At a Glance:
Range Top vs. Cooktop: What’s the Difference?
Pros and Cons of 36 Gas Cooktops
Although a cooktop and an oven are typically built into a single unit called a range, it is also possible to purchase and install a cooktop and an oven separately. Generally speaking, it costs more than simply purchasing a range, but it might be justified if you have a kitchen island where your cooktop can be installed or if you prefer to mount your oven (or ovens) at waist level.
Some people prefer gas cooktops over other types of cooktops because the flame can be controlled, and the heat comes on quickly.
Though they’ve been around for a while, cooktops (and rangetops, as we’ll discuss in this blog) are still reshaping the way kitchens function, providing customization and flexible installation that freestanding ranges can’t compete with. Follow this buying guide to get a better idea of which 36” gas cooktop to purchase.
36” Gas Cooktop 101
The majority of chefs prefer gas cooktops because they heat up much more quickly than electric cooktops and because the gas flame is more compatible with a variety of cookware. You can save a significant amount on energy costs if you cook with gas—up to 10 to 30 percent—since electricity is typically more expensive than gas in many states. Those savings are significant if you frequently prepare meals for a large family.
Most gas cooktops are 30 or 36 inches wide, so we test models in these sizes. But they can be as small as 21 inches and as large as 48 inches. Many have five or six burners, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have room to use them all at once. Generally, most 30-inch cooktops have four or five burners, and most 36-inch cooktops have five or six.
Rangetop vs. Cooktop: What’s the Difference?
The fundamental design and installation of cooktops and ranges is the primary distinction between them.
- Rangetop controls are in the front, whereas the controls for cooktops are on the surface.
- A portion of the countertop must be removed in order to install a range top as a slide-in unit. The counter then surrounds it on both sides. Before the cooktop can be installed as a drop-in unit, the countertop must be precisely cut out. The cooktop may be surrounded by the counter on all four sides, depending on the size of the countertop.
- While a standard range top might have all power burners, cooktops typically have just one power burner (along with three or four other secondary burners).
- On rangetops larger than 36 inches, a griddle or grill can be easily added. There is no built-in grill or griddle on cooktops. (You can always cook them on a griddle plate.)
Gas vs. Electric Cooktops
The heating technology is the first and most crucial decision you’ll make when selecting a cooktop. Gas is one of three main options: gas, radiant electric, or induction.
Electric cooktops use electricity to heat the surface of the cooktop, which, in turn, heats your pots and pans. There are benefits to electric cooktops, such as the absence of gas-related risks like leaks. Radiant electric cooktops require longer to warm up and cool down, despite the fact that technology has undoubtedly advanced.
Gas cooktops are especially fantastic for those who want excellent, precise control over cooking temperatures. In contrast to an electric surface, which must cool down or heat up before transferring energy to the pot, gas cooktops enable precise heat control and respond instantly. This makes them popular among professional chefs. The large protective grates and the burners that must be cleaned around make gas cooktops less than ideal; they are much messier and more difficult to clean. A hot surface is much less dangerous than an open flame, and gas always carries the risk of a leak. Gas cooktops will continue to work even during a power outage.
Best 36 inch Gas Cooktops
When it comes to choosing the best gas cooktop for you, our appliance experts from Idler’s Home have compiled a list of some of their favorites to make delicious meals on.
GE Monogram 36” Cooktop: Monogram® 36” Stainless Steel Deep-Recessed Gas Cooktop
Dazzle your family with this beautifully designed stainless steel gas cooktop from Monogram as you expertly cook delicious meals with rapid and precise heating on one or all five gas cooking burners. This best 36 gas cooktop has deep-recessed burners with brass accents for an elegant premium look. The sophisticated features include precision knobs with embedded sapphire glass to illuminate each knob for an intuitive user experience. This luxury gas cooktop top provides high-output cooking with the help of a 20,000 BTU tri-ring burner and dual-flame stacked burners that offer 62,000 BTUs of total cooking power to grill, fry, and sear. Whether you’re making a quick meal, slow cooking, sautéing or making confectionaries, you can use the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly control your cooktop from the couch and ventilate the kitchen with the paired Monogram hood at the same time.
