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Picture yourself effortlessly creating gourmet meals or quick family dinners in a space that inspires your culinary creativity. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or a busy parent, a 36-inch cooktop from The Range Hood Store offers the ideal balance between style and functionality, making every cooking experience memorable. In this blog, we’ll explore why the 36-inch cooktops are a favorite among home chefs and highlight some of the best options available.
Types of Cooktops
Gas Cooktops:
Using an open flame to heat your cookware directly, gas cooktops are the rock stars of the culinary world. Offering precise heat control and quick temperature adjustments, this power source is perfect for all occasions, from simmering sauces to searing steaks.
Electric Cooktops:
Having either coil burners or smooth glass-ceramic surfaces with embedded heating elements, electric cooktops are the unsung heroes of even cooking. Providing a consistent heat that is great for all kinds of dishes, this is ideal for those busy homes with a lot going on, as it provides an easy cleaning option compared to other cooktops.
Induction Cooktops:
The electromagnetic fields found in induction cooktops that are used to generate heat make induction cooktops the tech-savvy wizards of the kitchen. With consistent heat that's perfect for a variety of dishes, induction cooktops are safe and energy efficient, adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen with their sleek design.
The Best 36-inch Cooktops
Best 36-inch Gas Cooktop: ZLINE RC36
The ZLINE 36 in. Gas Cooktop with 6 Burners (RC36) is a top choice for homeowners seeking professional-level performance in a 36-inch drop-in-style gas cooktop. Designed for serious home cooking, you can effortlessly simmer delicate sauces, rapidly boil water, and achieve high-heat searing without switching burners or rearranging cookware. This flexibility translates directly to faster meal prep, better temperature control, and the ability to cook multiple dishes at once, making it ideal for large households or frequent entertainers.
ZLINE RC36 Features:
Italian-Made Sealed Burners: Ensures flexibility and even heat distribution, perfect for diverse cooking styles.
Minimal Cleaning: This one-piece hand-finished stainless steel cooktop makes cleanup and maintenance a breeze!
Professional Look and Feel: Crafted with high-grade 304 stainless steel and cast iron grates, this cooktop is designed for lasting durability.
Manufacturer Warranty: Enjoy a 1-year parts warranty, allowing you to experience worry-free and confident cooking.
ZLINE 36 in. Gas Cooktop with 6 Burners (RC36)
$944.99
$1,049.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 36 in. Gas Cooktop with 6 Burners (RC36) provides a professional culinary experience by pairing unmatched performance with timeless style. Achieve ZLINE Attainable Luxury® excellence with innovative… Read More
Best 36-inch Electric Radiant Cooktop: Empava 36REC14
The Empava 36 in. Electric Radiant Cooktop in Black (36REC14) is a standout choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and stylish 36-inch electric radiant cooktop that blends modern design with everyday performance. Featuring four radiant heating zones with smooth, easy-to-clean black ceramic glass, this cooktop provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control, making it ideal for everything from slow simmering to rapid boiling.
The Empava 36REC14 includes intuitive touch controls that allow you to adjust heat levels quickly and accurately, ensuring predictable results with each use. Safety features such as residual heat indicators give you peace of mind by clearly showing when the surface is still hot.
Empava 36REC14 Features:
High Power Output: Experience the culinary thrill of high cooking power that allows for faster heat-up and efficiency.
Digital Sensor Touch Controls: Master your meals with digital sensor touch controls, perfectly managing the ceramic hob’s heat for flawless frying, grilling, and cooking fun.
Space-Saving Design: Maximize your kitchen space with this cooktop's sleek, built-in look.
Safety First Features: Put safety first with a child safety lock, auto shutdown protection, and warnings for residual heat and overheating, providing a worry-free cooking zone.
Empava 36 in. Electric Radiant Cooktop in Black (36REC14)
$831.00
Empava 36-in Black Electric Radiant Cooktop: Powerful Performance, Elegant Design, and Safety Features! DIMENSIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS: Revitalize your kitchen with the Empava 36-in Black Electric Radiant Cooktop, boasting dimensions of 35.43 in. W x 20.47 in. D x 2.05 in.… Read More
Best 36-inch Induction Cooktop: ZLINE RCIND-36
The ZLINE 36 in. Induction Cooktop with 5 Burners (RCIND‑36) is a high-performance 36-inch induction cooktop engineered for modern kitchens where speed, precision, and energy efficiency matter. Featuring five induction cooking zones on a smooth black glass surface, it uses advanced electromagnetic technology to heat compatible cookware directly, delivering faster heat-up times, responsive temperature control, and reduced wasted energy compared with traditional gas or electric cooktops. The sleek Schott Ceran glass surface gives your kitchen a contemporary aesthetic and simplifies cleanup after busy dinners. Generous spacing across five burners supports simultaneous use of multiple pots and pans, translating to efficient meal prep without cluttering up cookware.
ZLINE RCIND-36 Features:
Power Boost Mode: Ensuring maximum power and efficiency for any meal.
Power Sharing Mode: Allows for convenient heat transitions and a simplified meal preparation process.
