However, I made one huge mistake.

Because that was my first ever induction cooktop, I really had no experience with induction cooking and you won’t believe it, but I managed to burn my new skillet the first time I used it. I knew induction was fast but I didn’t understand how responsive it was until I used it.

So, be warned, if you’re new to induction cooking, don’t be tempted to turn the heat up high. You won’t need to preheat any of your pans on a high heat. Now, whether you’re new to induction cooking or not, you’re probably here because you want to buy a new induction cookware set. Here are all the honest details you need to make an informed decision…

In a hurry?

⇒ Click here to see the Top-Rated Induction Cookware Sets available online.

Latest update for this post: 12 November 2019

1.  Best Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set #1 – Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17-piece Set

⇒ For an excellent price on this Duxtop set, Click Here

Stainless steel is ideal for induction cooking. And it’s a healthy material to use for food preparation and cooking. Personally, I love using stainless steel pots and pans. They’re so durable and easy to clean.

Duxtop is a well-renowned brand in induction cooking. And they produce high quality products.  If you’ve ever used one of their portable induction cookers, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Also, Duxtop offers some of the best cookware for induction ranges.

This is the best induction cookware set for high quality and a reasonable price. You get great bang for your buck. If you’re reading induction cookware reviews, you probably want to know what you get in the set…

Is this induction cookware set really 17 pieces?

It’s a 17-piece set but three of the pieces are actually utensils. The utensils are nice to get in the set but if you’re comparing sets, this is more like a 14-piece set if you’re comparing the pots and pans and steamers.

The set if made of 18/10 stainless steel. The handles are riveted on. And the handles are formed in a shape which is very comfortable. They also have an anti-slip satin finish.

For the price on the Duxtop set, click here

If you take a look at the reviews on this cookware set, no one has experienced any problems with the handles getting hot.

In fact, at the time of writing this set had an average of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars for well over 700 reviews on Amazon.

This is a very popular induction cookware set with very happy customers.

This is the best induction cookware set for appearance and convenience because it comes with lids to fit everything and they’re attractive looking tempered glass lids. You’ll be pleased how they look in your kitchen.

The reason I like glass lids is because you can see your cooking without having to lift the lid and let the heat escape.

Everything in this set is dishwasher safe. There’s no worry about cleaning up. All the items are easy to clean.

This induction cookware set is also oven safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Personally, I’ve never needed a cookware set to be freezer safe, but this one is. So, if that’s something that’s important to you, this set will give you peace of mind. These are some of the best pans for an induction cooktop.

What sets this product apart from the others?

If you’re looking at induction cookware reviews you want to know what the differences are between sets.  Obviously this is the best induction cookware set for anyone looking for high quality stainless steel pots and pans. However, the thing that makes it different from other induction cookware is the base of the pots and pans.

Duxtop have used impact-bonded technology to create the base using both aluminum and stainless steel. At first I know what you’re thinking. Aluminum won’t work on induction cooktops. That’s true but this set uses aluminum encapsulated between stainless steel to achieve a superior product with their induction cookware.

Duxtop uses pressure and friction to form the bond in the aluminum and stainless steel which is the base of the pot. The impact bonding machine applies instantaneous pressure applied by a friction press to form a secure attachment without the use of any adhesive being applied. Duxtop really does offer some of the best cookware for induction ranges.

What do you get in this induction cookware set?

Here’s what’s included:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 5.5-quart sauté pan with helper and lid
• 1.6-quart saucepan with lid
• 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
• 4.2-quart casserole with lid
• 8.6-quart stock pot with lid
• boiler basket
• steamer basket
• spoon
• slotted turner
• 2-prong fork

If you have more than one cooking source in your home, you’ll be please to know that this set can be used on all cooktops. It suits induction, electric, gas, infrared, radiant glass and ceramic cooktops.

Overall, this Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17-piece Set is the best induction cookware set for people who want bang for their buck, high quality and products that look good in their kitchen.

2.  Best Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set #2 – Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Set

⇒ Click here to see a good price on this high-quality Cuisinart set

To begin with, if you prefer non-glass lids, this is the best induction cookware set for you. This Cuisinart set is high quality 18/10 stainless steel with riveted stay-cool on stove top handles. The lids are solid opaque stainless steel with high raised handles to keep your knuckles away from the heat of the lid. Now, obviously I’m not providing induction cookware reviews only on stainless steel cookware but since it is so popular I thought it worth including this second stainless set with the different lids from the Duxtop reviewed above.

And the lids on this Cuisinart induction set have a wide edge at the top to ensure they seal in the heat and moisture.

You’ll love the brushed stainless finish on the exterior of these pots and pans.

The interiors are a mirror-polished finish for non-reactive quick release of ingredients.

The set is oven safe up to 500 degree Fahrenheit.

And all the pieces in this induction cookware set are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

These are multi-clad constructed pans. The tri-ply heat surround technology, used by Cuisinart, sandwiches an aluminum core in the base and side walls for even heat distribution.

What’s included in this Cuisinart induction cookware set?

• 10-inch skillet
• 8-inch skillet
• 3.5-quart sauté pan with helper and lid
• 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
• 3-quart saucepan with lid
• 8-quart stock pot with lid
• steamer insert with lid

This is the best induction cookware set for anyone who wants high-quality cookware that also looks good. In particular, you’ll love this set if you want stainless steel lids. This is a durable cookware set that should last a lifetime and beyond. Cuisinart offers some of the best cookware for induction ranges or induction cooktops.

3.  Best Cheap Induction Cookware Set – Heim Concept 12-Piece Set

⇒ For an excellent price on this Heim induction set, click here.

If you want bang for your buck on one of the best induction cookware sets, look no further.  This is the best induction cookware for you. This is good induction cookware. Induction cookware reviews aren’t complete without including an inexpensive option.

Made from stainless steel, these pots and pans include glass lids. You get a lot for your money.

These induction compatible pots and pans look good and function well. The base includes a three layered thermal bottom for even heat conductivity.

Despite being inexpensive, this set has a lot of very good reviews from buyers. At the time of writing, this set has an average of 4 stars out of 5 for over 420 reviews on Amazon. This is good induction cookware for the price.

Some buyers have commented that there were some discoloration marks on the saucepans when they arrived. Most buyers found it was just a result of the manufacturing process and it cleaned off so it wasn’t a problem.

What’s included in this induction cookware set?

• 10.5-inch fry pan with lid
• 1.75-quart saucepan with lid
• 1.75-quart casserole with lid
• 2.25-quart casserole with lid
• 3.25-quart casserole with lid
• 5.74-quart casserole with lid

This is the best induction cookware set for families or singles who don’t want to spend a lot of money on cookware (saving up for something else!) and for college students who are starting out with a single portable induction burner and want a full set of cookware. You’ll get good induction cookware for a reasonable price with this set.

4.  Best Non-Stick Induction Cookware Set – T-fal C515SC Professional 12-Piece Set

⇒ To see the latest price on this T-fal Nonstick set, click here.

This is one of the best high-quality nonstick induction cookware sets available for a reasonable price. But first, the most important thing to note is that the smallest pan (the One Egg Wonder) is NOT induction compatible.

Taking this into account, you will see why this is still a great induction set when you look at the details on what’s included for the price.

The Prometal nonstick interior surface is so durable you can use metal utensils with it and it’s scratch resistant.

Also all the handles are riveted for strength and they have a silicone outer for comfort.

The upgraded T-fal Thermo-Spot is a heat indicator to show you when the pan is preheated and ready for use to seal in the flavor of your food.

This set is dishwasher safe and can be used at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can use it in your oven safely.

You’ll also get vented glass lids with this nonstick induction cookware set. As already mentioned, I love using glass lids because I can check on my cooking without always lifting the lid and reducing the heat.

Another important piece of information…if you want your pans to be induction compatible you must buy the “professional” T-fal set.

T-fal also have an “ultimate” set but it’s NOT induction compatible. It’s the “professional” set that has the stainless steel base which lets you use it on induction cooktops.

Best Induction Cookware Set in Non-stick – what do you get in this 12-piece T-fal set?

If you’re reading induction cookware reviews, you want to know what you’re getting, this is why this is one of the best nonstick induction cookware sets…

• 10.25-inch fry pan
• 8-inch fry pan
• 1-quart saucepan
• 3-quart saucepan
• 5-quart stock pot
• stainless steel steamer insert
• 2 nylon utensils
• One egg wonder (very small fry pan) – not induction ready

As mentioned, the tiny fry pan is not induction compatible so please don’t rely on using it. Personally, I’d give it to a family member or friend who doesn’t use an induction cooktop.

Like any nonstick cookware, you shouldn’t use these pots and pans on high heat. Low to medium heat is best for longevity of the set.

You’ll find the stainless steel base is good quality and provides good heat distribution to the food so you shouldn’t need to use high heat anyway. As mentioned, you’ll find this is a common limitation on almost all nonstick cookware so it’s not really a disadvantage on this set, it’s just something to be mindful of when purchasing cookware.

This T-fal C515SC Professional 12-Piece Set is the best induction cookware set for anyone looking for high quality nonstick pots and pans. T-fal produces high-quality products and if you love the T-fal Thermo Spot then you’ll be really happy with this cookware set. Check it out because it’s one of the best nonstick induction cookware sets you’ll find.

5.  Best Hard Anodized Induction Cookware Set – Circulon Infinite 10-Piece Set

⇒ For the latest price on this Circulon set, Click Here

This is not a cheap cookware set, but it’s not at the top end of price either. Being high-quality hard anodized, the pots and pans perform amazingly well. This is one of those induction cookware sets you’ll be proud of for a long time.

A lot of induction cookware reviews seem to forget about hard anodized pots and pans but they are very popular with consumers.

The food slides off the surface without sticking, the set is dishwasher safe and the pots and pans can be place in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

This set is made of hard anodized aluminum with stainless steel bases with an encapsulated aluminum core. This provides for good heat distribution.

The pots and pans are nonstick inside and out making for easy clean up.

Also, the surface is durable enough to use metal utensils when cooking.

Another feature you’ll see on this induction cookware set is the handles are riveted for strength. And they’re stay cool handles for comfort. Also this set includes heavy gauge stainless steel lids.

These pots and pans are suitable for all heat sources. So if you’re using both induction and another burner like gas, electric or ceramic then you’ll enjoy being able to use these on every cooktop.

Best Induction Cookware Set Hard Anodized – this is what you get:

• 10-inch skillet
• 8-inch skillet
• 1.5-quart saucepan with lid
• 2-quart saucepan with lid
• 3-quart saute pan with lid
• 8-quart stockpot with lid

This Circulon Infinite 10-Piece Set is the best induction cookware set for anyone who is looking for a superior nonstick surface. A lot of people choose hard anodized because they want a high-quality nonstick pan to avoid using too much oil in their cooking. This is a popular cookware set with an average of 4.3 stars out of 5.0 for more than 300 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing. So, if you’re wanting high quality hard anodized cookware for induction, you’ll be pleased with this 10-piece Circulon set.

6.  Best Nesting Induction Cookware Sets – Magma Products, 10 Piece Set

⇒ For an excellent price on this nesting cookware, Click Here.

For the price, click this link.

Induction cookware review for RV owners…

If you’re looking for a cookware set for your RV or an apartment with a smaller kitchen then you’ll love this nesting induction cookware set.

Also, you don’t even need a small kitchen to take advantage of a nesting set.

When I went through a phase of owning many large ceramic bowls, platters and cake stands, I gave priority to these items and I used a nesting cookware set to save on space in my kitchen cabinets. Nesting cookware definitely serves a purpose.

Since a lot of people use single portable induction cooktops in their RV you’ll appreciate one of these induction cookware sets to use on the induction cooker. If this is you, you’ll want one of the best induction cookware sets that is also suitable for a RV. And nesting is perfect for smaller storage spaces.

This Magma Products set is 18/10 stainless steel with removable handles for storage. Each pot and pan includes a triple clad base for even heat distribution.

Furthermore, the best thing about this induction cookware set is how little space it takes when everything is collapsed together. The set even includes a bungee cord to hold the set together. It fits in less than half a cubic foot of space for storage. Not only are these some of the best pans for induction but they also offer convenience.

Best induction cookware for nesting…this is what you get in the set:

• 9.5-inch fry pan
• 1.5-quart saucepan
• 2-quart saucepan
• 3-quart saucepan
• 5-quart stock pot
• two interchangeable lids
• two removable handles
• storage cord

7. Best Induction Cookware Set, Most Practical – ELO Black Pearl Stainless Steel Cookware

⇒   For an excellent price on this ELO cookware, Click Here.

This ELO Black Pearl Stainless Steel induction cookware set is designed in Germany and has won awards. The appearance is stylish but that’s not the best part. The lids stand up on their own.

If you’re reading induction cookware reviews to find the most innovative and stylish cookware, then this is a set for you.

Yes! Finally you get saucepan lids that don’t drip all over your counter every time you need to stir a pot. Amazingly, the lids stand up vertically on their own resting on the lid handle. It’s a very clever design. Also, the lids don’t drip because there is an edge to catch the condensation when they’re standing vertically. They’ve thought of everything.

And there’s more. This cookware is induction compatible with glass lids so you don’t need to lift the lid to see your food. When you want to drain pasta there’s no need to fuss around with dropping the lid or trying to transfer the hot food to a colander because the lid has special draining holes at one point in the edge of it.

With the silicone edges to the lid and lid handle, you simple hold the lid securely and drain liquid from the pot directly. The silicone on the lid and the heat isolated handles let you hold the lid in position for easy-pour draining of the liquid. Another advantage is that your fingers are protected from the heat.

This is the best induction cookware because it also gives you the option of cooking with or without the steam release on the lid. You can choose.

This high quality induction cookware set looks good and is a pleasure to use. Finally, you get cookware with all the practical design built-in.

The sizes and capacity included in the ELO Black Pearl induction set:

• the 6.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 Sauce Pan has a liquid capacity of 1.3 Liters or 1.37 quarts,
• the 6.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 Casserole Pot has a liquid capacity of 1.8 Liters or 1.9 quarts,
• the 8-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 Casserole Pot has a liquid capacity of 3.3 Liters or 3.48 quarts,
• the 9.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 Casserole Pot has a liquid capacity of 5.3 Liters or 5.6 quarts.

8. Best Cast Iron Induction Cookware Set – Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Set

⇒  See the price on this Le Creuset set, Click Here

This is one of those cookware sets that you know you want but you’re not sure whether you can justify the cost. Sure, they’re not inexpensive (you can check today’s price here). But you know you’ll be cooking with this enameled induction cast iron cookware set for decades. This is the best induction cookware for longevity. So if you want to mentally amortize the cost over the next couple decades, perhaps that’s a way to look at it and feel comfortable with the cost.

Personally I love this blue color shown above. This blue really appeals to me. However, if it’s not your thing then there are 8 more colors to choose from (check the link above to see colors).

If you’re looking for the best induction cookware you’ve probably looked at cast iron, here’s the best. You probably already know this because Le Creuset’s reputation tends to precede it but… this is very high quality cookware made in France. You will get impressive cooking results using Le Creuset.

Is enameled cast iron safe to use on induction?

If you love red cookware take a look at the red version of this Le Creuset set.

Just one word of caution, when using enameled cast iron cookware you need to be very careful on induction cooktops.

This cookware is very heavy (and this gives you great cooking results) and you need to make sure you don’t drag the pans across the glass cooktop because it can scratch the surface. Another reason not to scrape it across the cooktop is that it may damage the bottom of the pan itself in addition to the cooktop.

You also need to make sure you don’t drop one of these beauties on your cooktop. It will end in disaster!

The advantage of using enameled cast iron cookware on an induction cooktop is that the weight keeps it in place so it won’t want to slide around like some of the lighter pots and pans.

One of the best things you can do to protect your induction cooktop is to place a silicone sheet on top of the cooktop, under the pot so there is no risk of scratching. This is one of the magical advantages of induction. It doesn’t need to be in direct contact with the pot to work. Just make sure your silicone sheet is thin enough to not affect the induction cooking.

Here’s what’s included in the set:

• 5.5 qt round Dutch oven with lid
• 1.75 qt saucepan with lid
• 9-inch skillet

This set is safe to use on induction cooktops, ceramic, halogen, gas, electric and in the oven. Another advantage is that the phenolic knobs will withstand temperatures up to 500°F so you can use the lids in the oven.  With such versatility they make a great gift for a loved one who likes to cook.

The skillet’s black enamel interior finish does not require seasoning and is designed for higher temperature cooking. Another advantage is that the Dutch oven and saucepan have a sand-colored enamel interior making it easy to see the food and monitor cooking progress. The enamel surface is made to resist chipping and cracking. You will get longevity from this set.

This Le Creuset cookware set is dishwasher safe. If you’re hand washing it you need to avoid harsh scrubbing abrasives. Nylon or soft pads or brushes should be used for hand washing. If you’re looking for the best induction cookware in cast iron, this is the one.

