Is a 30 vs 36 inch cooktop best?
For those who thrive on creativity in the kitchen, the right cooktop can make all the difference. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or hosting a laid-back gathering, the size of your cooktop plays a subtle yet significant role in your cooking experience. Explore the nuances between 30 and 36-inch cooktops to uncover how each can enhance not only your culinary endeavors but also the overall vibe of your kitchen. Read on for help navigating the options to find the perfect match for your unique style and cooking aspirations.
IS A 30-INCH COOKTOP OR A 36-INCH COOKTOP BETTER?
When choosing the best cooktop size for you, it's essential to consider your kitchen's layout and size along with your culinary habits. Think about how many pots and pans you cook with at once, and their size. Consider your ventilation setup—do you have a range hood, or will you need a downdraft cooktop? Finally, think about how the cooktop integrates into your kitchen’s workflow and the installation space available. Keep in mind that you should keep about eight inches of counter space on at least one side of your cooktop for utensils and dishes. Read on for more help deciding whether a 30-inch or a 36-inch cooktop best suits your cooking style and space.
1. COOKING STYLE
Your cooking style and meal preparation methods play a significant role in determining the ideal cooktop size for your kitchen. A 30-inch model typically features either a 4-burner or 5-burner setup, offering adequate space to prepare a few dishes at once. If your culinary creations are often simple or you prefer using fewer burners, this size could be the perfect fit. On the other hand, a 36-inch cooktop generally comes with 5 or even 6 burners, making it an excellent choice for larger households or those who love to entertain and prepare several multi-component dishes simultaneously.
2. FUEL SOURCE
Another factor that will be affected by your cooking habits is whether you choose an electric, gas, or induction cooktop. Many creative home cooks prefer gas due to its responsiveness, while others prefer the steady heat and ease of cleaning offered by electric burners. For the best of both worlds, you might want to consider induction cooktops, including models from KitchenAid brand. Learn more about gas vs electric vs induction cooktops to help you decide.
The fuel source you select can also influence the size of your cooktop. For instance, a gas cooktop may necessitate a larger cutout due to specific installation and ventilation needs compared to an electric model. Consider these factors carefully to ensure your cooktop fits seamlessly into your kitchen while meeting your cooking preferences.
3. REPLACING OR REMODELING
If you are replacing an existing cooktop, sticking with the same size to avoid renovations may be your best bet. Cooktops of the same size should fit the same cabinet cutout opening without major adjustments needed. If you are starting from scratch or remodeling your kitchen, you may have the flexibility to upgrade to a 36 inch cooktop vs a 30 inch cooktop, or downsize for a small kitchen redesign.
4. SIZE OF YOUR RANGE HOOD
If you plan to pair your cooktop with an overhead range hood, it will be important to consider its dimensions as well. For proper ventilation, your range hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop. So, while you may have space for a 36 inch cooktop, you’ll need to make sure you also have room for a 36 inch range hood above it.
One way to avoid this issue is by opting for a 30 or 36 inch cooktop with built-in downdraft ventilation. Downdraft cooktops give you more freedom to install your cooktop where it makes sense for your making. It eliminates the need for an overhead range hood.
5. SIZE OF YOUR KITCHEN
If you're refreshing your kitchen, take into account the overall size of the space. A 30-inch cooktop can be ideal for standard kitchens or more compact areas, providing space efficiency without sacrificing functionality. In contrast, a 36-inch model offers additional cooking space, making it an excellent choice for larger kitchens where culinary creativity can flourish.
6. RESALE
If you plan to move in the near future, consider what prospective buyers in your market are expecting. Larger or higher-end kitchens tend to include larger appliances to balance the space and meet expectations of future buyers. Opting for a 36 inch vs 30 inch cooktop gives you and future home owners plenty of space. However, the most important person who will use the cooktop is you, so choose whichever one matches your making the best.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A 30-INCH VS 36-INCH COOKTOP?
When deciding between a 30-inch and a 36-inch cooktop, it's important to understand the key differences that can impact your cooking experience and kitchen design. Each size has its unique advantages, catering to different culinary needs and kitchen layouts.
