
Number of burners Most 36-inch cooktops come with either five or six burners. How much time you spend cooking, and the type of cookware you use could influence the number of burners you need. Compare your typical needs to the layout of the cooktop before committing.
Dual burners Many gas cooktops feature at least one dual burner: a burner that includes a smaller ring inside of a larger ring. That way, on a single burner, you can use just the smaller heat source for lower temperatures or a smaller pot, or add the stronger heat source for higher temperatures or heating a larger pot.
While induction ranges get all the accolades for being easy to clean—just wipe down the flat surface with a damp cloth—that doesn’t mean gas cooktops are particularly difficult to clean.
All of the grates are removable and can either be washed individually or placed in the dishwasher, depending on manufacturer instructions. If you have any burned-on stains, you can scrub them down with a wire brush and a water and baking soda paste. While that's more labor-intensive than a quick wipe-down, it’s ultimately easier than cleaning a traditional electric range with coiled heating elements.
Most manufacturers and some retailers offer a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor, but many manufacturers offer longer warranties, especially on higher-end products. It's also common for burner parts or electronic components to have separate coverage and extended warranties. It’s always important to check the specific warranty details provided by the manufacturer before you purchase.
Yes! No matter what style of gas cooktop or range you install, you always need ventilation to draw out smoke and fumes. Whether you choose a traditional hood that draws air up or a downdraft style, which draws air down into a system built into your countertop or cabinetry, it’s crucial to ensure that the exhaust system CFM (cubic feet per minute, or the volume of airflow the system can ventilate) is powerful enough for the BTU output of the cooktop.
All cooktops and rangetops have pros and cons that may make them more or less suited to your needs. From a cost perspective, the determining factor typically has more to do with brand and feature sets than power sources, with induction cooktops still costing slightly more than gas or traditional electric cooktops on average.
If you’re replacing an existing gas cooktop with a new one, the installation will be far less costly than trying to install a gas hookup where one doesn’t currently exist—and in some places is no longer allowed. Keep in mind that this initial expense may be offset by a decrease in your electric bill. However, if you need to install a gas hookup, the utility savings might not entirely cover the cost. Depending on where you live and your home’s design, installing a gas hookup can range from expensive to impossible: We recommend getting a quote before committing to a gas cooktop.
Gas cooktops and ranges always offer the satisfaction of visual feedback that comes with adjusting a visible flame; however, the environmental impacts may no longer be worth the benefits. For novice cooks who aren’t used to cooking with gas, the precision of an induction stove may be more tolerable than the variability and learning curve of gas.
From the restaurant kitchen she grew up in, to every home kitchen this professional chef has occupied as an adult, DeSiato has cooked with gas. While she loves the rise in induction technology, she’s extremely familiar with all the promises and peculiarities of gas ranges and the brands that manufacture them.
Over the years, we’ve performed extensive scientific testing with gas cooktops in our labs. But we also make recommendations based on extensive product research to keep our guides updated with the latest products from trusted manufacturers.
For cooktops we haven’t had hands-on time with yet, we use our expertise in the category to evaluate factors like specifications, feature sets, user reviews, and the price-to-value ratio.
The experts seem torn on the best gas cooktop. To save you some time and trouble, we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you. From what we can tell, very few publications review 36-inch gas cooktops, but here are some that have.
User comments around the topic of best gas cooktops seem to display the typical amount of variability, especially when talking about high-end appliances. We’re pulling these user reviews from sources like Reddit, The Home Depot, and AJ Madison.
Reddit: 36-inch gas ranges aren’t nearly as common as all other types of ranges, but folks commenting on appliances threads at Reddit favor DCS, which is now made by Fisher & Paykel, more often than any other brand.
The Home Depot: ZLINE is a lesser-known brand on the appliance market, but recent owners are raving about it, giving this model 4.8/5 stars and 100% recommend this product.
AJ Madison: The GE Profile PGP7036SLSS is one of the most highly-rated gas cooktops on AJ Madison. Owners consistently praise its excellent performance and appealing aesthetic.
Beyond the usual variation in brand loyalties, the most common relevant complaints are igniters failing and knob finishes wearing off, and these concerns seem fewer when referring to the higher end of the spectrum.
Alex Kane was a former senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
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