Ok I see what you mean. The larger cooktop may go over the drawers. I was more concerned with the upper cabinets and didn't think about that.

I don't think I want the 36" enough to incur the extra $10-12k on cabinets so I guess I will just find a nice 30". I just think the 36" looks a little better aesthetically.

yes exactly, and you can still change the look by just upgrading your vent and tile making it look higher end.

The upper cabinets would also need to be replaced to provide a 36" wide opening to at least 30" above the countertop.

International Residential Code

Could you install the 36" range in your new island instead of its current location?

Please rotate the island 90* when you change it out.

If they rotate it, there won't be enough clearance on either side. Things will open, sure, but it won't be enough to be comfortable, or permitable.

Yeah it would definitely be too tight to rotate. I can't believe when it was originally built they went with such a narrow island for the space.

The island cabinet size is fine, it looks like they could have done more of an overhang for a few stools. You can create a whole new shape for the island without ever touching the cabinets below, by changing out the granite. If you search for scrap pieces and negotiate a good price for granite, it can be done for less money than re-doing the whole island cabinet. Adding a different color contrasting granite can also look nice. I have seen it in many high end homes.

Well we want to go with an apron front sink, so I would think we are going to have to switch the granite anyway.

Your want list is enough that it would really be better to gut the kitchen and start over. The cabinets are not that well made to keep them when you only want to change everything else. Also, you're NOT going to get a larger island in there with the current layout. You're going to have to completely redesign the whole space if you want that to happen. You need 42" all around that island, and it doesn't even look like you have that currently. This is a kitchen where a peninsula would make more sense to have than a skinny island.

Sophie, it's probably the picture. There is actually a ton of space on both sides of the island. I'm not looking for a massive island change.
As far as a total gut, the 36" cooktop is a nice to have but based upon my understanding, cabinet costs could be over half of the reno. With a bathroom to do also, it's probably not worth it.