Are you tired of accidentally burning yourself while cooking? Has your tiny stove been on the receiving end of more spills lately? Well, getting a large induction cooktop just might solve your problems.
1. Frigidaire FGIC3666TB Induction Cooktop
2. Empava 36 Inch Induction Cooktop
3. Thermomate Electric Cooktop
Induction hobs are great alternatives to conventional stove tops, because they are safe to touch despite operating at such high power. They also offer you the most energy-efficient way to cook, so they don’t just save you time but cut your bills too!
With an induction burner, cooking becomes less of a chore; and with the extra space and cooking zones the best 36-inch induction cooktop offers you, you’re sure to enjoy cooking a lot more again, too.
To help you make the switch, we’ve devised a list of some buzz-worthy induction range tops for you to start with.
- The Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktops: Our Top Picks
- How To Select The Right Induction Cooktops
- Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktop Reviewed
- When Best To Use A 36-Inch Induction Cooktop?
- FAQS
- How Does An Induction Cooktop Work?
- Which Brand Of Induction Cooktop Is Best?
- What Is The Best Portable Induction Cooktop To Buy?
- Wrap Up
The Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktops: Our Top Picks
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Select The Right Induction Cooktops
Objectively speaking, no perfect induction hob exists. However, you can pick one that best suits your needs. If you live alone and only cook occasionally, you won’t need all the bells and whistles a fancy cooktop comes with.
Though if you’re cooking for a family, size, power, and safety features might be some things you will want to prioritize.
With so many available options today, it can become a bit overwhelming to choose the right induction hob. Making a list of points to consider will definitely help narrow things down, so we’ve compiled a list for you below.
1. Cooking Power
An induction cooktop begins to heat up once a compatible pan touches its surface. About 85 to 90% of the energy generated by the change in magnetic field is converted to heat, so an induction burner is able to cook food much faster than a gas or an electric stove top can.
Induction burners can put out 1,200 to 3,700 W of power depending on their size, but they are also known to have precise heat settings, so there’s no need to worry about overcooking or overheating a dish despite a burner’s high cooking power.
High cooking power is definitely the biggest selling point of an induction cooktop. This is especially helpful if you’re cooking for a big group or are always on the go and have less time to prepare meals for yourself.
2. Reliability And Sensitivity
Induction cooktops are inherently sensitive. Their temperature changes are instantaneous but precise, so controlling an induction cooktop can be very easy and convenient once you get the hang of it.
Sensitivity, however, is a two-edged sword. A burner may stop working if your pots and pans aren’t the right size or placed exactly in the middle. This can be frustrating as the heat may shut off without you realizing.
If it’s your first time getting an induction cooktop, make sure your cookwares aren’t just the right size but also made with the right materials. It’s advisable to buy ferrous pans, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel, if you don’t yet have them.
If you aren’t sure what type you own, just try magnetizing their bottoms to confirm whether they’ll work well with an induction cooktop or not.
3. Dimensions And Number Of Burners
Cooktops usually come in widths of 30 or 36 inches, but there are some which range from 15 to 24 inches and others which go as wide as 45 to 48 inches.
The rule is to leave enough space on your countertop for chopping, mixing, and preparing ingredients. Wide cooktops which range from 45 to 48 inches have up to six burners and allow you to cook many things simultaneously. However, they could be quite the inconvenience if they occupied your entire cooking station.
Compact stoves which range from 15 to 24 inches are recommended for portability. However, they have a limited number of burners and are best for people who live alone or rearrange their kitchen layout often.
Most people purchase cooktops with a width of 30 inches. These cooktops usually have four burners. The extra six inches in 36-inch cooktops, however, go a long way as the stove top usually has 5 burners without sacrificing extra room to move your pots around in.
4. Extra Features
Stoves aren’t just about heating and cooking food anymore. These days, manufacturers constantly add new features to reinvent your cooking experience and to one up their competition.
If your current stove sits unused because of the hassles of cooking, innovative stoves with built-in timers, food warming options, auto heating, and booster heat functions may be worth checking out.
Safety features such as child locks, auto-off capacity, residual and overflow sensors aren’t just a luxury anymore either; they’re now the norm. It’s good to prioritize having them whether or not you live with children.
Some induction cooktops also offer smart features such as burner syncing, guided cooking, and wireless connectivity. These aren’t very necessary features for a normal home, but if you love to cook and do so often, these would definitely be great and fun additions to have in your kitchen.
5. Design And Aesthetic
Your stove top will occupy a huge part of your cooking station, so design and aesthetic is definitely something you will want to consider.
Most induction cooktops are black, so they fit in seamlessly into most kitchens. However, some people may prefer light indicators, accent lines, and unique bezels. If you can’t find a stove top that fits your aesthetic, you can always customize your countertop to match your preferences.
Aesthetics don’t have to be a priority, but it is definitely still something to think about when buying an induction cooktop.