⇒   See all the colors available for this Le Creuset set, Click Here

9. Best Ceramic Induction Cookware Set – Vremi Nonstick 8 Piece Cookware Set

 ⇒ Click Here to see all three colors in this Ceramic Induction Cookware Set

If you’re looking for the best induction cookware in ceramic, then take a look at this Vremi 8 piece set.

This cookware comes in three colors. You can get yellow, blue or green. It is designed to look great at your table for serving.

The ceramic coating ensures even cooking temperatures and ceramic is also nonstick. This is an advantage if you want the convenience of nonstick but you don’t want a Teflon surface.

Ceramic heats quickly and evenly. This cookware is made with a durable die cast aluminum body with a ceramic coating. It is scratch free, non toxic and BPA-free. Not only do you get healthy cookware, but you also get good looking cookware. Add some color to your kitchen!

The outside of each piece of this cookware is a heat-resistant enamel surface.

This Vremi cookware set is induction compatible. It contains a spiral base that works on induction, gas, electric or halogen stovetops.

In the set you get these pieces:

• 4.97 qt large Dutch Oven with Lid, diameter is 9.75 inches
• 2.85 qt small Dutch Oven with Lid, diameter is 8.1 inches
• 3.9 qt shallow Casserole with Lid, diameter 10.5 inches
• 1.69 qt angled large Frying Pan, diameter 10.1 inches
• 1.27 qt angled medium Frying Pan, diameter 9.4 inches

The advantage of the angled frying pans is that you can flip or toss food more easily. Take a look at the picture below and you’ll see the angled side to the pan.

Warning before you use the Vremi ceramic cookware:

Just a word of warning about this set. You can’t put this cookware in the oven.

This induction cookware set is dishwasher safe but some buyers have said that the handles don’t look as good if you place them in the dishwasher every night. And they prefer to hand wash them. Since this set really is stunning and can be used at the table you may want to consider keeping it looking perfect by hand washing.

Is there a steam vent?

Each of the lids is designed with a small gap between the lid and the body so there is a steam release. This ensures your pots don’t boil over. By clever design they’ve included the steam gap without needing to put a hole in the lid.

These pot protectors stop scratches on your cookware when storing.

These pans are quite heavy but not as heavy as cast iron.

So, if you’re looking for a good quality heavy ceramic cookware set with even heat distribution you’ll love these.

If you want to keep your ceramic pans looking perfect you’ll want to use bamboo or wooden utensils.

This 7 piece bamboo cooking utensil set is great value and high quality. You’ll enjoy using it and get good durability too.

Can you store ceramic pots together?

To store them together you’ll want to use pot protectors. These are a type of soft cloth or insert that stops one pot from scratching the next one in it. You can take a look at pot protectors here and easily order them online.

See the price here

Many people prefer a ceramic induction cookware set because of the health benefits.

But even if that’s not your reason for getting it, these pots and pans will look great in your kitchen and even better at your table when serving.

You’ll also love the benefits of the nonstick ceramic surface. It makes clean up so easy. The food just slides right off.

This Vremi cookware is very popular and has many happy customers. At the time of writing the reviews on Amazon were an average of 4.2 stars out of 5 for almost 300 reviews. You can take a look yourself!

Induction cooktops are a delight to use. If you have the right pots and pans it makes the cooking experience even better. Enjoy your new induction cookware.

⇒   Looking for the best induction wok? Take a look here.

⇒   Need a portable induction burner?    ⇐ See all the details here.

⇒   Have you tried an induction rice cooker? See the best ones here.

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Induction Cookware Sets appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

In a hurry?   Need an induction wok fast?

               See the Top–Rated Induction Woks under $100 ⇐ Click Here

For the price, this modern stainless steel wok is induction compatible and gives you the convenience of being dishwasher-safe.

Latest update for this post: 9 November 2019

The traditional cast iron wok has evolved. There are now hundreds of woks available. Some are cast iron but there are also others that fall into the categories of non-stick surfaced, stainless steel, light weight, enameled, pre-seasoned, or ceramic coated.

Of course, there is the usual one-handled wok. But there are also models with an extra support handle or heavy woks with two small handles which are not used for tossing the food.

If you’re looking for the best induction wok for your own cooking style, read on.

With so many choices there is also a huge range in prices. Your basic wok starts from about $30 and goes up to about $600 or more for commercial grade quality.

What is an induction wok?

If you want to use a wok on an induction cooktop, induction range or a portable induction burner you’ll need an induction compatible wok.

For the price of a carbon steel wok you get great conductivity on an induction cooktop.

It needs to be made from ferrous material so it can conduct the electromagnetic force through the wok and generate heat. The bottom of the induction wok needs to be sufficiently making contact with the cooktop to work.

A traditional curved bottom wok will not work efficiently. Some cooks have managed to get one of these woks to work on induction because enough of the curved base is close enough to the induction surface.

However, it is hit and miss and no one would recommend trying it if you want to successfully stir fry at a high temperature.

What makes a wok good for induction cooking?

The best induction wok is a flat bottomed one. The flat surface makes direct contact with the cooktop and you can generate high cooking temperatures very quickly using induction. As mentioned, the wok needs to be magnetic as well. Home cooks can get superb results from one of these.

If you are a professional chef there are induction cookers made especially for woks. The surface on the cooker is curved and the wok sits down into the curved surface on the induction burner.

These types of appliances are very expensive costing as much as $7,000 for a single induction wok burner. They are usually intended for restaurants or commercial cooking. We do not discuss this type of appliance in this article. But if you’re interested in purchasing one, take a look at some of them Here.

Do induction woks work?

Induction compatible woks cook very well. They can generate high levels of heat to stir fry and they are stable when sitting on your cooktop.

For the price of a traditional cast iron wok with a flat bottom you can achieve high heat and traditional wok cooking with induction.

If you are concerned about a wok scratching the surface of your induction cooktop this is easily resolved. The best way to do this is by placing a thin silicone baking sheet over the top of your cooktop burner and place the wok on top. Some cooks use a sheet of kitchen paper but the silicone mat is more protective and easy to wipe clean. Just make sure the silicone baking sheet is thin enough to be used on your induction cooktop.

The trusty old cast iron flat bottomed wok is perfect for induction cooking because it is made of ferrous material. But these days you are not limited in choice. There are lots of non-stick coated woks and you also have the choice of lighter or heavier weight woks which are suitable for induction. Enameled cast iron is also a very popular choice.

Can I get an induction wok with a lid?

There are plenty of induction compatible woks sold with lids. Some also come with an internal rack which sits on the side for cooking meat, fish or others food separately to the stir-fried vegetables.

Most woks range in size from 12-inches to 16-inches. Most people agree a 12-inch or 14-inch wok is big enough to feed a family of 4 to 6 people. The larger size can be too big to store, especially if it also has a lid. Larger lids often don’t fit in the dishwasher and become a nuisance.

Reviews of the 5 Best Induction Woks

Out of hundreds of woks available the following are chosen as being the best in their category. Each review is of an induction compatible wok. Non-induction models have not been included.

Review 1:  Best Cast Iron Induction Wok: Lodge Pro-Logic P14W3 Cast Iron Wok 14-inch

Cast iron is the traditional metal used to make woks. This is a perfect material for induction cooking. As long as you buy a flat bottom cast iron wok, it will work on your induction cooktop.

The Lodge Pro-Logic P14W3 Wok is a cast iron wok made in the USA. While the underneath surface is flat, the inside surface of the wok is round like a traditional wok. It is 14-inches in diameter and large enough to feed a hungry family.

Both cast iron and carbon steel woks need to be seasoned before use. The seasoning provides a natural non-stick surface. This is achieved by coating the surface with oil and in combination with heat the oil is baked into the cast iron. Seasoning prevents the cast iron wok from rusting as well as producing the natural non-stick surface. Soaps and detergents should not be used to wash this type of wok. It is recommended that it be cleaned with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge. This Lodge wok comes pre-seasoned and ready to use.

Cast iron takes a while to heat up but once it is hot it retains a high temperature very well. This induction wok has two cast iron handles.

Can this wok be lifted up?

The advantage of these handles is that the wok can be placed in the oven if you need to. The disadvantage is that the handles become so hot that you won’t be able to lift it while it is still at a high temperature. This wok is very heavy so you probably wouldn’t want to be moving it anyway. It certainly won’t move around your cooktop because of its weight. You will need to spoon the food out (or use two spatulas) and let the wok cool before lifting.

Because it is a heavy cast iron wok you’ll need a good wok spatula. If you want to lift and toss the food in a stir fry you’ll need two wok spatulas. If you are ordering this wok online make sure you order a couple wok spatulas at the same time. Order a thin silicone baking sheet as well to protect your induction cooktop.

The biggest advantage in buying a cast iron wok is the price. These are the cheapest woks available for use with induction. They last a lifetime and are good quality. Lodge makes good quality cookware and this includes their woks.

Review 2:  Best Carbon Steel Induction Wok: M.V.Trading 14-inch Carbon Steel Wok

This M.V.Trading carbon steel wok will serve you well. It is 14-inches in size and is made in the USA. Similar to a cast iron wok this carbon steel one needs to be seasoned.

Is this wok pre-seasoned?

For the price of this cookbook, you get tasty traditional recipes to turn your stir fries into amazing meals.

It does not come pre-seasoned so you need to follow the directions included with the wok to season it before use.

There are also plenty of YouTube videos showing you how to season a carbon steel wok. A carbon steel wok will last a lifetime if looked after properly.

Carbon steel woks have the same advantage as cast iron in that they are cheap to buy yet they are high quality cookware. It is nice to be able to spend less on a pan which is still ideal for induction cooking.

This carbon steel wok for induction cooking has two handles. The nice thing about two small handles rather than one longer one is that they don’t get in the way.

Because the handles are also made of carbon steel you won’t want to be picking it up while it’s searing hot. The same advice applies as for the cast iron wok, buy a good wok spatula at the same time as buying the wok. You won’t want to be picking it up while cooking, use a spatula instead.

   Get a great price on the M.V.Trading Carbon Steel Wok, Click Here

It will also heat up faster than a cast iron wok so, if time is important to you, opt for the carbon steel wok and you’ll be happy.

Review 3:  Best High-End Induction Wok: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 14-1/4-inch Wok With Glass Lid

   Click Here for the price on Amazon for this Le Creuset Wok

The Le Creuset enameled cast iron wok is 14-1/4-inches in size and includes a glass lid. Le Creuset is renowned for their high quality cookware and adored by many but it is not for everyone. This wok is not inexpensive. It is an investment. You should only consider this wok if you can afford it.

If you’ve owned a Le Creuset French oven or casserole dish before you’ll know they are heavy and high quality. This is a heavy wok and it holds heat very well.

You only need to use medium heat rather than high heat and you’ll achieve great results. It does take time to heat up but once it has heated it holds heat really well. If you let the wok heat more slowly at first then you’ll get more heat up the sides rather than it being concentrated at the bottom of the wok.

Because this wok is enameled it’s not as important that you season the cooking surface. Seasoning is still recommended but it can be used without. If someone accidentally washes this wok in soapy water it doesn’t matter. If you do that to a cast iron or carbon steel wok it will ruin the seasoning but an enameled wok is still usable.

The Le Creuset wok is a statement piece for your kitchen. If you are the type of person who uses a wok all the time and you like to keep it out on your counter you’ll be proud to own this wok. It comes in a variety of colors and looks stunning in any kitchen. The added advantage of keeping it on your counter is that you don’t have to lift its heavy weight every time you want to use it.

Will this wok damage my induction cooktop?

Le Creuset is ideal for use on induction cooktops because of the cast iron content. Of course you need to be very careful when lifting a Le Creuset wok onto your induction cooktop that you don’t lower it too quickly and damage the top.

Click image for the price on this wok spatula.

Many cooks recommend using a silicone baking mat when using cast iron cookware on their induction cooktop. This saves the top surface from scratches.

You’ll still need to be careful of the weight not coming down too quickly. If you are using in induction burner at the front of your cooktop it makes it easier to have more control over the wok when placing it on your cooktop.

Because of its weight you’ll probably want to use a couple wok spatulas to stir your stir fries. Two spatulas can be used to toss the food without lifting the wok. If you want to cook multiple meals it is wise to purchase multiple double sets of wok spatulas to use without wasting time washing in between.

The Le Creuset Wok is expensive. For the price, you get a high quality wok that looks stunning in your kitchen.

The Le Creuset wok will hold good even heat. It won’t move around on your induction cooktop. It is a pleasure to look at and is a quality wok that will last a lifetime and beyond. If you can afford the investment, the Le Creuset wok should bring you enjoyment in your kitchen.

Review 4:  Best Induction Wok with Non-Stick Surface: Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-inch Wok

The non-stick surface is patented ceramic titanium and is tough enough to allow you to use metal utensils. The non-stick surface allows you to cook and sear at high temperatures.  Most non-stick surfaces usually won’t let you do this.

The pan is constructed in 5 layers from a stainless steel outer and an aluminium core with the special non-stick coating on the inner surface. This multilayer construction provides rapid and even heat distribution. The wok is oven safe and can even be used under a broiler.

Does this wok need to be seasoned?

Due to the materials used in this wok it does not require seasoning. This means you can wash it normally and it is also dishwasher safe. There is a lot of convenience on offer with this wok. Like other Scanpan products, it’s high quality and will last a lifetime.

It is not recommended that you use a high heat setting with this wok. It is made in a way that you can generate high heat in the wok while using a medium heat setting. Often it is lower quality pans that need the heat turned up to high in order to get them to work properly.

The Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-inch wok has a longer handle plus a smaller handle opposite the longer one. The longer handle in combination with the lighter weight is great if you want to toss the food.

Tossing the food in a wok is a method which allows the food to be exposed to higher temperatures of heat for short bursts of time. It gives you some extra control over the amount of heat the food receives and allows you to prevent your meal becoming overcooked. If this is important for your style of cooking then the Scanpan CTX Wok may be exactly what you’re looking for.

                           For a great price on the Scanpan CTX Wok ⇐ Click Here

Review 5:  Best Stainless Steel Induction Wok: Cooks Standard 13-inch Stainless Steel Wok with Dome Lid

This wok is induction compatible and will suit all other types of cooktop surfaces too.

What are these wok handles made of?

The solid stainless steel handles include air-flow technology to keep them cooler.

This induction wok has a long handle with a smaller handle on the other side for easy lifting. Being a lighter weight, this wok can be used to toss food in the air while cooking.  The longer handle means it stays relatively cooler than short handles.

Can you put this wok in the oven?

For the price (see here) you get a lot of versatility with this wok

Yes, surprisingly you can.

A big advantage of using stainless steel is that you can put this wok in the oven for browning or finishing if you want to.

But you should be aware that it’s not broiler-safe: the sides are tall so you’d probably never want to put it under a broiler anyway.

It’s oven safe to 500 degrees F.

It is good to know you have lots of cooking options available on this quality piece of cookware.

Do you need to season this stainless steel induction wok?

Another advantage with this type of wok is that you don’t need to season the pan. You can even put this wok in the dishwasher for cleaning. This is so convenient if you’re short on time.

Is the lid included on this wok?

Yes, the lid is included when you buy this wok. The lid is quality stainless steel. It is secure fitting to trap in heat and moisture.

The dome shape is great if you are cooking a large meal and you don’t want the lid to flatten the ingredients.

Why shouldn’t I turn the heat up high straight away?

This wok achieves high heat but it is not recommended that you crank up the heat setting to high the first time you use it.  Like any new stainless steel pan you need to start slowly and get a feel for how it reacts to being heated. If you go straight to a high setting you may risk burning your new wok. Being a high quality piece of cookware you only need a medium setting to achieve high temperature results.

While this wok is lighter than cast iron, it holds a large capacity and once you have lots of food in it you may find the weight too heavy to lift easily. Like the heavier woks, be sure to purchase two wok spatulas to move you food around and lift the food out for serving.

What are the advantages of stainless steel?

One of the biggest advantages of a stainless steel wok is the variety of food you can cook in it. In a traditional wok that requires seasoning you can’t use acidic foods like lemon juice, tomatoes or pineapple. If you like to cook dishes with lemon juice you’re going to destroy the seasoning on a cast iron or carbon steel wok.

If you like the taste of throwing some pineapple into your stir fries then a stainless steel wok is ideal. It will not react with acidic foods and will retain its durable silver finish.

The Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Induction Wok has high sides and a large capacity so you can cook a lot of food. The heat distribution is extremely good and the stainless steel surface is high quality.

With the convenience of being able to put this wok in the dishwasher it will appeal to many home cooks. In particular, you’ll appreciate being able to use acidic foods in your stir fries and other meals. There are no limitations on this high quality induction wok.

   At the time of writing, this stainless steel wok has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars for more than 640 Amazon Reviews. That’s a lot of happy customers. Take a look at the details here (including price) ⇐ Click Here

⇒   Do you need a portable induction burner for your RV, boat or holiday house?

⇒   Have you tried home made ice cream? Read more here on ice cream makers.

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The post What are the 5 Best Induction Woks? Your New Induction Wok Awaits You appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

The most popular portable induction cooktop is a single induction burner. A single unit offers portability, it is easy to stow and you can always find room for it on your counter or table.

