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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
If you value precision and power when choosing kitchen appliances, consider a gas cooktop. When compared to a kitchen range, a cooktop takes up less space while offering the ability to saute or simmer your way to a delicious meal. Jenny Hunter, a food blogger at Happy Muncher and former professional chef, points out gas cooktops are typically more powerful “as they provide instant and adjustable heat.” She adds that this makes them ideal for “experienced cooks who want to be able to control and adjust the intensity of the heat quickly.”
Front controls give you quick access to the burners, and the stainless steel finish is a stylish choice for any kitchen.
Here, the best gas cooktops for every household, lifestyle, and budget.
Best Overall
GE JGP5030SLSS 30-Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 Burners Including Power Burners
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Home Depot
Plenty of space for large cookware
Five-burner cooktop with rapid boil burner
Edge-to-edge grates are dishwasher-safe
Available in two finishes
No dual-power burner
Grates are tricky to remove
We recommend the GE JGP5030SLSS for most home cooks looking for a versatile, well-equipped gas cooktop. It makes the most of its 30-inch footprint with a five-burner cooktop, edge-to-edge grate system, and sealed burners for easier clean-up.
The GE JGP5030SLSS is outfitted with a 15,000 BTU center burner for high-heat cooking tasks. But for more delicate heat output, it also has a 5,000 BTU burner. For heat that falls somewhere in between, pick from a 12,500 burner or two burners with 9,500 BTU each. It’s worth noting that the maximum heat output of this cooktop isn’t as powerful as some cooktops that reach 18,000 BTU (or more) on a single burner, but that shouldn't pose a problem when it comes to everyday cooking tasks like rapidly boiling water or searing steak.
The standard dial control knobs of the GE JGP5030SLSS are front and center on the cooktop, making them easy to see and reach. The continuous grate system also means it’s easy to slide heavy pots and pans from one burner to another as you start or finish cooking tasks. The sealed cooktop and grates make for easy maintenance. In fact, the cast-iron grates have a special finish that makes them dishwasher-safe to reduce hands-on cleaning time, although they take a little effort to remove from the cooktop. These features and functions are packaged together in a stainless steel or black finish for a retail price under $1,500.
Price at time of publish: $1,298
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 5.5 inches | Max Power Level: 15,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best Budget
Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C 30 in. Gas Stove Cooktop with 5 Sealed Italy Sabaf Burners
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Amazon
Five sealed burners
Dishwasher-safe grates
Continuous grate system
Automatic ignition and auto shut-off for gas
Power burner falls short in delivering high heat
No smart features
Only available in one finish
For an affordable gas cooktop, the Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C beats out the competition. For starters, this option costs much less than most other models—it retails for less than $500 but has some of the most useful features of this type of kitchen appliance. In particular, you’ll notice it has sealed burners, dishwasher-safe grates, and a stainless steel finish for a modern look.
This 30-inch budget gas cooktop has five burners that range from 4,000 to 12,000 BTU. While the 12,000 BTU option is described as a "power burner" by Empava, it’s worth noting that its heating power falls short when compared to the high-heat burners of other gas cooktops. However, it does have a dual-ring design for more even heat distribution, and it still is capable of handling a wide range of cooking tasks.
The sealed burners mean that liquids or food debris won’t fall into the ports of the burner, reducing the chances of a mess or malfunction. The cast iron grates span the entire width of the cooktop, making it easier to manage your cookware. There are no smart features to speak of, but an auto shut-off ensures that if the flame goes out, the gas supply is cut off to avoid a gas leak.
Price at time of publish: $356
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 29.92 x 20.08 x 4.13 inches | Max Power Level: 12,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best 36-inch
Maytag MGC9536DS 36 in. Gas Cooktop with 5 Burners
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Lowe's
Dual-power burner for high- and low-heat cooking
Die-cast metal control knobs for a professional feel
10-year warranty on burners and grates
Easy-to-clean coated cooktop
Only available in stainless steel finish
Grates don’t sit deeply on the cooktop
A 36-inch gas cooktop provides more room to showcase your culinary skills. “A 36-inch cooktop allows for more space to cook larger dishes and multiple dishes at once," says Hunter. "It also provides more flexibility when it comes to pot and pan sizes, as larger pots can fit more easily on a larger cooktop.” If that’s what you’re looking for, then opt for the Maytag MGC9536DS.