Now that you have your list of needs pat down, you can proceed to deciding which model to buy. For your convenience, we have the 5 best 36-inch induction cooktops reviewed below.
Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktop Reviewed
Singlehomie 5 Burner Chef: The Beginner’s Choice
If you aren’t yet ready to commit to a 36” induction cooktop, Singlehomie’s got you covered with a great budget option. For a hundred dollars less than most options available today, Singlehomie provides you with all the standards you’d expect in a premium 36” induction hob.
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model has five burners as well as nine power settings. It also includes a 1 to 99-minute timer, a pause button, and a warming function. Safety features include automatic shutdown, overheating protection, and a child lock.
Perhaps this cooktop’s only drawback is its relatively weak cooking power which ranges from 1,200 W to 2,100 W. If this is your first time using an induction cooktop, these may already seem like high numbers.
However, you’ll be surprised to know that other induction cooktops are capable of reaching even three times that power.
Still, the Singlehomie 5 Burner Chef is a solid choice ㅡ especially if it’s going to be your first time using an induction hob. It is powerful enough to cook faster than you used to, and its glass ceramic top would look beautiful in your home.
Do be careful, however, as it may not be entirely scratch-proof. Once you’re positively certain about sticking with induction cooking, you can always get an upgrade.
Thermomate CHTB915: The Budget Option
Thermomate’s 36-inch induction hob makes for a great companion in the kitchen. Apart from child locks, this model has safety features which provide protection from overheating and residual heat all while maintaining 3,000 W of power for fast heating and cooking.
- 5 high power burners: 2300/3000W (11in) +1800/2100W (9in)+1800/2100W (9in)+1200/1500W (7in)+1200/1500W (7in). Supplied with 4...
- 4 protection features: over-heating protection, residual heat indicator, auto shutdown, and child safety lock. Suit for all...
- 9 power setting for precise heating, perfect for braise, fry, deep fry, stir-fry, roast, and even boil water. Slider Sensor...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has five cooking zones which also run boost and warming functions. Its nine power settings may be less than those offered by other induction cooktops, but they are still capable of delivering precise temperature levels needed for frying, braising, roasting, and boiling.
It also has a timer and a smart pot function which helps confirm whether your current cookware is compatible with the induction stove top. Its black ceramic surface is also scratch proof which adds to its durability.
Thermomate’s 36-inch induction cooktop is one of the most affordable options on this list. While it doesn’t have the highest cooking power, it still gets the job done faster than a conventional electric or gas stove top. That said, this cooktop makes for a great and economical purchase.
Empava IDC36-240V: A Chef’s Economical Mate
Empava does a commendable job by packing a smart and reliable induction stove into one affordable unit. Its nine heat settings are on par with Thermomate’s and also allow for rapid boil and accurate temperature changes at the touch of a button.
- The USA & Canada ETL Certified Electric Stove Induction Cooktop designed and engineered in the USA by Empava Appliances with...
- The flawless Empava smooth vitro ceramic glass surface allows for effortless cleanup, manufactured without the release of...
- Hot Surface indicator - An "H" will appear in the surface cooking area display let you know when elements are hot to the...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Empava even one-ups the competition by including a 3,700 W heating element measuring 11 inches on its 36-inch stove top. Even its two smaller burners pack a mean 2,400 W each which makes for a powerful cooktop for its price.
This induction hob has a hot surface indicator, pan size sensors, and a child control lock. This is proof that choosing the more affordable option doesn’t mean needing to trade your safety for some savings.
This stove top also includes a Power Boost mode, a timer, and a smooth tempered glass finish — all of which ensure a high quality cooking experience at a fraction of the usual cost.
Gasland Chef IH90BF: Premiums On A Budget
Gasland Chef features five cooking zones which range from 1,800 W to 2,000 W of power. It has nine settings which can be easily controlled by a digital touch panel on the bottom.
- 🎁【Easy Maintenance】One-piece glass surface allows for wipe clean. No crevices that can hold residue. No afraid of...
- 🎁【5 Powerful Cooking Zones】This induction cooktop has 9 power levels, precision to switch into different level from...
- 🎁【Minimize Built-in Design】Gasland built-in electric cooktop provides extra counter space on top and takes up mini...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It features multiple protection functions such as a child lock, overheating protection, and auto shutdown. To make multitasking possible, this induction hob also has a timer at the ready.
It’s a close fight between Gasland and Singlehomie as both options are affordable and reliable starter cooktops. Gasland Chef, however, offers a more premium look and feel.
Its scratch-proof ceramic top ensures a more durable and long-lasting cooktop. It also possesses an Induction Boost feature which separates it from other budget options. If you prefer simple circles to cross hairs, Gasland’s aesthetic will definitely appeal to you more too.
