As commercial cooking equipment continues to be a particularly important influence in the kitchen, gas cooktops have become more popular than ever. Even as sales drop due to economic belt-tightening, interest in gas-fueled cooktops remains high. Ranges may be the typical choice for small kitchens, but in roomier kitchens gas cooktops reign supreme. The standard size of a gas cooktop is 30 inches, but there is an increasing trend among customers to opt for models that offer a more expansive cooking area. As a result, the percentage of models that measure 36 inches and wider is growing. These larger cooktops offer up to six burners and provide the added capacity necessary for accessories such as griddles, char-broilers and grills. Our roundup of recently reviewed gas cooktops runs the gamut by addressing budgets large and small. All of these cooktops share the common influence of a strong interest in restaurant-style cooking equipment. Here are some favorite selections from the latest group of gas cooktops evaluated by our experts.


Frigidaire 30-Inch Gas Cooktop PLGC30S9EC

Frigidaire's 30-inch PLGC30S9EC caught our eye with its stylish good looks, versatility and comparably low price. Its gas outputs cover a wide range from a minimum 675 Btu to a powerful high of 14,000 Btu. With a commercial-style stainless-steel finish and four sealed gas burners, this model not only adds a crisp, modern focus to the kitchen, it's far easier to maintain than the old standard models with open burners. Look to this model for maximum features with minimal investment.

Frigidaire 30-Inch Gas Cooktop

General Electric Monogram 36-Inch Gas Cooktop ZGU36N

General Electric's luxury line of Monogram appliances includes the professionally influenced 36-inch ZGU36 gas cooktop. More of a rangetop than a cooktop, this model has a deep front panel with a height of 8-7/16 inches. Available with six gas burners or four burners with a grill or griddle, the ZGU36's most intriguing feature is the unusual design of the grates. These grates are reversible -- flat on one side and concave on the other. Use the flat side for most pots and pans; turn the grates over and cradle a wok or any other challenging round-bottom pan you may have in your repertoire. A versatile feature that ensures excellent pan-to-heat contact, the Monogram's flip-grates captivate us.


KitchenAid 36-Inch Gas Cooktop KGCP467JSS

KitchenAid's KGCP467JSS will set you back a pretty penny. It offers plenty of high-end features, but is a lot more expensive than the average cooktop. Another 36-inch rangetop-style model, the KGCP467JSS has a professional-looking panel across the front. The versatile gas burners are ready to tackle the full spectrum of culinary challenges with outputs that vary from a low of 600 Btu to a high of 15,000 Btu. Included with this unit is a simmer plate that helps dissipate the flame for preparing heat-sensitive foods. We like its 9-inch protective backsplash and the fact that the KitchenAid brand is a familiar one for appliance repair technicians should repairs be needed.


Viking 36-Inch Sealed Burner Rangetop VGRT362

Professional-style cooktops for the home don't get any better than Viking's 36-inch Rangetop VGRT362. Priced at the upper end of such products, this gas cooktop uses the finest brass valves to bring amazing control to the burners. A high output 15,000 Btu flame and a VariSimmer setting for every burner will please even the pickiest chef. Even better, this model offers reliable electronic ignition and easy-clean sealed burners. Viking, a trusted brand, was the first company to manufacturer professional-quality equipment for the home. Outfit this superb model with six burners or four burners with your choice of grill or griddle. It's the only commercial rangetop that we recommend for use in an island with a telescopic range hood. In any installation, the VGRT362 is the choice of those who want only the best and don't mind paying for it.

Bosch 30-Inch Gas Cooktop

Bosch 30-Inch Gas Cooktop PCK755U

Sleek and unassuming, Bosch's 30-Inch Gas Cooktop PCK755U works well in a European-style kitchen. This cleanly designed cooktop makes an ideal choice since its focus is not on bulk, but on form following function. Four burners in four different sizes are offset to provide plenty of space for vessels of varying types. Smartflame keeps your family safe by re-igniting any flame that goes out. Continuous grates create a flat surface for easily moving pans about. Elegant and understated, this cooktop comes in a stainless-steel finish and kindles images of simple European style.