At a Glance:
Why You Should Upgrade to a 36 Inch Cooktop
If you love to cook like us, you’re probably more than familiar with induction appliances. These products have been on the market for a while now, but to many, it’s still unfamiliar territory. Cooks faithful to gas are hesitant to make the leap, while electric cooktop users might not be aware using induction is just as easy, if not simpler. But we know seeing is believing, which is why we’ve rated five 36 inch induction cooktops from our very catalog. Before reading our opinions, follow along to get a recap on induction, as well as a look into the benefits of upgrading to a 36 inch induction cooktop.
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Induction CooktopsWhat is Induction Cooking?
Once dubbed the cooking method of the future, induction is now as common on the market as its electric and gas counterparts. But what is induction, exactly?
At its simplest, induction is energy created by an electromagnetic coil that reacts to materials. In the case of induction cooktops, these surfaces respond to cast iron, steel, and other specially made materials. When the reaction happens, electromagnetic waves agitate the responsive materials, creating energy in the form of heat.
Unlike radiant cooktops (a.k.a. electric cooktops), which heat the surface of the appliance and then transfer that heat onto cookware, induction stovetops do not use the appliance as a middleman. Instead, the very cookware becomes its own heat source.
✅ Good to Know
The biggest tradeoff to induction (aside from the higher price) is that it does not react to copper or aluminum. A simple way to check if your cookware is compatible is by placing a magnet at the bottom; if it sticks, your cookware will work with an induction cooktop. If it doesn’t, you will need to buy a set that is induction-compatible.
Benefits of Induction Cooking
Now a mainstay on the market, more homeowners are beginning to realize why induction cooking is better than gas and electric cooking methods. In case you have never experienced induction cooking for yourself, here's what you should know:
You Don’t Need a Gas Hookup
Every kitchen is built with electric outlets, but not every kitchen has a working gas supply. On average, the installation of a gas line will cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Compare that to the price of installing an electric outlet, which experts say maxes out at around $500. But chances are, you already have an outlet inside the cabinets beneath your countertops.
Induction is Extremely Efficient
Many people aren’t aware of just how efficient cooking with electromagnetic current is. In fact, induction is the cleanest way to cook, with up to 85 percent of the heat created transferring directly to the cookware. That’s well above energy ratings for gas cooktops, which register around 32 percent efficiency, and radiant cooktops, which are between 75 and 80 percent efficient. Aside from utility savings, the transfer of heat using induction means you don’t need a high-powered over-the-range hood, and cooking conditions in the kitchen will be cooler than when cooking with an electric or gas cooktop.
Learn More: The Best Electric Cooktops
Induction Works Like Gas
The reason induction is so hyped is because you get all the benefits of gas cooking. Induction is agile and can go from a high sear to low simmers nearly instantly, has a high heat output, and is easy to control like a flame. There are even gas cooktops on the market that feature virtual flames, so you get a similar, intuitive experience as you would cooking on a gas-powered cooktop.
Cooking is Safer with Induction
Every time you make a meal on a gas cooktop, you’re essentially playing with fire. Besides the obvious risk of an open flame, gas cooktops can also potentially leak gas, which is harmful when ingested and can cause flare-ups the next time you ignite the stovetop.
Cooking with induction also substantially reduces your chances of getting burned from the surface. Again, the cooktop itself does not get hot, just the cookware. There will still be some residual heat transfer, but far less than a radiant cooktop. In fact, the transfer is so minimal, messes can often be cleaned on the spot, providing one more benefit to the cooking method.
Why You Should Upgrade to a 36 Inch Cooktop
Now that we’ve detailed the benefits of an induction cooktop let’s go over the perks of upgrading to a 36 inch cooktop. For reference, 30 inch cooktops are the standard size. These models typically come with four heating elements, but some 30 inch stovetops come with an additional heating zone, usually reserved as a warming zone.
With that in mind, here’s why a 36 induction cooktop might be better for you.
✓ More room to cook
It’s simple: a wider cooktop means you get more useable space for cookware. Additionally, most 36” cooktops come with at least five burners, though many feature six heating zones. However, you’ll have a lot more “elbow room” when using five heating zones on a 36” vs 30” cooktop.
✓ Ideal for multitasking
More heating zones mean it’s easier to cook multiple items at a single time. If you’re familiar with the struggle of switching pots and pans to share cooking zones, you’ll understand the luxury of having an additional area to prepare your dinner.
✓ You can use larger cookware
Whip out your roasting pan, griddle, and other specialty cookware. On a 36” cooktop, you have more space to accommodate these vessels. Having the versatility of using more cookware means you can expand your menu to include dishes that need to be prepared on specific cookware.