This model makes the most of its expanded width with five burners. In the center, an 18,000 BTU dual burner is capable of searing a steak or simmering sauce. A designated simmer burner with 800 to 5,000 BTU includes a melt cap to ensure even heat distribution and avoid scorching. You’ll find the Maytag MGC9536DS has enough room to accommodate even large pans like a wok or oversize skillet. Sliding hefty pots and pans from one burner to another is also easier with the edge-to-edge grate system—though the grates could be seated more deeply on the cooktop, according to users.
The cooktop has a sturdy feel, thanks to the die-cut metal knobs, heavy-duty cast iron grates, and shiny stainless steel finish. If your culinary creations leave their mark on your cooktop, you’ll appreciate that this Maytag model is constructed with easy-to-clean features. The cooktop itself is coated with a protective finish that makes it easier to wipe grease, sauce, or other splatters from the surface. The cast iron grates are dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to spend time scrubbing them by hand. This 36-inch gas cooktop is only available in stainless steel. However, it costs less than $1,500, making it a good value given its expanded 36-inch size and powerful burner set-up.
Price at time of publish: $1,178
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 36 x 21 x 3.38 inches | Max Power Level: 18,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best Smart
Samsung NA30N6555TS 30 in. Gas Cooktop with Wi-Fi
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The Home Depot
Can monitor the cooktop on your smartphone
19,000 BTU power burner
Illuminated control knobs for better visibility while using cooktop
Available in two finishes
Doesn’t integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home
Grates aren't dishwasher-safe
A smart gas cooktop gives you powerful cooking capabilities combined with the latest features in smart home technology. The Samsung NA30N6555TS is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and works with the brand’s SmartThings app. It’s outfitted with five burners and a griddle to cover all of your cooking needs. A high-power 19,000 BTU burner delivers impressive heat, and it has four more burners ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 BTU.
This 30-inch gas cooktop is available in stainless steel or fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel finishes. Regardless of which option you choose, the metal control knobs illuminate with a blue LED light when a burner is in use, giving you a visual reminder that the cooktop is on. But with this smart cooktop, you can also use Samsung’s SmartThings app on your device to check the operating status and power levels of the burners. Of course, remotely monitoring the cooktop isn’t a substitute for being present in the kitchen while the burners are active, but it’s handy for verifying that the cooktop is off after you’ve left the room or the house. Another feature of this smart cooktop is the option to check and change the cooktop’s kitchen timer.
Before you make plans to integrate your smart cooktop with the rest of your home automation system, keep in mind that it’s not compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. You’ll have to stick with the Samsung SmartThings app to take advantage of the features made possible by the cooktop’s built-in Wi-Fi. When it comes to messes, the user manual notes that it's best to remove and clean the grates by hand, rather than in the dishwasher.
Price at time of publish: $1,198
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 30 x 22.33 x 5.56 inches | Max Power Level: 19,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best 4-Burner
Whirlpool WCG55US0HS 30 in. Gas Cooktop
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Best buy
Hinged grate system for easy cleaning
Dishwasher-safe grates and knobs
Recessed cooktop to contain spills
Available in two finishes
Less maximum BTU than other models
Knobs are chrome-plated plastic
A four-burner gas cooktop fits in most kitchen configurations and typically has a standard 30-inch width. The Whirlpool WCG55US0HS offers user-friendly features like a hinged grate system and a sealed burner set-up that covers both high-heat cooking tasks and low-heat simmering functions.
While there are only four burners on this gas cooktop, it’s well-suited for a wide range of meal prep needs. The highest-power burner has 15,000 BTU to boil water for pasta or give proteins an even sear. For less substantial heat, there are 12,000 BTU and 9,100 BTU burners to choose from. And like any well-equipped gas cooktop, the Whirlpool WCG55US0HS has a low-power burner with 5,000 BTU for warming, melting, or simmering functions. You control each burner with a control knob, which is the biggest weakness of this four-burner cooktop. The knobs are chrome-plated plastic, which can be less durable than metal versions.
The most impressive thing about this gas cooktop is its unique hinged grate system. Instead of lifting heavy cast iron grates from the cooktop, this model allows you to lift each half of the grate system independently so you can wipe underneath. For a deeper clean, both the grates and the knobs are removable and dishwasher-safe.
