At a Glance:
How to Know What Size Cooktop to Buy
Choosing the right 36” cooktop has never been easier because today we are going to give you an overview of the different types of cooktops you’ll find on the market today, as well as showcase our favorite 36” cooktops. 36” cooktops are a great way to incorporate additional cooking space, versatility, and design into your kitchen. Find stunning cooktops from brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, GE, and more. Let’s take a deep dive into all things 36” cooktops, helping you find the best one for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Explore Cooktops from Friedmans Appliance
Looking for a new cooktop? Discover options from top brands like JennAir, Bosch, Electrolux, and more at Friedmans Appliance, today!
See All CooktopsTypes of Cooktops
There are three main types of cooktops, gas, electric, and induction. Each fuel type has its own benefits and unique properties, so let’s take a look at the differences between each type of cooktop so you can better decide which one would fit your needs and lifestyle.
➤ Gas: Gas cooktops generally use natural gas or propane as their heating source, providing rapid, powerful heat when cooking. You will find gas cooktops in a variety of different sizes, including 30” and 36” widths, and have either open burners or sealed burners for pots and pans.
➤ Electric: Electric cooktops can come with coil surfaces or smooth glass surfaces, though homeowners tend to gravitate towards a smooth glass surface because of the sleek, professional designs. If you’re looking for a cooktop that is easy to clean, and more affordable than gas or induction cooktops, then consider an electric cooktop.
➤ Induction: Induction cooktops are known for being extremely efficient in both energy and temperature control, by using magnetic fields to focus heat directly on the cookware, rather than the surrounding surfaces.
Pros & Cons of 36” Cooktops
Like any appliance, 36" cooktops come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let's explore some of them:
Pros
✓ Spacious: If you’re someone who loves to cook large amounts of food or tends to use large pots and pans, then a 36” cooktop offers the right amount of cooking space you need to do so.
✓ Professional Design: Bigger isn’t always better, but that’s not the case with 36” cooktops. With a large focal point, 36” cooktops offer your space a professional, up-scale cost that instantly elevates your kitchen’s aesthetic.
✓ Cooking Versatility: With a larger cooking surface, comes more burners to cook your favorite meals. 36” cooktops often come with 5 burners, that allow you to simultaneously cook multiple dishes at one time. Whether that’s sear, simmer, or boil, you can do all that and more on a 36” cooktop.
Cons
✗ Price: 36” cooktops are more expensive than 30” cooktops, so if you’re one that doesn’t mind having a smaller cooking space, then a 30” cooktop is more suitable as far as budget is concerned.
✗ Space for Installation: Smaller kitchens cannot accommodate a 36” cooktop very easily, simply because they are larger and require significantly more countertop space, which isn’t feasible for all kitchen sizes.
Fan-Favorite Cooktop Brands
➢ Wolf: Wolf is a high-end luxury brand that creates premium kitchen appliances. If you are a serious home chef and enjoy the finer side of home dining, then you would do well with a premium Wolf cooktop 36” in width, in either electric or induction fuel types, or even a Wolf 36” gas cooktop.
➢ Electrolux: If you value performance and design in your cooktop, then consider an Electrolux cooktop. Electrolux is a brand that offers everything from gas, electric, and induction cooktops, with price points that meet a variety of different budget needs.
➢ JennAir: JennAir offers gas, electric, and induction cooktops that are best known for their design and ease of use. JennAir cooktops are considered a luxury brand and thus have more features and a higher price range than mid-tier cooktops.
➢ Bosch: Bosch is a German appliance manufacturer that brings innovative technology and modern designs to an array of kitchen appliances, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Users love Bosch cooktops for their premium design and modern aesthetic.
➢ GE: GE is another well-known appliance brand that has a lot to bring to your cooking experience. They are known for creating high-quality cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction fuel types. You can also find luxury GE cooktops through the sister brand Monogram. 36” GE Monogram cooktops offer the same level of quality, with a few more features and designs that fit the luxury home.
➢ Cafe: Cafe is another sister brand of GE, meaning you get the same great quality and performance known to the GE name. With Cafe, you have hundreds of customization options, meaning you can get a cooktop that fits both your aesthetic and cooking preferences.
6 Top-Rated 36” Cooktops
Now, let's talk about some of our top-rated 36" cooktops from Friedmans Appliance.
Bosch® 800 Series 36" Black/Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
This Bosch 36” electric cooktop is a dream for both cooking and cleaning with 17 different cooking levels and a smooth, ceramic glass surface that makes even the biggest spills a breeze to clean. The SpeedBoost feature offers faster heating time for liquids, and the PreciseSelect Technology gives you the ultimate control over every temperature selection. Utilize the bridge element to accommodate dishes that require oblong pans or even griddles.
This cooktop has great customer reviews, with one buyer saying, “The knob-free, frameless design is a breeze to keep clean. The burners heat quickly, and the boost function heats water to boiling amazingly fast. The range of heat settings is far superior to any radiant cooktop I've used before.”
- Model: NET8669SUC
- Dimensions: 37” W x 21.25” D
- Fuel Type: Electric
Electrolux 36" Induction Cooktop
Shop this Electrolux 36" Cooktop
If you’re looking for a cooktop that offers precise temperature control, energy efficient savings, and quick, responsive temperature changes, then look no further than this Electrolux 36 inch induction cooktop. Its easy-to-clean surface is perfect for after-dinner messes, and the keep-warm mode ensures your guests can serve themselves when they are ready.
Check out what this reviewer has to say about the Electrolux 36" Induction Cooktop, “Excellent product. The induction cooktop boils a full pot of water in less than 2.5 minutes and offers precise heat settings. The surface offers a very sleek and minimalistic look. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an induction oven.”
