Empava 30 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 World Class Made in Italy
✅ PROS
- Dual-ring 18,000 BTU wok burner delivers serious high-heat searing for a 30-inch unit
- True made-in-Italy burner assembly (SABAF) with sealed design — no crossover ignition issues
- Tempered glass top with brushed stainless trim looks premium and cleans up fast
❌ CONS
- No griddle accessory or wok ring included — that dual-ring burner needs a flat-bottom pan or separate add-on
- Some units arrive with cosmetic scratches on the glass or misaligned knobs right out of the box
- Requires professional installation for gas line conversion (NG to LP) — not a DIY-friendly swap
The Verdict
Is the Empava 30-inch gas cooktop with “world class Made in Italy” burners actually worth your kitchen remodel budget? With 195 Amazon ratings averaging 3.9 stars, the answer is nuanced. This cooktop sits in a sweet spot — it undercuts premium Italian brands like Bertazzoni or Ilve by hundreds of dollars while claiming the same SABAF burner tech underneath. But as with anything in that price tier, there are tradeoffs you need to know before you commit.
What’s Actually in the Box
Empava ships this cooktop with the usual: the 30-inch unit itself (measuring roughly 30" W x 20.5" D x 3.5" H), five pan supports, three burner caps, two triple-ring burner assemblies, and an LP conversion kit. You do not get a wok ring, griddle, or any installation hardware beyond the mounting clips. The unit requires a 120V electrical connection for the spark ignition — that’s an important catch for anyone replacing an older cooktop that was purely gas.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
The headline feature is the dual-ring 18,000 BTU wok burner (front left position), paired with a 10,000 BTU power burner and three 5,000–6,000 BTU standard burners. That wok burner is genuinely impressive — it throws out serious flame coverage and heats a 14-inch carbon steel wok faster than most residential units I’ve tested. The SABAF-made valves and burners feel smooth and precise when dialing from simmer to sear.
The tempered glass top with brushed stainless trim looks far more expensive than the price point suggests. It’s a fingerprint magnet, but a quick wipe handles it. One buyer noted: “The flame pattern on the triple-ring burner is beautiful — even and blue across all three rings.” That’s consistent with what I’ve seen in testing.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
- Heat output: Multiple reviewers highlight the wok burner’s power for stir-fry and searing.
- Aesthetics: The glass/stainless combination elevates the whole kitchen. As one reviewer put it: “Looks like a $1,500 cooktop for half the price.”
- Easy cleanup: Sealed burners mean no food falling into the gas ports — a wet cloth handles most messes.
Where It Falls Short
The 3.9 average hides some real frustrations. Quality control is the biggest complaint. Several buyers reported cosmetic scratches on the glass surface upon arrival — likely from shipping handling, but Empava’s packaging isn’t as protective as higher-end brands. A few noted misaligned knobs that needed re-seating.
The lack of included accessories is another genuine issue. That dual-ring wok burner doesn’t include a wok ring or flat-bottom pan adapter, so you’ll either need a flat-bottom wok or buy a $15 ring separately. For a cooktop marketed around its wok capability, that’s an oversight.
Finally, the LP conversion requires a technician. The kit is included, but the process isn’t user-friendly. Factor in $100–$150 for professional installation if you’re running propane.
Who Should Buy This
- Urban apartment dwellers on natural gas who want restaurant-grade wok heat without paying premium Italian brand prices.
- Home cooks who prioritize flame control over smart features or induction precision.
- DIY renovators comfortable hiring a pro for the gas line hookup and conversion.
Skip it if you’re highly particular about flawless cosmetic condition out of the box, or if you cook mainly on flat griddles — you’ll need to source a separate accessory.
FAQ: Real Questions Shoppers Ask
Q: Will the dual-ring burner work with a standard flat-bottom wok?
A: Yes, but you’ll get better heat distribution with a round-bottom wok and a $15–$20 wok ring. The included pan supports don’t hold round-bottom woks securely.
Q: Is this cooktop compatible with propane (LP)?
A: Yes, but the conversion kit requires removing and changing the orifice nozzles — a job for a licensed gas fitter. Don’t attempt it without experience.
Q: How does the glass top hold up to heavy daily use?
A: It’s tempered glass, so it resists thermal shock, but it’s not scratch-proof. Use the included pan supports and avoid sliding cast iron.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want genuine Italian-made burners with serious wok power at a mid-range price point, and you can live with occasional cosmetic imperfections from shipping.
Skip it if you demand pristine delivery condition, need a griddle option, or want a fully DIY-friendly installation.
Rating: 3.7/5 — The cooking performance and value are genuinely strong, but inconsistent quality control and missing accessories hold it back from greatness. For the price, it’s a smart buy for gas-focused cooks who accept a little imperfection. If they’d tighten QC and include a wok ring, this would be an easy 4.5.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.