We look at the best features on these appliances and review three of the most popular models.

In a hurry?

If you’re short on time, click on a link below for the review. Alternatively, just read on.

What is a Portable Induction Cooktop?

For the price of a portable induction cooktop you get similar functionality to a built-in induction cooktop in your kitchen, but for a fraction of the cost.

A single portable induction cooktop works the same way as an induction cooktop that is built in to your counter. A range with an induction cooktop also uses the same technology.

Instead of providing a heat source to cook, induction uses magnetic technology to induce vibrations in the pan you are using.

It is the pan that produces heat, not the induction burner. The top of the burner only becomes hot from residual heat it receives from the pan.

Induction cooking requires magnetic pots and pans. Stainless steel and cast iron are good.

How do I know if a pot is induction compatible?

Most pots and pans are labelled as induction-ready when you buy them. If you need to test the ones you already own this can be done with a small magnet.

If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan it should be induction compatible.

In addition to the ferrous requirement, the pan should also be flat bottomed. A curved shape or ridges on the bottom will not work with an induction burner.

A portable model means it does not have to be hard-wired into your kitchen, nor does it have to be installed into the cut-out counter. A portable unit can be used in a kitchen as an extra burner when entertaining.

You can use it for keeping a dish warm before serving. Place it on the dining table and you can serve directly from it.

A portable induction burner can be used in an RV or motor home. It can be used in a dorm room or at a holiday house.

When you select a single induction cooktop it is best to get one with 110V power. If you are looking at one which requires 220V, it is not easily plugged into a normal socket.

How Good Are Portable Induction Cooktops?

For the price of a portable induction cooktop you can try induction cooking in your home without committing too much money to it.

Portable induction cooktops vary a lot depending on power and features.

For an affordable price, it is possible to buy one which delivers similar cooking results to a built-in induction cooktop which costs thousands of dollars.

If you’re new to induction cooking you can try a portable induction burner in your kitchen without spending too much.

And if you do decide to install an induction cooktop in your kitchen you can still use your portable model as an extra induction burner when entertaining. Also use it as a warming plate or at the dining table to keep food hot while serving.

Before buying a portable induction cooktop take a look at the features below. Some will be important to you and others won’t.

Features to consider are:

• the level of power (watts) available in the induction burner;
• whether the power level (watts) is variable so you can use it in an RV;
• size of the induction burner;
• number of increments on the heat settings;
• whether the heat settings are graded by temperature or sequential numbering;
• digital or analogue heat controls;
• quick function settings to select simmer or sear directly;
• flat controls for easy cleaning on the top of the induction burner;
• countdown timer with alert sound;
• automatic timer to stop cooking after a set number of minutes;
• is the base made of plastic or stainless steel;
• continuous cooking or automatic shut off after a certain number of hours;
• safety features;
• automatic pan detection;
• an overheating sensor which shuts the induction burner off automatically;
• can it slow simmer for a long period of time;
• will it take the weight of a pressure cooker on it;
• will it operate with a pan that is larger than the burner;
• does it work with a pan smaller than the induction burner;
• how long is the power cord;
• does it retain the heat setting if you remove the pan.

Which Single Portable Induction Cooktop is Best?

If you want to use a portable induction cooktop as a warming plate you’ll be best with one that goes down to 100 watts on the lowest power setting or about 140 degrees Fahrenheit on a temperature setting.

However, you would only use a heat setting as low as this if the food is already cooked thoroughly and you want to keep it warm until you serve it.

Many portable induction burners do not go as low as 100 watts or 140 degrees so you need to check before you buy.

If you want to cook at high heat you’ll need a portable induction burner that offers 1800 watts of power.

For example, if you want to cook fish on a skillet and sear the skin of the fish you’ll probably need 1800 watts. 1500 watts may do the job but 1300 watts will definitely leave you disappointed if you want to sear at a high temperature.

Can I use a portable induction cooktop in an RV?

If you are going to use this appliance in an RV or caravan it is best to get one that has variable power options.

If you know you’ll stow the unit away when not in use, you might be concerned about the base cracking. To avoid this problem the best portable induction cooktop will be a stainless steel one rather than plastic.

The base does not heat up with induction cooking so it is only physical contact with the base that should be a concern for cracking it, not heat.

Can I use a portable induction cooktop in my dorm room?

If you want to use this type of burner in a dorm room it’s best to get one with safety features like overheating protection.

A cooking timer to automatically shut off the induction burner after a specified time is also a great safety feature.

If you are using it in your dorm room you may not want to sear food which will produce smoke and possibly set off a smoke alarm, not to mention annoy your friends.

In this case consider a 1300 watt or 1500 watt model rather than the more powerful ones. Also consider the length of the power cable because you may only have one power outlet that it has to reach.

The best induction burner to use at home?

If you are going to use a portable induction cooktop in your kitchen at home you’ll need to consider what you want to use it for.

If you want to use a large saute pan you’ll need a larger cooking surface. For large pots of soup you will want a sturdy appliance that can take the weight of a heavier pot.

Consider whether your main purpose will be as a warming plate before serving food. For warming you should choose a model with a very low setting (usually about 140 degrees Fahrenheit and/or 100 watts of power).

If you are going to use it at the dining table you may want to look at the aesthetics in more detail.

If you want to cook for long periods of time you’ll need to make sure your portable induction cooktop does not have a permanent safety feature which automatically turns it off after a certain number of hours.

Some models have this as a safety feature but with the option to turn it off for long cooking times.

This may apply if you want to spend a whole day canning or simmering bone broth for an extended time or cook a corned beef for a few hours. Give some thought to how you will use your portable induction cooktop before purchase.

Buying a portable induction cooktop for an elderly relative?

If you are buying an appliance for an elderly relative you may want to consider safety features as top priority when selecting a single induction cooktop.

With an overheating safety shut-off you can ensure your loved one doesn’t let a pot boil dry or accidentally set fire to the kitchen by leaving a burner on.

Leaving your children with a baby sitter?

The safety features are also important if you are leaving your children with a baby sitter. To give you peace of mind, choose an induction cooktop with an automatic overheat shut-off along with pan detection so the induction burner does not activate if there isn’t a ferrous pan on top.

If someone leaves another item on the burner it won’t operate and therefore won’t catch fire. You can also choose a model with a lock so children don’t accidentally turn the burner on.

Reviews On The Best Portable Induction Cooktops?

To help you short-cut the process on research we’ve included detailed reviews on four of the best portable induction cooktops available.

Review 1: NuWave PIC Titanium Induction Burner

If you want to use a portable induction cooktop in an RV, caravan or boat you’re going to benefit from owning the NuWave PIC Titanium Model. There are special features to control power usage and it offers a large cooking surface which is important if this is your only cooktop.

How many watts of power?

This model offers 1800 watts (15 amps) of power.

This appliance plugs into a 110 volt socket. The temperature ranges from 100 degrees to 575 degrees for searing. The lowest temperature of 100 degrees means it is great for using as a warming plate. The temperature can be changed in 5 degree increments for accurate heat control. There are 94 temperature control settings.

This portable induction cooktop can boil water in 60 seconds. 

To change the heat you press and hold the + or – button until you reach the correct temperature. There are also six preset heat settings for convenience. You can select Low (100 F), Med Low (175 F), Medium (275 F), Med High (375 F), High (425 F) or Max Sear (575 F).

How big is the cooking area?

The cooking surface of the NuWave PIC Titanium is 12.3 inches. This is much larger than previous NuWave models. Perfect for a large stock pot or skillet.

The actual induction element in the centre of the appliance is smaller in diameter than the overall surface top. This means the outer edges of your 12 inch pan will take a little longer to heat compared to the centre. For the best results use a pot or pan with very good heat conductivity so the outer rim heats more evenly.

The maximum weight the cooktop can take is 50 lbs. This is a total weight including the pot and what’s in it, including liquid. This is a very good weight tolerance compared to other single induction cooktops.

Are there any safety features?

This induction burner model offers several safety features.

It will only operate if you use induction compatible cookware on the top. If you turn it on and there is something else on the top it will cease to operate. This is a safety feature. Non-ferrous items will not heat up and hopefully you can avoid an accidental fire. Items such as a piece of paper or a plastic bag will not activate the induction element.

If you lift a pan off the top while cooking this portable induction cooktop will pause for up to 10 seconds. If you replace the pan within the 10 seconds it will continue to cook on the same setting without you needing to reset the temperature.

This NuWave PIC Titanium Induction Burner offers delayed start. You can control the time you want you’re cooking to start even if you’re not there. There is also a timer function which lets you set the total time and have the unit automatically turn off. This is a great safety feature and it is worth setting a timer if you know you are multitasking or likely to get distracted.

Overall, this is a very easy appliance to use. It has a clear digital display and it offers precise temperature control. It is very powerful offering up to 1800 watts of power if you need it. Once you become familiar with the correct temperature for your favorite recipes you’ll never want to use another cooktop.

Review 2: Max Burton 6200 Deluxe Portable Induction Burner

If safety is your priority then the Max Burton 6200 Deluxe portable induction cooktop may be what you’re looking for. This portable induction cooktop is ideal for dorm rooms, people with children or the elderly.

What are the safety features?

This single induction cooktop has an overheating sensor. If the surface of the burner is heated to excess then the cooktop will automatically shut off. This may happen if an empty pan is left heating on the top. It may also occur if a boil-over is left unattended. There are a number of reasons why excess heat may be detected on the cooktop and the advantage of this model is the automatic detection and shut off function if a person is away from the appliance or can’t get to it.

This feature could save a loved one from an accidental fire in their house or dorm room.

Another safety feature is the timer. This is not just a kitchen timer. It is a cooking timer which turns the induction burner off at the end. The timer can be set for up to 180 minutes of cooking. You can even adjust the timer after it has commenced and during cooking time. The timer is easy to set and an advantage if you will be leaving the room or if you might be distracted.

The Max Burton 6200 Deluxe portable induction burner has pan detection and will not turn on if a non-ferrous item is placed on the top. This is a safety feature because it will not heat random objects that are not be intended to go near a cooktop.

Can you use a small pot on this model?

The minimum size diameter of the bottom base of the pan to be used on this single induction cooktop is 4 inches. The recommended maximum diameter is 13 inches. The measurement always relates to the bottom surface which comes into contact with the cooktop and may be quite different to the diameter at the top of the pan.

Like all induction cooktops the pots and pans you use need to be ferrous. Cast iron, carbon steel and ferrous stainless steel will be ideal. The bottom surface of the pan should be flat and smooth. When cooking the pan should be centered on the cooktop for the induction element to work.

Does it show the temperature?

This portable induction cooktop offers 10 power settings or 10 temperature setting, depending on your preference. If you like to gauge the heat by seeing a temperature readout this is possible. There are 10 settings from 100 degrees Fahrenheit up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature setting should be used if a recipe requires the food to be kept at a particular temperature. Once the pan reaches that temperature the cooktop regulates its output to keep the pan at the selected temperature.

If you do not need to keep your cooking at a particular temperature you should use the power setting alternative.  There are 10 increments on this induction burner and they represent different wattage output. It ranges from 200 watts up to 1800 watts. The temperature of the pan is not regulated and the level of wattage will continue. The high power setting is very good if you want to bring a pot of water to boil rapidly.

This induction burner can be used as a warmer on 100 degrees on the temperature setting.

Can I stow this induction burner?

If you are living in a dorm room, chances are you’ll want to put this induction cooktop away in a cupboard at some stage or even take it with you for holidays. This model has the advantage of the base being made from stainless steel, not plastic.

Usually, on a portable induction cooktop, the plastic base is not a problem because induction cooking produces only residual heat and the cooktop itself does not heat up a lot. The plastic base is at little risk of cracking or melting. However, if you are going to stow your portable cooktop in a cupboard and you’re worried about it being pushed into by other items you may want to ensure you buy a stainless steel model.

The Max Burton 6200 Deluxe is one of the few stainless steel models available. It can offer you peace of mind if you’re going to stow it. It also looks good.

Overall advantages?

Overall, this single induction cooktop has very important safety features. The overheating protection is great for a dorm room or for a person who may be forgetful. For similar reasons it is also great to have a timer to shut off the appliance automatically at the end of its cooking time.

If you have a babysitter coming into your home there are often risks associated with a gas stove being left on or even an electric stove being forgotten about with children in the house. If you provide a portable induction cooktop with overheating protection for the babysitter to use this can set your mind at ease. Even better, get the babysitter to always use the timer function and you’ve got double protection for your children. This induction burner also has ferrous pan detection so it won’t turn on without the correct pan on top. There is no flame and the hot surface cools down much faster than an electric cooktop providing a safer kitchen environment for your children when you’re not there.

The Max Burton 6200 Deluxe portable induction cooktop offers great features for many people. It looks good in stainless steel and offers good control over your cooking with the temperature setting feature. If you are looking for a safer method of cooking, this portable induction cooktop is for you.

Review 3: Duxtop 9300ST Touch Sensor Induction Burner

When you use a portable induction cooktop at home there is a good chance you’ll want to use it on the dining table or for a buffet. If you are entertaining you want your induction appliance to look good. The Duxtop 9300 Touch Sensor portable induction cooktop has a full glass top, it’s aesthetically appealing and has all the functions you need.

It is also perfect for travelling because it’s so thin. It’s 1-3/4″ thick. Some people take this induction cooktop with them when staying in a hotel room. Because this model is so thin you can pack it more easily than a bulky induction burner. It’s also great for using in an RV.

Why does this model look so sleek?

Compared to others, this induction burner has the controls located beneath the glass. It offers a touch sensor control panel which is different from the others that usually have blister buttons to press.

The advantage of the touch controls is that there is only one smooth surface over the top of the induction burner. There are no blister buttons to wear out and cleaning is very simple. Wipe over the top and you’re done.

With touch sensors it looks stylish and you’ll be happy to have it seen on a buffet table to keep food warm.

Is it powerful enough to use at home every day?

The Duxtop 9300ST offers 15 power levels from 100 to 1500 watts. It is powerful enough to sear meat, poultry and fish at a high temperature. The temperatures range from 140 to 460 degrees.

It is capable of being used on either temperature mode or power mode operation. This means you should select temperature mode if your recipe requires the food to be cooked at a constant temperature. You can use temperature mode on the lowest setting to keep food warm on 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to boil a pot of water fast it is best to use power mode. Power mode does not keep the food at a constant temperature. Rather, it keeps the wattage constant. If you set the appliance to power level 15 which is 1500 watts it will keep operating at this wattage even if the food continues to get hotter.

I have children, can I lock the burner for safety?

Yes. There is a child/safety lock on this model. It also has additional safety features.

There’s overheating protection. If you’re using this cooktop in Power mode and it gets too hot it will automatically switch to Temperature mode. This is a safety feature.  It will change the temperature to the lowest setting (140 degrees) and you can then adjust it after that. This safety feature will probably only kick in if you’re trying to fry or saute food at a very high temperature.

The timer can be used to “set and forget”. You can set the timer to a desired cooking time and have the induction burner automatically turn off once finished. The timer can be set in 1 minute increments for up to 170 minutes. This is a great safety feature for families multitasking cooking with homework or other activities in the house.

The induction burner will auto detect if you are using magnetic cookware. If you do not place an induction-compatible pan on the burner within 60 seconds it will not turn on.

If you remove the pan you’re using, replace it within 30 seconds for it to resume cooking at the same setting.

Are there limitations to this portable induction burner?

The weight limit for the Duxtop 8300ST is 25 pounds. If you need to place heavier pots on your induction burner the NuWave model mentioned above can take up to 50 pounds weight.

This portable induction cooktop will shut down automatically if no button or setting is changed for 120 minutes. The manufacturer states this is for safety regulation compliance. Therefore if you want to keep a cooker running all day, buy a different induction burner.

Most users recommend using a 9-inch pan as a maximum size. This refers to the bottom diameter surface of the pan. Some 12-inch pans are actually only 9 inches underneath. The manufacturer does not provide specific dimensions for maximum pan size. The induction element is always smaller than the pan size on induction cookers, so it is important to use a conductive pan compatible with induction cooking.

Who is this cooktop best for?

This portable induction cooktop is very popular and suits a lot of people. There are plenty of safety features for families or people with pets such as cats. The child lock function can also be used to stop a cat accidentally turning the burner on!

The shut off timer function is not only a safety feature but adds convenience. You can put a pot of oatmeal on while you take a shower or set the pasta to cook while you sit down and become distracted by your favorite tv show.

The low temperature setting on this induction burner can be used as a warming feature and is great for entertaining and the high 1500 watts of power is good for high temperature searing.

This single induction cooktop is particularly good for anyone who wants to leave it out on display either in the kitchen or on the dining table. Because it has touch sensor controls under the glass it looks good, flat and shiny.

If you are going to be using it regularly in your kitchen to cook meals for a family there are no blister buttons to wear out. The continuous glass top is also very easy to clean because there is only one surface to wipe.

The Duxtop 8300ST portable induction burner is ideal for a family kitchen or on your dining table for entertaining friends. Being ultra thin you can also pack it with you when travelling. It offers great value and is one of the most popular portable induction cooktops available.