So, if you’re willing to shell out a couple more bucks for the extra features, opt for Gasland Chef
Frigidaire FGIC3666TB: Induction Flares With Extra Flair
Not everyone appreciates a smooth black slab for a stove top. If you want some extra flair, the Frigidaire Gallery induction cooktop has five burners decorated with outward rays and makes for the perfect centerpiece in your kitchen.
- 36 in. induction cooktop from Frigidaire
- Amazingly fast heat
- Even heat distribution
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This stove isn’t just beautiful, it’s just as capable of cooking and boiling at half the time an ordinary stove can. The main burner is 10 inches wide and reaches about 3,800 W at high settings.
The two smallest burners are an ample seven inches each and are very easy to clean should any spills make it to the surface. All burners distribute heat evenly across the pan and the food you’re cooking, too.
Cooking zones are activated by touch control and are incredibly sensitive to adjustments. All zones are also capable of auto-sizing pan detection, which makes the Frigidaire Gallery a great appliance for curbing the learning curve associated with using induction cooktops.
When Best To Use A 36-Inch Induction Cooktop?
Most people buy 30-inch induction cooktops without realizing what perks the extra six inches can give them. A 30-inch induction cooktop usually comes with four burners, but a 36-inch cooktop may come with five and still give you enough space to move your pots and pans around.
A 36-inch induction cooktop is best used when cooking for many people. Even if you don’t usually need to cook big meals, it’s still a great investment if you’re the type to cook a lot or if you simply want more space to cook in.
One thing to consider, however, is that five burners may consume about 50 amperes as opposed to the 30 amperes needed to power four burners on a 30-inch cooktop. If you can’t maximize the fifth burner, a 30-inch cooktop may be enough for you.
Just head on over to our review for the best 30-inch induction cooktops to get a better picture of what one can offer you.
FAQS
How Does An Induction Cooktop Work?
Induction cooking is made possible by electromagnetism. A fluctuating electric current generates a fluctuating magnetic field and in turn produces heat.
When an electric current passes through a wire, it creates a magnetic field with it. An induction hob, on the other hand, is powered by a constant alternating current to continuously generate a changing magnetic field.
By placing an iron pan on your powered induction hob, you allow the magnetism from the hob to penetrate your cooking vessel. The magnetic field then introduces electrical currents into the pan and turns it into a heater.
This effectively cooks your food via conduction. All of these energy transfers happen in a jiffy, so induction cooktops allow you to prepare meals faster than a conventional electric or gas stove would allow you to.
Which Brand Of Induction Cooktop Is Best?
Many brands manufacturing induction cooktops have stood the test of time. The list above already mentions many of the big names in the induction cooktop industry. However, determining the best brand will still depend on your needs.
If you’re the type that bakes too, you might appreciate an induction range. Should you decide to get one, buy the best induction range you can find. They’re an even bigger investment than cooktops, so it would be a shame to see it unused.
An induction range combines both an oven and a hob, so it hits two birds with one stone. They’re less common, especially in bigger sizes, but Wolf’s IR36550/S/T is pretty impressive if you’re looking for a 36-inch induction range.
It is a stainless steel transitional induction range which features nearly 50 presets, WiFi connectivity, ten cooking modes, a bridge function, and a dual VertiCross convection system.
These are definitely exciting features to have in your kitchen and very persuasive reasons to get one if you’re ready for the investment.
What Is The Best Portable Induction Cooktop To Buy?
Portability is determined by size and weight. If an induction cooktop is compact but heavy, this will not make for the best choice. Likewise, a lightweight but large induction cooktop may be inconvenient to bring around.
The Cuisinart ICT-60 ticks the boxes as it is both lightweight and compact. At 11.6 lbs and just 17 inches, it has two burners — its right one with five heat settings and its left with eight. This makes it the best portable induction cooktop as it doesn’t sacrifice an extra burner for the sake of portability.
The SPT SR-964TS makes for a good runner-up. While this only has one burner, it has seven settings which range from 100° to 390° F. It is compact and lightweight without doing away with the precision that makes for a good induction cooktop.
Wrap Up
Frigidaire’s induction cooktop is easily the most innovative option on this list. It’s packed with numerous features and is designed for the experimental chef.
It has a beautifully designed ceramic surface too! It’s not cheap, but its cost is justified by the convenience, aesthetics, and functionality it offers to its users.
However, if cooking power is your top priority, Empava would be a great choice too. Not everyone needs a dozen heat level settings after all, and this model features a Power Boost mode and reaches up to 3,700 W of cooking power, at a fraction of Frigidaire’s cost.
Cooking has evolved into a more sophisticated experience because of technology, so there are definitely lots of options available that could perfectly fit your needs.
Diving head-first into the market, however, can be a little bit daunting. If you’re thinking of buying an induction cooktop, I suspect it’s because you want to save your time and energy.
This list does just that for you, so choosing any of the induction stove tops above gives you a head start into living the efficient lifestyle you’re already planning on leading.
