Our Top Picks
VEVOR Gas Cooktop 30 Inch 5 Burners 12250BTU30 Inch–5 Burners19.69 x 29.92 x 3.82 inches28.16 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best gas cooktop for most kitchens is a 36-inch, five-burner model with sealed burners, a high-output center burner near 18,000 BTU and a low simmer burner near 5,000 BTU, such as the GE Profile PGP7036SLSS. Choose the Samsung NA36R5310FS to spend less, the KitchenAid KCGD506GSS if you need a built-in downdraft, and the Wolf CG365P/S if you want professional-grade control. Always confirm the cutout size and gas type before you buy, and have a licensed professional connect the gas line.
Quick Comparison of the Picks
| Pick | Best for | Width and burners | Burner output (BTU) | Notable feature | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile PGP7036SLSS | Best overall | 36 in, 5 sealed | 18,000 / 15,000 / 9,500 x 2 / 5,000 (57,000 total) | Dishwasher-safe continuous grates, LED knobs | Upper-mid |
| Samsung NA36R5310FS | Best value | 36 in, 5 sealed | 17,000 / 13,000 / 10,000 x 2 / 5,000 (about 55,000 total) | Continuous cast iron grates | Mid |
| KitchenAid KCGD506GSS | Downdraft, no overhead hood | 36 in, 5 burners | 17,000 / 15,000 / 12,500 / 10,000 / 5,000 | 300 CFM downdraft, flame re-ignition | Upper |
| Bosch 800 Series 36-inch | Precision and design | 36 in, 5 burners | See Bosch spec sheet | Stainless finish, precise simmer per reviewers | Upper |
| GE JGP5036SLSS | Easy cleaning on a budget | 36 in, 5 burners | Per maker spec sheet | Straightforward controls | Budget to mid |
| Wolf CG365P/S | Professional-grade | 36 in, 5 burners | See Wolf spec sheet | Dual-stacked burners, premium build | Premium |
Best Overall: GE Profile PGP7036SLSS
The Profile PGP7036SLSS gives you five sealed burners with an 18,000 BTU Power Boil burner in the center, a 15,000 BTU burner, two 9,500 BTU burners and a 5,000 BTU simmer burner, for 57,000 BTU total per the manufacturer. The continuous grates are dishwasher safe and let you slide pots between burners, and knobs are backlit. Reviewed includes it among its 36-inch gas cooktop picks.
VEVOR Gas Cooktop 30 Inch 5 Burners 12250BTU NG LPG Convertible Built-In | For Camping RVs and Apartments, Stainless Steel Design with Thermocouple Protection for Reliable and Secure Daily Cooking
Chosen because it specifies For Camping RVs and Apartments.
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Gas Cooktop 30 Inch, Amzgachfktch 5 Burners Propane Stove, Built-in NG/LPG Convertible Gas Stove Top, Black Tempered Glass Propane Cooktop with Thermocouple Protection
Chosen because it specifies Amzgachfktch 5 Burners Propane Stove and Built-in NG/LPG Convertible Gas Stove Top.
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GASLAND 30 Inch Gas Cooktop with 4 Italy Sabaf Burners PRO GH2304SS | NG/LPG Convertible Natural Gas/Propane, Auto Ignition, Thermocouple Protection, CSA Certified
Chosen because it specifies NG/LPG Convertible Natural Gas/Propane and Auto Ignition.
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24 Inch Gas Cooktop, Built-In 4 Burner Gas Stove Top, NG/LPG Convertible Stainless Steel Cooktop with Thermocouple Protection, Sealed Burners
Chosen because it specifies Built-In 4 Burner Gas Stove Top and Sealed Burners.
View on AmazonThe trade-off is the price compared with entry-level cooktops and a simmer burner that is good but not as low as a pro-level unit. Wi-Fi features, where offered, depend on the specific model.
Best Value: Samsung NA36R5310FS
This 36-inch Samsung has five sealed burners, including a 17,000 BTU center power burner and a 5,000 BTU simmer, two 10,000 BTU burners and a 13,000 BTU burner, according to Reviewed. Continuous cast-iron grates make pot movement easy. It tends to sell for less than premium models.
The trade-off is build feel. Knobs and grates are lighter than higher-end brands, and parts availability varies by region.
