Well, well, well—it looks like this isn’t the first time we’ve visited cooktops. We first reviewed these appliances in our guide on how to choose a cooktop for your kitchen, where we gave you the basics on what to look for when shopping for a cooktop. This time around, we’re showcasing the best stovetops from our catalog with our list of eight best gas cooktop models. Categories in this exclusive roundup include a selection for budget and luxury buyers, two size options, plus a few models with surprising perks that reimagine home cooking.
At a Glance:
What is a Cooktop?
This isn’t a trick question—there are distinct differences between a cooktop, a rangetop, and a range.
Here’s the basic rundown:
⊳ Cooktops install directly into a cutout in a counter. There is no front overhanging “lip” and the knobs are directly on top of the surface, and not front-facing.
⊳ Rangetops slide into an opening made in a countertop. This replicates the look of a pro-style range with front-control knobs and a lip.
⊳ A range is a two-in-one appliance with a cooktop above and an oven (or two) below. Typically, these are freestanding, but slide-in and drop-in ranges are also available on the market.
You should buy a gas cooktop if…
A cooktop is a great way to break up the flow of a kitchen. Cooktops allow users to add a wall oven in a more ideal location as opposed to a range, which combines the two appliances into a single package.
Beyond convenience, buyers should also consider the fuel source. Overall, gas is precise, fast, accurate, easy to use, and requires no learning curb. Users can visually see the amount of heat being used, and since the flame stops heating once it’s shut off, cooks have better control, preventing burning, boil-overs, and potential injuries. It’s not for nothing if the pros choose gas cooking over any other fuel source.
Learn More: Gas vs. Electric Appliances
Tips for Buying a Gas Cooktop:
- Measure, Measure, Measure – Always do a thorough measuring to ensure the cooktop you have your eyes on fits in your kitchen. This is especially important when cooking with gas since the output is higher than electric or induction, and you’ll need proper clearance to protect adjacent walls and cabinetry.
- Understand BTUs – More power is nice, but it’s important to also take into consideration the size of your kitchen, as well as how much ventilation is required to properly remove smoke, odors, and grease that comes with cooking with gas.
- Consider Burners – How many burners do you think you need to cook efficiently? You can save a lot on a cooktop if the standard five-burner cooktop sounds like enough (versus six-burner 36-inch models).
See Also: 9 Range Hoods for Cooking with Gas
Our Top Gas Cooktop Picks
You’re busy serving up memorable dinners, which is why we made your cooktop selection easier with this list of gas cooktops picked by our experts. Below are eight standout gas cooktops we’re sure every cooking enthusiast will love to include in their kitchen.
Best Overall Gas Cooktop: Signature Kitchen Suite 36" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop (UPCG3654ST)
A 5 burner gas cooktop, like this model from Signature Kitchen Suite, is a valuable tool for creating gourmet cuisine at home. Unleash up to 18.5K BTUs of firepower on solid brass burners with Rapid Heat technology designed to provide ultimate flame control to go from high sears to rolling simmers at the turn of a knob. This 36-inch gas cooktop also comes with Wi-Fi-enabled controls for easier monitoring and management out of the kitchen and where you are comfortable.
Best Budget Gas Cooktop: Frigidaire Gallery® 30" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop (FGGC3047QS)
Frigidaire Gallery offers up affordable luxury with this 5 burner gas cooktop that can also be installed directly over compatible Frigidaire electric wall ovens for more space in the kitchen. This top-rated gas cooktop received high praise for its continuous grate design that generously fits cookware of all shapes and sizes, plus a clean look that feels and looks high-end. And with a Power Burner with up to 18K BTUS of heat, this cooktop is loaded with value to match its blazing 4.6-star rating.