Review 4: Duxtop 9600LS LCD Display Induction Burner

Click Here for the Price on the Duxtop 9600SL

The first thing you notice that’s different between this Duxtop 9600LS portable induction cooktop and the Duxtop 8300ST (see above) is the forward slanting display control panel.

The advantage of this, is you can use a large pan and still have easy access to the control panel. There is no problem with heat from a larger pan because the panel is slanted downwards.

The cooking surface is 11.5 inches in square diameter. Obviously, like all portable induction cooktops, the induction heating coil is smaller in size than this. However, you can still use a large pan as long as you realize that the outer rim will take longer to heat than the center. Most people don’t have any problem with this.

The control panel is a touch display made from the same material as the cooking surface. It is durable and easy to clean.

Another difference is the brighter LCD display on the Duxtop 9600LS compared to other Duxtop models. This makes it a lot easier to read.

What are the advantages of the Duxtop 9600LS?

Two of the best features of this induction burner are the fast boil button and the keep warm button. This gives you quick access to these features. The cooktop can be used in power mode or temperature mode. When you press the Boil button it takes the cooktop to the power mode on level 10 (maximum). On boil mode the timer will automatically set to 10 minutes.

If you press the keep warm button this portable induction cooktop will go to temperature mode at 140 degrees and the timer sets for 30 minutes. If you need the temperature lower it actually goes down to 100 degrees.

In power mode there are 20 levels ranging from 100 watts to 1800 watts. And the default power setting level is 5.0.

If you use the temperature mode there are 20 settings from 100 degrees to 460 degrees. The default temp level setting is 300 degrees. From the default setting you can then use the + or – button to change the settings on this portable induction burner.

Any safety features?

There is a child lock which requires you to hold the power button for 3 seconds before it will turn on. This is handy if you have young children or cats in your home because it won’t be turned on accidentally by them skimming a hand or paw across the controls.

An automatic pan detection feature ensures this portable induction cooktop turns off in 60 seconds if the cooking pot is removed, or there is incorrect cookware placed on the cooktop.

There is a low and high voltage warning system. I can’t imagine this would be necessary most of the time but it’s good to know it is there as a safety feature.

It functions with a diagnostic error message feature. This helps to identify if there is an excessive high temperature or if the temperature at the surface level is greater than 460 degrees. This is also a handy safety feature especially if you have a habit of getting distracted and leaving a pot cooking at a high setting.

A timer?

Yes. The automatic timer can be set for up to 10 hours in 1 minute and 1 hour increments. When the timer finishes the induction burner panel beeps and shuts the cooktop off automatically.

During cooking the automatic timer can be reset at any time for convenience.

This timer is limited to being a auto shut off timer, there is no delay start timer like the sort you see on an electric rice cooker or slow cooker appliance.

Any disadvantages?

The feature I’m going to mention here is the same as the Duxtop 8300ST above. It’s a feature that can be seen as an advantage for safety or as a disadvantage because of inconvenience.

If no buttons are touched or setting changed for 120 minutes this portable induction cooktop will shut off automatically.

As mentioned above, the manufacturer states that this feature is in place to comply with safety regulations.

I’ll leave it up to you to decide on whether its to your advantage or disadvantage but just remember you can’t leave this induction burner cooking over night without restarting it every 2 hours.

The post Single Portable Induction Cooktop: What They Won’t Tell You About an Induction Burner appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

From the most affordable model to the high-end Bosch Benchmark Series, you’ll find all the information you need in these reviews.

If you’re in a hurry to read the Bosch induction cooktop reviews and want to skip forward to read about a specific model please use the links below, otherwise read on.

   Click Here to see the Best Price I found, at time of writing, on the cheapest Bosch Induction Cookers (the 500 Series).

How many burners do you use together?

These Bosch induction cooktop reviews cover both 4 burner and 5 burner induction cooktops.

The 30 inch models are great for most kitchens. Personally, I never use more than three pans cooking at the same time. However, I do understand that if you’re cooking for a large family or having a dinner party it is handy to have up to 5 burners, as found on the 36-inch models.

Before you start reading Bosch induction cooktop reviews you’ll need to determine what size you need.

Extra burners on a cooktop are handy for keeping food warm in the pan on a low level of heat, especially when you’re entertaining. Having extra induction burners allows you to make separate sauces if you’re serving a few courses for your meal.

The 30-inch models are great for most kitchens. They’re a nice square shape that fits well into most kitchens without intruding into valuable counter space we all need.

I have a larger kitchen, what are my options?

If you’re looking at Bosch induction cooktop reviews because you have a large high-end kitchen with loads of counter space, go with the 36-inch model.

You can get extra features and you’ll be more than happy with your good decision. Of course there are some home cooks who have loads of kitchen counter space and opt for two 30-inch models in their kitchen.

If you are obsessed with cooking, this may be your thing too!

Which decision first?

Remember, if you’re going with a 30-inch cooktop you’ll probably want to match it with the same size oven. So when you’re reading Bosch induction cooktop reviews, you may need to think about your oven too.

If you have very specific requirements for your oven then make this decision first. Do you need to cook a very large turkey at certain times of the year? You’ll probably want a 36-inch wide oven and then you’ll want to match it with a 36-inch cooktop to complete the look in your kitchen.

Obviously you’re looking at these Bosch induction cooktop reviews because you want a new cooktop. But have you considered a new range? See here for reviews on induction ranges.

Now, back to cooktops…if you want your oven on a higher level, shelf mounted, and away from the induction cooktop, then the cooktop can be any size and independent from the appearance of the oven. It’s just a matter of personal preference. If you are looking at Bosch induction cooktop reviews for a new appliance, think about your kitchen layout first.

Now, let’s get on with the Bosch induction cooktop reviews…

The Bosch Benchmark Series, 30-inch Induction Cooktops

The Bosch Benchmark Series comes in both 30-inch and 36-inch induction cooktops. This part of the review looks at the 30-inch models. The Benchmark Series is the high end in induction cooktops by Bosch. It is therefore the most expensive. But there is a reason for this, so please continue to read these Bosch induction cooktop reviews to understand why.

The Benchmark Series comes in either black or black with the stainless steel edge. The 30-inch induction cooktop itself is actually the same in both models. They even have the same instruction manual.

Here, in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews, we cover both the Bosch Benchmark model NITP066UC as well as model NITP066SUC (this is the one with a stainless steel rim). They are both the same size induction cooktop, both 30-inch. They both have the same induction burners and the same controls.

Induction burners

These models include a large 11-inch induction burner and a small 6-inch induction burner. The Flexible Cooking Zone is on the left of the cooktop. This induction burner is rectangular shaped.

This zone can be two separate burners or use together as one longer area. This is perfect for cooking fish or using a griddle.

You can also make gourmet sandwiches or grill steak. There are more details below on this feature.

The Benchmark Series includes touch controls on the front surface of the cooktop.

To control the temperature on your cooktop, touch the icon for the induction burner you want to control and then touch the power setting. There are nine settings with half increments in between each setting.  The half increment is a dot next to the number. This gives you plenty of control over your cooking.

If you are new to induction cooking you’ll need to learn that it is better to start your soup, stew or sauces on a lower setting and adjust the heat up from there. Most people start cooking with a higher setting on conventional electric cooktops. On induction this is not the way to activate the heat quickly. This is not necessary with induction cooking.

If you start on a high heat you’ll burn your saucepan and cause a boil over very quickly. The heat from induction cooking is almost immediate and you get very accurate heat control without needing to go too high on the settings too soon.

While you’re reading these Bosch induction cooktop reviews you may like to have a look at this article, What is Induction Cooking?

Extra features on the induction burners

You can’t read Bosch induction cooktop reviews without hearing about the very impressive  Flexible Cooking Zone. This is available on the Bosch Benchmark Series. On the Bosch NITP066UC and the Bosch NITP066SUC there is one Flexible Cooking Zone. You can use one large pan or two normal size pans separately on this zone. The real advantage is that you can use one long shaped pan or griddle in this zone and it will accommodate your pan by straddling the amount of area it needs to heat the whole pan evenly.

There are four inductors under this zone and when you place your pan on the Flexible Cooking Zone it will detect where the pan is.

It will also determine how many inductors it needs to use to heat the pan.

This is a fantastic feature for cooking in a long pan. It’s also great to use with a rectangular griddle for making gourmet sandwiches.

Can I boil water even faster?

The simple answer is yes. The Benchmark induction cooktop includes a SpeedBoost function. This setting provides you with a setting higher than level 9.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews that there is one limitation to the SpeedBoost function. You can only use it for one pan on the Flexible Cooking Zone and one pan on either of the other two induction burners.

This means you can’t use SpeedBoost for two pans that are both in the Flexible Cooking Zone at the same time. Similarly, you can’t use it on two pans on the largest and smallest induction burners at the same time.

Simply put, divide the induction cooktop down the middle vertically and you can only put one pan on each side at a maximum while using SpeedBoost.

I don’t find this to be a problem. Once you bring your water to the boil you need to reduce the heat settings anyway. So I don’t need more than two pans on SpeedBoost on the cooktop. But still, if you’re reading these Bosch induction cooktop reviews to get the details then you should be aware of this limitation.

   Click Here to see the Best Price I found, at time of writing, on the Bosch Benchmark 30” Induction Cooker.

Safety features on burners

If you fail to place a pan on one of the induction burners within 90 seconds it will automatically turn off. This will also happen if the cooktop cannot detect a pan on the burner. This may be because there is no pan on there or it may be because the pan is not ferromagnetic and therefore not induction compatible. Either way, if not detected it switches off as a safety precaution.

The Benchmark Series includes an overheating safety feature. If you place an empty pan on a burner it will heat up too quickly damaging the pan.

The automatic function will switch off the cooktop when it detects the overheating. But if the pan heats too quickly it could cause problems before the auto off function has time to operate. The pan could melt and damage your induction cooktop surface. Therefore, despite the built in safety feature, never leave an empty pan on your cooktop.

Each induction burner has a minimum limit for the pan you use on it. In these Bosch induction cooktop reviews, it would be nice to be able to give you a minimum size of pan you can use on each burner. But Bosch tells us it also depends on the metals used in the pan itself. The recommendation is to use a pan with a base diameter close to the size of the burner.

Each induction burner provides a residual heat indicator. When you remove a pan and the surface is still hot the letter H/h will appear. Once the surface cools down the display goes back to being blank.

There is also a control panel lock to stop children accidentally activating the induction cooktop.

This is also a great feature for when you’re cleaning the top including the control panel area. It is very simple to operate. To turn the lock on simply touch the lock button for 4 seconds.
Similarly, you do the same to unlock it. Obviously you don’t want young children to see you do this so they don’t learn how to try it themselves!

The Automatic Panel Lock is a handy feature if you know you need to de-activate the panel regularly. This will activate the panel lock every time you finish cooking when you turn the induction cooktop off.

Another safety feature is the automatic time limitation feature. This feature is activated if an induction burner is being used for a long period of time with the settings unchanged. It shows a warning on the control panel and stops heating the pot on that induction burner. This feature is activated after a certain period of time depending on the heat setting. It varies between 1 and 10 hours for activation.

While it would be great to be able to tell you in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews the exact time it will be activated, that’s not possible. It depends on a number of different factors interacting.

And while the automatic time limitation feature is great for safety it may cause problems for cooks who want to leave something on their induction cooktop for a long period of time.

If you need to leave your cooking unattended and want it to keep going continuously for more than 1 hour, you may need to reconsider whether Bosch is right for you.

Personally, I love the Bosch built in safety features. I think they’re great for families with children and pets and also great for couples or people living on their own.

However, I know some people will be disappointed if they can’t leave items cooking for hours while they leave the house or even leave the induction cooktop on overnight. If this is you, there are other brands without the automatic time limitation feature. Just check that your smoke alarm is working!

What sort of timer is there?

The most convenient and safest timer is one that automatically switches the induction burner off after a certain time. This is the type of timer included on the Bosch Benchmark NITP066UC and the NITP066SUC models.

Induction cooktops offer great safety features. Are you forgetful? Do distractions get the better of you? Personally, I find the automatic switch off timer to be good for peace of mind if you have young children in the house. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, babysitter or carer, we all know that children are unpredictable and if the cooktop has an added safety feature I say “use it”.

Just think about it. If you get distracted changing a diaper in another room or you’re helping a toddler to get to the bathroom in time, you may forget about the pot you left cooking at the back of the cooktop, with the handle facing away from the front of the counter (yes, we all know what it’s like cooking with children in the house!). Once the timer reaches the allocated time, you know it turns off.

This feature is also great for the elderly or people who may be mobility impaired where it may take longer to get to the cooktop to turn it off.

Let’s face it. If you’ve had a hard day at work and you come home and start cooking dinner and then take a break by sitting down on the sofa in front of the television, there’s a good chance you’ll lose track of time. If you always set the timer, you’re safer, and you won’t end up with a burnt meal.

You can select a cooking time for each induction burner separately from the others and up to 99 minutes timer for each.

There is an option to select a cooking time for all the induction burners together so the whole induction cooktop turns off automatically after the set duration.

There is also a kitchen timer. This lets you know when a certain amount of time has elapsed. But it does not switch off the induction cooktop.

What about cleaning?

It would be crazy to write these Bosch induction cooktop reviews without mentioning, cleaning. Cleaning is a breeze on induction cooktops and the Bosch Benchmark model NITP066UC and model NITP066SUC. Extra features mean cleaning is easier on these models.

In addition to the panel lock mentioned above there is a wipe protection function.

The panel lock is great if you want to activate it because you know your cleaners will be coming into the house that day. It is also great if you have children, as a safety feature. But sometimes you don’t want to be holding the panel lock button for 4 seconds every time you want to give the cooktop a wipe over.

The wipe protection function is the same as the panel lock but when you touch the button, instead of holding it for 4 seconds, it only activates the panel lock for 35 seconds while you wipe up some cooking splatter or clean up a mess from a boil over.

When you use the wipe protection function it protects you from changing the induction cooktop settings accidentally as you wipe over the control panel.

The advantage of the wipe protection function is that it can be activated while the induction cooktop is on. It is activated for 35 seconds so you can’t access the controls during this time. However, you can still turn off the power on the cooktop while this function is activated so it does accommodate safety in a couple different ways.

Once the wipe protection function is finished it gives a beep to indicate that the control panel is active again.

   Click Here for a great price on the Bosch Benchmark 30-inch induction cooktop.

The Bosch Benchmark Series, 36-inch Induction Cooktops

Now, in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews, we look at the larger Benchmark model.  The Bosch Benchmark 36-inch Series is almost identical to the 30-inch series reviewed above. Similarly, there is the option of a black appearance (Bosch Benchmark model NITP666UC) or a black induction cooktop with a stainless steel edge (Bosch Benchmark NITP666SUC). Both models are reviewed here.

The best thing about the 36-inch models is the extra Flexible Cooking Zone induction burner. There are two Flexible Cooking Zones on the larger models.

Another advantage over the smaller models is that you get three SpeedBoost function zones across the cooktop instead of two. This is explained in more detail below.

Induction burners

On the Bosch Benchmark 36-inch models there is one large round conventional looking induction burner in the center. There are another two rectangular-shaped Flexible Cooking Zone induction burners on either side of the round one.

Each Flexible Cooking Zone is 15-inches by 8-inches.

If you’ve been reading these Bosch induction cooktop reviews through from the beginning, you’ll be familiar with the concept of the Flexible Cooking Zone by now.

These Flexible Cooking Zone induction burners can each be used for one normal-sized round pot. They can each be used for two normal-sized round pots. They can also be used with one larger griddle pan on each. The two Flexible Cooking Zones give you more variety in your cooking options.

The round induction burner in the center of the Bosch Benchmark 36-inch cooktop also comes with options. It can be used as a 12-inch diameter induction burner. It can also be used as an 8-inch or 9-inch burner in the alternative. This is important because you are not limited to using large induction pots or pans on this element.

Boiling water fast

Similar to the review above, the SpeedBoost function lets you boil water at a temperature higher than setting 9.

The difference on the Benchmark 36-inch model is that there is an extra zone. This means you can use SpeedBoost for up to three pots at the same time. While two is often enough, three may come in handy if you have a large family or you like entertaining a lot.

The three zones are split vertically, left, center and right, as you face the induction cooktop. Therefore, the left Flexible Cooking Zone can take one pot, the centre induction burner can take another and the right-hand Flexible Cooking Zone can another pot and all three pots can be using SpeedBoost at the same time.

When using SpeedBoost on a Flexible Cooking Zone it is recommended by Bosch that you place the pot in the center of the zone and not at one end or the other. This allows the fast boiling option to work best.

Timers

If you take a look above in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews, you’ll see the details about the different timers available on the Benchmark Series. Similar to the 30-inch series, the 36-inch series has both cooking timers and a kitchen timer.

The cooking timer switches off automatically at the end of the cooking time. And the kitchen timer emits a beeping noise at the end of the countdown but does not switch off the induction burner.