Keep Warm Mode: Adding a dash of convenience and enhancement to your culinary endeavors.
Manual and Automatic Control Locks: Keep your little chefs safe and accidents to a minimum.
ZLINE 36 in. Induction Cooktop with 5 Burners (RCIND-36)
$1,199.95
Innovation meets luxury: ZLINE’s RCIND Induction Cooktop Series blends consistent precision and speed with its innovative technology and sleek, SCHOTT CERAN® glass surface imported from Germany. Achieve incredibly fast heat and a quick boil with induction technology that heats 50%… Read More
Best 36-inch Cooktop with Griddle: Forno FCTGS5737-36
The Forno Lseo 36 in. 6 Burner Gas Rangetop with Griddle in Stainless Steel (FCTGS5737-36) is a powerful and versatile choice for homeowners who want professional-grade cooking performance combined with everyday practicality in a 36-inch cooktop. Featuring six high-output gas burners and a built-in stainless steel griddle, this rangetop delivers a broad heat range and precise control so you can sear steaks, boil pasta, sauté vegetables, and prepare breakfast favorites all in one place. The integrated griddle expands your cooking options, allowing you to grill sandwiches, cook pancakes, or sear seafood with consistent heat, which translates to less time moving cookware between appliances and more efficient meal preparation.
Forno FCTGS5737-36 Features:
Continuous Cast Iron Grates: Including concave wok-ring and reversible griddle, this cooktop is ready to tackle any cooking endeavor with power!
Six Sealed Burners With Auto Recognition: Enjoy plenty of space to create gourmet meals.
LED Lights: Shed some light on your culinary creations and let LED lighting underneath the control panel illuminate your work!
Warranty: Enjoy a 2-year manufacturer warranty with parts and service included.
Forno Lseo 36 in. 6 Burner Gas Rangetop with Griddle in Stainless Steel (FCTGS5737-36)
$1,499.00
The FORNO Lseo 36” Gas Rangetop has a versatile cooktop configuration with 6 sealed burners totaling 83,000 BTUs to handle any culinary challenge. Continuous cast-iron grates simplify moving pans around without lifting them off the surface, and contoured Zinc Control… Read More
Best 36-inch Luxury Cooktop: ZLINE PSRTBSZ-36-MBCB
The ZLINE Designer Collection 36 in. Paramount Gas Rangetop with 6 Burner DuoPro™ Cooktop in Black Satin Stainless Steel with Matte Black and Champagne Bronze Accents (PSRTBSZ-36-MBCB) is a luxury 36-inch cooktop that blends high-end design with professional-level cooking performance. Featuring six powerful burners equipped with DuoPro™ dual-ring technology, this cooktop delivers precise heat control across a wide range of cooking tasks, allowing you to simmer delicate sauces or achieve intense searing with confidence. The elegant combination of Black Satin Stainless Steel and Matte Black with Champagne Bronze accents is a ZLINE exclusive that signals its premium quality and its ability to be a centerpiece in any upscale kitchen design.
ZLINE DuoPro™ gas burner technology fundamentally rethinks how a gas cooktop can perform in a kitchen. DuoPro™ is engineered so every burner delivers the full cooking spectrum, from low, controlled simmering to intense, high-heat searing. With up to 130,000 total BTUs across the cooktop, DuoPro™ provides roughly double the performance of most standard 36-inch gas cooktops, giving home chefs professional-level power without forcing them to work around burner limitations. The result is a cooktop where timing, flexibility, and precision finally align.
ZLINE PSRTBSZ-36-MBCB Features:
ZLINE Designer Collection - This limited release fuses an innovative Black Satin Stainless Steel base finish with detailed Matte Black and Champagne Bronze knob accents to capture the essence of ZLINE’s design ethos of purposeful beauty paired with timeless functionality
ZLINE Paramount Series - The ZLINE Paramount Professional Rangetop Series provides a polished look that aligns with any kitchen layout or style
DuoPro™ Cooktop Design - Transform your kitchen into a home chef’s dream with ZLINE DuoPro™, which delivers up to 130,000 BTUs of power, double the performance of most standard 36 in. gas cooktops
Precision Dual Heat Zones - With a range as low as 800 BTUs on each inner burner to 20,000 to 25,000 BTUs on the outer burners, an exclusive dual-port design lets inner and outer rings operate separately for more efficient cooking than most leading competitors.
ZLINE Designer Collection 36 in. Paramount Gas Rangetop with 6 Burner DuoPro™ Cooktop in Black Satin Stainless Steel with Matte Black and Champagne Bronze Accents (PSRTBSZ-36-MBCB)
$4,399.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE Designer Collection 36 in. Paramount Gas Rangetop with 6 Burner DuoPro™ Cooktop in Black Satin Stainless Steel with Matte Black and Champagne Bronze Accents (PSRTBSZ-36-MBCB) features a… Read More
Cooktop Buying Tips
Choosing the perfect cooktop is a crucial part of creating your dream kitchen. To help you make the best decision, here are some of The Range Hood Store’s most practical tips:
Assess your cooking needs and style:
Think about the types of meals you cook most often and which features match your culinary vibe!
