The best induction cooktop offers all the benefits of larger multi-burner induction cooking ranges but at a fraction of the cost.
Induction cooktops are very versatile as they can be used as an add-on to your current cooking setup, as a centerpiece on your table if you’re dining with friends and family, in small apartments, rv/campers, dorms, decks and even safely on boats. Anywhere you can get electricity, really.
These induction cooktops easily provide all the cooking functionality of conventional gas and electric cooktops, so even beginners can quickly master boiling, steaming, searing and so much more.
If you’re new to induction cooktops or looking for an easy to handle addition to your current cooking needs then the induction cooktop provides a fast, clean and cost effective solution. Take a look at this video which will demonstrate some of the features you should look out for.
2017 Recommendations for the Best Induction Cooktop:
| Product Image | Model | Best For and Why |
|---|---|---|
 | NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop (PIC2) | Great all around induction cooktop, and with a timer setting for up to 100 hours, it's really amazing for those looking to make bone broths, do home brewing, etc! |
 | Duxtop Secura 9100MC Induction Cooktop | Great all around unit with TONS of positive reviews. If you want a unit that's been widely tested, this is it. |
 | Rosewill RHAI-15001 Induction Cooktop | Great for beginners, for those with no cookware or unsure if your cookware is compatible since it comes WITH an induction ready pan! |
Quick Comparison Guide – Best Induction Cooktops 2017
When browsing through the products below look out for built in features such as:
- Digital countdown timers
- Auto pan size detection
- Power level control
- Over heat sensors
- Unsuitable cookware detectors
- Programmable memory functions
- Automatic shut-off
- Delay timers
- Child Locks
A Selection of the Best Induction Cooktops:
Best Induction Cooktop #1 – NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop (PIC2)
Heat Range: Excellent
Portability: Very Good
Control Panel Usability: Excellent
Ease of Cleanup: Excellent
Heat Quality: Excellent
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
If you are looking for an induction cooktop that hits the ball right out of the park when it comes to total value, it would really be very difficult to find a contender that comes close to this NuWave model. It seems like this product was designed to answer all the needs of home chefs who have been disappointed by other induction cooktops they bought in the past. From its heating specificity and range to its still very portable 6.3 pound weight to its control panel design, this cooktop has all your induction cooking needs taken care of. Believe us, that’s not a very easy feat to do.
Key points of distinction
- 6 Pre-set temperature ranges
- Maximum temperature custom selection from 100 to 575 degrees at 10 degree increments
- 100 hours of programming memory for cooking settings
- Auto-shut off for removed pans
Expanded discussion of the bullet points
The first thing that most people notice about this model is its distinctive shape. Most induction cooktops have a square or rectangular form and a control panel. This common setup is not much different from those old vinyl record turntables of yesteryear. The PIC2 gets rid of that form and uses a space saving round form. This saves quite a bit of space since most induction cooktops only cause heating in the cookware placed on them within a circular form. The rest is wasted space. PIC2 dispense with the extra space and comes in a nice compact circular form that goes really well with its 6.3 pound weight.
Besides an intriguing look, the PIC2 also brings the heat-literally. Not only does it feature 6 heat settings that are the most commonly demanded by home cooks, it also offers an extremely wide range of heating options that range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 575 degrees. You can use the custom temperature setting using this model’s control panel at 10 degree increments. Talk about maximum selection and power. Keep in mind that most other induction cooktops’ temperature range top out at 450 degrees and increments are usually broken down in 25 degree increases.
On top of all this heating customization, users are treated to up to 100 hours of programming memory for their cooking settings. This model also maximizes your safety by shutting off automatically if the induction cookware on it is removed.
What’s great about this product?
After reading all the features of this product above, you might justifiably be excused for thinking that this super compact model would fetch a price that is easily over $130. Well, it’s able to provide all the features above plus a great easy to clean form factor (sloping control panel) for less than half or around half of $130. How’s that for value? Believe us, great looks is not the only point of distinction for this model. It truly delivers solid value in a compact physical and price footprint.
Areas for improvement
One would be very hard pressed to find any shortcoming for this product considering its amazing price and temperature flexibility. It has a very compact form that should be the envy of other cooktops. However, if there is any room for improvement, it would be its pre-sets. They should be recalibrated to maximize heat while reducing as much time as possible. Still, this is a minor quibble because you can always use this model’s excellent incremental temperature settings for optimal and speedy heating.
