KitchenAid cooktop has professional features for serious chefs

KitchenAid's 36-inch Architect Series Pro Line Gas Cooktop is a commercial-style cooktop aimed at the serious chef who wants professional features without the weight and industrial look of more heavy-duty models.

This porcelain-on-steel cooktop, model #KGCP462KSS, has a roomy four-burner configuration that includes two 15,000 BTU gas burners for searing and stir frying.

In addition to the two 15,000 rear BTU burners, this model has an additional two 6,000 BTU burners in front that can be reduced to 600 BTUs to keep the heat on a soup or stew at a slow simmer. It also has a cast-iron grill with a matte finish for indoor grilling.

This model uses "push to turn" controls located on the front of the unit. It has sealed gas burners for easy cleaning. An optional griddle is available.

This cooktop is designed for natural gas but comes with a conversion kit if you prefer to use propane. A standard 9-inch backsplash makes this unit fine for an island installation.

This ConsumerGuide reviewer saysthis cooktop isn't quite on a par with the output of some other comparable models, but "is certainly sufficient to heat up your cooking style" and enable you to create restaurant-quality dinners.

KitchenAid gas cooktops are also reliable, with a repair track record faring only second to Whirlpool in reviews.

The model comes in a stainless-steel finish with black knobs and trim.

The cooktop retails for about $2,399.