A 36-inch gas cooktop with downdraft ventilation is an excellent choice for kitchens with large islands or open layouts where a traditional overhead range hood might be impractical. These cooktops combine powerful cooking performance with integrated ventilation, drawing smoke, steam, and odors downwards and venting them outside. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 36-inch gas cooktops with downdraft, highlighting their features, benefits, and what to look for when choosing the right one for your kitchen.
What is a 36-Inch Gas Cooktop with Downdraft?
A 36-inch gas cooktop with downdraft is a cooking appliance that integrates a gas cooktop with a downdraft ventilation system. The cooktop features six or five burners, offering a variety of heating options, and the downdraft system pulls smoke, steam, and odors downwards through a vent located beneath the cooktop. This eliminates the need for an overhead range hood, making it perfect for kitchens with island cooktops or those where a traditional range hood would interfere with the design.
Why Choose a 36-Inch Gas Cooktop with Downdraft?
A 36-inch gas cooktop with downdraft offers several benefits:
- Powerful Cooking: Gas cooktops provide instant heat, precise control, and high-BTU burners, making them ideal for a wide range of cooking techniques like searing, boiling, and simmering.
- Effective Ventilation: The integrated downdraft system draws air downwards, efficiently removing smoke, steam, and odors from your cooking area, keeping your kitchen air fresh.
- Space-Saving: These cooktops eliminate the need for a bulky overhead range hood, saving vertical space and maintaining an open, unobstructed kitchen layout.
- Quiet Operation: Downdraft ventilation systems tend to operate more quietly compared to traditional range hoods, offering a quieter cooking environment.
What to Look for in the Best 36-Inch Gas Cooktop with Downdraft
When selecting the best 36-inch gas cooktop with downdraft, keep these factors in mind:
1. Ventilation Power (CFM)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is an essential factor when selecting a downdraft cooktop. A higher CFM means the ventilation system can extract more air and efficiently remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. Look for a downdraft system with a CFM rating of at least 600, with premium models offering 900 CFM for more powerful extraction.
2. Cooking Performance
Gas cooktops are known for their precise control and powerful burners. When choosing a 36-inch gas cooktop, ensure the model offers enough burners (typically 5 to 6) and has high-BTU burners (18,000 BTUs or higher) for faster cooking and versatility. Some models also feature simmer burners for delicate cooking like melting chocolate or making sauces.
3. Burner Configuration
Consider the burner configuration of the cooktop. A 36-inch cooktop typically includes a mix of high-heat burners for quick boiling and simmer burners for delicate cooking. Some models offer specific configurations, such as a griddle burner or a wok burner, for specialized cooking needs.
4. Noise Level
While the downdraft system is designed to be efficient, the noise level of the ventilation can vary. Look for a model that operates quietly, especially if you have an open-concept kitchen or want a peaceful cooking experience.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Ensure the cooktop design matches your kitchen decor. Many 36-inch gas cooktops with downdraft systems feature a sleek, modern stainless steel finish that complements contemporary kitchen designs. Additionally, a smooth, easy-to-clean surface is important for maintaining cleanliness.
6. Price
36-inch gas cooktops with downdraft tend to be more expensive than traditional cooktops due to the added ventilation system. Prices can vary widely based on brand, features, and performance. Set a budget based on your needs and look for the best value, balancing cooking power, ventilation, and design.
Top 5 Best 36-Inch Gas Cooktops with Downdraft
1. KitchenAid KCGD500GSS 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The KitchenAid KCGD500GSS is a high-quality 36-inch gas cooktop with an integrated 600 CFM downdraft ventilation system. It features five burners, including a 17,000 BTU burner for high-heat cooking. The downdraft system efficiently removes smoke and steam from the cooktop area, and the cooktop’s stainless steel design adds a sleek, professional look to your kitchen.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 5 burners with up to 17,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel with modern finish
- Features: Even-Heat technology, high-power burners, sleek design
- Pros: Powerful burners, effective downdraft ventilation, stylish
- Cons: Higher price point
2. Bosch NGM8056UC 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Bosch NGM8056UC is a 36-inch gas cooktop with a 500 CFM downdraft ventilation system. It includes four burners, including an 18,000 BTU burner for high-heat cooking. The cooktop’s sleek stainless steel design is easy to clean, and the downdraft system efficiently removes smoke and odors from the cooking area. Bosch is known for reliable performance and elegant designs.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 4 burners with up to 18,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 500 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel with sleek finish
- Features: Simple controls, powerful burners, reliable performance
- Pros: Quiet operation, good value, effective downdraft system
- Cons: Lower CFM compared to premium models
3. Thermador PRD366WG 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Thermador PRD366WG is a 36-inch gas cooktop with a 600 CFM downdraft ventilation system. It features six burners, including two 18,000 BTU burners for powerful heat. The cooktop’s premium construction and high-end design make it ideal for larger kitchens and serious home cooks who demand precision and performance. The downdraft system efficiently removes smoke and odors.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 6 burners with up to 18,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Professional-grade stainless steel
- Features: High BTU burners, powerful ventilation, easy-to-clean
- Pros: Premium performance, versatile burners, effective ventilation
- Cons: Expensive
4. Viking VGR5366B 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Viking VGR5366B is a high-performance 36-inch gas downdraft cooktop with a 600 CFM downdraft ventilation system. It features six burners, including a 15,000 BTU burner for versatile cooking. The downdraft system efficiently captures and vents smoke and steam while the cooktop’s rugged design ensures long-lasting performance.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 6 burners with up to 15,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, durable construction
- Features: Convection oven, heavy-duty cooking grates
- Pros: Rugged build, high-power burners, effective downdraft
- Cons: Pricey
5. Frigidaire FGGC3645QS 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Frigidaire FGGC3645QS is a 36-inch gas downdraft cooktop with four burners, including a 17,000 BTU burner for high-heat cooking. The 300 CFM downdraft ventilation system ensures efficient smoke and steam removal. It’s an affordable and reliable choice for those looking for a combination of performance and value.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 4 burners with up to 17,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 300 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, sleek finish
- Features: Easy-to-clean grates, consistent performance
- Pros: Affordable, reliable performance, sleek design
- Cons: Lower CFM than premium models
Final Thoughts
A 36-inch gas cooktop with downdraft is ideal for larger kitchens or those with island cooktops. The models listed above, such as the KitchenAid KCGD500GSS and the Thermador PRD366WG, offer high-performance cooking and effective ventilation. Consider factors like burner configuration, CFM rating, and design when choosing the best model for your kitchen.