Size and Space: A 30-inch cooktop is ideal for standard or smaller kitchens, providing a more compact cooking solution. A 36-inch cooktop offers more surface area that allows for more pots and pans or larger cookware to be used simultaneously, making it ideal for preparing large meals or entertaining guests.
Burner Options: 36-inch models typically feature more burners (up to six), allowing for greater flexibility when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously compared to the standard four burners on a 30-inch cooktop.
Cooking Performance: Larger cooktops often include high-BTU burners that can deliver powerful heat for tasks like boiling and searing, enhancing overall cooking efficiency.
Cost: Generally, 30-inch cooktops are more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for those looking to spend more elsewhere in the kitchen.
Aesthetic Appeal: A 36-inch cooktop can create a more luxurious look in your kitchen, serving as a focal point that complements larger kitchen spaces.
ADVANTAGES OF A 30-INCH COOKTOP
Choosing a 30-inch cooktop can be advantageous for several reasons. This size is perfect for smaller kitchens, providing ample cooking space without overwhelming the layout. It typically offers similar features to larger models, making it versatile for various cooking styles. If you don’t require the extra burner capacity of a 36-inch cooktop, a 30-inch option can save space and it usually comes at a lower price point. Additionally, its compact design allows for easier maneuverability and can enhance the overall flow of your kitchen.
SHOP KITCHENAID® 30-INCH COOKTOPS
KitchenAid brand offers a wide range of 30-inch cooktops in gas, electric or induction so you can find the right one for you. Choose from select 30-inch gas cooktops with the Even-Heat™ Torch Burner for uniform heating, or select electric models with the Ultra Power™ Double-Ring Round Element for versatility with large pots and rapid boiling. These compact cooktops are ideal for smaller spaces while providing powerful cooking capabilities.
ADVANTAGES OF A 36-INCH COOKTOP
Opting for a 36-inch cooktop provides significant culinary advantages, especially for those who love to explore diverse cooking techniques. With five to six burners, you can simultaneously simmer delicate sauces, boil water for pasta, and sear your favorite cut of steak. This larger size not only offers more space for multitasking but also enhances your ability to entertain guests, allowing you to prepare multiple dishes at once without feeling cramped.
SHOP KitchenAid® 36-INCH COOKTOPS
A KitchenAid® 36-inch cooktop delivers enhanced versatility and power, making it perfect for culinary enthusiasts. With five to six burners, including a robust 20,000 BTU Dual Ring Burner on select models, the sleek design, combined with various select features like Even-Heat™ technology and a scratch-resistant CookShield Finish, ensures both exceptional cooking performance and easy maintenance, enhancing your kitchen experience.
TYPES OF 30 AND 36-INCH COOKTOPS
Despite the size difference, 36 and 30-inch cooktops are often available in many similar options. You can find either cooktop size with the following options:
1. ELECTRIC COOKTOPS
This type of cooktop is available with features like extra power elements for rapid boiling and flexible burner sizes for versatile cooking. 30 or 36-inch electric cooktops are known for their sleek design and easy cleaning, combining style with functionality. Shop electric cooktops from KitchenAid brand.
2. INDUCTION COOKTOPS
Induction cooktops offer rapid heating and responsive temperature control, ideal for energy-efficient cooking. They also have a smooth surface that makes cleaning a breeze. Explore KitchenAid® induction cooktops.
3. GAS COOKTOPS
30 or 36-inch gas cooktops feature multiple burners with varying BTU outputs, allowing for responsive heat control. The open flame allows for an expanded set of culinary techniques like roasting veggies, flambeing, and heating tortillas over the flame. Shop KitchenAid® gas cooktops.
4. DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS
An integrated ventilation system in the cooktop surface means you can skip the overhead range hood when you opt for a 36-inch or 30-inch downdraft cooktop. This sleek, all-in-one design makes downdraft cooktops ideal for open-concept kitchens or island installations. Shop KitchenAid® downdraft cooktops.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® COOKTOPS IN 36-INCH and 30-INCH OPTIONS
Explore KitchenAid® Cooktops in a range of sizes to find the right fit for your space. Find the best 36-inch induction cooktop for your recipes, or opt for a 30-inch downdraft cooktop for a sleek integration in your kitchen island.