Kitchen space and ventilation considerations:
Ensure your kitchen can accommodate that shiny, new cooktop, and that you have proper ventilation because no one likes a smoky kitchen.
Budgeting for additional installation costs:
Factor in potential installation expenses, such as modifications to countertops. Sometimes countertops need a little extra love to fit your new culinary companion perfectly.
Checking for compatibility with existing kitchen equipment:
Make sure the cooktop you choose will work well with your current kitchen layout and appliances. A cohesive and harmonious kitchen makes for happy cooking.
Make sure the cooktop you choose will work well with your current kitchen layout and appliances. A cohesive and harmonious kitchen makes for happy cooking.
Choosing the right cooktop can transform your cooking experience and amplify the functionality and style of your kitchen. We hope you use our top picks for the best 36-inch cooktops of 2026 to find the perfect fit for your culinary adventures. Explore our wide selection of 36-inch cooktops here at The Range Hood Store and take those first steps towards creating your dream kitchen.
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FAQs
What makes a 36-inch cooktop a popular choice for modern kitchens?
A 36-inch cooktop offers an ideal balance between cooking space and kitchen efficiency. It provides enough room to comfortably use multiple pots and pans at once without overwhelming standard countertop layouts, making it a favorite for families, entertainers, and serious home cooks.
What types of 36-inch cooktops are available?
The three primary types are gas, electric radiant, and induction cooktops. Gas cooktops use open flames for immediate heat control, electric radiant cooktops rely on heated elements beneath a smooth glass surface, and induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat compatible cookware directly.
Which 36-inch cooktop is best for traditional cooking styles?
Gas cooktops are typically preferred for traditional cooking techniques due to their visible flame, rapid heat response, and ability to handle everything from gentle simmering to high-heat searing. Models like the ZLINE RC36 deliver professional-style performance in a residential format.
Why is the ZLINE RC36 considered one of the best gas cooktops?
The ZLINE RC36 stands out for its Italian-made sealed burners, durable stainless steel construction, and flexible burner layout that supports multiple cooking techniques simultaneously. It is designed by ZLINE to deliver consistent performance with minimal maintenance.
Who should consider a 36-inch electric radiant cooktop?
Electric radiant cooktops are a strong choice for homeowners who value even heat distribution, straightforward controls, and easy cleanup. They are particularly appealing in households that prioritize simplicity and safety without sacrificing cooking capability.
What makes the Empava 36REC14 a top electric radiant option?
The Empava 36REC14 offers a sleek glass-ceramic surface, intuitive touch controls, and multiple safety features such as residual heat indicators and child locks. It provides reliable everyday performance while maintaining a modern aesthetic from Empava.
Why are induction cooktops becoming more popular in 2026?
Induction cooktops are gaining popularity due to their speed, energy efficiency, and enhanced safety. Because heat is generated directly in the cookware, induction offers precise temperature control, faster boiling times, and a cooler surrounding surface.
What sets the ZLINE RCIND-36 induction cooktop apart?
The ZLINE RCIND-36 features five induction zones, power boost functionality, and a durable SCHOTT CERAN® glass surface. Its design supports efficient multitasking while aligning with the clean, modern kitchens many homeowners are building today.
Is a cooktop with a built-in griddle worth considering?
A built-in griddle adds versatility by allowing you to prepare breakfast foods, sandwiches, and seared items without additional appliances. It is especially useful for households that cook a wide variety of meals on a daily basis.
Why is the Forno FCTGS5737-36 a strong griddle cooktop option?
The Forno FCTGS5737-36 combines six sealed gas burners with an integrated griddle, offering expansive cooking flexibility. Continuous cast iron grates and strong BTU output make it well-suited for high-volume or multi-dish cooking from Forno.
What defines a luxury 36-inch cooktop?
Luxury cooktops typically combine high-performance burner technology, premium materials, and distinctive design finishes. They are intended to function as both a professional-grade cooking surface and a visual centerpiece within the kitchen.
What makes the ZLINE DuoPro™ cooktop a luxury standout?
ZLINE’s DuoPro™ technology allows every burner to deliver a full range of heat, from low simmer to intense sear. With up to 130,000 total BTUs and refined Designer Collection finishes, it represents a premium cooking solution for high-end kitchens.
How should I choose the right 36-inch cooktop for my kitchen?
Start by evaluating your cooking habits, available ventilation, and countertop configuration. Consider whether speed, flame control, ease of cleaning, or design impact matters most to you. Matching the cooktop type to your lifestyle ensures long-term satisfaction.
Do 36-inch cooktops require special installation considerations?
Installation may require countertop modifications, dedicated electrical circuits for induction or electric models, and proper ventilation planning. Factoring these requirements in advance helps avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Are 36-inch cooktops a good long-term investment?
Yes. A well-chosen 36-inch cooktop enhances daily usability, supports a wide range of cooking techniques, and adds lasting value to your kitchen. When performance, durability, and design are aligned, it becomes one of the most impactful appliances in the home.
