Upgrading your kitchen with a best 36 inch induction cooktop can revolutionize your cooking experience, offering superior speed, efficiency, and precision.
However, comparing features like power, safety, and controls across numerous models can be overwhelming.
We’ve analyzed over 20 top-rated options, focusing on powerful burners, advanced safety features, and intuitive controls, to bring you the top picks for 2025.
1. GE 36-Inch Induction Cooktop 5 Burners (Best Overall)
The GE 36-Inch Induction Cooktop 5 Burners (PHP9036SJSS) is the pinnacle of performance and features in the 36-inch category. It boasts a powerful 3700-watt main element designed for rapid boiling and searing capabilities.
A signature SyncBurners feature is a true game-changer, allowing two burners to heat simultaneously and evenly for griddles or oversized pots.
Pan Size Sensors ensure the heating is precisely tailored to your cookware, maximizing efficiency. Its precise controls allow for versatility, handling everything from a gentle simmer for delicate sauces to the intense heat needed for stir-frying.
The design is also ADA Compliant. Positioned as the “Best Overall,” its blend of power, advanced features, and thoughtful design justifies its place for serious home cooks prioritizing versatility.
- Key Features: 5 Burners, 3700-Watt main element, SyncBurners, Pan Size Sensors, Red LED display.
- Pros: Powerful main element, SyncBurners feature, Pan size sensors, ADA compliant, excellent overall performance.
- Cons: Requires magnetic pans.
2. Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove Induction Cooktop (Best for Safety Features)
If safety and simplicity are your primary concerns, the Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove Induction Cooktop (B07VVYN2PV) is the ideal choice.
This unit is designed to reassure users with strong protective features including ETL certification, a Hot Surface Indicator, a Pan Size Sensor, and a crucial Child Control Lock, effectively minimizing kitchen hazards.
It features a smooth vitro ceramic glass surface that not only looks sleek but ensures effortless cleanup. Performance is solid for everyday cooking, offering 9 heat levels and a 3700-Watt Power Boost function for achieving a rapid boil quickly.
With a compact 2.12-inch height, it allows for flexible installation, even above compatible wall ovens. This model focuses on core functionality and security.
- Key Features: 240V, 3700-Watt Power Boost, Vitro Ceramic surface, Hot Surface Indicator, Child Lock.
- Pros: Strong safety features, ETL certified, easy cleanup surface, Hot surface indicator, Child lock.
- Cons: Basic feature set, No flex/bridge zones.
3. ThermoMate 36 Inch 5 Burner Induction Hob (Best Mid-Range)
The ThermoMate 36 Inch 5 Burner Induction Hob (B0DMVM1V3W) hits the mid-range sweet spot, delivering a powerful 9800W total output across its five burners.
Every zone includes a Power Boost mode for quick heating bursts. Offering 9 precise power levels and independent timers for each zone, this cooktop provides excellent control for diverse cooking tasks, ranging from gentle simmering to intense searing.
Peace of mind is provided by a comprehensive safety suite, including auto shutdown and overheat protection. Its slim, 2-inch profile contributes to a clean, built-in look.
This model strikes a strong balance between the advanced features of higher-end units and basic safety models, making it a powerful and reliable choice for home cooks seeking great performance without the highest price tag.
- Key Features: 9800W total power, 5 boostable burners, 9 heating levels, Sensor Touch control, independent timers.
- Pros: Strong total power, independent timers, comprehensive safety suite, 9 precise power levels, slim profile.
- Cons: Boost mode time limit (limited to 5 minutes).
4. AMZCHEF 36 Inch Induction Cooktop 5 Burners (Best for Power Boost)
Engineered for users who demand maximum power and flexibility, the AMZCHEF 36 Inch Induction Cooktop (B0C4TRFLL3) stands out as the “Best for Power Boost”.
It boasts an impressive 10800W total power boost capability, ensuring exceptionally fast heat-up times across its five burners, which includes a powerful 3700W central zone.
A crucial feature is the Bridge Functionality, allowing users to merge two zones to create adaptable cooking areas for larger or oblong cookware. With 9 power levels, the cooktop offers granular control for various culinary techniques.
Certified by ETL and equipped with safety features like child lock and overheat protection, it maintains safe operation even at peak power. The practical Keep Warm function is a welcome addition for meal staging.
- Key Features: 10800W total power boost, 5 boostable burners, Bridge Functionality, 9 power levels, ETL Certified.
- Pros: Highest total power boost, effective bridge function, ETL certified safety, Keep Warm feature.
- Cons: May require high amperage circuit.
5. Empava 36 Inch 5 Burner Induction Cooktop (Best Budget Friendly)
The Empava 36 Inch 5 Burner Induction Cooktop (B0D2L9D5V4) proves that being budget-friendly does not require sacrificing key features.
It features Innovative Bridge Functionality to combine zones for larger pans, and a Powerful Booster Feature for quick heat surges. This model utilizes Revolutionary Ceramic Glass Technology designed to reduce the risk of cracking.
Control is precise via a Slider Level Control system. A comprehensive Safety Suite with auto pan detection, child lock, and overflow protection adds significant value typically found in more expensive units.
The Pause Functionality is a particularly convenient addition for busy households. This model offers a remarkable balance of modern features, safety, and value, making induction technology accessible without compromising necessary functionalities.
- Key Features: Budget friendly, 5 burners, Bridge Functionality, Powerful Booster Feature, Pause Function, Ceramic Glass Technology.
- Pros: Budget friendly price, Bridge functionality, Pause function, comprehensive safety suite, Auto pan detection.
- Cons: Boost time limited, Slider control preference.