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Best Induction Cooktop #2 – Duxtop Secura 9100MC Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Ranking
Heat Range: Very Good
Portability: Very Good
Control Panel Usability: Excellent
Ease of Cleanup: Very Good
Heat Quality: Average
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Good
Summary
If you are looking for a portable induction cooker that has solid heating range and is quick and easy to transport, the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner has you covered. Its heat selection and timer system make it a solid induction cooktop that won’t set you back much money. It’s only real downside is its heat quality. It does tend to develop hot spots. However, if you’re not using this cooktop for heavy duty cooking or super sensitive cooking, this unit is dependable and versatile enough (in terms of heat settings) to take care of most of your needs.
Key points of distinction
- 15 power levels
- 15 temperature settings
- Digital timer built-in with 1 minute increments up to 170 minutes
The Duxtop Secura 9100MC lets you select 15 different temperature settings starting at 140 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to a maximum setting of 450 degrees. This comes in handy for optimal heating if you are looking to prepare ingredients that need to be heated at certain specific heat levels for efficient cooking. This temperature range is matched with 15 power levels. If you are looking to save on your electricity bills, this is quite useful. This model starts you at 200 watts and reaches a maximum of 1800 watts.
For most home cooks, the temperature range of this unit is more than enough to handle most of the dishes they prepare. Unless, of course, you are doing something unusual like preparing mash brew for home-brewed beer or engaged in any kind of cooking that requires really intense heats for long periods of time, the 9100MC is more than a good match for your cooking project.
Unless you are going to be using this cooktop as some sort of stand-in for a crockpot, its maximum 170 minute timer is more than enough. This unit’s 1 minute increment timer enables you to precisely schedule your cooking times. This feature definitely comes in handy for dishes that have very precise cooking times.
What’s great about this product?
If you are looking for a fairly low-priced unit that packs a nice range of heating options and temperatures, this model takes really good care of you. Thanks to its great pairing of 15 heating and power options and 1 minute timer countdown increments, you are assured of getting the exact temperature (or close to it) you need for your recipe for precisely the amount of time you need. As you already know, a little bit of precision goes a long way when it comes to cooking a great meal! This model brings a lot of precision, ease of use, and flexibility to the table.
Areas for improvement
While this model does bring quite a bit of value to the table, its main shortcoming is its heat quality. While it can deliver the heat you need in 15 different temperatures enabling you to precisely match the temperature requirements of your recipes or maximizing cooking efficiency, the quality of the heat it delivers is uneven. This cooktop can be hot in some spots or the heat can be off center. Whatever your case turns out, you might have to heat up your ingredients a little bit longer to compensate for the uneven heating. Other than this, the Duxtop Secura 9100MC delivers quite a bit of heating versatility and portability in one light and easy to clean compact form.
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Best Induction Cooktop #3 – Rosewill RHAI-15001 1800W Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Very Good
Portability: Good
Control Panel Usability: Excellent
Ease of Cleanup: Very Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
The Rosewill RHAI-15001 comes with its own stainless steel pot. This should tell you all you need to know about this model’s seriousness in making sure you get the inductive cooking heat you’re looking for. While this model doesn’t have as many pre-programmed heat settings as other induction cooktops on the market, it does provide an adequate total heating range of 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a polished crystal surface that is very easy to clean. However, its lack of angled control panel face might lead to spilled liquids pooling on the cooking surface of this model.
Key points of distinction
- 5 pre-programmed cooking settings
- Crystal plate surface
- 8 temperature settings (150 to 450 degrees – mostly 50 degree increments)
- 24 hour timer settings
- Touch Sensor control panel
- Cookware compatibility warning
All in all, the Rosewill RHAI-15001 delivers solid value at a very affordable price. Keep in mind that this unit costs less than $60. It is able to deliver up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit of heating. While its pre-programmed cooking settings might be a bit basic, this model does have a fairly solid range starting from 150 degrees and maxing out at 450 degrees. Still, its 8 temperature setting offerings with mostly 50 degree increments does seem quite limiting considering the much wider control you get with other competing cooktops out there. Still, the 5 pre-programmed cooking settings do cover the most basic cooking and hating needs of most home cooks. However, if you need something more fine tuned so you can cook faster for, ultimately, lower cost, this cooktop might not help you do that.
