Whirlpool GLS3064R

At 30 inches in width, the Whirlpool GLS3064R is smaller and significantly cheaper than most gas cooktops. Yet, it has several features found on pricier models, such as automatic re-ignition (in case a burner accidentally blows out) and continuous cast-iron grates, which makes moving pots and pans between burners easy. We found one professional review and an assortment of user reviews that give the cooktop good marks for performance, saying it heats quickly, offers good temperature control and has a layout "versatile enough to satisfy even a picky cook." The one feature it lacks, a simmer setting, is something most users can live without. It's worth noting that some users report that the cooktop is difficult to clean, though others disagree. If you need a larger cooktop and you have no budget constraints, you may prefer the top-rated Thermador SGSX365FS (*Est. $1,900) , which gets outstanding reviews from professionals and users.

The Whirlpool GLS3064R earns a Best Buy recommendation from the expert reviewer at ConsumerGuide.com. However, this review focuses on the cooktop's features, and it isn't clear that the reviewer subjected it to any hands-on testing. We found about 20 user reviews for this cooktop on Google's shopping search engine, which pulls together product reviews from a variety of sources across the web. We also referred to the annual appliance survey from J.D. Power and Associates for information about customer satisfaction with Whirlpool as a brand.