Best Luxury Gas Cooktop: Gaggenau 200 Series 36" Stainless Steel Natural Gas Cooktop (VG295214CA)
Stand back and take in the lustrous presentation of this Gaggenau 36-inch gas cooktop featuring quality brass burner rings and a three-piece grate system for easy cleanup. Powering through meals big and small is easier with the luxury performance of electronically controlled flame and the ability to emit up to 17K BTUs and a total of 58K altogether. Install this high-end gas range above a Gaggenau wall oven for a maximum duo for efficient meal prep done in high style.
Best Propane Gas Cooktop: Viking® 36" Stainless Steel Liquid Propane Gas Cooktop (RVGC33615BSSLP)
No gas supply in your kitchen? Not to worry—you can still master cooking with a flame, thanks to this Viking gas cooktop that runs on liquid propane. At the center of this masterpiece is a 17K-BTU burner accompanied by four additional burners, each equipped with SureSpark Ignition technology that fires up the first time and reignites the instant the flame goes out. Complete with edge-to-edge grates, sealed burners, and professional knobs, this luxury stovetop is the pièce de résistance your gourmet kitchen is missing. Witness the quality of this Viking cooktop on display at our store today!
Best 30-inch Gas Cooktop: Dacor® Contemporary 30" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop (DTG30M954FS)
Compact luxury is making a big impact recently, but with options like this Dacor gas cooktop, it’s no wonder. Home cooks get the full experience on this best 30-inch gas cooktop with four powerful, dual-stacked brass burners that ignite up to 18.5K BTUs at the turn of a knob. Also included is the option to sync to the Dacor iQ Kitchen App for automatic connection to a compatible range hood, or the ability to remotely operate the stovetop using a smart device. The glow of Illumina knobs is a handy safety feature and add a touch of ambience to keep you inspired while creating your next culinary masterpiece.
Best 36-inch Gas Cooktop: Wolf® 36" Stainless Steel Professional Gas Cooktop (CG365P/S)
Having a Wolf gas cooktop in your kitchen means having access to one of the finest instruments for cooking on the market. Case in point, this best 36-inch gas cooktop that also happens to be a top-seller. The secret to its success are five dual-stacked burners designed to provide the precision to quickly go from high settings to low output. In fact, this model blasts up to 18K BTUs with no interruptions, backed by Wolf’s spark ignition system. And with craftsmanship designed to last years of use, you’ll enjoy cooking on this high-end gas cooktop for a minimum of 20 years.
Best Gas Cooktop with Downdraft: JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Gas Downdraft Cooktop (JGD3536GS)
Fans of minimalist kitchen design will enjoy this best gas cooktop with downdraft that swaps a traditional over-the-range hood for built-in ventilation, complete with three fan speeds and up to 297 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air circulation. Also featured on this JennAir downdraft gas cooktop are five sealed burners with removable bases for easy cleaning, plus JennAir’s DuraFinish surface for a tidy look that requires minimum effort.
Turn the knob and get cooking! Up to 17K BTUs are at your fingertips, complemented by ultra-low burners for a diverse cooking setup for all kinds of menus. We recommend this gas cooktop installed into a kitchen island for a sleek look that is fashion-forward and sophisticated.
Best Smart Gas Cooktop: Monogram® 36" Stainless Steel Deep-Recessed Gas Cooktop (ZGU36ESLSS)
Monogram delivers a stunning package of intelligent design and quality performance with this 36-inch smart gas cooktop featuring the ability to connect remotely with your home’s Wi-Fi. Brass burners reveal up to 20K BTUs of accurate flame power along with low-simmer settings, all across a continuous grate design that makes moving cookware easier.
Shop Gas Cooktops at Friedmans Appliance
If our compilation of gas cooktops has got your appetite for fine cooking going, it might be time for a cooking upgrade. At Friedmans Appliance, we offer an exclusive catalog of fine home appliances, many on display as part of our living kitchen. It’s the biggest of its kind in the country, stocked with luxury appliances that will inspire you (including a few cooktops from this list).
Explore more today by shopping online, by phone at (925)-808-2950, or at our appliance showroom located at 2304 Monument Boulevard in Pleasant Hill!