December 7th, 2023 | 8 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
You are probably thinking that by buying a larger range, you will have a better cooktop and a much larger oven.
While this is partly true, there are specific aspects of thirty-six-inch induction ranges you need to be aware of before making a purchase.
In this article, you will learn about the best induction ranges and their unique issues.
Why are 36-inch ranges becoming so popular?
These ranges have recently gained popularity for various reasons, including:
- Induction is faster with a better simmer than gas, even professional-grade gas. Induction can simmer at as low as 1 watt, whereas gas will blow out at lower temperatures.
- It's easier to clean because the glass doesn't heat like electric or gas ranges.
- Induction is the safest option for households with children, as the magnetic burners require metal to activate. They cannot be turned on accidentally.
- It emits less heat, gases, and chemicals compared to a gas range.
Note: The process of burning fat does produce some formaldehyde, particulate matter, and nitrous oxide, so you still must vent your kitchen range properly.
But manufacturers are busy making induction cooking appliances because many cities, like Boston, have banned gas stovetops in new multi-family units.
In just a few years, you will have way more selection with more being produced.
That said, I will show you the best brands to consider, but be careful; many of the best appliances have problems, as you will see.
Stay until the end, and you will learn why you might want to wait before purchasing an induction range.
Looking for answers about Induction Cooking?
Short on time? Download our free Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
The Best 36-Inch Induction Ranges for 2024
Fisher & Paykel OR36SCI6X1
The three styles of Fisher & Paykel Series 9 36-inch induction ranges are available.
The classic and contemporary styles are about the same price. Then there is the Pro with a digital clock and different styling.
Let's take a look at Fisher & Paykel's best features.
Fisher & Paykel Strengths
Their output and configuration of burners are excellent, with a power burner at 5,500 watts.
With a 5,500-watt power burner, Fisher & Paykel's induction range is the most powerful on this list. This power burner will be fast if you are cooking a big pot of spaghetti or lobsters.
The side burners can connect and form a bigger burner suitable for larger pans or a grill. The cooktop is the most flexible for a 36-inch induction range.
Cooking Modes
Fisher & Paykel has a mode for any way you want to cook. Their "Aero" mode uses top and bottom elements to cook faster and more evenly. You have nine modes with Fisher & Paykel.
Twin Convection
The oven is powered by two fans instead of one for better heat distribution.
Warming Drawer
The warming drawer is 36 inches wide. Separate warming drawers cost over $1,500 on average.
Warming drawers can keep food warm for up to three hours without dehydrating, so they are convenient if you cook and serve at different times.
Differences Between Contemporary, Classic, and Professional
The Contemporary and Classic induction ranges have a warming drawer, while the Pro series does not.
The Pro has a more commercial look, 15 cooking modes with a better clock and timing system, and smart functionality.
Colors
In their Classic series, you don't have to default to stainless steel; Fisher & Paykel offers different colors like red, white, black, or stainless steel.
Even the stainless Fisher & Paykel looks different from most other brands.
Fisher & Paykel Drawbacks
The oven capacity is only 4.9 cubic feet, smaller than you might find in other 30-inch ranges.
An LG Studio 30-inch induction range has an oven capacity of 6.3 cubic feet, while a Café double oven is 6.7 cubic feet.
Thirty-six-inch ranges are smaller on average than a 30-inch range, as you will see, sometimes much smaller.
The price is about $8,500 for the Contemporary, a bit more for the Classic in color, and over $11,000 for the Pro.
However, Fisher & Paykel has $2,700 on packages and other rebates if you buy on a holiday like Black Friday or other major holidays throughout the year.
Thermador PRI36LBHU
The Thermador Pro Harmony PRI36LBHU range is the most flexible in the industry.
Thermador Strengths
Liberty Technology
It uses Thermador Liberty technology. You can do anything - make that more than anything.
You can cook with up to six 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.
Furthermore, the cooktop allows you to effortlessly glide your pan back and forth, and the burners will automatically adjust to your movements.
Regardless, you can do so much more with this cooktop.
The MyZone can change whenever you move 2 inches for up to 5 zones.
Let's say you cook mac and cheese (like I do for my daughter).
You want to boil the water, lower the temperature when the pasta is added, and simmer the macaroni at a lower temperature.
