What's the size of the cutout (width x depth)?

Did you check AJ Madison? They will likely have a larger selection and more manufacturers than Lowes (or Home Depot). ajmadison.com

Does the cooktop have to have a glass top?

Would you consider changing to induction, assuming you could find a cooktop to fit the cutout? (It may require adding a new 50amp circuit, depending on the cooktop and your current electrical supply.)

@Joseph Corlett, LLC has done numerous sink replacements and I believe has experience making an opening in a stone counter larger. I don't know if it would be different for a cooktop, but I'm tagging him in the hopes he can chime in with information about cutting stone counters in place and perhaps any questions you could ask a fabricator or other service person.

@Buehl: What's the size of the cutout (width x depth)?

Yup. And what's the model number of the broken cooktop?

Current cut out is 19 by 33 1/2 as measured by serviceman. I do not have a model number but it's a 9 yo Frig. Gallery black glass gas side control cooktop. Will try to find a manual. Really don't want glass again, I'm assuming it was a package deal when house was built.

Lowes has 108 36 in gas cooktops listed on the web. Looking at the better brands, Bosch, etc, those cooktops required a much larger cut out than most of the others, locking you into their products for the life of the counter.

Enlarging a cooktop cutout without excessive dust and without damaging the stone isn't a big deal. I use a Festool rail saw with a diamond blade. No 90* corners please, particularly if your top is engineered stone.

You'll probably pay $250.00 - $1,000.00 depending upon where you live and the competition.

Thanks @Joseph Corlett, LLC. I was hoping you would chime in. The top is granite. Is it any easier or harder to just trim off a small amount (3/16) on two sides or 3/8 all the way around? WE are in a smaller city in the Midwest so hopefully it won't be priced too bad.

I know you do it all the time when replacing sinks, etc but I wasn't sure how hard it was for a run of the mill granite person.

The EMPV36GC27 requires a 32.83" x 18.66" cutout so it will fit in your 33-1/2" x 19" cutout. The cooktop is black tempered glass like the broken cooktop. Owners at appliancesconnection.com and Home Depot like it.

Empava EMPV36GC27

Make sure you have enough cooktop flange bearing on the top if you're going to use a cutout that's too large please.

Good point Joseph! The Verona looks like it has enough flange on the sides.

Per the OP:

"Really don't want glass again, I'm assuming it was a package deal when house was built"

The EMPV36GC27 fits in the existing cutout, it's well regarded by owners, the glass cooktop should be easy to keep clean, and it's only $404-$420. The OP is free to buy whatever he wants; this is just an inexpensive option.

I agree you should look at @AJMadison.com. I would be surprised if they didn’t have pros you can call about whichever one you like fitting in the hole you currently have. They have good prices and fast shipping.

The measurement of the 36 in version are usually 21 deep and 36 long so I believe there is enough flange to support the cooktop.

Does anyone know anything about Empava? I wasn't wanting glass again because I am assuming something fell out of a cabinet or microwave and shattered the glass. Maybe not a deal breaker.

Can a homeowner install a gas cooktop?

"Can a homeowner install a gas cooktop?"

Yes, homeowners "can" do DIY removal and installation of a gas cooktop. Numbers of YouTube videos show how.

I'm assuming the question is about installation of the appliance after somebody else has trimmed your granite countertop for you.

Also, "can" is a different question from "may" or "should."

Whether you "may" do so depends on: (a) your local codes and your utility supplier's rules (IME, some cities and some utilities have rules requiring gas connections to be made by utility provider personnel or licensed plumbers); (b) the particular cooktop's installation instructions (i.e., some manufacturers' instructions might say that DIY installations void warranties); and (c) if your home is in a co-op , condo or homeowner association, what their rules say.

"Should" is a judgment question. Its the same question that must be asked when DIY repairing or altering any gas connections or appliances. You can get a range of strong opinions here on this subject. Some here are confident in their abilities to, say, DIY repair Blue Star gas stoves and cooktops for which DIY repairability is considered a major selling point. Others will say that homeowners should never ever under any circumstances do anything with gas lines other than turning a valve off. If you've never done this kind of DIY work before, you can get an idea of what's involved by googling "how-to" videos. Find out if you have sufficient tools and skills, including skills with gas leak detection and any rewiring that might be required. Also, be sure to read the installation instructions and user guides for a cooktop before buying it.

No one has Empava brand on display. Not sure how I feel about ordering one sight unseen. Was told that repair people aren't available to work on this brand. Ugh!!

Looking for someone to give a price on granite alterations.

These stainless steel, 36" five-burner cooktops would also fit:

• Empava EMPV36GC36
• Summit GCJ536SSTK
• Bertazzoni PROF365CTXV
• Smeg PGFU36X

The Bertazzoni has the most powerful burners.