Overall Best
GE Profile PGP9036SJSS
9.5
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After analyzing verified specs and thousands of owner reviews, the GE Profile PGP9036SJSS stands out as the top gas cooktop for its powerful burners and smart features. Our guide ranks the five best gas cooktops to help you find the perfect fit for your cooking style and budget.
| # | Product | Best for | Burner Configuration | BTU Output | Special Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GE Profile PGP9036SJSS | Overall Best | 5 burners | Up to 18,000 BTU | Smart features, Wi-Fi | Check Price |
| 2 | GE JGP5036SLSS | Value Pick | 5 burners | Up to 15,000 BTU | Sealed burners, dishwasher-safe grates | Check Price |
| 3 | Empava EMPV-36GC5N | Budget Buy | 5 burners | Up to 12,000 BTU | Tempered glass, low profile | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The GE Profile PGP9036SJSS offers exceptional cooking power with a 18,000 BTU tri-ring burner. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring and control via the SmartHQ app. The edge-to-edge grates provide a seamless cooking surface. Owner reviews praise its even heating and responsive simmer capabilities.
Home cooks who want premium performance and smart convenience.
Budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer simple, non-connected appliances.
Key specs: 36-inch width - 5 burners - 18,000 BTU max - Stainless steel - Sealed burners - SmartHQ app - Edge-to-edge grates
Why we picked it: The GE JGP5036SLSS offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price. Its sealed burners prevent spills from clogging. The dishwasher-safe grates simplify cleanup. Owners report reliable ignition and even cooking across all burners.
Budget-minded cooks who want a reliable, easy-to-maintain gas cooktop.
Those needing high BTU burners or advanced features.
Key specs: 36-inch width - 5 burners - 15,000 BTU max - Stainless steel - Sealed burners - Dishwasher-safe grates - Electronic ignition
Why we picked it: The Empava EMPV-36GC5N features a sleek tempered glass surface that is easy to clean. Its low-profile design fits flush with countertops. The sealed burners help contain spills. Owners appreciate the affordable price and modern look, though some note lower heat output.
Budget shoppers who want a modern glass cooktop without breaking the bank.
Those needing high heat or prefer the durability of stainless steel.
Key specs: 36-inch width - 5 burners - 12,000 BTU max - Tempered glass - Sealed burners - Low profile - Electronic ignition
Top brands include GE, Samsung, Frigidaire, and Empava. GE and Samsung are known for innovation and power, while Frigidaire offers professional styling. Empava provides budget-friendly options.
For most home cooking, burners ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 BTU are sufficient. High-heat cooking like stir-frying benefits from 20,000+ BTU burners. Low simmer burners around 5,000 BTU are ideal for delicate sauces.
Sealed burners are generally preferred because they prevent spills from dripping into the cooktop interior, making cleanup easier. Open burners can be harder to clean but may offer slightly more even flame distribution.
Standard widths are 30, 36, and 48 inches. Choose based on your countertop cutout and cooking needs. A 36-inch cooktop with 5 burners is the most popular for versatility.
If you frequently stir-fry or boil large pots, look for a cooktop with a high-BTU burner (18,000+). For delicate simmering, ensure there is a low-BTU burner (around 5,000 BTU). Versatile burner configurations accommodate various cookware sizes.
Sealed burners and dishwasher-safe grates significantly reduce cleaning time. Continuous grates allow you to slide pots across the cooktop without lifting. Tempered glass surfaces are also easy to wipe down but may be prone to scratching.
Smart cooktops with Wi-Fi connectivity let you monitor and control burners remotely, receive alerts, and integrate with voice assistants. While not essential, these features add convenience for tech-savvy users.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| BTU Output | Higher BTU burners provide faster boiling and better searing. A range from 12,000 to 22,000 BTU covers most cooking needs. Ensure there is at least one high-BTU and one low-BTU burner for versatility. |
| Burner Configuration | The number and layout of burners affect cooking flexibility. Five burners in a staggered or symmetrical pattern allow simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes. Consider if you need a dedicated griddle or wok burner. |
| Grate Design | Continuous grates enable easy pan movement across the cooktop. Sealed burners prevent spills from entering the base. Dishwasher-safe grates simplify maintenance. Cast iron grates are durable but heavy. |
| Smart Connectivity | Smart features like Wi-Fi and app control allow remote monitoring and adjustments. Some models integrate with smart home systems. This adds convenience but increases cost and complexity. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.