A few details are necessary. Can you only use two pots because only two elements are functional? Is it because your pots are so large that it makes use of the other two elements difficult? What type range is this, gas, radiant electric, induction? I am going to assume it's because your pots are partially covering the other elements. If that is the case then I doubt a 36" is going to be that much help. After all it is only 6 inches wider than your current cook top. Not only that if you don't have that extra 6 inches between the cabinets it will not fit in the space. If it will fit in the space, then you will need to cut the existing counter top so the 36" will fit, but they will not need to be changed. The one plus of 36" units is that they typically have 5 elements. Please tell us exactly why you can use only 2 elements and we can be a tad more helpful.

I have a Frigidaire gallery gas cook top where the two rear burners are closer together than the front ones. If I put my large skillet or Dutch oven on the front burner only the smallest of sauce pans fit on the rear burners so they are mostly useless. The hood above is 30 inches.

I'm not opposed to cutting the counter or replacing the cabinets affected. I just don't want to have to replace the counter. I don't know if it is possible to replace a base cabinet while the counter is in place, or if a better laid out range top with more depth will get me there.

You would need to do a pretty extensive remodel. Wall cabinets and base cabinets would both need to change, if you have the room. That means sourcing new cabinets and counters. You will need a new larger hood. And that is if you have the needed electrical or gas infrastructure that can support your larger appliance choice. That may need to be upgraded as well.

You haven't given the reason for your not being able to use more than 2 burners at the same time.

I have a 30" induction cooktop and there is no issue using all four hobs simultaneously.

I would imagine there are also gas cooktops which have the burners arranged in a more functional manner if you check out what is available.

But as others have posted, there is more than just the counter that is fitted for a cooktop as the cabinet holding it and the cabinets on either side are impacted.

There is probably a more useful 30” cooktop out there for you. Take a couple of your common pots to an appliance showroom and try them out to find one that fits your needs.

Also the model you mentioned returns both 5 and 4 burner versions so still not clear on which you have

Thank you! I think I will take my two favorite pans and see what's out there. I like the counters and if I can replace cabinets without disturbing the counters, I'd prefer to go to the 36.

Switching to induction will increase function without redoing cabs. May need to upgrade electrical. Induction is not smooth top electric. Induction is as Goodman or better than gas for control and power, plus it cleans up with zero effort. I would look into Bosch.

Before I cut into counters, I would check out both induction cooktops and the burner configuration of other 30” cooktops.

Cutting stone or quartz countertops inside your home is going to be very, very dusty. Lifting the top risks cracking the counter....better to see if you can find a different solution. I have used countertop induction hobs in the past...they work well.

I agree with damiarain, go look at different 30" cook top arrangements, this is going to be the most economical solution. Upgrade to induction if you like, however that requires a new circuit and chances are you won't be too happy with the power sharing limitation on most induction units. It sounds like you cook like me and my first induction range was very disappointing as I could only use two hobs at high power, very annoying. I eventually adjusted my cooking habits, but then remodeled and went with a 36" induction unit which is capable of high power in 3 zones...much better. One of the cons of induction if you prepare full meals regularly. Induction may be the safest option if you decide to go 36" anyway and not redo the cabinets. It appears you may have the space, but as others have noted your hood is not adequate and your cabinets will be closer to your cooking area. Because induction has no open flame or heat source it could work for you with minimal work. I am just saying you can possibly do it without modding anything else, but I would not recommend it.

If you go with a 30 inch cooktop, you will want 4 burners rather than 5.

i can see why you frustrated.. that is terrible configuration.

i have 36" miele induction and can use all five burners at once and have no limitations as stated above. if u can go induction, i highly recommend it!!

if not, just bring your pots and pans and see what works for you.

i have no advice about the cab/counter situation.

@JB has prime example of why I prefer rangetops over cooktops. Placing the knobs to the front would buy to much more space for pots. It might be possible to modify the cabinets and the counter tops with only minor effort in order to convert the space for a range top. It'll still cost a pretty penny in labor though. But the result will be much more usable. If money isn't tight, I very strongly recommend taking a close look at the Bluestar RNB range top with open burners. It's probably the best gas powered solution you'll find. It might or might not require updating the hood though; if this was a low-end builder-special hood, it won't work well with a high-powered gas stove.

Alternatively, some of the induction cooktops have a much saner layout. Controls are still on the top. But they are moved to a place where they don't take up so much valuable real estate. Switching to induction would most likely require some additional cuts to the counter top. But that can be done in the field. It shouldn't require adjustments to the cabinets. So, that's a bonus. But it would almost certainly require running a new circuit, which would cost some extra money.

In the big picture of things, it's a very personal decision. Both induction or a high-end gas stove are wonderful. If you can only afford a lower-end gas stove, then go with induction instead though. Better bang for the buck.

The unfortunate reality is that no matter what, this upgrade is going to cost several thousand dollars by the time you are done with it. That's the downside with having a non-standard cooktop in your existing cabinets.

Now that I see the cooktop that is a totally useless design it almost looks like 24” top. No you can’t replace lower caniets while leaving the counter in place the counter would need removal if you are lucky it will survive and then you can have it cut to accomadate the new cook top or IMO a new range .