Another great feature of this crystal topped unit is its 24 hour timer. This is an excellent feature. Most other cooktops top out at 3 hours. This model enables you to use it as a crockpot if you’re looking to boil really tough meat overnight or you’re looking for some amazing cooktop cooked ‘baked beans.’ Instead of risking wearing out push button control or printed panels, this model has a touch sensor control system that ensures more sensitive controls that operate reliably over the long haul. On top of all the features above, this model has a warning system that tells you if the cookware you put on it is not inductive.
What’s great about this product?
First of all, you save money on cookware because this model ships with an elegant stainless steel pot. At least you won’t have to worry about the induction compatibility of one piece of cookware in your home. What really turns heads about this model is its 24 hour timer. This is a big deal considering the fact that most other cooktop models on the market peak at 8 hour settings. 8 hours is already a big deal since most models offer only 3 hour timer options. Also, you won’t have to worry about wearing out the control panel button or input area of your cooktop. Thanks to touch sensor technology, you won’t have to wear out or fade a printed control panel.
Areas for improvement
At less than $70, this model already packs a tremendous amount of value. You not only get a lot of cooktop for that price, you also get a free stainless steel pot that is guaranteed to work with your cooktop. If there is any area of improvement for this model, it would be its pre-set cooking options as well as its temperature settings. At the very least, it should aim for 10 settings or even the 15 settings offered by other cooktops in its class.
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DUXTOP 1800-Watt Portable Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop 8300ST
Heat Range: Good
Portability: Very Good
Control Panel Usability: Very Good
Ease of Cleanup: Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
If you are looking for an induction cooktop that does a decent job, this is a good ‘middle of the road’ option for you. While it is not the most portable, most affordable, or most versatile option in the range of induction cooktop options out there it doesn’t suffer from any glaring shortcomings. Its 10 temperature setting is adequate for most cooking tasks and it is light enough for most people looking for a portable unit that can be easily transported and stored away. Its strongest point is its sensor touch control system. You just touch the control panel to activate it and select a setting.
Key points of distinction
- Sensor touch control system
- Digital child lock system
- Timer countdown to 170 minutes with 1 minute increments
- 10 temperature and power settings
- Automatic pan detection with shut off
While this model delivers less heat settings than other portable induction cooktop systems by offering 10 instead of 15, it makes up for this by offering solid safety features. One of the most common dangers with any kind of cooktop involve children. Keeping kids away from the controls of a heat generating appliance is always crucial. The DUXTOP 1800 makes this very easy. To activate this induction range, you have to keep your finger on the auto lock system for several seconds to activate it. Kids wont’ be able to activate the system by just running their fingers through the control panel or swiping the control icons.
Another distinguishing factor of this model is its sensor touch system. Instead of actually clicking on or pushing down buttons, you only need to keep your finger on the control button and the system will automatically detect your finger and activate. This is a big deal because one of the first components that wear out with induction cooktops is their control system. Through repeated clicking, buttons wear out and no longer register. Given the generally low price of cooktops, many unit owners feel they’re better off replacing their units because of the worn out buttons.
What’s great about this product?
If you’re looking for a truly safe induction cooktop, this model is it. Seriously. While it is true that induction cooktops’ top surfaces don’t actually heat up since all the magnetic heating takes place on the pans and pots you position on top of the cooktop, children can still activate the cooktop to produce heat on the cookware. They only need to move the cookware to hurt themselves. This model has an auto lock system that requires the operator to place his or her finger on the activation button for some time before the unit activates. This model also turns off automatically if it doesn’t detect a pan on its surface.
Another great feature of this model is it actually senses your finger on the control panel instead of requiring you to press buttons. There’s no wear and tear on the buttons and this can prolong the life of your cooktop quite a bit.
Areas for improvement
This model packs quite a bit of safety features and these are its stock in trade. Other than that, it is actually quite a ‘middle of the road’ model. It could use more heating options and could be made lighter. Its overall value proposition can be improved significantly if it were to sell a dozen or so dollars less. Still, in terms of overall value, it brings quite a bit to the table.
