KitchenAid KCES956KBL 36 inch Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements, Hot Surface Indicator and Touch-Activated Controls (Black)

36" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls

This 36" electric cooktop combines the lasting beauty of a black glass surface with the performance of a 10'' Even-Heat Ultra Power Element with Simmer Setting, two 6'' Even-Heat Elements with Melt Setting, and 12''/9''/6'' Triple-Ring Round Element that maximizes your flexibility with three distinct rings to allow for element selection based on cookware size.

• 6'' Even-Heat Element With Melt Setting
• Hot Surface Indicator
• 8'' 1800-Watt Round Element
• 6'' 1200-Watt Round Element
• 12''/9''/6'' Triple-Ring Round Element
• 10''/6'' Even-Heat Ultra Power Element With Simmer Setting
• Touch-Activated Controls

Multiple Cooking Elements
Cook several dishes simultaneously with different heating areas.

Safety Indicators
Know when the surface is still hot to avoid burns.

User-Friendly Controls
Adjust settings easily with responsive touch controls.

Consistent Heating
Achieve uniform heat distribution for even cooking.

Control Lock
Prevent accidental changes and enable safer cleaning.

Cooktop

• Black - KCES956KBL
• Stainless Steel - KCES956KSS

Why should you buy KitchenAid KCES956KBL/KCES956KSS?

Integrated Ventilation Design

• Downdraft ventilation built directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for a separate hood
• Smoke and odors are either vented outside or filtered and recirculated inside
• Convertible to duct-free operation using an optional kit, ideal for installations where ducting is limited

Versatile Heating Elements

• 10'' Even-Heat Ultra Power Element with simmer setting provides stable, consistent heat for both high and low temperature cooking
• 6'' Even-Heat Element with Melt Setting perfect for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or butter without scorching
• 12''/9''/6'' Triple-Ring Round Element adapts to cookware size—use the full 12" surface for larger pots or smaller inner rings for smaller pans
• 8'' round element delivers up to 1800 watts for efficient everyday cooking
• 6'' round element provides up to 1200 watts of power for daily meal prep

Intuitive Controls and Safety

• Touch-activated controls offer a sleek, easy-to-use experience for precise cooking adjustments
• Power-on indicator light shows at a glance when an element is active
• Hot surface indicator alerts you if any area of the cooktop is still hot, helping prevent burns
• Control lock disables cooking mode for safe cleaning

Durability & Premium Design

• CookShield finish on the glass surface protects against scratches, keeping it looking pristine even with frequent use 
  
• Stainless steel control knobs provide a sturdy, premium feel that enhances the overall cooktop design

Powerful Venting Performance

• While this model focuses on integrated heating elements, pairing it with proper ventilation ensures excellent cooking air quality

Frequently Asked Questions by Customers

• What sizes are the heating elements?
  There’s a 10''/6'' Ultra Power element, two 6'' elements, an 8'' element, and a 12''/9''/6'' triple-ring element.
  
  
• What is the Simmer Setting for?
  It lets you cook at low temperatures without burning, perfect for sauces or gentle cooking.
  
  
• Can I melt chocolate or butter on this cooktop?
  Yes, the 6'' Even-Heat element has a special melt setting for that.
  
  
• What does the triple-ring element do?
  It lets you choose from three ring sizes to match your cookware, saving energy and improving cooking.
  
  
• How do I control the cooktop?
  You use easy touch-activated controls.
  
  
• How do I know if the cooktop is still hot?
  A hot surface indicator light shows when the surface is still warm.
  
  
• Can I lock the controls?
  Yes, the control lock keeps the cooktop off when cleaning or not in use.
  
  
• What kind of cookware works best?
  Cookware that matches the element sizes works best for even heating.

Pros and Cons of Buying KitchenAid 36" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls

The 36" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls is designed to enhance your cooking experience with its sleek black glass surface and advanced heating technology. Featuring a variety of elements, including the innovative Even-Heat technology, this cooktop offers versatility and precision for all your culinary needs. With options ranging from simmering delicate sauces to boiling water quickly, this cooktop aims to meet the demands of both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Pros

• Versatile Heating Options: The cooktop includes a 10''/6'' Even-Heat Ultra Power Element with a simmer setting, allowing for precise temperature control. Additionally, the 12''/9''/6'' Triple-Ring Round Element provides flexibility in choosing the right size for your cookware.
• Melt Setting: The two 6'' Even-Heat Elements come with a melt setting, perfect for gently melting chocolate or butter without burning.
• Powerful Performance: The 8'' 1800-Watt Round Element and 6'' 1200-Watt Round Element ensure that you can achieve high heat quickly, making it efficient for boiling and frying.
• Sleek Design: The black glass surface not only adds a modern aesthetic to your kitchen but is also easy to clean, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
• Touch-Activated Controls: The intuitive touch controls make it easy to adjust settings and temperatures, providing a user-friendly interface.

Cons

• Heat Distribution: While the Even-Heat technology is designed to provide consistent heating, some users may find that certain elements take longer to heat up compared to traditional gas stoves.
• Surface Scratches: The black glass surface, while stylish, may be prone to scratches and smudges, requiring regular maintenance to keep it looking pristine.
• Limited Cooking Space: Although the cooktop has five elements, larger pots and pans may limit the number of elements that can be used simultaneously, which could be a drawback for those who often cook multiple dishes at once.
• Electric Dependency: Being an electric cooktop, it may not be suitable for those who prefer the immediate heat control of gas cooking.

The 36" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. With its advanced heating technology and versatile element options, it caters to a wide range of cooking styles and preferences. While there are some drawbacks, such as potential surface maintenance and heat distribution concerns, the benefits of precision cooking and modern design make it a compelling choice for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Overall, this cooktop represents a blend of performance and aesthetics, making it a worthy investment for your kitchen.