Vulcan VCRG36-M
A heavy 36 in gas griddle with a 1 in plate for busy restaurant lines, from a long-standing commercial brand.
Amazon $2,501$2,501
The Vulcan VCRG36-M is the better commercial griddle overall, rated 4.1 to 4.0. The Vulcan VCRG36-M leads on plate thickness. The Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic wins on controls. The Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic costs $1,280.05 less ($1,220.95 vs $2,501).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic
A 36 in thermostatic gas griddle at a manual griddle’s price, for kitchens that want set temperatures without a big-name price.
Amazon $1,220.95$1,220.95
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vulcan VCRG36-M for plate thickness (1 in thick plate vs 0.6 in thick plate).
- Choose the Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic for controls (thermostatic, 3 heat zones vs manual valves, 3 heat zones).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas 36 in and up commercial griddle; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Vulcan VCRG36-M | Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Heat 25% | 67 25,000 BTU/hr per 12 in of width | 100 30,000 BTU/hr per 12 in of width (overall width) |
| Plate thickness 20% | 100 1 in thick plate | 46 0.6 in thick plate |
| Cooking area 15% | 75 864 sq in cooking surface | 50 cooking surface not published (neutral score used) |
| Controls 15% | 40 manual valves, 3 heat zones | 100 thermostatic, 3 heat zones |
| Listings 15% | 100 sanitation listed, safety listed | 100 sanitation listed, safety listed |
| Warranty 10% | 50 1-year parts and labor | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Vulcan VCRG36-M | Empura EGG-36ST Thermostatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface | ||
| Cooking surface | 36 x 24 in | - |
| Cooking area | 864 sq in | - |
| Plate thickness | 1 in | 0.6 in |
| Plate material | Polished steel | Stainless steel |
| Heat | ||
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Heating power | 75,000 BTU/hr | 90,000 BTU/hr |
| Burners | 3 | 3 |
| Each burner | 25,000 BTU/hr | - |
| Controls | Manual | Thermostatic |
| Heat zones | 3 | 3 |
| Gas | ||
| Ships for | Natural gas | Natural gas |
| Propane kit included | Yes | Yes |
| Pilot | Standing pilot | - |
| Build | ||
| Outside dimensions | - | 36 x 25.9 x 15.4 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 346 lb | 265 lb |
| Certifications | CSA, NSF | cETLus, ETL, ETL Sanitation |
| Parts and labor warranty | 1 year | - |