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Mr. Induction SPT 1300 Watt Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Good
Portability: Excellent
Control Panel Usability: Excellent
Ease of Cleanup: Very Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Good
Summary
The Mr. Induction SPT 1300 WATT Induction Cooktop offers a surprising mix of ultra portability, great pricing, and maximum timing controls. Of course, it doesn’t register the highest scores across the board, its 7 power settings and 13 heat settings top out at 390 and are fairly limited compared to other models. Still, if you are looking for a solid induction cooktop that you can use and transport at the last minute, this model offers all the portability you are looking for. And it is able to offer that much value without having to burn a hole through your pocketbook.
Key points of distinction
- 7 power settings (max 1300 Watts)
- 13 heat settings (max 390 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Control lock
- 8 hour timer
- 5 pounds
The first thing about this model that truly jumps out at you is its super light weight. We’re talking 4.5 pounds! If you’re looking for something that is very portable and easy to store away, you can’t go wrong with this model. It is very easy to carry and is no hassle to store and take out every time you need to use it.
While its 7 power settings maxing out at 1300 watts seem a bit under-powered for a portable induction cooktop, unless you’re doing some heavy duty boiling or long term high heat cooking, this model’s power settings and 13 heat settings should be enough for your needs. It delivers these heating options in a very safe way thanks to its control lock system. You can lock the system to prevent any accidental activation and burns.
The one feature that raises many eyebrows (in a positive way!) about this model is its 8 hour timer feature. You can set an induction cookware on low for a whole day on this model and not have to worry. Talk about saving money on a crockpot!
For most students, people living in small apartments, or home cooks who are looking for maximum flexibility and portability, the Mr. Induction SPT 1300 WATT Induction Cooktop more than delivers.
What’s great about this product?
There are 3 features that truly make this induction cooktop a great selection: its low price, feather weight, and its amazing timer. This great combination makes this one cooktop a serious contender for any student or busy person who is constantly on the go. At less than $70, most people can afford this unit. Second, at 4.5 pounds you can quickly and easily transport or store away this unit. It doesn’t take up much space and it definitely won’t weigh you down. Finally, you can set this cooktop up to cook a dish all day like a slow stewed casserole without any hassle.
Areas for improvement
This model can use a bit more pan sensitivity. While it works with most ferromagnetic cookware, keep in mind that there is a wide range of pots and pans on the market that are supposed to be induction-friendly. Sadly, just because the manufacturer of those cookware say they are ready for induction, it doesn’t mean they will work smoothly with this model. Make sure you insist on fully induction-specific cookware so you can minimize headaches you may have with this model which is less than super sensitive when it comes to cookware.
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GoWise USA Kitchen Electric Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Very Good
Portability: Very Good
Control Panel Usability: Very Good
Ease of Cleanup: Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
This GoWise induction cooktop has 11 temperature settings which makes it a fairly precise cooktop model. Given the fact that most other cooktop offer fewer temperature settings than this, it’s easy to see the diverse heating and precision heating this model brings to the table. While it offers a smooth glass top that is easy to to wipe down, its uniformly flat surface can lead to liquid pooling unlike other cooktops that have a slightly sloping control panel. When liquid spills, the fluid drip down the sloped surface and reduces the likelihood of dried-and harder to remove-spills. This model’s overheat sensor also adds to its overall value.
Key points of distinction
- 11 temperature settings
- 10 power levels
- Overheat sensor
- Timer settings up to 150 minutes
- Compact LED display
This model’s 11 temperature settings and power levels are more than enough for most cooks. If you’re looking for precision cooking at specific temperatures, this model has a higher likelihood of giving you the temperature range you need for fast and optimal cooking. While its timer is not as robust as other models (some models accommodate 1 minute increment timer settings of up to 3 hours!), this model’s 150 minute capacity should fit most home cooks’ needs. Unless you’re going to stewing some really tough chunks of meat, 150 minutes on an induction cooktop at low to medium heat should be enough to take care of most recipes.
In terms of portability, this model is not exactly a show stopper since, at 7 pounds, it tips the scale at a bit high on the portable induction cooktop weight range. Still, if you’re looking for a highly practical cooktop that can accommodate a wide range of cookware without compromising heat intensity and delivery, this model definitely delivers solid value. In terms of usability, its segregated control system-off to a side-panel is very easy to use and is highly intuitive.
What’s great about this product?
