KitchenAid 36 Electric Cooktop
Description
The KitchenAid KCES556HSS delivers professional cooking capability in a 36-inch electric cooktop format, featuring five radiant elements including a versatile triple-ring burner for ultimate cookware flexibility. For countertop fabricators, this popular model requires precise execution of a 34.5625" x 20.375" cutout to ensure proper fitment and long-term performance. This template provides manufacturer-verified dimensions essential for installations in granite, engineered quartz, marble, quartzite, and other premium surface materials. The KCES556HSS's stainless steel trim and sleek ceramic glass surface complement contemporary kitchen designs while demanding fabrication accuracy that prevents warranty issues and callbacks. Our CNC-ready DXF template eliminates measurement errors and streamlines the cutting process for efficient, profitable installations.
Dimensions
- Overall Width
- 35.875"
- Overall Depth
- 21.625"
- Corner Radius
- 0.5"
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- KitchenAid
- Model Number
- KCES556HSS
- Downloads
- 0
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The KitchenAid KCES556HSS delivers professional cooking capability in a 36-inch electric cooktop format, featuring five radiant elements including a versatile triple-ring burner for ultimate cookware flexibility. For countertop fabricators, this popular model requires precise execution of a 34.5625" x 20.375" cutout to ensure proper fitment and long-term performance. This template provides manufacturer-verified dimensions essential for installations in granite, engineered quartz, marble, quartzite, and other premium surface materials. The KCES556HSS's stainless steel trim and sleek ceramic glass surface complement contemporary kitchen designs while demanding fabrication accuracy that prevents warranty issues and callbacks. Our CNC-ready DXF template eliminates measurement errors and streamlines the cutting process for efficient, profitable installations.
Installation Overview
The KCES556HSS installation requires a cutout measuring 34.5625 inches in width and 20.375 inches in depth with 0.5-inch corner radii. This 36-inch cooktop fits standard 36-inch cabinet bases while providing generous cooking surface area. The overall dimensions of 35.875" width and 21.625" depth necessitate adequate countertop depth—standard 25.5-inch counters leave 5.125 inches of material at the back edge, sufficient for structural integrity but requiring careful seam placement planning. The cooktop weighs approximately 52 pounds, demanding solid substrate support or perimeter bracing, particularly in 2cm material installations. Electrical requirements include a dedicated 240V/40A circuit with junction box positioned 12-18 inches below the counter surface, offset from the cutout centerline to prevent interference with mounting hardware. Cabinet clearances mandate 30-inch minimum height to overhead cabinets or range hoods, and 0.5-inch minimum to adjacent sidewalls. While radiant electric cooktops generate more heat transfer than induction models, the KCES556HSS design minimizes thermal stress on surrounding countertop materials through effective insulation and ventilation.
CNC Cutting Notes
The KCES556HSS cutout presents unique challenges due to its 34.5625-inch width—approaching the limits of some CNC table capacities and requiring careful material stabilization. Use bridge supports, vacuum pods, or perimeter clamping to prevent material deflection during the cut cycle. Program a two-pass strategy: rough cut with a 3/8-inch carbide bit maintaining 0.060-inch stock allowance, followed by finish pass with a 1/4-inch downcut spiral bit for optimal edge quality. Feed rates vary by material: 70-90 IPM for granite, 90-115 IPM for engineered quartz, with spindle speeds 18,000-24,000 RPM depending on material hardness and bit diameter. Depth of cut should be conservative: 0.125-inch per pass for granite, 0.150-inch for quartz, adjusted for material density. The 0.5-inch corner radii must be programmed as true arcs—segmented approximations create stress concentration points that can propagate cracks during installation or thermal cycling. For slabs with directional veining or patterns, orient the template to minimize vein run-out at corners and maintain aesthetic continuity. Total cutting time runs 11-16 minutes for 3cm material, longer for exotic granites or ultra-compact surfaces. Post-cutting, remove all dust and inspect edges with a straightedge to verify flatness—any deviation exceeding 1/16-inch may prevent proper cooktop seating and require remediation.
Material Compatibility
This template performs across all premium countertop materials with proper technique. Granite installations benefit from the generous corner radii and straightforward geometry, though the 34.5625-inch cutout width requires attention to slab orientation—select material with veining or fissures oriented to avoid running parallel to the long axis of the opening. Engineered quartz excels with this template due to consistent material properties and structural integrity; however, verify the manufacturer's warranty covers cutouts exceeding 34 inches, as some brands limit coverage for larger openings. Premium patterned quartz requires careful template positioning to maintain pattern symmetry. Quartzite provides exceptional durability but demands premium diamond tooling and patient cutting speeds to prevent chipping. Marble installations work well given the cooktop's moderate heat transfer, though prolonged use may cause subtle color changes in heat-sensitive varieties near cutout edges—educate clients accordingly. Porcelain slabs require 12mm minimum thickness and precision cutting techniques due to material brittleness. Solid surface materials like Corian accept this cutout with fabricator certification and adequate perimeter support. Avoid this template in tile, concrete (unless professionally reinforced with steel), laminate, or any material under 2cm thickness. For islands with waterfall edges or mitered returns, maintain 4-inch minimum material width alongside the cutout to prevent fracture during fabrication, handling, or installation.
Where to Buy
The KitchenAid KCES556HSS electric cooktop retails between $1,200-$1,600 depending on retailer, regional market, and promotional periods. This model represents strong value in the 36-inch electric cooktop category, frequently featured in kitchen remodel packages and builder specifications. Major retail channels include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and regional appliance specialists, with seasonal promotions offering 15-20% discounts during major holidays. Online retailers like AJ Madison, Abt Electronics, AppliancesConnection, and Build.com provide competitive pricing with detailed specifications and customer reviews valuable for client consultations. The KCES556 series offers multiple finish options—HSS (stainless steel), HBL (black), HPS (stainless with PrintShield)—all sharing identical cutout dimensions but different aesthetic presentations. Professional fabricators should confirm the exact model suffix with clients before cutting to ensure finish compatibility with overall kitchen design. Local appliance dealers often provide superior installation support, delivery coordination, and warranty service—valuable for maintaining long-term client relationships and reducing project complications. Consider establishing trade professional accounts for volume pricing on multiple projects. Lead times vary from immediate stock availability to 2-3 weeks for less common finishes. Coordinate delivery schedules with countertop installation timelines—ideal workflow has cooktops delivered before final templating to verify actual dimensions against specification sheets.