January 13th, 2025 | 11 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
You may think that buying a larger 36-inch induction range will provide you with a better cooktop and a much larger oven.
While this is partly true, there are specific aspects of 36-inch induction ranges you must be aware of before making a purchase.
In this article, you will learn all about the best 36-inch induction ranges and their unique issues.
Let's get started.
Why Are 36-Inch Ranges Becoming So Popular?
Induction is becoming more popular than even dual fuel as a cooking option.
Induction is faster and offers a far lower simmer than even professional-grade gas. It can simmer as low as 1 watt, whereas gas will blow out at lower temperatures.
It's easier to clean because the glass doesn’t heat up like electric or gas ranges, so food doesn’t stick to the surface.
Induction is the safest option for households with children. Magnetic burners require metal to activate, so they cannot be turned on accidentally. Additionally, the glass doesn’t heat up, reducing the chances of burns.
(However, induction does not light up like gas or electricity, so use caution.)
It emits less heat, gases, and chemicals compared to a gas range.
Note: Burning fat produces some formaldehyde, particulate matter, and nitrous oxide, so it’s essential to vent your kitchen range properly.
Manufacturers are increasingly focused on making induction cooking appliances because many cities, including Boston, Brookline, New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, have banned gas cooking.
In just a few years, you’ll have far more options as more induction ranges are produced.
That said, I will show you the best brands to consider - but be cautious. As you’ll see, many of the best appliances come with their own issues.
The Best 36-Inch Induction Ranges for 2025
Fisher & Paykel OR36SCI6X1 ($8,399)
Three Fisher & Paykel Series 9 36-inch induction range styles are available.
The Classic and Contemporary styles are similarly priced. Then there is the Pro, which features a digital clock and different styling.
Let's take a look at Fisher & Paykel's best features.
Fisher & Paykel Strengths
Burner Output and Configuration
Their output and configuration of burners are excellent, with a power burner at 5,500 watts on Boost mode.
The average high wattage on most induction cooktops and ranges is about 3,700 watts.
With a 5,500-watt power burner, Fisher & Paykel's induction range is the most powerful on this list (cooktops can reach as high as 7,000 watts).
This power burner will be fast if you're cooking a big pot of spaghetti or lobsters.
The side burners are 3,700 watts and can connect to form a larger burner, making them suitable for bigger pans or grills.
The cooktop is the most flexible part of a 36-inch induction range.
Cooking Modes
Fisher & Paykel offers nine cooking modes, allowing you to cook however you want.
Their "Aero" mode combines the outer top and bottom elements with two fans to cook faster and more evenly.
Twin Convection
The oven is powered by two fans instead of one, providing better heat distribution.
By the way, True, Pure, and European convection are all the same term for heat blown in through the back of the range.
Colors
In the Classic series, you don’t have to default to stainless steel; Fisher & Paykel offers additional colors, including red, white, black, or stainless steel.
Even the stainless steel Fisher & Paykel models look distinct compared to other brands.
Warming Drawer
The warming drawer spans the full 36-inch width. Separate warming drawers typically cost over $1,500 on average.
Warming drawers can keep food warm for up to three hours without dehydrating, making them convenient if you need to cook and serve at different times.
Differences Between Contemporary, Classic, and Professional
Oddly enough, the Contemporary and Classic induction ranges include a warming drawer, while the Pro series does not.
The Pro features a more commercial look, 15 cooking modes, a better clock and timing system, and smart functionality.
Fisher & Paykel Drawbacks
Oven Capacity
The oven capacity is only 4.9 cubic feet, smaller than other 30-inch ranges.
For comparison:
- The LG Studio 30-inch induction range has an oven capacity of 6.3 cubic feet.
- The Café double oven has a capacity of 6.7 cubic feet.
Thirty-six-inch ranges are often smaller than 30-inch ranges, and sometimes significantly so.
Price
The price is approximately $8,500 for the Contemporary model, slightly more for the Classic in color, and over $11,000 for the Pro.
However, Fisher & Paykel offers rebates, including $2,700 off packages and other discounts if purchased during major sales events like Black Friday or other holidays throughout the year.