Price at time of publish: $848
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 4.13 inches | Max Power Level: 15,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 4
Best Dual Power
Samsung NA36N7755TS 36-Inch Smart Gas Cooktop
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The Home Depot
Center, dual-ring burner with 22,000 BTU
Includes cast iron griddle and wok burner
Illuminated, metal control knobs
Available in two finishes
Smart features only accessible through Samsung app
The Samsung NA36N7755TS is a sleek, modern-looking gas cooktop that is equipped with one of the most powerful dual-power burners available. The dual-ring burner can be dialed up to a maximum of 22,000 BTU for high, intense heat or function as a single flame for low, gentle heat. Many other dual-power gas cooktops only offer high-power burners with up to 20,000 BTU, so this Samsung model is the one to choose if you want maximum heat output from your cooktop.
In total, the cooktop can supply up to 61,000 BTU across the five burners. There’s plenty of room for large cookware on the continuous grate system, and Samsung includes extras like a wok grate and a cast iron griddle. You can choose between stainless steel and black stainless steel finishes. Either option features Samsung’s metal analog control knobs with LED illumination. The removable metal knobs and cast iron grates are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.
This smart cooktop is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can use the Samsung SmartThing app to monitor if any burners are on, as well as check or change the built-in timer. However, the cooktop's smart capabilities aren't compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The Bluetooth function is limited in its application on its own—but it is designed to sync with a smart kitchen hood, giving the cooktop the ability to activate the hood fan and lights while in use.
Because of the limited integrations of the smart features, it’s not the most important reason to buy this gas cooktop. However, the dual-power burner torches the competition and makes this model an appealing choice for high-heat cooking.
Price at time of publish: $1,548
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 36 x 22.33 x 5.56 inches | Max Power Level: 22,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best for Precise Cooking
Bosch NGM8058UC 800 Series 30 in. Gas Cooktop
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The Home Depot
Nine heat settings and uniform flame height adjustments for consistency
Illuminating, metal control knobs
Durable, easy-to-clean components
Available in two finishes
No smart features
The Bosch NGM8058UC is our top recommendation if you’re looking for a premium gas cooktop that offers precise, even flame control. This Bosch 800 series cooktop stands out for offering unique flame control known as FlameSelect technology. It enables you to make precise, consistent flame height adjustments across a span of nine marked settings.
The Bosch cooktop offers five burners to meet all kinds of high-heat and low-heat cooking needs. A dual-ring power burner is capable of cranking out 17,000 BTU, while a 3,400 BTU simmer burner with a melt cap provides gentle, even heat for delicate heating tasks. For more general cooking tasks, you’ll have a 10,300 BTU burner and two 6,000 BTU burners to work with.
The quality of materials and finish will match your expectations for a high-end gas cooktop. It has durable metal knobs with LED lighting when an element is in use, as well as continuous cast iron grates that are dishwasher-safe. It's available in stainless steel or black finishes. There are no smart features on this gas cooktop, but it’s still a smart buy for anyone in the market for a high-end gas cooktop.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 31 x 21.25 x 3.81 inches | Max Power Level: 17,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 5
Best with Downdraft
KitchenAid KCGD500GSS 30 in. Gas Downdraft Cooktop in Stainless Steel with 4 Burners
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The Home Depot
Three-speed incorporated fan
Compatible with ducted or duct-free ventilation
Burners range from 5,000 to 17,000 BTU
Automatic re-ignition
Needs to be cleaned frequently
Expensive
Only four burners
A downdraft gas cooktop helps to expel smoke and odors from your kitchen. If you don’t have an overhead vent hood, picking a gas cooktop with this feature will help keep your kitchen free of cooking exhaust. The KitchenAid KCGD500GSS has an integrated downdraft and four burners, plus the reliability and premium build quality that KitchenAid appliances are known for—like metal control knobs.
The downdraft system on this gas cooktop has a fan rated for 300 CFM, which pulls in the heat and smoke produced during your high-heat cooking tasks. We especially like that the exhaust fan better matches your ventilation needs with three speeds, giving you more options than basic exhaust fans with only one or two-speed settings. Out of the box, the integrated ventilation system is designed for ducted installation, but an optional duct-free installation kit is available, too.
