We are trying to replace a 36" gas cooktop in an old kitchen, and I have been struggling to find something that meets the clearance requirements of any of the available cooktops.

The current cooktop has cabinets 3" from the right side, and is 1.5" from the back wall. These surfaces are covered with tile for 20" above the counter top. When they say X" clearance to nearest combustible surface on the back and side, do I measure to the wood behind the tile, or can I ignore that restriction because the surface it protected by the tile?

Also, most of the cooktops require side cabinets above the cooktop to be 18" above the surface. Ours are only 16", but they are 3" offset from the edge of the cooktop. Argh!

Is there any way to get a 36" cooktop for this space, or do we needs to go down to a smaller size? We are not looking for anything fancy, but would like enough space to cook!

Any suggestions?

Thanks!