Other features

The other features are the same as the 30-inch models reviewed above. They have the same safety features, the same heat settings and the same cleaning advantages.

When deciding on an induction cooktop, the main difference is the size. If you have room for the larger model and you enjoy cooking, the Bosch Benchmark 36-inch model is the way to go. It looks good and it gives you all the flexibility you need to cook impressive meals.

   For a great price on the Bosch Benchmark 36-inch induction cooktop  ⇽ Click Here.

Bosch 500 Series Induction Cooktops, 30-inch model

The Bosch 500 Series includes one induction cooktop available in the 30-inch size and one in the 36-inch size.

This part of the review will cover the 30-inch model. This is the Bosch NIT5066UC. It comes in a black ceramic finish.

The Bosch 500 Series induction cooktops are less expensive than the 800 Series or the Benchmark Series. But they are still impressive. They look good and they offer some great features.

What does it offer?

This 30-inch induction cooktop has four circular shaped induction burners with the largest being 11-inches. There is also an 8-inch induction burner and two 6-inch ones.

All the induction burners have SpeedBoost. This allows you to cook at a temperature higher than the highest heat setting which is shown as a “9” on the control panel. When you activate SpeedBoost it shows a “b” (for boost!) on the panel and, according to Bosch, boils water at twice the speed of conventional electric cooktops.

This induction cooktop is divided into two zones for the purpose of the SpeedBoost. This means you can use SpeedBoost on one of the two induction burners on the left-hand side at the same time as using one of the two induction burners on the right-hand side. However, you cannot use SpeedBoost for two pots at the same time in the same zone.

When using the SpeedBoost function the largest 11-inch induction burner uses a maximum of 3,600 watts while in normal usage it uses a maximum of 2,400 watts.

Are the controls the same as other Bosch models?

No. The control panel for the 500 series induction cooktop is smaller than those on the Benchmark or the 800 series.

Personally I rather like the smaller control panel. It is not as long or spread out like the other ones. Being smaller, it is less likely to get under a pot or get splatters on it. Not that splatters are a problem on any induction cooktops because they don’t burn onto the surface and are easy to wipe up. However, occasionally a splatter may affect your controls because it makes your fingers greasy or wet.

The control for the 500 series requires you to take the heat settings up one half level at a time. While this is slightly slower than going to the heat setting directly you get used to it very quickly. I have addressed the difference between heat settings on the different control panels below. Please see below for more details.

  Click Here to see the Best Price I found, at time of writing, on the Bosch 500 Series 30” Induction Cooktop.

Is there a timer?

Yes. There are three types of timer on the 500 series. First, there’s a cooking timer for each induction burner which counts down and then automatically switches off the burner at the end.

And there’s also an automatic timer that operates for the whole induction cooktop and shuts it off after the set time has expired.

You also get a kitchen timer. This allows you to use it for the induction cooktop or for anything else as well. This timer is independent of the other functions on the cooktop and does not turn anything off when it reaches the end. It emits a beeping sound at completion.

Any safety features?

Yes. Like most Bosch appliances there are plenty of safety features, starting with the residual heat indicator. If the surface of the induction cooktop is hot from residual heat an “H/h” shows on the display panel.

If there is no pot on the induction burner after it is turned on the appliance will turn it off after a while as a safety precaution.

Once all the induction burners have been switched off, the entire cooktop will switch off automatically after 20 seconds of no further use.

There is a child safety panel lock to stop children accidentally turning on the induction cooktop. You can select one of the basic settings to have the panel lock activate every time you turn the appliance off.

There is an automatic time safety limitation. This feature is activated if the induction cooktop is left operating without any change in settings being made for a certain time period. This time period varies according to the heat setting being used. It varies between 1 and 10 hours, according to the information Bosch provides.

As mentioned above in the Benchmark induction cooktop review, this automatic time limitation is a safety feature but it may annoy people who like to leave their cooking for long periods of time. If you are passionate about canning or you often cook a large pot roast you may want to think about this feature very seriously. You may want to opt for a different brand of induction cooktop.

Are there any cleaning features?

Cleaning is easy because it is induction. There are no burnt on spills to worry about. In addition, the 500 series includes the panel lock, mentioned above, which not only stops children activating the cooktop but also gives you peace of mind that you won’t accidentally change any settings on the control panel when you’re cleaning your cooktop.

Bosch 500 Series Induction Cooktops, 36-inch model

The Bosch 500 Series 36-inch NIT5666UC model comes in a black ceramic finish.
The 36-inch model is identical in features to the 30-inch model. However, it does offer advantages with an extra induction burner and three SpeedBoost zones instead of two on the 30-inch model.

The layout includes five circular induction burners. There is a large 11-inch induction burner with the same wattage as the 30-inch model. This large burner is slightly different to the one on the 30-inch model in that it is a dual induction burner. Use this burner as either an 11-inch or as a 7-inch.

If you’re reading these Bosch induction cooktop reviews to find out about the burner sizes then here is it. The four other induction burners comprise: an 8-inch x1, a 7-inch x2 and a 6-inch x1.
All five induction burners include SpeedBoost with similar limitations about only one burner being able to use it in each zone. The advantage of this larger model is that there are three zones so you can use three pots on SpeedBoost at the same time.

This model offers the same safety features as the 30-inch model. In addition it includes the wipe protection feature, similar to the Benchmark Series. The wipe protection allows you to touch the panel lock button once and it will lock the control panel for 35 seconds so you can wipe away a spill without changing settings on the control panel.

The Bosch 500 Series 36-inch NIT5666UC offers the same three timers which are included on the Bosch 500 30-inch model. It also has the time limitation automatic shut off feature for safety and the same panel lock for safety.

The control panel is different from the Bosch NIT5066UC 30-inch. On the 36-inch, the heat settings are all visible in a linear display horizontally along the bottom of the control panel. You can select a heat setting directly. You still need to touch the control to select the induction burner first but then you go straight to the number you want for heat. This is similar to the control panel for the Bosch Benchmark series reviewed above.

    Click Here to see a great price on the Bosch 500 Series 36-inch induction cooktop.

Bosch 800 Series Induction Cooktops, 30-inch models

The Bosch 800 Series induction cooktop 30-inch models come in two options, the black model or the black with stainless steel edge model. Essentially the both models are the same in features with the aesthetics being the only difference. The black model is Bosch NIT8066UC and the stainless steel edge model is Bosch NIT8066SUC.

Both of these models have a shared user manual. This is important to mention in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews, so you realise how similar they are. It is just a matter of personal preference on appearance.

Many of the features are similar to the Bosch 500 Series 30-inch models reviewed above. These 30-inch induction cooktops all have the same number of induction burners. And they are the same size burners with the same power/wattage.

All the induction burners have SpeedBoost for rapid heating above the highest heat setting. The zone limitations for using SpeedBoost on two burners at a time are the same on all these models.

The safety features are the same, as are the cleaning features. They all include the safety lock function and the wipe protection feature.

There is a cooking timer for each induction burner which automatically switches it off after the time allocated.

The display panel for the 800 Series 30-inch models is different to the 500 Series 30-inch model. On the 800 Series the heat selection is a direct selection after choosing the induction burner you want to operate. There is no need to toggle up or down through the numbers on the 800 Series.

What is AutoChef?

One of the most important features to mention in these Bosch induction cooktop reviews is AutoChef. AutoChef is a feature unique to Bosch induction cooktops. It is only available on the Bosch 800 Series.

AutoChef is available on the front two induction burners on the 800 Series.

AutoChef keeps your pan at a certain heat level without needing to adjust it up and down manually. This feature only works for frying, not boiling. There are special Bosch pans you can buy in three different sizes. They come in small, medium and large. And these work best when using the AutoChef function. You can use your own pan but the settings provided in the user manual are optimal for the Bosch pans.

When using AutoChef there are four heat levels: minimum, low, medium and max.

The example settings included in the frying chart are for meat, egg products like omelettes, vegetables, frozen products, potatoes and ready-made meals. There are lots of more specific examples within each category. And the heat level as well as the cooking time is given.

The advantage of using AutoChef is that the oil in the pan won’t overheat. The heat setting will automatically adjust as required to keep the temperature constant. It only heats when it needs to and this saves energy.

One disappointing part of the AutoChef feature is that it isn’t available on the largest induction burner. Therefore you can only use a pan that is suitable for the medium or smaller sized burners. While this is not a huge factor for most people, it is worth knowing about before making your decision on which Bosch induction cooktop to buy.

  Click Here to see the Best Price I found, at time of writing, on the Bosch 800 Series 30” Induction Cooktop.

Bosch 800 Series Induction Cooktops, 36-inch models

If you’re looking at Bosch induction cooktop reviews to find a large and powerful cooktop then this one would be a contender. There are two 36-inch models, the Bosch NIT8666SUC is the black model and the Bosch NIT8666UC is the black with stainless steel edge model.

The features are the same on the two 36-inch Bosch induction cooktops and they both share a user instruction manual. The features are also very similar to the 800 Series 30-inch models. Obviously, the larger cooktops include an extra induction burner. There is also an extra SpeedBoost zone. So you can use this feature on three pans at the same time instead of only two.

The largest induction burner is a dual element and can be used as either a 9-inch or 12-inch maximum burner. This offers greater flexibility in your pan selection.

The AutoChef feature is still offered on the front two induction burners only, similar to the 800 Series 30-inch models.

The reason you would choose the 36-inch model over a smaller one is to benefit from having five burners. This is an advantage over having four, and you get an extra SpeedBoost zone. The larger models also look more impressive in your kitchen. That’s if you happen to have the extra space (just my opinion!).

   Click Here to see the Best Price I found, at time of writing, on the Bosch 800 Series 36” Induction Cooktop.

Bosch Induction Cooktop Reviews – Questions Answered…

Differences between the Bosch 500 Series 30-inch and the Bosch 800 Series.

When you’re reading Bosch induction cooktop reviews, the detail can be overwhelming. Here are some of the main differences to be aware of.

One of the main differences is the controls.

The control panel on the Bosch 800 Series allows you to select the induction burner. And then you select the heat directly by tapping a linear numbers selection for the heat setting. You can go directly to the heat you want. This is because all the numbers are set out in front of you to see.

The control panel for the 500 series, 30-inch, has a similar process where you select the induction burner first. You then select the heat. But the heat setting comprises ‘+’ and ‘-‘ signs for you to toggle up or down to achieve the desired heat setting. It takes a little bit longer. We are only talking seconds. But if you think it will annoy you then the 800 series is probably more suitable.

When I first used a 500 series 30-inch model with this type of control panel I was quite infuriated that you need to keep tapping the numbers up to get to the right heat setting. However, once I used it a few times I realized I could keep my finger on the touch button and the numbers kept going up. Not so much tapping.

Once I was familiar with the controls on the 500 series it was easy to select the heat setting I needed. This is because I became familiar with cooking oatmeal or pasta or whatever the meal required. Therefore, at the beginning I realized my frustration was not so much about the control panel itself. It was more about my unfamiliarity with what level heat setting the recipe required.

Like any new appliance you need time to adjust to the controls and find out what heat setting suits what food you’re cooking.

Why is the Bosch 800 Series more expensive than the Bosch 500 Series?

When you’re reading through Bosch induction cooktop reviews, money is an important consideration. The 800 series is more expensive than the 500 series. One of the reasons for this is that the 800 Series includes a feature called AutoChef.

If you’ve read about the Bosch 800 series above you will be familiar with this feature. AutoChef is technology which maintains precise cooking temperatures automatically without the need to adjust the heat setting yourself.

Difference between the Bosch Benchmark Series and the Bosch 500/800 Series.

Quite simply, the Bosch Benchmark Series includes a Flexible Cooking Zone. One of them is included on the 30-inch model and two are included on the 36-inch model.

The Benchmark Series is more expensive than the 500/800 Series. But the Flexible Cooking Zone is a huge advantage if you need to use a larger pan. There are only a few induction cooktops which allow you to combine induction burners. This is great to create a large cooking area. If you’re interested in another brand which offers a flexible cooking zone, check out the GE models and look at a review here.

The Flexible Cooking Zone can be used in three different ways. You can cook with one normal sized pot on it. You can use two normal sized pots on it to cook separately just like they are on separate induction burners. Alternatively, you can use the whole zone together and use one long oval or rectangular shaped pan.

With this flexibility on offer you should try and extend your budget to afford a Bosch Benchmark series induction cooktop if possible. Anyone who enjoys cooking will enjoy having the variety of options with the Flexible Cooking Zone. It also has SpeedBoost on it which is handy for bringing water to the boil quickly. Just remember you can only use SpeedBoost on one pot in this zone, not two.

Bosch Induction Cooktop Reviews – In summary

If you’ve read a few Bosch induction cooktop reviews, you know by now, Bosch make impressive induction cooktops. Bosch focuses on good safety features. The automatic timers on separate induction burners are not only a great safety feature, for anyone who is likely to be forgetful, but they’re also a wonderful feature for setting your mind at ease. And that’s so important when you’re multitasking in the kitchen (isn’t that all of us?).

If you’re finding it hard to make a decision on a new induction cooktop start with the size you can fit in your kitchen and then start analysing the way you cook. Do you need AutoChef (800 Series) to automatically control the heat level when you’re frying? Would it give you a lot more options when cooking to have a Flexible Cooking Zone (Benchmark Series)? If you like to use a long fish pan to cook whole fish or use a griddle pan then the Flexible Cooking Zone is ideal for you.

If your budget is limited you will be very happy with a 500 Series 30-inch model. You get SpeedBoost in two zones as well as a compact control panel. This might just be an advantage to you over the larger panels on the larger models. All the safety features are excellent on all the Bosch induction cooktops.

If your budget extends far enough the Bosch Benchmark Series 36-inch model is going to delight you. With the advantage of having two Flexible Cooking Zones you have a lot of options opened up to you. There is the simplicity of using the induction burners separately like any other induction cooktop or combining to take advantage of the Flexible Cooking Zone flexibility in two areas.

If you’ve used Bosch appliances in your kitchen before, you’ll know that these Bosch induction cooktop reviews speak of good quality. The aesthetics are pleasing and the safety features are top notch.

Note: this review comprises personal opinion only and should not be relied upon to form a decision. Please undertake your own research on factual accuracy and suitability before making your purchase.

The post Bosch Induction Cooktop Reviews – Do You Know The Differences? appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

These are all 30” ranges within an affordable price range. Each one offers different features to appeal to different cooks. If you are remodelling your kitchen, now is the time to buy a new induction range.

The technology is exciting, the cooking is fast and the control is amazing considering you can melt chocolate on the lower settings without the need for a double-boiler.

Click on a section below to go straight to it. If you would prefer to read the entire article, please continue.

SAMSUNG NE58H9970WS Slide-In 30” Induction Range

When you’re looking for the best induction range you probably look at the cooktop first. You would think the induction burners on the top would be the most exciting part of this range. In fact, the dual convection oven is equally exciting.

We’ll look at the oven first.

Is this a double oven?

This is the Samsung dual oven. As one oven it is 5.8 cubic feet. But the oven space can be divided by placing a partition horizontally across the oven to create two separate cooking spaces. Each oven space has individual heating settings and individual timers which can be set independently from any other cooking area on the range.

This feature allows you to utilize either of the ovens on their own or to cook two completely separate meals at the same time. For example, you can cook a meat main course while cooking a meringue dessert at the same time. You have the freedom to heat frozen meals while roasting meat at the same time.

Both of the dual ovens are convection ovens with even heat distribution. Admittedly, the top oven is smaller in size than the lower oven but this can be useful for smaller meals since it pre-heats quickly and saves time and energy.

Conveniently, the oven partition divider has its own storage compartment located above the warmer oven below the main oven. This is extremely important in any kitchen where you don’t want extra items taking up cabinet space.

Is it a self-clean oven?

Yes. The oven has two options for cleaning.

The first option is the steam-clean for a lighter more frequent clean. To utilize the steam-clean add 10 oz. (300 ml) of normal water, not distilled, to the bottom of the oven while empty. You simply choose steam clean on the controls and let it do its thing.

At the end of the steam cleaning cycle there will be some residual water left on the bottom of the oven which needs to be wiped up but this is a lot easier than cleaning the whole oven.

The second option is the self-clean option. This is used for heavy duty cleaning and is needed less frequently.

The self-clean function can be set for 3, 4 or 5 hours. There is a delayed start option. When using self-clean the warming drawer cannot be turned on and the cooktop burners cannot be used. In self-clean mode the oven operates at very high temperature and the oven door cannot be opened for about 1 hour after the cleaning cycle finishes and the oven cools down.

Can I time my oven cooking to turn off automatically?

Yes. The oven has two timers, one for each of the dual ovens. If you are using the whole cavity it operates as a single oven with a single timer. The timer can be used to automatically turn the oven off at the end of the countdown.

There is a delayed cooking function. The oven can be set to start and finish cooking at a delayed time – very useful if you are planning your day in advance.

The oven offers a keep warm function. This can even be set to operate after timed or delayed cooking. The keep warm function keeps the oven at 170 degrees. It can operate for up to 3 hours at a time after cooking has finished.

