The Kenmore 36-Inch Pro Slide-In Gas Cooktop 30503 offers you a more affordable way to upgrade your kitchen to truly commercial-style appliances.

The 30503 makes professional-type cooking equipment a reality for a whole group of upwardly mobile consumers that previously would not have considered this purchase. As you might expect, a cooktop that costs $1000 less than the norm does lack some of the features of the more expensive models. But, if the look of the appliance is more important to you than the actual performance and feel of the cooktop, Kenmore's Pro-line and its rangetop-style model may be just what you're looking for.

One way in which Kenmore has been able to reduce the cost of 36-inch Pro is by spending less on the components that go into building the cooktop. Lighter gauge metal and less expensive parts make up the workings of the 30503. This is not to say that the cooktop is in any way an inferior product. It's just a less expensive version of a commercial-style cooktop and it's made from less expensive parts. While less durable than the pricier models, this 36-inch gas model is still a better quality cooktop than most conventionally styled residential units.

As you might expect, Kenmore's 36-inch Pro is not quite as precise as some of its more expensive counterparts. It doesn't offer the precision of a steady, extra low flame on every burner. What it does offer is the control of gas and the power of a 17,200 Btu high-output burner. At the low end of the spectrum, it's not particularly impressive. The 30503 can have a difficult time keeping a really low flame. The knobs also react a bit too quickly to be very precise. The Pro 30503 does, however, offer a low-output burner that maxes out at 5,000 Btu. This is the burner we'd choose to prepare our most delicate sauces and simmers. It's just that it doesn't offer quite the performance we find on the higher priced models.

What we really liked on the 36-inch Kenmore Pro are the sealed, easy-to-clean burners that this attractive looking cooktop has to offer. We're also impressed with the cast-iron grates and six-burner continuous cooking surface. Gourmet cooks can get really serious about preparing lots of stovetop delicacies thanks to the ease in which pots and pans can be moved around on this model.

A welcome addition to the world of commercial-style cooktops, the Kenmore Pro 30503 makes this impressive style of appliance more attainable than ever before. Although the 30503 is not quite the engineering marvel we've seen with other brands, neither is it as insurmountable in price.


Pros: Outstanding, professionally designed cooktop with a budget in mind
Cons: Less precise in control, especially at low temperatures

Warranty
1 year