Imperial (Middleby) Hot Plates - IHPA-3-36
3 PyroCentric Open Burners • 96,000 BTU • NSF, CSA & CE Listed
Add powerful sauté, sear and simmer capacity to any cookline without giving up valuable floor space. The Imperial IHPA-3-36 delivers range-top performance in a rugged countertop design that is built for the punishing pace of professional kitchens.
Features
-
96,000 BTU of instant heat – three 32,000 BTU PyroCentric™ burners with a 7,000 BTU low-simmer setting handle everything from boiling stock to holding delicate sauces.
-
Even, consistent flame – dual-ring burner design blankets the bottom of the pan to eliminate hot spots.
-
All-cast-iron tops & burners withstand constant high-heat use and retain thermal mass for faster recovery.
-
Standing pilots on every burner provide true “instant on” ignition during the rush.
-
5" stainless steel landing ledge makes plating and pan transfer easier and safer.
-
Full-width removable crumb tray catches spills before they hit the counter for quick nightly clean-up.
-
Die-cast metal knobs give chefs positive flame control and last longer than plastic alternatives.
-
4" adjustable legs level the unit on any surface and provide clearance for sanitation.
Engineered for Durability & Cleanability
- Stainless steel front, sides and landing ledge with welded & polished seams for a professional finish.
- Lift-off, gasket-free burner heads simplify deep cleaning—no tools required.
- Cast-in grate bowl directs heat upward while shielding pilots from grease and debris.
- Range-match profile pairs perfectly with Imperial refrigerated bases or equipment stands.
Specifications
| Model |
IHPA-3-36 |
| Burners / Type |
3 open PyroCentric cast-iron burners |
| Total Output |
96,000 BTU (28 kW) |
| Individual Burner Output |
32,000 BTU high / 7,000 BTU low simmer |
| Gas Connection |
3/4" NPT rear manifold |
| Manifold Pressure |
Natural 5.0" W.C. • Propane 10.0" W.C. |
| Overall Dimensions |
36" W × 19 ¼" D × 10 ¾" H (914 × 489 × 273 mm) |
What our Experts Think
-
High-output 3-burner performance for busy cooklines
The IHPA-3-36 delivers 96,000 BTU total heat across three heavy-duty burners, giving chefs fast recovery and consistent performance for sautéing, boiling, and multi-pan cooking.
-
Built for serious commercial durability
A stainless steel front and sides with welded construction ensure long-term resistance to heat, grease, and heavy daily kitchen use—ideal for high-volume operations.
-
Reliable cast iron burner system with strong heat control
Features PyroCentric cast iron burners with dual flame rings, designed for even heat distribution and precise simmer-to-high control.
-
Designed for workflow efficiency
A continuous grate surface and 5" landing ledge allow easy pan movement and quick staging, helping speed up service during peak hours.
-
Fast cleaning, reduced downtime
Includes a full-width removable crumb tray and lift-off grates, making daily maintenance quicker and keeping the cookline cleaner.
-
Compact 36" footprint with full production capability
Fits easily into tight commercial cooklines while still supporting three full-size cooking stations at once, maximizing space efficiency.
Q&A
Q: What is the Imperial (Middleby) IHPA-3-36 Hot Plate?
A: The IHPA-3-36 is a 36-inch heavy-duty commercial gas hot plate with 3 high-output open burners, designed for efficient multi-pan cooking in professional kitchens.
Q: How powerful is the IHPA-3-36?
A: It delivers a total of 96,000 BTU, with each burner producing approximately 32,000 BTU for fast heating and strong recovery.
Q: What are the key features of the IHPA-3-36?
A: It includes cast iron lift-off burners, PyroCentric™ anti-clog burner technology, standing pilot ignition, stainless steel construction, and a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.
Q: What are the dimensions of the IHPA-3-36?
A: It measures approximately 36" wide, 19.25" deep, and 10.75" high, making it suitable for standard countertop installation.
Q: What materials is it made from?
A: The unit features a stainless steel front and sides with heavy-duty cast iron grates and burners, built for long-term commercial use.
Q: What type of kitchens is it best for?
A: It is ideal for restaurants, hotels, catering kitchens, and busy foodservice operations needing multiple burners in a compact footprint.
Q: What makes the IHPA-3-36 efficient in daily use?
A: Its high BTU output, instant pilot ignition, and durable cast iron grates ensure fast, consistent cooking and reliable performance during peak service.
Maintenance Tips
-
Daily burner cleaning: Remove cast iron grates and clean all 3 lift-off PyroCentric™ burners to prevent grease clogging and maintain full ~96,000 BTU performance with even heat distribution.
-
Clear burner ports & pilots: Keep anti-clogging pilots and burner openings free of debris to ensure instant ignition and stable flame operation.
-
Empty crumb tray daily: Slide out the full-width removable drip tray to remove grease and food particles, reducing fire risk and simplifying cleanup.
-
Wipe stainless steel surfaces: Clean front, sides, and landing ledge daily with non-abrasive detergent to preserve NSF hygiene standards and corrosion resistance.
-
Inspect gas connections: Check 3/4” gas line fittings regularly for leaks and ensure stable pressure for safe, consistent operation.
-
Re-seat burners after cleaning: Ensure lift-off burners are properly aligned to maintain two-ring flame efficiency and even heating performance.
-
Avoid water in burner assembly: Do not soak burners or pilots—moisture can delay ignition and reduce reliability.
-
Level the unit properly: Adjust 4” legs to keep cookware stable and prevent uneven heating or spills during high-volume cooking.
-
Routine preventive servicing: Periodically inspect valves, pilots, and burner assemblies to maintain long-term safety and efficiency in commercial kitchens.