What about safety features?

There are several safety features on the oven. If you leave the door open for more than 2 minutes the oven automatically turns off.

When the self-clean function operates the oven door locks and remains locked for about an hour after the cleaning is completed to allow the oven to cool down.

When you engage the child lock on this induction range it stops all the controls being operated and it also locks the oven door.

There is a 12-hour safety/energy saving feature. This turns the oven off after 12 hours in baking mode or after 3 hours in broil mode.

Any other oven features?

This model comes with a temperature probe. The probe plugs into the oven easily. The probe is used to measure the internal temperature of meat being cooked. This lets you set the oven temperature according to the heat needed to cook the meat properly. No more guesswork.

The oven includes a broil option. However, it should be noted that if this function is being used in one of the dual ovens you cannot operate the other oven at the same time.

There is a favorite cook function to allow you to record the settings for three of your favorite recipes.

A warming drawer is located below the main oven. The warming drawer is in addition to the keep warm function in the main oven. The warming drawer has settings of low, medium or high. It is recommended that food only remain in the drawer for a maximum of 1 hour. The drawer will shut off automatically after 3 hours.

The options are adjustable on this range. These include setting the temperature units displayed, setting the clock, setting the controls to silent, and selecting the language as English, Spanish or French.

There is also a Sabbath feature. This function is to be used on Jewish Sabbath and Jewish holidays. For full details on how to operate this function you can refer to pages 67 – 68 of the Samsung NE58H9970WS User Manual.

What about the induction cooktop?

The induction cooktop is truly exciting. Not only does this range feature the latest cooking technology but it looks like a professional grade range, sleek and impressive. This is an induction range you’ll definitely want to show your friends and family.

The cooktop has four induction burners. The sizes are 6”, two 7” and an 11”. The power ranges from 1,200 watts on the smallest to 3,300 on the largest burner.

Like all induction cooktops the burners each have a minimum pot size that can be used. The base of the pot is the relevant measurement. The minimum for the 6” burner is 4.5”. For the 7” burners the minimum pot size is 5.2” and for the 11” burners the minimum is 7.25”.

The cooktop surface includes a digital display. The control knobs are located at the front of the unit.

Is there a high power setting?

Yes. There is a power boost setting to boil water quickly. It can be activated for 10 minutes maximum. When you select the Hi/Boost setting a “P” will display on the digital display. After power boost is finished the heat setting automatically returns to level 9.

This range utilizes a power management system. Most induction cooktop use power sharing in some form. The four induction burners are located in two cooking zones. The two 7” burners share one zone on the left and the 6” and 11” share another zone on the right of the cooktop. If you are already cooking with a burner within a zone and you turn on the other burner at full power boost the power will be reduced to both of them. This is the power management system activating.

If you need to use the power boost function, make sure it is in a cooking zone not already being used. For many cooks this is easy because a pot of water needing to boil quickly is often placed on the left side of the cooktop while a saute pan is already in place and cooking on the right hand side on the 11” burner.

What are virtual flames?

One of the unique features on this induction cooktop is the virtual flames. If you are changing from a gas cooktop to induction this will probably appeal. Even if you’ve never cooked with gas before, this is a very exciting feature.

The virtual flames appear on your pot or pan when the induction burner is turned on. The flames actually change color when you adjust the heat settings. If your pan is too big for the burner the virtual flames will be covered and not able to be seen. This is not dangerous because they are not real flames, it is just disappointing that you won’t see them.

If you are not impressed by the virtual flames they can be switched off in the option settings.

Overall, the SAMSUNG NE58H9970WS 30” Slide-In Induction Range is an impressive kitchen appliance. If you love induction cooking and want the added convenience of the dual convection ovens this is definitely the best induction range for you. This is an induction range you’ll be proud to own.

In summary, its features include:

• dual oven with versatility to use as one oven or two ovens at the same time;
• automatic timer to turn off the oven at the end of cooking;
• both steam cleaning and self-cleaning options;
• a warming drawer separate from the oven and underneath;
• virtual flames on the induction burners; and
• an extra large 11” induction burner on the cooktop.

GE Profile PHB920SJSS Free-Standing 30” Induction Range

The American built GE Profile PHB920SJSS is a 30” free-standing range with an induction cooktop and a convection oven of 5.3 cubic feet. This model may be the best induction range for a cook who likes to use a griddle pan because two of the burners can be used in sync to form a larger cooking area.

This will also be the best induction range for anyone who likes the idea of controlling their oven remotely by wifi from their smartphone. A very exciting feature.

Are there four or five induction burners?

This range offers an impressive layout of 5 induction burners on the cooktop. Four of them offer normal induction cooking and the fifth is a warming option.

The sizes of the induction burners are: 11” for the largest, two 8” which can be synced together or used individually, one 6” and a separate 6” warmer. The power on the four cooking burners ranges from 1,800 watts to 3,700 watts. The power on the fifth, which is a warmer, is only 100 watts so it cannot be used for cooking food or boiling water. It is recommended that food only be placed on the warmer while it is already hot. You cannot heat cold or frozen food on the warmer.

There are minimum sizes of pans recommended for use on each burner. The minimum diameter for the largest burner is 8”. The minimum recommendation for each of the 8” burners is 5-3/4” and the minimum for the 6” is 4-3/4”. If you have a pot or pan with a base smaller than 4-3/4” and you can’t possible live without it, you may need to consider a range which does not use induction on the top since most will have this size as their smallest burner.

Is there a power boost feature on the controls?

Yes, there is a power boosting feature. The controls are easy to use. There is a plus (+) sign to increase the power and a minus (-) sign to decrease it. You can go straight to power boil as the highest setting when you turn on a burner. In the alternative, you can go straight to the melt setting as the lowest.

Power sharing is utilized on this model. This is common on a lot of induction cooktops. If you are using the highest power boil feature on one burner and you turn another burner on at the highest power level there will be a drop in power level of the induction burners. Since the highest setting is usually only used for a short time to get water to boil quickly it is easy to stagger your power usage when cooking with multiple pots.

The warming plate can be set to Lo, Med or Hi settings. It is recommended that the warming feature not be used for more than 2 hours. The food should be hot when it is placed on the warming plate.

An advantage that may make this the best induction range for many cooks is that the controls are located at the back of the appliance. Everyone has their own personal preference but if you are concerned about young children touching the controls this may be what you’re looking for. Having the controls in front of you as you lean over the cooktop can be undesirable for many people. The control panel is also very easy to clean at the back of this model because it is a flat panel without any knobs for dirt to get stuck in.

Which pots can I use? Can I use a square pan?

Like all induction cooktops the pots and pans you use should be flat-bottomed and ferrous. You can test your pans with a magnet and if it holds to your pan it should be fine to use with induction. Of course, the size of the pan is also important but it is only the size of the base that matters. If you have a large frying pan of 12” it is usually perfect for the largest burner because the base may be only 9” or 10” in diameter underneath.

On the GE Profile PHB920SJSS range it will detect whether the pan is non-ferrous or too small and if it remains that way for 30 seconds the power control will flash and then automatically turn off.

If a pan is removed from an induction burner for longer than 30 seconds it will turn off automatically.

Square pans compatible with induction can be used on the model but round pans are recommended as working best.

One of the best features on this range is that the cooktop layout offers a sync option where two 8” burners can be used together for a griddle pan or a large oval or rectangle shaped pan. This option is easy to use and wonderful for making gravy with a large pan, cooking French toast, making pancakes or gourmet toasted sandwiches on a light griddle. You can also use an oval shaped fish pan across the synced induction burners. Very few induction cooktops offer this feature so if it is important for your style of cooking you will find the GE Profile PHB920SJSS range perfect.

There is a safety lock which can be used on the control panel. This is handy for cleaning or if you want to be sure a child does not accidentally activate the controls.

Can it broil or grill?

The broiling function is activated with a touch of the broil button. There are two options, Broil Lo and Broil Hi. They are both activated by the one button. The Lo function is for thicker cuts of meat that need to be cooked through.

When using the broil mode there is no need to preheat the oven.

Does the oven have any special features?

Yes. The oven on this induction range offers “True European Convention with Precise Air”. What does this mean? It means your food will be cooked more evenly and without hot spots in the oven. There is a third oven element in addition to the usual two plus there is a reversing fan to provide advanced heat circulation. This means you shouldn’t need to turn your pan around during baking or roasting.

Another special feature is the Sabbath mode. This can be set in advance and the full instructions are included on page 15 of the Owner’s Manual.

Is this a smart oven with internet connectivity?

Yes. The most exciting feature on this induction range is the wifi connect feature to operate the oven remotely from your smartphone. You can do this from anywhere in your house or even remotely from work or wherever you are.

The setup is quite straight forward and then you’re ready to access the power on/off function and the temperature controls remotely. You can even preheat the oven on your way home from work.

Does this oven self-clean?

This convection oven has two cleaning options.

The steam clean option is for smaller cleaning jobs in between the larger self-cleaning jobs. To use the steam clean function you add one cup of water to the oven and touch the steam clean button. It runs for 30 minutes and the oven door locks during cleaning. The steam clean operates at a lower temperature than the self-clean option.

The self-cleaning option operates at a higher temperature and you can choose the length of time for the clean between 3 and 5 hours. During self-cleaning the oven door locks and remains locked until after the cleaning finishes and the oven cools down.

The enamelled racks can be left in the oven during a self-clean but the shiny silver racks need to be removed before the self-clean commences.

During self-clean the cooktop burners cannot be used.

Is there a storage drawer?

A storage drawer is located under the oven. This is a useful space for pots and pans when they’re not in use.

Overall, this could be the best induction range for a cook who likes to:

• use induction burners for fast, efficient cooking;
• use a griddle pan on their induction cooktop;
• wants the control panel at the back of the appliance;
• appreciates an extra induction burner for warming;
• wants their oven to perform evenly with good heat distribution;
• use a steam clean or self-clean mode; and
• wants to use advanced technology to control the oven functions remotely from a smartphone.

Frigidaire Gallery FGIS3065PF Slide-In 30” Induction Range

In terms of value this could be the best induction range to give you the most bang for your buck. The Frigidaire FGIS3065PF induction range is a 30” appliance with an oven of 4.6 cubic feet.

How many induction burners?

There are 5 induction burners with the middle one being a warming option.

The induction burner sizes by diameter are: 10”, 8”, 7”, 6”, and a 5” warming burner.

This model provides magnetic detection and pan size detection. The induction cooktop will determine whether the pot is magnetic and if not, it won’t turn on. The induction burner control will flash with the last setting to indication that it can’t detect a ferrous pot and it won’t operate. This stops the burners accidentally turning on. Pan size detection means it will automatically determine the size of the pot you’re using and alter the heating area of the burner to provide a better fit for the pot.

Where does the pot go on the cooktop?

The induction cooktop on this range uses lines in a cross design to indicate the minimum and maximum size of pan you can use on each burner. This is an advantage compared to cooktops that merely display one circle for each burner and then it is up to you to determine what the minimum pan size is for each one.

On the Frigidaire Gallery FGIS3065PF the largest induction burner is 10” (minimum pan size 8.24”). The other burners are: 8” (min. 5.5”), 7” (min. 4.5”), 6” (min. 3.5”). The warmer is 5” in diameter.

It is recommended that the pan dimensions should not exceed half an inch beyond the size of the burner as marked by the larger cross lines on each one.

What type of controls?

The cooktop is controlled by knobs you can turn. The result is shown as a digital display of the power setting. There is a digital display window for each burner. The display will show Lo, Hi or Pb (for the power boost function). The power levels in between Lo and Hi go from 1.5 to 9.5 with 0.5 increments.

The power display will also show an HE message (hot element) when the ceramic cooktop surface has retained residual heat after cooking and is too hot to touch. This is a safety feature.

If you lift a pan off the induction cooktop and place it back on the same burner within 3 minutes it will remember your settings and allow cooking to resume. If you remove a pan for more than 3 minutes the burner will automatically turn off.

What are the oven features?

The oven on the Frigidaire Gallery FGIS3065PF induction range can bake, roast or broil. It comes with a quick preheat function and you can select delayed start for either baking or for self-cleaning. You can use a meat probe to determine accurate doneness.

The convection oven in this range uses three elements and a fan to circulate even heat. Some foods may cook faster and almost all foods will cook more evenly.

Is a timer included?

Yes there is a timer on this range. The timer is a kitchen timer and it does not automatically turn the cooktop or oven off at the end of the time set. When the timer reaches the end of the countdown it sounds a beep 3 times every 30 seconds until it is turned off. The timer can also be turned off before it completes the countdown.

The oven can be operated in silent mode without sounds or beeps whenever desired.  Two buttons are used to operate the silent mode and once you get the options you can select “beep on” or “beep off”. It is easy to set and you don’t need to go several levels deep into a menu that requires a large owners’ manual to operate.

The oven comes with a default setting which turns it off after 6 hours. This is an energy saving feature. This setting can be changed if you prefer continuous baking.

This induction range includes a lockout function. When the lock button is activated it locks the oven door, the oven control panel and the induction cooktop. This is useful to stop children accidentally turning the range on. It is also convenient to lock everything when you are cleaning, especially if the person who does the cleaning is not the person who uses the range to cook and is not familiar with the controls.

What is the keep warm function in the oven?

After you finish cooking in the oven this function will keep food warm until serving. The keep warm setting maintains heat at 170 degrees and can be used for up to 3 hours. After this time the oven will automatically turn off. The keep warm function can be used on its own. It can also be used at the end of a bake time or it can be set to operate after a delayed start.

It is recommended that the warming setting only be used for hot food. It should not be used to warm cold or frozen food. This is a food safety concern because the temperature is not high enough to cook food safely.

Can you broil?

A broiler pan and insert can be used in this oven. The advantage of using a broiler pan is that it keeps the grease away from the high heat of the element. The broil setting uses 550 degrees to cook meats at high temperature and produce the best browning results. The default broiling heat setting is 550 degrees but you can adjust the temperature down to a minimum of 400 degrees while using the broiling function.

A broiler pan can be used in the third, fourth or fifth oven rack position depending on how large the food is to broil.

In addition to normal broiling this oven allows you to convection broil. This function utilizes the top element as well as the fan to circulate heat and seal in the juices of thicker cuts of meat or fish while still browning the outside. Again the default heat setting is 550 degrees but it can be adjusted to between 400 and 550 degrees.

Is there a meat probe?

Yes, this model comes with a meat probe. The probe plugs in to the front left attachment in the oven. The advantage of the probe is that the actual temperature inside the meat is shown on the oven display. This allows for accurate cooking times and temperatures. Once the desired temperature is reached the range will give three beeps and change to a warm setting of 170 degrees. This will remain in place for 3 hours unless you change the setting.

In the Frigidaire manual there is a chart with suggested cooking temperatures when using the meat probe. The chart includes beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, fish and egg dishes. It is very helpful if you haven’t cooked with a meat probe before.

To automatically set the oven to continue cooking after the target temperature has been reached, rather than going to the warm setting, you must do this before the cooking commences. The probe does not need to be attached to do this.

If the probe temperature reaches 250 degrees or hotter a message will flash saying “Prob Too Hot”. This will continue up to 300 degrees at which stage it will automatically turn off. This may occur if the meat probe is not properly covered by the food and it is exposed in the hot oven.

You can change the oven temperature by touching the probe button to revert to normal temperature settings. You can then change back to the probe temperature by touching the button again.

The meat probe must be removed before the oven self-cleaning function commences.

Cleaning options?

The Frigidaire Gallery FGIS3065PF Slide-In 30” Induction Range offers a steam cleaning option to be used before manually cleaning the oven. By adding 8 oz of filtered water to the bottom of the oven you can then set the steam clean function. This is a good way of cleaning your oven without using harsh chemical cleaners. Steam cleaning takes 20 minutes to complete.

This model also offers a self-clean mode. This uses high temperature to remove grime from the oven. Before self-cleaning all the racks need to be removed from the oven along with the meat probe and any pan or accessories.

For safety, the oven door will lock before self-cleaning commences. It will remain locked until the oven cools down. A three hour cleaning session will usually take four hours to complete and allow the door to open.

The delay start option can be used on the oven self-clean but not for the steam clean function.

Is there a Sabbath mode?

Yes, the Frigidaire FGIS3065PF Induction Range provides a Sabbath mode. The baking oven can be used during this mode but the cooktop and other functions cannot be used. Full instructions to activate the Sabbath mode are located in the User Manual.

Overall, Frigidaire FGIS3065PF Induction Range is the best induction range for people who want to:

• cook with a meat probe;
• broil or convection broil meats, poultry or fish;
• use the delayed start for baking;
• utilize the steam clean and self-clean functions;
• use the warming burner on the induction cooktop; and
• use the warming function in the oven.

⇒   Looking for an induction cookware set?  ⇐  Details are here.

The post Best Induction Range: Features You Didn’t Know Exist appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

The great thing about induction cooking is that there is only a small amount of residual heat on the cooktop. This means spills don’t stick and burn onto the surface like they do with other electric cooktops. If you have a boil over there will still be a mess to clean up but it is so much more simple with induction than with any other type of cooking appliance. However, there is more to know that just using a cooktop cleaner.

