CR's top-rated 36" induction cooktop is the Bosch Benchmark NITP669SUC ($3000) however the NITP668SUC ($2600) appears identical except for the lack of wi-fi connectivity. These compare with the Thermador CIT36XWB ($5300). I'd do a read of the Bosch User Manual to make sure you'd be happy with a cooktop that doesn't have a control for each element. The 30" version of the GE Profile PHP9036SJSS ($1800) which has a control for each element also received a top rating.

I personally like the Thermador Freedom, and it was a top contender when I was looking for a 36" cooktop for my home. One was a working display at the retailer. At the time, it was limited to 4 pans which bothered me. I use 4 on occasion and 3 regularly. Every now and then will I actually have 5 pans in use, however being told I can't do it on a 36" cooktop bothered me. It is my understanding that you can now use 5 if desired. The biggest turn off however is that you have 1 control interface which controls all cooking surfaces. That is a big no for me. I prefer individual controls for each cooking surface. You don't realize how important it is until you get a boil over or similar and you are panicking trying to select the correct hob and adjust the power accordingly. This is the one con I could not get past otherwise it would be in my kitchen. Love the design, love the concept and the display is beautiful as well as the cooking surface. So if the price does not bother you and your ok with the control interface go for it. People use them in that configuration all the time and don't seem to take issue with it.

@kevinande Did you ever look at doing the Wolf induction and add a gas module? I'm debating this option and forgoing the Thermador. This configuration is even a little less expense than the Freedom alone. Thanks for your input!

If you can find a showroom that has the Freedom on display, take your favorite pots and pans that you pretty much use every day and go to the store and see how they fit on the surface doing this also for the other brands. If you use large pots you'll be surprised how some of them won't fit entirely on the burner. The Freedom came out with it's 2nd generation recently and I think they've made improvements over the 1st one.

@tedbixby Since the freedom is not limited to actual burner sizes, couldn’t I just scale it at home? I did go see the freedom in person at a dealer but feel silly bringing in my pots! For what I’m spending, maybe I shouldn’t! I really don’t want to spend the extra $2000 but I also don’t want to regret it down the road if I can’t fit everything on the burners as designed. This is in my current home (we are building new). Standard electric stove but I am trying to cook grilled cheese, soup and noodles. I was also simmering a different soup and had to take it off the burner and sit to the side until one opened up. This is my biggest worry about limiting myself to a 36 inch induction. Was thinking if I went with wolf, I can add an extra module of maybe gas? Or if I spent the extra money on the freedom, so that I could figure out a better way to fit pans and not be limited to burners.

Unfortunately, I can only use my two iron pots and 2 pans. All the rest, I would need new for induction. Thanks for taking time for input!

But you probably will replace with similar size so you could still use them for sizing the cooktop..

I did not look at Wolf, and just as a matter of personal preference I would never use Natural Gas for cooking. Their Induction units are ok from a looks stand point, but they really did not appeal to me. After I decided against the Freedom, I decided I wanted knobs instead of a touch panel. so that is how I ended up with my current unit. Not the most elegant or feature rich unit, however it is more than adequate for it's intended purpose. The price was very attractive as well.

If you think the gas module may be of benefit to you and your cooking style, I see no problem with it. Just make sure you invest in proper ventilation. The downdraft I see in your photo is essentially worthless IMO.

Just a FYI- I'm reading that appliances are taking forever to get and even with promised dates, they usually are getting pushed further out as the deliver date approaches. People are getting bits and pieces of their new kitchens since they placed the initial order. May be something you want to ask as you shop if you are concerned about having appliances by a specific date.

Thanks! Yes I’ve heard the same! We are early in the process but intentional. Just in permitting phase right now so really don’t need them till early fall.

I was reading a thread on the GE Cafe and there were many that had ordered appliances as early as last July and still hadn't received all their appliances with many commented that their delivery dates are pushed to Feb or March right now.

Oh wow! Thanks for input!

@Donna Reed would love an update! we were going to go with a wolf 48" rangetop and now are thinking of their 36" induction. For us its between that and the Miele. Curious as to what you decided

I installed Thermador induction when I built my house in 2007. Love it . Have had no issues. The Thermador back then was really a Bosch. Discovered that from someone on this forum who stated that each burner could be set individually to cut off when countdown was finished. you can have different times set for the different burners. Great feature since you never get distracted and let something burn on the stove.