Because this 30-inch model makes room for the ventilation system down the center of the cooktop, there are only four burners to work with. But you’ll still find a well-equipped set-up. KitchenAid equipped this gas cooktop with a high-power 17,000 BTU burner, plus 15,000 BTU and 10,000 BTU options. A 5,000 BTU simmer burner uses the brand’s Even-Heat technology to provide a gentle simmer for soups and sauces. This model offers pilotless ignition, too. While some users have reported quality issues with KitchenAid appliances, we think this is a worthy contender if you're looking for a downdraft gas cooktop. Plus, the KitchenAid KCGD500GSS comes with a five-year limited warranty from the manufacturer in case you encounter any issues.
Price at time of publish: $2,249
Fuel Type: Gas | Dimensions: 30 x 21.5 x 18.44 inches | Max Power Level: 17,000 BTU | Number of Burners: 4
The GE JGP5030SLSS 30-inch Gas Cooktop is our top pick if you're adding a gas cooktop to your kitchen. It has a standard 30-inch width and five burners that are precise and powerful. The stainless steel finish blends with modern kitchen appliances. If you're looking for the most affordable option, we recommend the Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C 30-inch Gas Stove Cooktop. It doesn't have smart features or a very high output power burner, but it still offers five burners and also has dishwasher-safe cast iron grates.
What to Look for in a Gas Cooktop
Dimensions and Installation Requirements
Gas cooktops are available in a width of 30- or 36-inches. However, you’ll want to check the actual product dimensions along with the installation cut-out size for any gas cooktop you’re thinking about purchasing, as these dimensions can vary slightly. The cut-out size will always be smaller than the dimensions of the cooktop since the edges of the cooktop will overlap on the countertop.
Cooktops generally require 1 to 2 feet of clearance on either side of the appliance and 30 inches between the cooktop and overhead cabinetry, but you should always check the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular cooktop model before installation.
Number of Burners
Four burners are standard for a gas cooktop. However, you’ll also commonly see five-burner cooktops for both 30-inch and 36-inch models. Trying to decide whether you need an additional burner? Consider how often you prepare multiple items on the stovetop. If you typically only use one or two pots and pans at a time, a four-burner cooktop may be all you need. However, if you frequently are preparing more complex meals with several pots and pans at once, then a gas cooktop with five burners is a better fit. More burners can also give you a wider range of BTU to work with, as five-burner cooktops often include a low-power melt or simmer burner.
Power Level
When compared to electric cooktops, Jenny Hunter, a food blogger at Happy Muncher and former professional chef, points out that gas cooktops are typically more powerful, as they provide instant and adjustable heat. “This makes them ideal for experienced cooks who want to be able to control and adjust the intensity of the heat quickly,” Hunter adds.
Keep in mind that not all gas cooktops are made with the same maximum power level. Look for the most powerful burner a cooktop is equipped with to see if it will meet your needs for high-heat cooking. Many gas cooktops have a power burner of 15,000 BTU or more, but models that feature a professional-style dual-burner will pack even more heating power. For example, the Samsung NA36N7755TS, our top pick for a dual-power gas cooktop, is equipped with a 22,000 BTU burner.
Safety Features
There are a number of safety features to consider when shopping for a gas cooktop. Many models on this list, including the Samsung NA30N6555TS, feature indicator lights that make it easier to tell when a burner is on. Push-to-turn knobs are another good safety feature to look out for, as they prevent you from accidentally turning on a burner—though manufacturers often don't include this feature in product listings, and you may need to review the corresponding user manual to confirm a model has it.
High-end gas cooktops tend to include extra features such as pilotless ignition (also known as electronic ignition), which eliminates the need for a standing pilot light, and flame failure protection, which will turn off the gas that's fueling the appliance.
Power Levels
While gas cooktops have more precise controls in comparison with their electric counterparts, it's still important to take note of the appliance's power levels. Power levels typically vary between each of an appliance's burners. They determine how quickly heat is applied to your cookware and the amount of gas that's used in the process. Typically, a gas cooktop will have burners ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 BTU. The former is ideal for simmering, while the latter is good for boiling pasta water. Some cooktops can get up to 15,000 to 20,000 BTU, which is ideal for searing meat.
Standout Features
Smart Features
Some gas cooktops are equipped with Wi-Fi to allow for smart features, like remote monitoring of the cooktop. For practical and safety reasons, don’t expect to be able to adjust burner operation. However, it can serve as a safety double-check since you can use an app to see if any element is active on the cooktop. In addition, some smart gas cooktops have Bluetooth and can integrate with a smart kitchen hood, automatically turning on the exhaust fan or lights when the burner is active. For most people, these smart features aren’t essential, but they might be of interest to smart home enthusiasts.