Physical damage

First things first, if you allow the induction cooktop surface to become physically damaged it will never recover.

Small and very light scratches are inevitable and don’t affect the cooking surface. However, if you do start to see some light scratches they can become smoother and less noticeable by using special ceramic cleaner daily (see details under the Cleaning section below).

Things to avoid are sand or grit type substances getting onto the cooktop or under the pans you use. The best option is to buy a new set of pans when you get a new induction cooktop. You should also remove salt or seasonings as soon as they get onto the ceramic surface.

Can I keep my old pans?

If you want to keep your old pans it’s a good idea to clean them thoroughly and ensure any grit or grease is completely removed from the bottom before you start using them. Once you’re cooking with induction your pans will stay clean on the bottom so you’ll only have to do this big cleaning job once at the beginning.

Some induction cooktop instruction manuals also warn that diamond rings can scratch your cooktop surface. So be careful of that engagement ring when you’re whipping up a storm in the kitchen. That romantic dinner for two could end in tears if you damage your shiny new induction cooktop.

Time for a new cutting board

This next one is obvious, but some cooks still need to hear it. Don’t cut anything on the top of your cooktop. If you are a devotee of the kitchen cutting board like me then you’ll never even contemplate cutting vegetables anywhere else. However, I know plenty of people who slice through a tomato on their counter top and I’m guessing if you do it on the counter you’re also likely to be tempted to do it on the cooktop. Don’t be tempted. Many knives are capable of cutting into the surface and you’ll pay for it with a permanent scratch across your shiny surface.

Never use your induction cooktop as a workbench but if you do need to store something on top of the cooktop while it is not in use make sure you cover it with a protective layer. A silicone baking sheet can be useful as protection. Similarly a lightweight cutting board can stop items scratching the surface.

I’ve heard the surface is safe for children

Never let your children run a toy over the induction cooktop surface. You may become complacent because induction cooking is so much safer with children around. Children are less likely to accidentally turn the cooktop on and less likely to accidentally touch a warm hotplate (if you’re interested to know more about the safety features on certain models click here).

They are less likely to burn themselves. However, young children still shouldn’t be allowed to touch the surface because there can still be residual heat at a high temperature straight after cooking. As well as the risk of burns there is a high chance of children scratching the surface if they run a toy car over it or whack it with a hard object.

Can I use foil?

Aluminum foil and plastic can melt onto your induction cooktop when hot. Never use products containing these substances on the surface of your cooktop. Cooktop cleaner will not remove melted aluminium foil or plastic.

Cleaning

Cleaning an induction cooktop is easy. There are no baked on spills to deal with. There are no hard to get at places because you only have one smooth shiny surface to clean. Induction cooking is a pleasure.

How do I remove a boil over?

A quick wipe over is usually all it takes to keep everything shiny and new. Obviously if you have a boil over you’ll need to remove the spill. If there is some food on the heated surface you can purchase a special scraper for burnt on food. If it is only a small patch I have been known to use my finger nail to scrape the surface once cool (this is not recommended by the manufacturers!!).

Daily ceramic cooktop cleaner for the ultimate shine

Apart from removing any actual spills there is also daily cooktop cleaner as well as heavy duty cooktop cleaner available to purchase for your induction cooktop.

Personally, I’ve never needed to use the daily cooktop cleaner each and every day. If I have friends coming over I will use the daily cleaner about twice a week just to make sure my cooktop looks specially clean and shiny for my visitors. If you have the time you could use it daily, but I’ve never met a person yet who actually does this.

Induction cooktop cleaner is amazing stuff. It saves you from having to do much at all. You won’t go through it as fast as you think, but make sure you always have it on hand because nothing else gives you such an amazing shiny appearance on your cooktop.

Can I clean while the surface is hot?

Don’t be tempted to clean your induction cooktop surface while it’s hot. Even though you want to remove a spill as fast as possible it’s extremely important not to use the ceramic cooktop cleaner on a hot surface. It can produce dangerous fumes which can jeopardize the health of you and your family.

Using cooktop cleaner while the glass is hot can also damage the surface as a result of a chemical reaction which can attack the integrity of the ceramic surface.

It is important to only use cleaning products that are specially designed for ceramic/glass tops. These shouldn’t leave a smear. Never use regular kitchen cleaner because many contain abrasive ingredients that could strip away the shine from the surface on your induction cooktop.

Normal kitchen cleaners can also leave a cloudy appearance on the surface of your cooktop. This is why it is important to use special ceramic cooktop cleaner. Never be tempted to use glass cleaners containing chlorine bleach or ammonia. These products will seriously compromise the appearance of your induction cooktop. Likewise, avoid powdery cleaners, caustic cleaners and abrasive sponges or scouring pads.

An exception: When to clean the hot surface

Most manufacturers recommend only cleaning the surface once it is completely cool. However, there seems to be a general exception to this for spilt sugar, sugar syrup, tomato products and milk. These ingredients should be removed straight away with a razor blade scraper. Of course, check the instruction manual for your induction cooktop for specific manufacturer’s recommendations because this can vary between different models.

Never clean the control markings with a cleaning product unless is says it is safe to do so. You may reduce the visibility of the display or ruin the function of the controls. A simple wipe over with a soft cloth is usually suitable for the controls because they are slightly removed from the induction hotplates and therefore don’t receive residual heat.

Protection

If you’re using a heavy pot or pan on your induction cooktop consider placing a thin silicone baking sheet between the pot and the cooktop surface. Heavy pots are more difficult to lift and there is a greater chance of the pot being moved slightly across the surface because of this. If a heavy pot is scraped across the induction cooktop surface it will most likely scratch. A silicone baking sheet is great at protecting from heavy pots.

How do I stop splatter?

Spills and splatters can be caught using a piece of kitchen paper between the pot and the cooktop surface. This is a simple solution and it is only available on induction cooktops because it does not heat up as a result of the induction hotplate. The paper only receives residual heat. This is also a great party trick if your friends don’t have an induction cooktop. They will be amazed it doesn’t catch on fire while you have a pot of water boiling on top!

When it comes to protecting your cooktop there are some simple precautions. Don’t place heavy objects on a shelf above the cooktop. Everyone knows what the risk is but people still do this and ending up paying the price. One woman dropped a heavy Le Creuset pot from a shelf onto her new induction range and managed to crack the entire ceramic surface. It wouldn’t matter whether it was an induction cooktop or any other type of ceramic cooktop, it will never withstand a Le Creuset dropped from a height. The simple answer is to never store such heavy items in such a precarious position.

If you want your kitchen to look good and your cooktop to stay shiny and new, induction cooking is perfect. With only residual heat on the surface, induction cooktops are the easiest to clean. With very little effort you can keep your cooktop looking like new. A ceramic cooktop cleaner is important and with a few other precautions that’s all you need to look after your induction cooktop for many years to come.

The post How To Keep Your Induction Cooktop Looking Like New appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

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Best Cheapest Induction Cooktop

Are you struggling to find the cheapest and best induction cooktop available? We have the solution for you.

Induction cooktops are not cheap. Everyone knows they offer the latest technology in cooking. This new technology is highly efficient and can save you time and energy. This comes at a price.

If you are new to induction you may want to try a portable model first. A portable unit sits on your counter and takes up very little space. Compared to a full cooktop, a portable single or double induction burner is very inexpensive. You can experience this new technology in cooking before you commit to an installed cooktop in your kitchen.

However, a portable induction cooktop is never going to be as exciting. If you really want the full experience of induction cooking you should try to stretch your budget as far as possible to get the appliance you really want. To find the best induction cooktop to suit your budget read on.

Induction cooktops are usually over $1,000. The high end models can be as much as $7,000. But there is another option.

If you are really keen to get one, it is possible under $1,000. The True Induction TI-3B Three Burner is a great idea if you’re on a budget.

True Induction TI-3B Three Burner

Can this three burner be installed into my countertop?

This model is the best induction cooktop for versatility. It can be used like a portable model sitting on your countertop. But, it can also be installed into your counter so it sits flat. This induction cooktop definitely looks more stylish being installed.

This three burner induction cooktop is smaller in size than most. This may be an advantage depending on the space you have in your kitchen. It is 23 1/4″ wide compared to most others at 30″ or 36″.

How much power does it have?

It offers 3,300 watts of power. The power is divided between two zones. The left zone comprises the upper and lower left burners. The right zone controls the one larger burner on the right-hand side.

There are two power plugs for this unit. The left-hand side uses total power of 1800 watts and the right-hand size uses a total of 1500 watts. It should be noted that each plug requires a dedicated 15 amp breaker. In comparison, a lot of four or five burner induction cooktops require a 30 amp breaker so this is an important difference and should make it easier to install as long as you have two available.

There is one particular limitation to this cooktop that you should be aware of. If the two burners in the left-hand zone are being used at the same time they cannot both be used at the maximum level at the same time. Even the best induction cooktop at the high-end of the market has a similar limitation.

When you use these two burners at the same time the heat settings together can only add up to 10. For example, if you are using one left side burner on level 7 and you turn on the other left burner to level 4, the first one will drop to level 6 to give a total of 10 for the two.

In addition to this, there is a limit of level 7. This is the maximum on either burner while they are both being used together. This means you can’t have one on level 9 and the other one on level 1 because the maximum is 7 on one while they are both operating. By the time you read the last couple of paragraphs three times over it should be clear!

Are the controls easy to use?

Each burner on this appliance has a separate control making it very easy to use. The controls offer quick touch sensors with 10 levels to select.

The controls are within (under) the ceramic glass surface so cleaning is very easy. If you prefer to control your heat by temperature rather than a 10 level selection, this option is available.

Selecting TEMP gives you the option of choosing the temperature you want between 150 degrees and 450 degrees. The selection is in 30 degree increments.

The default selection when you select TEMP is 270 degrees. If you prefer choosing from the 10 level selections, as previously mentioned, you simply touch HEAT instead of TEMP.

Which pots are best for this induction cooktop?

The user guide for this model recommends flat bottomed pots made from stainless steel, cast iron or enameled iron with a diameter from 5″ to 10″.

It should be noted that a 12″ saute pan often only has a 9″ or 10″ base making it perfect.

It is the bottom of the pan that is important because it makes contact with the induction burner.

Are there any safety features?

This three burner induction cooktop has very good safety features. It might just be the best induction cooktop for your home because of these safety extras.  It includes a timer for each burner. The timer can be set to a maximum of 150 minutes in 5 minute increments. Once the timer counts down it gives an audible alert and goes into standby mode. If you want to restart it you need to touch the power button.

Whether you set the timer or not there is a limit of 150 minutes of cooking time on this appliance. This is a safety feature. After 150 minutes it will shut down automatically and you’ll need to touch the power sensor to continue cooking.

This may be of concern if you like to cook for several hours at a time. A corned beef comes to mind. If you think this will be a problem due to your style of cooking you may need to consider another brand of induction cooktop.

However, it will most likely be more expensive too. The other option is to simply restart your appliance as soon as it hits the 150 minute limit. If you set the timer in advance at least you get an audible alert to remind you.

Another safety feature on this unit is the overheating protection. If you start the induction cooktop with an empty pot on it the overheating protection will activate and turn it off automatically.

If you turn the appliance on and don’t place a pot on the top within 9 seconds it will turn the power off again. The same thing will happen if you place a pot or pan on the top that is not compatible with induction cooking. The unit will turn off in 9 seconds as a safety precaution.

Overall, this is the best induction cooktop for anyone on a budget. It offers the excitement of this new cooking technology without the hefty price tag. It is definitely worth considering.

Best High-End Induction Cooktop

If you are looking for the best induction cooktop at the high-end of the market then this one has all the bells and whistles. The Thermador CIT36XKB Freedom will amaze you.

Thermador CIT36XKB Freedom

The first thing you notice about the Thermador Freedom is that there are no circles or crosses on the top surface. So, where do you put your pots and pans? Anywhere. This is a full surface induction cooktop. This is the best induction cooktop you’ll find to impress yourself (or your friends!)

With this model you can place any size pan with any shape anywhere on the cooktop and it will heat up. Of course, the pan still needs to be compatible with induction cooking but other than that you have few restrictions.

This is the best induction cooktop to be able to pick up a pot and put it back without caring where it goes.

If you need to pick up your pan and place it back again this cooktop will remember all the settings and continue to cook even though your pan is placed in a different location. There is no need to look carefully to check if you’ve centered your pan on a circle. You simple place it on the top surface and it is fine to continue cooking.

There is a lift and hold function. This can be set between 10 and 90 seconds. It is a personal preference on how long you usually lift a pan off before placing it back down again. If you need to pour some liquid out it usually doesn’t take anywhere close to 90 seconds.

The advantage of this function is that, when you lift your pan, cooking is automatically paused while there is no detectable pan and this means no heat transfer to the surface and therefore no loss of energy. This is a highly efficient method of cooking.

Can I use a square griddle pan?

Yes. You can place up to four pans at the same time on the top in any configuration. This is the best induction cooktop for using unusual sized pans. The smallest pan that can be used is 3″ in diameter and the largest size is theoretically 13″x27″ but the recommended maximum size is 13″x21″.

There is an optional accessory teppanyaki griddle pan that measures 13″x21″ and fits perfectly on either side placed vertically from top to bottom.

On the control panel the picture shows either a circle or oval for each pan being used. If you use a rectangle pan it shows an oval. If you use a square pan it will show a circle. This does not mean it is only heating a circle proportion of the square pan. It does heat all four corners of the square pan. It is simply a representation on the control panel but the actual induction cooking works fine for pans with corners.

You can cook with evenly spread heat distribution. So the answer is yes, you can use a square griddle pan with perfect results. This is the best induction cooktop for square or rectangle shaped pans.

What type of controls does it have?

This model boasts a full color touchscreen control panel.

The controls are very clear to see. They’re contained in touch-through glass in a 6.5″ panel.

You control the cooking levels using a sliding scale. When you place your cooking pan on the top it gives an indication of a burner on the touch panel. Once you touch the burner symbol the sliding scale pops up and you can slide you finger left or right to increase or decrease the temperature.

By sliding your finger as far as it goes to the left you activate the Power Boost function for fast heat. When you are selecting your heat setting it is displayed in brackets on the screen. When you lift your finger from the control heating commences at that temperature.

In a high-end induction cooktop you expect a few extras and this is certainly true with the control panel. This model gives you clear instructions about what to do if you do something wrong. It doesn’t say error and leave you to interpret where you went wrong.

For example, if you place your pan on top of the control panel it will tell you to move your pot away. If you want to know how to start cooking you can place a pot on the cooktop surface and press “i” for information and the panel will give you information about what to do next to get cooking. The instructions are very easy to follow and intuitive.

There is a lock function for easy cleaning. If you happen to experience a boil over you can quickly lock the control panel to  wipe over the top without affecting the settings and then unlock it again to continue cooking without losing all your settings. This is the best induction cooktop for efficient cooking. It saves time and energy.

Is there a timer?

There are two types of timer on the Thermador Freedom. The first timer is like any other. You set the time to the number of minutes or hours you want. Then after that time expires the timer sounds an audible alarm to notify you.

The other timer is called Cook Time. Cook Time allows you to program a burner to cook for a certain amount of time and then it automatically turns off. The Cook Time is set in a similar way to the cooking settings. It also uses a sliding scale.

You set the cooking temperature and then you can set the cooking time. There is no need to set the cooking timer if you don’t want to. If you don’t set a time for cooking it simply continues until you either turn if off or lift the pan from the cooktop. If you’re looking for lots of cooking options, this is the best induction cooktop.

There is also a clock on the control panel. However, it only displays when the cooktop is on.

Is it powerful?

According to the technical details, this induction cooktop boasts 7,200 watts of power. It offers 4,600 watts of power boost mode to boil water faster than other cooktops. The power boost function is available on all areas of the cooktop on all four burners as identified by the location of the pans. But only on one burner on one half of the cooktop at a time.

Due to the high power of this unit it requires a 40 amp breaker so you’ll probably need to let your electrician know this before installing.

The cooktop surface contains 48 induction elements to allow you to heat a pan anywhere on the top. This model is amazingly powerful.

Even though the Thermador Freedom is extremely powerful the burners are also capable of being used at very low heat. If you’re looking for the best induction cooktop for low and high heat cooking, look no further. You can utilise a warming function or even melt chocolate directly in a pan without setting it over water. There is a lot of control available to you.

Is there anything this induction cooktop can’t do?

Interestingly, there is one limitation (but I still think it’s the best induction cooktop at the high-end!)

If you place a pan on the exact center of the top surface the cooktop finds it difficult to allocated it to either the right or left-hand side. Apparently the surface is technically divided into two halves even though there is nothing to indicate this. Therefore if you place a pan in the exact center it alternates between allocating it to the left and then the right. It basically gets confused. It starts clicking and it does not heat the pan.

The solution is to place your pan to one side or the other. Most people tend to do this anyway. If you are using two or more pans you need to place them on each side to be able to fit them on top.