Viking VIR53626BSS ($13,699)
Viking 5 Series 36" Induction Range
Dimensions: 35 7/8" W, 28 3/4" D, 37" H | ADA Compliant: No | Number of Burners: 6 | Bridge Element: Yes | Oven Capacity: 5.6 Cu. Ft. | Convection: Yes, Single-Fan Convection | Wi-Fi: No
Viking Range Corp. was founded in 1987 by Fred Carl Jr., with its headquarters located in Greenwood, Mississippi.
In 2013, Viking was purchased by the Middleby Corporation.
Viking Strengths
Classic Design
The range maintains the classic Viking look with all knobs and no electronic controls.
Colors
The range is available in 19 different colors (I’ve always loved the idea of a daffodil-colored range).
Power
The cooktop features six burners ranging from 2,300 to 3,700 watts. The two burners on the right side can be bridged for griddle cooking.
Oven Size
The oven is spacious, with a capacity of 5.6 cubic feet and a large 8 ½-inch convection fan.
Airflow
The convection fan works bi-directionally for maximum airflow.
Viking Drawbacks
Single Fan
Despite the extra-large oven, there is only one convection fan.
No Electronic Controls
The range lacks electronic controls, meaning there is no built-in timer or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Average Power
Burner power is capped at 3,700 watts maximum.
Thermador PRI36LBHU ($11,599)
The Thermador Pro Harmony PRI36LBHU range is the most flexible in the industry.
Thermador Strengths
Liberty Technology
You can do almost anything - make that more than anything - with Thermador Liberty technology.
You can cook with up to five separate pots, and the elements on either side can be bridged to accommodate larger pans.
You can also use both sides as a grill in Teppanyaki mode.
The Heat Shift mode allows you to effortlessly glide your pan back and forth, with the burners automatically adjusting the temperature to match your movements.
For example, if you're cooking mac and cheese (like I do for my daughter), you might:
- Boil the water.
- Lower the temperature when the pasta is added.
- Simmer the macaroni at a lower heat.
All you need to do is slide the pan from the back to the front of the burners.
It doesn't get any easier than this.
The Move mode allows you to transfer your settings from one burner to another simply by moving the pan.
Reliability
The BSH companies - Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau - are traditionally reliable, consistently taking the top three spots for induction cooktops and ranges.
While it's difficult to determine Thermador's reliability for this specific range, as it is new, it’s most likely a solid choice due to BSH's exceptional track record.
Additional features include a TFT clock for functionality, smart features through the HomeConnect app, and recipe tie-ins.
Thermador Drawbacks
Price
While you could receive a free Thermador dishwasher with this purchase, at $11,299, this unit is expensive.
Oven Capacity
The oven capacity is 4.9 cubic feet, comparable to other 36-inch ranges. However, the 30-inch version is nearly as large at 4.4 cubic feet.
Single Convection Fan
Thermador's oven has only one convection fan.
Read More: 2023 Thermador Induction Range Review
Bosch HIS8655U ($5,579)
Bosch Strengths
Design
Bosch does not manufacture this 36-inch range.
The HIS8655 is made for them by another company, SMEG, based in Italy.
I love the commercial style of every Italian range, but their durability can sometimes be an issue. Make sure there is service available before you buy.
Burner Configuration
The unit has five burners: one at 3,000 watts, one at 2,300 watts, two at 1,850 watts, and one at 1,400 watts. The 3,000-watt burner can boost up to 5,500 watts.
You can also bridge the burners on the left side for larger pans or griddles.
Still, it’s not as powerful as the Fisher & Paykel 36-inch induction range.
Price
However, the price is on the less expensive side at $6,199.
Service
Bosch is a great company to buy any appliance from - at least in the Northeast - for their service and technical support.
Bosch Drawbacks
Oven Capacity
The 36-inch oven capacity is 3.7 cubic feet, the same as the 30-inch version.
The average 30-inch stove has a capacity of 5.5 cubic feet, while the average 36-inch range is about five cubic feet.
No HomeConnect or Wi-Fi
It also doesn’t have Bosch’s HomeConnect Wi-Fi system like its other appliances. Then again, it isn’t a Bosch appliance.
La Cornue CornuFé ($12,075+)
La Cornue Strengths
Design and Customization
La Cornue ranges are the best-looking appliances in the world. You can choose twelve stock colors along with 6 options for hardware.