Dual-Ring Burner
A dual-ring burner is frequently found on professional-style gas cooktops. It offers versatile heating power that can be cranked up for high heat or turned low for delicate heating needs. When used at maximum power, the burner will fire up both the inner and outer rings. If you only need the burner for melting or simmering functions, only the inner ring will ignite. While an average single-ring burner may offer around 12,000 BTU, dual-ring burners are often between 17,000 and 22,000 BTU.
Control Knob Features
The function and finish of control knobs on a gas cooktop can make a difference in the experience of using the cooktop, as well as play a role in how easy it is to keep the cooktop clean. Premium gas cooktops will have sturdy metal control knobs that can stand up to the heat of the burners. These knobs are sometimes removable and dishwasher-safe, giving you a convenient and easy way to deep-clean the cooktop. Some more budget-friendly cooktops may feature plastic knobs instead of metal.
Another control knob feature to look for is illumination. An under-knob light or a strip of light on the knob itself will give you a clear visual indicator of when a burner is active. Our pick for the "best for precise cooking," the Bosch NGM8058UC 800 Series 30-Inch Gas Cooktop, illuminates the corresponding control knob when a burner is in use. In addition, the light will flash until residual heat from the burner has dissipated.
Griddle
A griddle can now be integrated into your cooktop for easy preparation of foods like hot sandwiches and pancakes. In gas ranges, this cooktop might sit in between two burners, but in cooktops, it's a separate accessory you can buy and place over two burners. Now, you may find that it's difficult to use the griddle and a large pot at the same time. However, this feature is still so useful for any household that doesn't have the storage in their kitchen for a separate appliance and frequently cooks this type of food.
Wok Grate
If you've cooked with a wok before, you know this type of cookware has a rounded bottom. In order to heat it, you usually have to situate it on a ring or stand that holds it right above your burner. A wok grate eliminates the need for a separate ring and has a dip in it to accommodate this cookware. Just swap it for your usual center burner grate whenever you want to cook with a wok.
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Do gas cooktops need to be vented?
Gas cooktops don't usually need to be vented. However, it's important to check your user manual and your building's protocols. Your space may have its own requirements, especially if you live in an apartment, condo, or rented space. Whether or not you vent your unit to the outdoors, it's always a good idea to add a range hood over your cooktop that'll help filter out any fumes or smoke the cooktop may produce. To find out more about this, see our guide on how to install a range hood.
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Do gas cooktops need electricity?
Gas cooktops need electricity in order to light the burners. While they don't use as much electricity as an electric or induction cooktop, they do still need to be hooked up to a power source to ignite a flame. Not to mention, electricity can power any indicator lights on the cooktop that alert you when a burner is turned on.
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What is the lifespan of a gas cooktop?
Gas cooktops have a similar lifespan to gas ranges—up to about 18 years when maintained properly. These appliances are durable and reliable. The design of a gas cooktop is straightforward, and there are fewer elements to wear out or replace when compared to some other major appliances, like a refrigerator or dishwasher.
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Which brand of cooktop is best?
Many of the major appliance manufacturers produce reliable, user-friendly gas cooktops that are worth considering. However, GE, Whirlpool, and Bosch offer some of the most popular gas cooktops on the market that also have high rates of user satisfaction.
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What does a gas cooktop typically cost?
A gas cooktop typically costs between $500 and $1,500, with some professional-style models costing $2,000 or more. You’ll often pay more for a 36-inch cooktop than a 30-inch cooktop. Other features that may increase the cost of a gas cooktop include a dual-ring burner, smart features, or included accessories like a griddle or wok grate.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce, with extensive experience researching large and small appliances. For this article, she considered 30- and 36-inch gas cooktops from leading manufacturers like GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, Bosch, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and more. To find the options that are best for large households, gourmet chefs, and everyday cooking tasks, Puisis compared models based on features such as the number of burners, power level, and ease of cleaning.
Puisis also interviewed Jenny Hunter, food blogger at Happy Muncher and former professional chef, to learn more about the features and benefits of gas cooktops, along with the advantages of this type of cooktop when compared to electric models.