Best Downdraft: KitchenAid KCGD506GSS
If a wall hood is not possible, the KCGD506GSS has a built-in downdraft vent with a 3-speed fan rated at 300 CFM and flame-sensing re-ignition. Its burners include a 17,000 BTU searing burner, a 15,000 BTU, 12,500, 10,000 and a 5,000 BTU Even-Heat simmer burner.
The trade-offs are price and venting performance. Downdraft vents capture less smoke than a good overhead hood, especially from tall pots, and the cooktop needs cabinet space below for ducting.
Best for Precision: Bosch 800 Series
Cooktop Hunter placed the Bosch 800 Series NGMP659UC as its best mid-range pick and noted tight simmer control. Bosch tends to emphasize clean looks and well-calibrated low flames, and the cooktop has multiple preset power levels.
The trade-off is that the exact burner BTUs and cutout details should be checked in Bosch’s installation guide before you buy. It also costs more than the budget picks.
Best Easy-Clean Budget Pick: GE JGP5036SLSS
Homewise names this GE as the easiest to clean among its picks, and it is a straightforward five-burner choice for kitchens that want a familiar layout. Sealed burners keep spills on top of the unit rather than inside it.
The trade-off is fewer premium features. Check the maker’s spec sheet for burner outputs.
Best Professional: Wolf CG365P/S
Cooktop Hunter names the Wolf CG365P/S as its top overall pick. Wolf’s dual-stacked burners are known for wide control between high output and a gentle simmer, and the build is premium.
The trade-off is cost. It sits well above other picks, and the price is hard to justify for occasional cooking.
How to Choose a Gas Cooktop
Width and cutout
Standard widths are 30 inches (four or five burners) and 36 inches (five or six). The cutout is the real constraint: measure existing opening width and depth and compare with the installation guide. A 36-inch unit rarely fits a 30-inch cutout without cabinet changes.
BTU range
For searing and boiling, look for one burner at 15,000 to 18,000 BTU. For delicate sauces, a burner at 5,000 BTU or less. Higher is not always better; a pot needs heat that it can absorb. The total across burners of 55,000 to 60,000 BTU is typical in this class.
Sealed burners and grates
Sealed burners contain spills and are easy to wipe. Continuous grates let you slide pots, and heavy cast iron lasts. Dishwasher-safe grates, as on the GE Profile, simplify cleanup.
Ventilation
A gas cooktop needs a hood or downdraft. Gas ranges produce combustion byproducts, so ventilation matters for air quality. As a rule of thumb, aim for roughly 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU for overhead hoods, but follow the local code and manufacturer’s guidance.
Gas type and ignition
Most cooktops ship set for natural gas, with a conversion kit for propane. Electric ignition with re-ignition if the flame goes out is a useful safety feature.
Worked Example: Hood Sizing
A cooktop with 57,000 BTU of total burner capacity divided by 10,000 equals 5.7. Multiplying by 100 CFM gives about 570 CFM as a maximum guideline if every burner ran at once, which rarely happens. Many kitchens use a 400 to 600 CFM hood, and building codes may require make-up air above certain thresholds. A 300 CFM downdraft, like the KitchenAid’s, handles light to moderate cooking but is not matched to heavy wok or sear sessions.
Installation and Ownership Realities
- Professional hookup: have a licensed installer connect the gas line and check for leaks.
- Clearances: follow the installation guide for distances to cabinets and the hood.
- Cleaning: remove grates and wipe sealed burners after cooling; clean burner ports with a soft brush if they clog.
- Igniters: sparks can fail if wet or dirty, and replacing a spark module is common.
- Lifespan: a good gas cooktop typically lasts 15 years or more with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good BTU for a gas cooktop?
A high burner of 15,000 to 18,000 BTU is plenty for boiling and searing, and a simmer burner at or below 5,000 BTU handles sauces. More BTU is not always better, since the pot must absorb the heat.
Can I replace an electric cooktop with gas?
Only if a gas line is available or can be added by a licensed plumber or gas fitter. The conversion also requires proper ventilation and often a different cutout.
Do gas cooktops need a hood?
Yes, a hood or downdraft is strongly recommended and sometimes required by code. Venting helps remove moisture, grease and combustion byproducts.
Are sealed burners better?
For most home cooks, yes. They keep spills out of the burner box and are easier to clean than open burners.
How do I convert a cooktop to propane?
Many models include or sell a conversion kit with new orifices. Use the kit specified by the manufacturer and have a qualified technician perform it.