Wolf 36” Gas Cooktop: Wolf® 36” Stainless Steel Transitional Gas Cooktop
Cook with precision and accuracy with Wolf’s luxurious, well-crafted transitional gas cooktop for a modern and streamlined kitchen design. For relighting your blown-out burners, now you can safely light your burners with the automatic reignition and flame recognition features to ignite your burners on the first try. Experience infinite control of five seal-stacked burners in your hands with black and silver accented knobs for a pop of color. Move your pots and pan across the continuous cast-iron grates while you cook low and slow on the 12,000 BTU burners that can easily transition into the smallest low-heat flames.
Kitchenaid 36” Gas Cooktop: KitchenAid® 36” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Empower your aspiring chef at home with this KitchenAid gas cooktop designed with a CookShield finish that’s heat resistant and low maintenance, along with multi-finish back-lit knobs for an elegant display while your chef embraces their creative recipes and flavors. Advance your cooking techniques by making delicious meals on delicate and powerful dual ring, Even-Heat simmer, and Even-Heat Torch burners that range between 6,000 BTUs, 10,000 BTUs, and 20,000 BTUs in cooking power for flavorful caramelized, seared, and sauteed dishes. And try out new foods and recipes with the removable griddle for your signature crepes or that griddled four-cheese sandwich you’ve been craving.
Whirlpool 36” Gas Cooktop: Whirlpool® 36” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Get the biggest bang for your buck with our final cooktop from our top picks — this 36-inch Whirlpool gas cooktop. With a simple and minimalistic design, this cooktop makes for a quick and easy cleanup with the upswept SpillGuard, especially when cooking big holiday meals. This five-burner cooktop was thoughtfully designed with you and your daily home life in mind, featuring SpeedHeat and AccuSimmer burners as well as a fifth burner for the extra space to melt, simmer, boil, pan-frying your veggies, stir-fry rice, pasta, and more. Also, with the EZ-2-Life hinged cast-iron grates, you can add the grate to the dishwasher while cleaning up the spills and mess on the surface underneath. Best of all, pair this gas cooktop with one of Whirlpool's wall ovens to take your cooking experience to the next level.
Pros and Cons of 36 Gas Cooktops
Because they provide excellent features and advantages that other cooktop types can’t match, gas cooktops are a popular option for a reason. Here are some of the main justifications and disadvantages for selecting a gas cooktop:
Pros
- Control: Gas cooktops provide fine-grained control over the cooking temperature, making it simple to consistently produce the desired results.
- Power: Gas cooktops are capable of producing high heat for rapid cooking and can even be used outside.
- Versatility: A variety of pots and pans can be used on gas cooktops.
- Style: Gas cooktops give any kitchen a touch of style.
- Durability: Gas cooktops can withstand heavy use and are made to last.
- Difficult to clean
- The burner may occasionally fail to ignite and be challenging to turn on.
- A pilot light might go out.
- There can be ventilation problems—leftover greasy surface
Cons
If you prefer cooking with gas, we get it. With the help of the flame, it is simpler to gauge the heat, get a sense of it, and switch from a high setting to a low one quickly. Also, if you are prone to making big family meals, whether, for the holidays or dinner, a 36” gas cooktop will give you the heat and space you need with more cooking space and burners. And should you decide it is time for an upgrade, don’t forget to stop by Idler’s Home for its massive catalog of cooking appliances — cooktops included — and more!
FAQs
Hopefully, after reading this guide, we’ve piqued your interest in 36” gas cooktops. But before a major purchase, it’s normal to have questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get from our customers.
Q: How long does a gas cooktop last?
On average, gas cooktops typically last 15 years when maintained and cleaned frequently.
Q: How much does a gas cooktop cost?
A gas cooktop can cost anywhere from $300-$6,000, depending on the brand, materials, and features.
Q: What is the best material for a cooktop?
Because they are so durable and require little upkeep, stainless steel, and enameled surfaces are still the most common. Cooktops made of ceramic glass are also surprisingly scratch-proof, heat- and corrosion-resistant, and resistant to thermal shock. These surfaces do, however, need more maintenance.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technician's service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Gas Cooktops at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop cooktops online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you find the ideal 36” gas cooktop for your kitchen — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
Learn More: Convection Roast vs. Convection Bake: What’s The Difference?