Then, you warm it after draining the water before adding the cheese and serving.
You can set whatever zones you want for the way you cook. It is preset from the factory.
For reliability, the BSH companies - Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau - traditionally are reliable, taking the top three spots for induction cooktops and ranges.
Reliability
While it's difficult to determine Thermador's reliability, seeing as this range is new, it's most likely a great choice due to BSH's exceptional track record.
As for additional features, the TFT clock is great for functionality, and Thermador does have smart features through the HomeConnect app.
Thermador's 36-inch induction range also has recipe tie-ins.
Thermador Drawbacks
And yes, you could have a free Thermador dishwasher with this purchase, but at $11,299, this unit is costly.
Thermador is another 4.9 cubic foot oven. The 30-inch version is almost as large at 4.4 cubic feet.
Read More: 2023 Thermador Induction Range Review
Bosch HIS8655U
Bosch Strengths
Bosch is the most reliable induction range based on over 33,000 service calls logged by our service team just last year.
However, Bosch does not manufacture this 36-inch range.
The HIS3655 is made for them by another company, SMEG, which is out of Italy.
The unit has five burners, with the highest at 3,400 watts but then drops to 2,300, two at 1,800, and 1,400 watts.
So, it's much less powerful than the Fisher & Paykel 36-inch induction range.
However, the price is on the less expensive side at $6,199.
Bosch is a great company to buy any appliance from - at least in the Northeast - for their service and technical support.
You can also bridge the burners together on the left side.
Bosch Drawbacks
The oven capacity is 3.7 cubic feet. The average 30-inch stove is 5.5 cubic feet, yet the average 36-inch is about five cubic feet.
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
La Cornue Strengths
La Cornue is the best-looking appliance 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.
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
However, the oven is smaller at 3.81 cubic feet, and the price starts at $12,075 plus shipping.
Wolf IR36550/S/T
Wolf Strengths
This range has five burners. Four burners can be combined into one super burner for a big pot.
The new unit will have an LED touchscreen for the cooktop, like their cooktops.
Burners
The burners are decent, with one 3,700-watt burner, two 3,000-watt burners, and two 2,100-watt burners.
Oven
The oven is the largest at 6.3 cubic feet but has the best convection oven with its signature VertiCross convection blower system. Blowers deliver more air than fans.
Comparing 36-Inch and 30-Inch Induction Ranges: Which One is Right for You?
|
Price Estimate |
Oven Capacity | Wattage Output | Key Features | |
| Fisher & Paykel OR36SCI6X! | About $8,500-$11,000 | 4.9 cu. ft. | 5500 watts (power burner) | Flexible Cooktop, dual-fan oven |
| Thermador PRI36LBHU | About $11,299 | 4.9 cu. ft. | Up to 3600 watts | Teppanyaki mode, HomeConnect App |
| Bosch HIS8655U | About $6,199 | 3,7 cu. ft. | Up to 3,400 watts | Made by SMEG, bridgeable burners |
| La Cornue CornuFé | Starts at $12,075 | 3,81 cu. ft. | Up to 3700 watts (center burner) | Customizable colors, good oven functionality |
| Wolf IR36550/S/T | About $12,080 | 6,3 cu. ft. | Up to 3700 watts | Excellent convection system, versatile burners |
If you are buying an induction range for the cooktop, then the 36-inch is the better option.
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.
However, you are paying more for a 36-inch range than the more standard 30-inch size.
Oven Capacity
The oven capacity is larger on a 30-inch induction range, as mathematically impossible as it might seem. Plus, you are paying more for the 36-inch.
Look at these:
Beko has a twin convection oven at $2,499 with 5.7 cubic feet of capacity.
The LG Studio range is around $3,500 at 6.3 cubic feet, and the Café double oven range is about $4,000 at 6.7 cubic feet.
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.
New 36-Inch Induction Ranges
Many companies like Thermador, Frigidaire, and Electrolux just introduced their 36-inch range, while Viking, Miele, and BlueStar are building theirs.
Hopefully, you will see improvements and cost reductions in those models over time.
However, in the meantime, prices will stay the same or increase due to the lack of induction components.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Range
Best 36-Inch Induction Ranges: 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 Induction Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
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