Related: The Best Induction Ranges
5 Induction Cooktop Reviews
We’re big-time fans of induction here at Albert Lee. We even wrote a whole spotlight on it in response to plans for Seattle to go gas-free within the near future. Now, let’s see how these appliances fare when it comes to the reviews. Here are five of the best induction cooktop models reviewed by our experts.
Best Frigidaire 36 Inch Induction Cooktop: Frigidaire Professional® 36” Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
Shop This Frigidaire Professional Induction Cooktop
Over 8/10 buyers give this a recommendation, some reviews going as far as to say this setup “cooks better than gas.” The best feature of this Frigidaire induction cooktop is the PowerPlus, which is both accurate and fast, capable of boiling a pot of water in two minutes, which is ideal for getting dinner on the table during busy nights. Like its users, we also enjoy this model’s modern look, complete with a black surface, stainless steel trim, and knobs for a traditional gas-powered experience.
Overall review: If you prefer an induction cooktop with the look of a traditional cooking appliance, the Frigidaire Professional FPIC3677RF is a good option that’s priced in the mid-end range.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Professional FPIC3677RF Review:
"We are very impressed with the power of this Frigidaire induction range top. It is able to boil one cup of water in less than 45 seconds; this is faster than our new microwave. We love the ease of cleaning and modern look compared to our older gas stove."
Best Beko 36 Inch Induction Cooktop: Beko 36” Black Glass Built In Induction Cooktop
On the other end of the spectrum is this Beko induction cooktop full of modern appeal. In place of knobs, it features touch controls that accentuate its sleek design and provide nine power levels to cook at a variety of settings. With two bridging elements, you can accommodate twice the roasting pans or griddles, making this one of the most flexible setups on our list.
Overall review: Designed for modern kitchens, this Beko 36” induction cooktop is simple yet powerful and all home cooks from casual to intermediate need to create meals.
Best GE 36 Inch Induction Cooktop: GE Profile™ Series 36” Black with Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
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What’s to love about this GE Profile induction cooktop? Try five cooking zones, including two bridging elements that give you the versatility to use large cookware. Additionally, this GE Profile induction cooktop 36” surface features pan recognition technology. Just place your cookware on top, and the feature automatically adjusts to heat the size of the pan used, making for an easier user experience.
Overall review: Shoppers who want a top-rated induction cooktop from a reputable brand will enjoy the GE Profile PHP9036SJSS. We give top ratings to three different element sizes that can handle a larger range of cookware sizes.
Best Bosch 36 Inch Induction Cooktop: Bosch 800 Series 36” Black/Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
Shop This Bosch Induction Cooktop
Get connected with your cooking routine on a whole new level with this Bosch induction cooktop featuring HomeConnect compatibility. The add-on lets you explore recipe ideas and manage your cooktop from a smart device, so you’re no longer chained to your stovetop. Either way, AutoChef ensures food cooks evenly by using smart sensors that automatically adjust temperature levels for consistency. Crank up the heat with SmartBoost, or select from 17 power levels and sear or sauté to perfection every time.
Overall review: We give high ratings to this smart 36” induction cooktop for its diverse power levels and Wi-Fi compatibility that makes putting dinner together even simpler.
⭐Featured Bosch NIT8660SUC Review:
"Works really well. Replaced our gas stove for environmental reasons. Easy to use and like the burn mitigation."
Best GE Café 36 Inch Induction Cooktop: Café™ 36” Flagstone Gray Induction Cooktop
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The black-on-black design of this Cafe induction cooktop is positively sophisticated, prompting buyers to leave reviews like, “The Cafe Induction Cooktop is a beautiful addition to our new home’s kitchen.” For that reason, we rate this a must-see induction cooktop if a modern look is what you’re going for in the kitchen. But performance counts too, which is why we give high ratings to upgrades like Gourmet Guided Cooking, pan sensors, bridging elements, and Wi-Fi compatibility.
Overall review: Luxury meets performance with the GE Café CHP95362MSS cooktop, with buyers agreeing it’s equally as beautiful as it is powerful. If you’re looking for luxury, this model is the place to start.
Induction cooking is the next wave of technology that is soon to overtake even gas cooktops in terms of sales and popularity. It’s still considered new technology, so make sure to keep the basics in mind before purchasing one of these appliances:
- Induction cooktops require special cookware
- Induction cooktops are the most expensive on the market
- 36 inch induction cooktops require more countertop space than 30 inch models
We’ve scoured our inventory to showcase the best of the best, but there’s still more to explore. At Albert Lee, we carry 36 inch induction cooktops from over 25 brands, starting under $2,000. To learn more about these products, visit an Albert Lee in your area, where our experts can help answer your questions.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Induction Cooktops at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop cooktops online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you discover the benefits of a 36 inch induction cooktop, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: The Benefits of Induction
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