What to know first
- This is a 36-inch induction cooktop with five elements and a high-power dual center burner.
- The center burner can boost up to 6,000W at 240V, aimed at fast boiling and high-heat cooking.
- Flex Cooking Zone links the two left elements to better fit larger or longer cookware.
- It uses touch controls and includes a child lock and hot surface indicator light.
- It is Wi-Fi enabled with LG ThinQ, including remote monitoring and hood connectivity.
- Installation is not “standard 36-inch.” The listed cutout is 34 3/8 inches wide by 19 13/16 inches deep, so measure before you buy.
What the LG Studio CBIS3618BE is
The LG Studio CBIS3618BE is a 36-inch drop-in induction cooktop with a smooth glass surface and five cooking elements. Induction is different from radiant electric because the cooktop uses magnetic energy to heat the pan itself, which is why it can feel so quick and responsive in everyday cooking.
This model is built around a big, flexible layout: a dual center induction burner designed for high output, plus a Flex Cooking Zone on the left that can combine two elements into one larger zone. In plain terms, it is meant for people who cook with real cookware sizes, not just a single small saucepan at a time.
Controls are touch-based, and the feature set includes a child lock, hot surface indicator light, and settings for simmer and melt. It is also Energy Star certified.
Why it stands out
The reason to buy the LG Studio CBIS3618BE is speed. The dual center induction burner is rated up to 3,700W normally and up to 6,000W on boost at 240V (3,000W and 4,900W boost at 208V). That is the kind of output that makes a noticeable difference when you are boiling a stockpot, bringing soup back to a simmer quickly, or trying to get a hard sear without waiting around.
The second standout is flexibility. The Flex Cooking Zone combines the two left elements into a single larger zone, which is what you want when you are using a griddle, a long roasting pan, or just a larger piece of cookware that never seems to sit comfortably on a single round element.
Finally, it is a true five-element 36-inch layout. If you are upsizing from 30 inches, the day-to-day win is not just the extra width. It is the ability to run multiple pans without playing Tetris, while still having a dedicated “get it hot now” zone in the middle.
What it is like to own
Day to day, induction ownership is about quick changes. You can go from a rolling boil to a lower setting without the lag you get from many radiant electric tops. On this LG Studio model, you also have boost available on all five burners, so you are not limited to one “power burner” when you are juggling multiple tasks.
The cooktop uses touch controls (including an LCD touch display), which keeps the surface sleek and easy to wipe down. It also includes a child lock, which matters if you have kids in the house or you just want to avoid accidental activations while cleaning.
Connectivity is part of the package. It is ThinQ Wi-Fi enabled with remote monitoring, and it supports hood connectivity through LG Smart Sync so a compatible hood or over-the-range microwave can automatically turn on the fan and lights. For most people, this is a convenience feature, not the core reason to buy, but it can make the kitchen feel more hands-off when you are cooking something smoky.
What to know before you buy
First, confirm fit. “36-inch cooktop” does not mean universal cutout sizing. This model’s listed cutout is 34 3/8 inches wide by 19 13/16 inches deep, and the cooktop’s actual width is listed as 36 5/8 inches. If you are replacing an older unit, measure your existing countertop opening and check cabinet clearance before you order.
Second, plan for the electrical requirement. This cooktop is specified for 240/208 volts and a 50-amp circuit. If you are switching from gas or from a smaller electric cooktop, electrical work can be the hidden cost that changes the value equation.
Third, keep expectations aligned with the evidence. The strongest support for this model is about fast boiling and high-heat cooking. It does include simmer and melt settings, but if your main goal is ultra-low, ultra-steady simmering for delicate sauces, you should verify how that behaves for your cooking style before you lock in your install.
The specs that matter
A 36-inch built-in gives you more usable space for multiple pans than a 30-inch, but it also means you need the right countertop cutout and cabinet base.
Five zones makes it easier to cook a full meal at once (pasta, sauce, veg, and a sear pan) without constantly shuffling cookware.
This is the feature that changes your weeknight routine. Big pots come to a boil faster, and high-heat cooking feels less like waiting for the cooktop to catch up.
If you use a griddle or long pan, a linked zone is what keeps heat more evenly under the cookware instead of leaving one end underpowered.
Induction needs the right circuit. If your kitchen is not already set up for this, installation can get more complicated than swapping in another cooktop.
This is the make-or-break detail for replacements. Even within the same nominal width class, cutouts vary, so measure before you buy.
Touch controls keep the surface sleek for wipe-down cleaning, and the child lock helps prevent accidental activation in busy kitchens.
Who this product fits
You cook fast weeknight dinners and hate waiting for water to boil
The LG Studio CBIS3618BE’s high-power center burner (up to 6,000W boost at 240V) is designed for exactly this. It is the kind of cooktop that makes pasta night, blanching, and big-pot boiling feel quicker and less annoying.
You are upsizing from a 30-inch cooktop and want more real cooking space
With five elements across a 36-inch surface, you get more room to run multiple pans at once. The layout is set up to give you both capacity and a dedicated high-output zone, instead of just spreading the same power across a bigger piece of glass.
You use a griddle or long cookware and want it to actually fit
The Flex Cooking Zone links the two left elements into one larger zone. That is the feature that makes a long pan or griddle feel less fussy than trying to balance it across separate round elements.
You want a sleek built-in look with smart conveniences
This model is ThinQ Wi-Fi enabled with remote monitoring and hood connectivity. If you already have compatible LG ventilation, the automatic fan and light behavior can make cooking feel a little more hands-off.
What else to compare
If you like the idea of a 36-inch induction cooktop but want a different balance of features, these are the models we would cross-shop.
LG Studio CBIS3618BE FAQ
Is the LG Studio CBIS3618BE induction cooktop 36 inches?
Yes. It is sold as a 36-inch built-in induction cooktop. The actual width is listed as 36 5/8 inches, and the cutout width is listed as 34 3/8 inches, so measure your countertop opening before buying.
How powerful is the center burner on the LG Studio CBIS3618BE?
The dual center induction burner is listed up to 3,700W with boost up to 6,000W at 240V (3,000W and 4,900W boost at 208V). In practical terms, it is designed for fast boiling and high-heat cooking.
Does the LG Studio CBIS3618BE have a bridge or flex zone for a griddle?
It has a Flex Cooking Zone that combines the two left elements into one larger zone. That is the feature you want if you cook with longer cookware that does not sit well on a single round element.
What electrical hookup does the LG Studio CBIS3618BE need?
It is specified for 240/208 volts and a 50-amp circuit. If you are switching from gas or from a smaller electric cooktop, confirm your electrical capacity before you plan the install.
Does the LG Studio CBIS3618BE have safety features?
Yes. It includes a child lock and a hot surface indicator light, along with touch controls. Those features are helpful in households with kids or in busy kitchens where the cooktop gets wiped down often.
Should you buy the LG Studio CBIS3618BE?
Buy the LG Studio CBIS3618BE if you want a 36-inch induction cooktop that is clearly designed around speed. The 6,000W boost-capable center burner and the five-element layout are the practical reasons it makes sense, especially if you cook a lot of weeknight meals and you actually use big pots and pans.
Just go in with your eyes open on installation. Confirm the cutout dimensions and make sure your kitchen can support a 240/208V, 50A circuit. If those boxes check out, this LG Studio is a strong choice for shoppers who want fast boiling and high-heat cooking in a sleek built-in induction format.