You can also now choose a custom color from 53 more choices, so your kitchen can be truly unique.
So if you want a royal blue range with a chrome or brass trim, La Cornue is a good option.
Burner Output and Configuration
The top has decent power with a 3,700-watt center burner and three additional 3,000-watt burners in addition to a 2,200-watt burner.
It's a beautiful range with good oven functionality.
La Cornue Drawbacks
Oven Capacity and Price
The oven is smaller at 3.81 cubic feet, and the price starts at $12,075 plus shipping.
Wolf IR36550/S/T ($12,080)
Wolf Strengths
Burner Output and Configuration
This range features five burners, with the two outside burners on either side capable of being bridged for larger cookware.
It also includes a new LCD touchscreen for the cooktop, similar to those found on Bosch's standalone cooktops.
The burner configuration is solid, offering one 3,700-watt burner, two 3,000-watt burners, and two 2,100-watt burners.
Oven
The Wolf is three inches wider and ½ inch deeper than rival Thermador and is one of the largest at 6.3 cubic feet.
Their "Dual Vertiflow" convection is the best, with twin fans and extended elements delivering the most even heat for the best baking compared to the single convection of most other ovens.
36-Inch vs. 30-Inch Induction Ranges: Which Is Right for You?
If you are buying an induction range for the cooktop, then the 36-inch is the better option.
Burner Output and Configuration
You have better burner configurations on a 36-inch range.
Fisher & Paykel is the most flexible, with their hot center burner and the ability to bridge either side.
Oven Capacity
As mathematically impossible as it might seem, a 30-inch induction range has a larger oven capacity. Plus, you are paying more for the 36-inch.
Look at these 30-inch induction ranges:
The LG Studio range is about $3,500 at 6.3 cubic feet, and the Café double-oven range is about $4,000 at 6.7 cubic feet.
Price
Yet, you are still paying more for a 36-inch range than the more standard 30-inch size.
Less Expensive 36-Inch Ranges
You will probably research different stores with many brands and less expensive options.
Although you can buy 36-inch induction ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 with names like Bertazzoni, IIVE, and Verona, you will have issues.
These brands are known for style, not quality control or service after the purchase.
All of those stores do not employ a single service technician, so you are on your own after your purchase (by the way, that includes delivery and installation).
So, unless you are replacing a 36-inch range, you might want to consider the 30-inch size.
Another good reason is that 36-inch induction ranges are newer to the market.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Range
How to Vent a 36-Inch Induction Range
The same logic for venting applies to induction as it does to gas ranges.
However, induction is more efficient, operating at 90% efficiency compared to gas at 60%, where much heat is lost.
Proper ventilation depends on how you cook. Consider a higher CFM hood for any higher-capacity cooking.
Basics of Kitchen Ventilation
CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute): This measures how much air is exhausted in one minute. Higher numbers mean more air is removed. For example, a 600 CFM fan exhausts 600 cubic feet of air in one minute.
Capture: Smoke, grease, and other compounds must first be captured before they are exhausted. If you primarily cook on your front burners, opt for a hood with a 23-inch depth for better capture.
Note: Most vents, such as over-the-range microwaves, do not adequately exhaust the stove.
Ducting: Keep it simple. Either vent straight out or straight back. Avoid downdrafts, as they are less efficient for proper ventilation.
If you have any questions or need more information, download the Ventilation Buyer’s Guide.
How to Clean an Induction Stovetop
Cleaning an induction stovetop is easier than other types because induction doesn't heat the glass like electric models do. You can simply wipe it down.
For baked-in stains, try Cerama Bryte.
If needed, Weiman Cooktop Cleaner comes with a scraper and scrubbing pad for tougher messes.
Key Takeaways
Ultimately, the decision between a 36-inch and 30-inch induction range comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
While the 36-inch range offers better cooktop options and flexibility, it does come at a higher price.
On the other hand, the 30-inch range may have a larger oven capacity and be more cost-effective.
Consider what matters most to you when it comes to your cooking experience - whether it's a powerful cooktop or a spacious oven - and make your decision accordingly.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Additional Resources
Want to know the best induction brands and products and have a better understanding of how induction works?
Download the Yale Electric & Induction Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips.
Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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