- Model: ECCI3668AS
- Dimensions: 4.38” H x 36.75” W x 21.38” D
- Fuel Type: Electric
Café™ 36" Flagstone Gray Induction Cooktop
Become your own personal chef with this sleek, minimalistic 36” induction cooktop by Cafe. With Gourmet Guided Cooking, you can master any cuisine with ease, with video-guided recipes selected just for you.
This cooktop has hundreds of great reviews. Check out what this buyer has to say, “I am in love with my cooktop. It is clean and easy to use. The touch buttons are responsive, there is plenty of room for pots and pans, and it is incredibly precise! Highly recommend.”
- Model: CHP95362MSS
- Dimensions: 4.63” H x 36” W x 20.38” D
- Fuel Type: Electric
→ Learn More: Top-Rated Induction Cooktops Your Kitchen Needs Now
GE Profile™ 36" Stainless Steel Built-In Gas Cooktop
Shop this GE Profile™ 36" Cooktop
Do you like the idea of sticking with a gas cooktop? GE Profile has the answer with this 36” gas cooktop, which offers powerful heating, sealed cooktop burners, and heavy-duty dishwasher-safe grates. The precise simmer burner makes cooking even the most delicate dishes a breeze.
This cooktop has hundreds of great reviews, with one buyer saying, “This cooktop is attractive and extremely useful with the center burner. It looks good, it performs well, and I could not be more pleased with his new addition to my kitchen.”
- Model: PGP7036SLSS
- Dimensions: 5.5” H x 36” W x 21” D
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas
Frigidaire Professional® 36'' Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
Shop this Frigidaire Professional® 36" Cooktop
This Frigidaire 36 inch electric cooktop has everything you need to make meal time a breeze. With PrecisionPro Controls and a sleek, ceramic glass surface, cooking meals is not only easier but more stylish. Enjoy the SpacePro Bridge element, which gives ultimate control for cooking two dishes at once, or you can bridge these two elements together for your larger pots and pans or griddles.
Reviewers love this cooktop for its quality and durability, with one buyer saying, “I chose this Frigidaire brand stove top. In the short time that I have used it, I find that it is versatile and easy to clean. Regulating the heat on each burner is easy and has infinite settings. I also like the ability to use one pot over 2 burners using the bridge for pancakes and french toast.”
- Model: FPEC3677RF
- Dimensions: 2.63” H x 36.75” W x 21.38” D
- Fuel Type: Electric
JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Gas Downdraft Cooktop
This JennAir downdraft cooktop features a powerful downdraft ventilation system that captures smoke and odors right at the cooking surface, ensuring a clean and pleasant kitchen environment. Whether you're simmering, sautéing, or searing, the responsive heat control of this gas cooktop allows for precise cooking, making it an essential addition to any modern kitchen.
This cooktop has tons of great reviews. One buyer says, “I bought my second Jenn-Air on months ago. My first Jenn-Air lasted almost 30 years. I love my new one. It has a lot more features and my old one had what I like especially is the burner that you can melt chocolate. And it also has different burners for different uses high speed cooking and lowers heat cooking”
- Model: JGD3536GS
- Dimensions: 17.44” H x 36” W x 21.5” D
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas
→ Learn More: What is a Downdraft Cooktop?
How to Know What Size Cooktop to Buy
Looking to find the best cooktop for your kitchen space? Follow these simple steps to narrow down which size and fuel type works best for you.
Make a Budget
Before you make any large purchase for your kitchen or home, you need to have a budget in mind that you are committed to sticking to. This will prevent “buyer regret” later down the road if you end up purchasing something you don’t love.
Measure
You need to get precise measurements of your space to ensure you get the right size cooktop for your cutout. Be sure to measure the cutout width and depth, as well as the countertop thickness to ensure it is sturdy enough to secure your cooktop down.
Pick Your Fuel Type
Do gas, electric, or induction cooktops best fit your lifestyle? If you are someone who knows they love gas cooktops, then begin your search for the best 36 inch gas cooktop for your budget. If you aren’t sure of a specific fuel type, ask the retailer staff to help you break down the pros and cons of each fuel type, giving you the information you need to make the right decision.
Consider Ventilation
Another thing to take into consideration is the rangehood that you will need. Be sure to figure this into your budget when looking at cooktops, because most of the time you will need to add this in with a cooktop, unless it is a downdraft cooktop that doesn’t require additional ventilation.
FAQs: 36” Cooktops
What is the best 36-inch cooktop?
There are many great cooktops on the market, but one of the highest-ranking 36” cooktop brands for 2023 is LG, making their 36-inch cooktops some of the best available.
What size vent hood for 36” gas cooktop?
To most effectively capture the grease and odor that your cooktop can produce, it’s important to get a vent hood that is the same size as your cooktop. So, if you have a 36” gas cooktop, then you will need at least a 36” range hood.
How to clean cooktop?
For glass cooktops, it is recommended that you clean your cooktop after every use by spraying a mixture of vinegar and water on your cooktop’s surface (once it has cooled down) and then add a generous amount of baking soda. Place a wet rage over the mixture, and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe the mixture up with a clean microfiber cloth. To wipe away any streaks, spray more vinegar and buff it out with a clean microfiber cloth.
Where to find 36" cooktops near me?
If you’re looking for gas, induction, or electric cooktops, and are from the Pleasant Hill, CA area, then look no further than the large selection of cooktops at Friedmans. Conveniently located in the Crossroads Center in Pleasant Hill.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Cooktops at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop cooktops online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you find a 36" cooktop for your kitchen, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: 8 Best Gas Cooktops That are a Home Cook’s Dream