This is not a big deal but it is definitely a limitation.

Overall, this induction cooktop is amazing. It offers everything you want plus a little more. It is a delight for cooks to use and impressive to have in your kitchen.

Best Value Induction Cooktop

If you are looking for the best value induction cooktop there is one that stands out. The Frigidaire FGIC3067MB Gallery 30″ Induction Cooktop is a good price compared to other induction models. It offers great features and the excitement of induction cooking at an affordable price.

Frigidaire FGIC3067MB Gallery

This model offers 4 burners in two zones.  Each burner is designated by a cross design and you place the pot in the center of the cross.

There are touch controls located within the glass top for easy cleaning. Safety features are included which turn the induction cooktop off if you spill or place a pot on top of the touch controls.

Will it boil water fast?

The largest burner is 10″ and 3400 watts. It will boil a pot of water in under 2 minutes.

The other burners are 6″, 7″ and 8″. The power ranges from 2000 watts for the smallest burner up to 3400 watts for the largest 10″. A large 12″ inch frying pan is often only 9″ diameter on the base so the largest burner on this model is perfect for most cooks.

There is a power boost function to allow you to heat fast on each burner. When you turn the induction cooktop on, touch the up arrow and the burner will activate power boost at maximum power. This allows you to boil water rapidly or bring a pot of food to a high heat quickly. When utilizing the maximum power level the control will display a “p” for that burner.

This model utilizes power sharing in two zones. If you try to use two burners within the same zone on the highest heat setting the cooktop will automatically reduce the heat on the first burner to allow the one that is operated the latest to achieve a higher heat setting.

Power sharing operates because there are two induction generators within this unit shared between the four burners.

Are the controls responsive?

Yes, the controls are very sensitive and respond to a light touch. To protect against accidental operation by a child or cat there is a control lock function.

The heat controls for each burner are activated in 1/2 increments between 1 and 6-1/2 and then 7, 8, 9 don’t have any half settings between them.

The touch controls are very easy to use. They show an arrow pointing up and an arrow pointing down for the heat settings on each burner.

Are safety features included?

This model features a magnetic detector. The sensor automatically determines whether the pot is suitable for induction cooking and will only allow the unit to turn on if the pot is compatible. This eliminates the cooktop turning on by accident.

Similarly, if the pan is not centered correctly on a burner the heat control will flash and automatically turn off after 3 minutes.

There is pan size detection. The sensor automatically determines the size of the pot you are using and adjusts the burner to only heat the size of the pot being used.

When you turn on the power the cooktop will remain in ready mode for 10 seconds. If no other control is touched within the 10 seconds, the cooktop will turn itself off as a safety precaution.

After you finish cooking the glass surface may retain residual heat from the pan you used. While the surface is hot, the controls display an “H” to indicate it is still too hot to touch.

A control lock is included. This lock can only be utilized when the cooktop is turned off. It is activated simply by touching the control lock for 3 seconds. This stops children or cats accidently turning it on. To unlock, you touch and hold the lock control for 3 seconds again.

If this is the best value induction cooktop, are there any other features?

Yes. This cooktop also offers a Keep Warm control. By touching the Keep Warm control once it will activate on the burner most recently turned on. This feature allows you to heat at a very low level to keep food warm without scorching. When activated the burner control will display “L” for the keep warm setting.

There is also a timer function. It is a kitchen timer that can be set between 1 minute and 99 minutes. It is one timer for the whole cooktop. The timer does not affect the heat settings and does not automatically turn the cooktop off. It indicates the end of the countdown by sounding a long beep every 5 seconds until you touch the up and down arrows at the same time to turn the timer off. It is then your decision whether to turn your cooking off.

In summary, the Frigidaire FGIC3067MB Gallery 30″ Induction Cooktop is a full four burner cooktop with lots of impressive features. It is not the cheapest induction cooktop available but it is a long way short of being the most expensive. It is the best induction cooktop for value because it offers a lot at an affordable price compared to other induction models.

Best Induction Cooktop Layout

If the burner layout is important for your cooking then the GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS 36″ Built-in Induction Cooktop is for you. It offers a number of features not available from other cooktops.

GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS

In summary, this model offers five burners in three heating zones. This makes it the best induction cooktop for layout. Two of the burners can be synced together and used for a rectangular shaped griddle pan. The burners consist of: an extra large 11″, one large 8″, two medium 7″ and one small 6″ burner.

Most induction cooktops consist of four or five circular induction burners. This makes it difficult if you want to use a rectangular griddle pan or a long oval fish pan. For the best induction cooktop layout you need two burners that operate together to give you flexibility with your cooking.

Is a griddle included?

Yes, the GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS 36″ Built-in Induction Cooktop comes with its own stainless steel clad aluminum griddle included. The advantage of this lightweight griddle is that you can prepare french toast, pancakes or gourmet sandwiches easily on your cooktop. You can also use your own heavier cast iron griddle.

To sync the two 7″ burners for use with a rectangular or oval pan you simply need to press one button. You can then use either one of the 7″ burner controls and it activates the two together at the same heat level. This is the best induction cooktop for layout because there are so many choices for your size and shape of pans.

What size pots can I use?

The largest burner on the model is the 11″. This is perfect for large saute pans. Even large 12″ pans usually have a base that is smaller than 11″ so the 8″ burner is also very useful for larger pots or saute pans.

If you measure the flat base that makes contact with the surface this is what matters even though the top of your pan may curve outwards from this base.

This model includes a pan size sensor. This feature recognizes the size of your pan and heats the burner to the size of your pan, up to the maximum  diameter available.

There is a minimum size for pans for each burner. The largest option, the 11″ burner, requires a minimum pan size of 7″. The smallest pot that can be used is 4-1/2″ on the smallest burner. If you have a favorite pan that is smaller than 4-1/2″ you may need to rethink your cooktop choice. Since induction cooktops rely on contact with the surface to create the heat in the pot it is more important that your pots meet the size requirements than with any other cooking method like gas or electric.

Is it powerful enough to boil water quickly?

The largest induction burner is 3700 watts and the smallest is 1800 watts. The largest one boils tap water in less than a minute on full power. This model might be the best induction cooktop for layout but it is also very powerful.

At the other end of the scale, if you need to melt chocolate without a double boiler you can use the lowest heat setting and it will melt without burning.

There is a circular arc control for heat as well as the plus and minus signs to use in the alternative. If you turn an induction burner on and press the plus sign it goes straight to Hi. When you press the minus sign after turning on it goes straight to Low.

Using the Hi setting will bring water to the boil rapidly but it can only be used for 10 minutes maximum. So, if you need to keep it up at that setting you can press the plus sign again after the first 10 minutes.

The Low to Hi burner settings correspond to the following range of heat settings: melting, holding, simmering, reducing, searing, frying, boiling quickly.

The GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS 36″ Built-in Induction Cooktop does utilize power sharing. It is divided into three zones. The two sync burners exist in the left zone. The largest 11″ burner is in the middle zone. The 6″ and 8″ burners are in the right-hand zone. The inclusion of the in sync burners make is the best induction cooktop for layout choice.

One burner can be used at maximum power in each zone at the same time. The power will be reduced if you try and use two burners at maximum power in the same zone at the same time. This is the power sharing at work.

If you need to cook with more than three pots on high power at the same time it is best to stagger their time for high power usage. Three zones is generous and if you go to a smaller four burner model there are only two zones which is far more limiting.

I know this is the best induction cooktop layout but what are the controls like?

The controls on this model are probably the easiest to use of any induction cooktop. They are intuitive. The touch control is a circular arc shape with blue LEDs that light up when in use.

Each induction burner has its own touch control. Even the two 7″ burners that sync together for a longer pan have their own sync button to press and then you can use either of the burner touch controls to set the heat level for both together. None of the controls are shared or overlap, making it easy to use with little instruction.

Each burner has its own On/Off button in the middle of each arc control. There is also an All Off button to control the entire cooktop with one touch.

The only thing to be aware of is that the grey line that forms the touch control must be used and not the blue LED lights. The LEDs do not have touch sensors under them.

Is there a kitchen timer?

There is a separate timer available for each burner. The timer function can be set to provide an alert at the end of the countdown but it will not automatically turn off the burner. It is up to you to decide whether you want to keep cooking when the alert sounds. Having a timer for each burner is an advantage over other induction cooktops. Many only offer one kitchen timer for the whole cooktop.

Having a timer for each burner is an advantage over other induction cooktops that only offer one kitchen timer for the whole cooktop.

The timer mode is very easy to set. Once you touch the Timer Select control the burner display will blink. It is simply a matter of pressing the up or down arrow to increase or decrease the time you want to set. The timer countdown automatically starts after 3 seconds if there is no further action. The burner timers are set in the order of left to right on the timer select control.

Any safety features?

This model provides pan detection removal as a safety feature.

If the pan is removed from the surface the burner turns off and the display starts blinking. If the pan is removed for more than 25 seconds the control turns off automatically and the LED lights turn off for that burner display.

There is a control lock provided as a safety feature against the induction cooktop being activated by children or accidentally. The lock symbol on the controls simply has to be touched for 3 seconds to activate the lock. To unlock you touch the same symbol for another 3 seconds.

The lock feature can be changed to an automatic lock which activates after the cooktop has been in standby for 10 minutes. This lock function can be changed in the custom settings.

Can I change the settings?

The GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS 36″ Built-in Induction Cooktop offers custom settings as part of the touch controls.

The custom settings allow you to alter the illumination level of the LED lights on the controls. You can also adjust the volume of the controls, both the buttons and the alerts.

The timer alert duration can be set for 15, 30, 60 seconds or indefinite until you attend to turn it off.

The custom settings also allow you to change the timer mode to act as one kitchen timer independent from any of the burners. Of course you have the option to turn it back to separate timers for each burner. This is a huge advantage to people who like to cook with separate timers for each pot. It saves you from looking at the clock over and over.

It is easy to activate the custom settings. You simply touch and hold the All Off button for three seconds and then touch and hold the Timer button for three seconds. The two buttons must be touched within 30 seconds of each other without any other functions being activated in between. Once you have the custom settings activated you can see the code for each setting in the timer control screen.

You probably won’t want to change the custom settings regularly so it is best to keep page 11 of the Owner’s Manual handy for when you need it. Take a copy of that page and keep it in a kitchen drawer or take a photo of the page on your smartphone as a quick reference guide.

What is the difference between the GE Cafe series and the GE Profile series?

You may have noticed that there is a GE Profile series which looks quite similar to the GE Cafe induction cooktops. The GE Profile is similar in appearance and both types of model are manufactured in America. A GE appliance is probably the best induction cooktop for you if you’re looking for an American made model.

The difference is the GE Cafe series has extra features. For example, the GE Cafe includes individual timers for each burner. You can also customise the settings which can’t be done on the GE Profile series.

Any other features?

In addition to being the best induction cooktop layout, this model allows for forward approach installation. This is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The cooktop can project forward out from the kitchen wall without a cupboard or oven underneath the front of the cooktop. Details can be found in the Installation Instructions provided by GE.

The cooktop can project forward out from the kitchen wall without a cupboard or oven underneath the front of the cooktop. Details can be found in the Installation Instructions provided by GE.

What if I can’t fit this cooktop in my kitchen?

If you can’t fit this 36″ cooktop in your kitchen space you may consider the GE Cafe CHP9530SJSS 30″ Built-in Induction Cooktop. The 30″ model is very similar to the larger one. The difference is that it has 4 burners in 2 zones instead of 5 burners in 3 zones.

It still has the griddle option provided by joining the two left burners and it still has the extra large 11″ burner.

If you are replacing an older 30″ GE cooktop as part of a kitchen remodel this may be the best option for you.

Overall, this induction cooktop offers a great layout with extra features. If you are seriously into cooking and like to use a variety of cooking styles you may want to give priority to the layout of burners when buying a new appliance. This is the best induction cooktop for its combination of a good layout with an affordable price tag.  The GE Cafe CHP9536SJSS 36″ Built-in Induction Cooktop is a great choice.

The post Best Induction Cooktop: Do You Know What To Look For? appeared first on The Equipped Cook.

Everyone wants to know about induction cooking. It’s high tech, it looks good and it’s very efficient.

I am assuming you’re like me before I bought my first induction cooktop. I wanted to know what it was and how is worked but I didn’t need enough detail to actually go and build my own!  If you’re a scientist or an engineer and you’re fascinated by induction at a deeper level, this article is probably not for you.

On the other hand, if you’re thinking about remodelling your kitchen and you’ve never owned an induction cooktop before, please read on.

How induction cooking works

On an induction cooktop the pot is heated using magnetic induction instead of thermal conduction. There is a copper wire coil underneath the glass cooktop and an alternating electrical current is passed through the coil to produce an oscillating magnetic field.

Without going in to a lot of detail about currents and resistance it is probably enough to know that this magnetic flux results in the pot heating up. It is good to know that it is the cooking pot heating up, not the cooktop.

There is very little residual heat, unlike an electrical element which gives off a lot of heat itself. Similarly, flames produced by gas burners produce a lot of heat which doesn’t all get used by the cooking pot. Induction cooking is a very efficient form of cooking.

The history of induction cooking

The concept of induction cooking dates back to over a hundred years. There are old patents recorded in the early 1900s. The concept back then involved a coil of wire wound around a magnetic core.

These days induction cooking has become technologically advanced with on-board computers controlling the cooktop, touch panel controls and automatic functions built-in.

In the early 1970s one company manufactured an induction cooktop which was produced commercially and in the 1980s an induction range became available. While induction cooking has been very popular in Europe it has taken longer for the USA to adopt this form of cooking. Induction cooktops have only become very popular in the 2000s and there are now, in 2016, multiple manufacturers of induction cooktops in the USA and overseas.

What does induction cooking mean?

If you want to know about the practical aspects of induction cooking it’s probably because you’re either about to install a new cooktop in your kitchen or you’re thinking about buying a portable induction burner for your apartment, RV, dorm room or holiday house.

Induction cooking is available in cooktops, ranges, single or double portable burners, separate induction wok burners and induction rice cookers.

There are plenty of options with induction cooking. You can choose a high end cooktop with all the bells and whistles or you can opt for a portable induction burner that travels with you. The portable option is very inexpensive and can be a great way to explore induction cooking before you commit to the more expensive cooktops and ranges. Lots of restaurants also use induction cooking because there are so many advantages for them when cooking for long periods of time and continuously in limited space.

How is induction cooking different?

Induction cooking differs from electric and gas cooking because it heats the pot directly. As already mentioned, there is very little residual heat making it very efficient. You don’t need to worry about your kitchen heating up too much.

Induction cooking is also very safe compared to thermal conduction. There is no flame so there is a lower chance of causing a fire. This is good if you want to use induction cooking in your dorm room or on a boat or caravan. Many induction cookers also include an automatic timer to turn the induction burner off after a certain time so they’re very safe for someone who is forgetful and may leave their cooking unattended.

Induction cooking is different from electric hobs because there is much less residual heat and they are more energy efficient. They will save you money on your electricity bill.

Induction cooking is also different because it is so highly responsive. You can increase or decrease the heat incredibly quickly compared to an electric cooktop, whether it be a traditional coil heating element or a ceramic top electric cooktop.

How good is induction cooking?

Ask anyone who owns an induction cooktop and they’ll tell you how fast and responsive the heat is. They’ll tell you they have complete control over their cooking and many will even say it is better than cooking with gas.

The only downside to induction cooking, that I’m aware of, is that when you first use it there is a very good chance you’ll burn your food at your first attempt. This is because there is no need to pre-heat the pot. Induction is so fast you need to do your food prep before you turn the cooktop on. As mentioned above, this is a very efficient way to cook your food.

What are induction cooking pans?

You need to be very particular about the pots and pans you use for induction cooking. If they are made from the wrong type of metal they won’t work on induction. They need to be ferromagnetic.

Most stainless steel and cast iron pots are very good for induction cooking. There are plenty of pots and pans available for induction cooking and these days most of them are labelled as induction-ready to make your job of choosing them easy.

If you are unsure, you can carry a small magnet with you to the shops and then test the bottom of the pot or pan.

If the magnet sticks to the bottom of it then it should work with induction. It is important that you test the bottom side of the pot or pan rather than the sides. The sides may be constructed with a material different from the base but it is the base that will heat up as a result of the oscillating magnetic field.

A lot of people think they will need to purchase a whole new set of pots when they get an induction cooktop.

While it is always nice to get a new set, you’ll probably find that a lot of the pots and pans you already own work perfectly with induction. It is best to check first if you want to save your money. Having said that, I found it better to buy a new set of pots at the same time as buying a new induction cooktop. Some of my old pots were not entirely free of grease or perfectly flat on the base from many years of cooking. I like the idea of my new cooktop being kept completely shiny and new for a long time. With new pots it is easier to avoid scratching or marking your new cooktop.

Good luck with discovering your perfect induction cooking appliance. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or buying a stand-alone portable induction burner, induction rice cooker or induction wok burner, you’ll get a lot of enjoyment from induction cooking now and in the future.

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