While there is no one product feature that makes the GoWISE USA GW22604 the runaway solution to all your cooktop needs, if you’re looking for a very affordable cooktop that does a good job producing and delivering the heat your recipes need, check this model out. It is priced less than $60, has an adequate base size and doesn’t compromise usability, function, heating power, or any other mission critical criteria for a low price. You get a solid cooktop that is more than up to the job of handling most cooking loads and temperature requirements. Unless you’re going to be cooking mostly slow cooked stews or casseroles or need a heavy duty unit for sustained long term high temperature boiling, this model is more than enough for your needs.
Areas for improvement
While the glass top of this model does ensure quick and easy clean up, this model’s ease of cleanup would be greatly enhanced if its control panel section or lower face is angled down. This way, if there are spills on the cooktop’s main heating surface, the spills can drip down the surface instead of pooling. Spills tend to get harder to remove after they have caked over and dried. By allowing spilled liquid to drip down, there would be less pooling and clean up would be so much easier and faster than it already is.
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Max Burton 6400 Digital Choice Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Excellent
Portability: Very Good
Control Panel Usability: Very Good
Ease of Cleanup: Excellent
Heat Quality: Excellent
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
There’s a reason Max Burton is such a solid name in the world of cooktops. The Max Burton 6400 Digital Choice Induction Cooktop 1800 Watts LCD Control reminds us of those reasons. First, you get a model that covers 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees in 25 degree increments. Now, that’s temperature precision! Second, this model has an angled face. The sloping face of the control panel ensure that this model won’t pool liquids if anything spills onto the cooking surface. The liquid would just drip down leaving whatever remains easier to clean with a few wipes. Finally, when it comes to maximizing control, you get a lot of leeway with a 180 minute cooking timer.
Key points of distinction
- Very precise temperature range from 100 degrees to 450 degrees at 25 degree increments
- One touch settings for most used settings
- 1800W power
- Angled face design
Every single feature of the Max Burton 6400 Digital Choice Induction Cooktop gives one the impression that the designers of this model listened to home chefs intensively before rolling up their sleeves to decide on the specifications of this product. It seems that this model answers all the needs of most home cooks. First, you get a very precise temperature range system. The heat range starts at 100 degrees and increases at 25 degree increments before topping out at 450 degrees. This is a very powerful feature because some recipes require specific temperatures for optimal cooking. Also, the more fine tuned increments give you more leeway in heating up your ingredients just high enough so they cook faster without compromising quality or texture. Powered by 1800 Watts, you can never accuse this cooktop of not having enough power to back up its wide range of temperature settings.
This model’s one touch settings reflect the collective experience of the people this model was designed for. Anticipating the most common types of cooking (e.g. frying, soup, etc), this model takes the guesswork out of finding the most common temperature settings for these operations. Finally, this model has an angled face design which cuts down on the probability of whatever spills you may suffer pooling and hardening on the surface. If anything, the angled design makes clean up of whatever manages to pool and dry on cooking panel quicker and more painless.
What’s great about this product?
This is one product that is worth more than the sum of its features. It seems that this model was very thoughtfully put together to ensure maximum cooking power and precision. Even the most precise or sensitive recipe can easily be handled by this induction cooktop. Moreover, it packs quite a bit of power so it can definitely bring the heat regardless of how fine tuned or specific your particular heat setting selection. Not only are the control easy to see and work with, the control panel is slanted to ensure that this model’s spills don’t get too hard to wipe away. Overall, this model manages to put all the common features home cooks look for in an induction cooktop in a still manageable portable 7.8 pound compact frame.
Areas for improvement
This Max Burton model is able to deliver solid value by featuring the specifications most experienced home cooks ask for in an induction cooktop. Of course, it is able to do this by charging more than most of the other models out there. If there is any room for improvement, this Max Burton model would do quite well cutting down its price a tad. Still, given that you get a lot of value for your hard-earned dollars with this model, it is safe to say that this is one model that is definitely worth paying extra for.
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Fagor Ucook Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Good
Portability: Excellent
Control Panel Usability: Very Good
Ease of Cleanup: Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
If you live in a dorm, a very small apartment, or are in transit most of the time, the Fagor 670041920 Ucook delivers the portability and power you are looking for. Thanks to its small footprint and ultra light weight of 4.4 pounds, this Fagor model can help you get some home cooking done wherever you find yourself. While it doesn’t offer as many heat settings as other models in its class, it makes up for this limitation by offering 8 heat settings that cover most cooks’ heating needs. In terms of energy consumption, this model’s 1300 Watt energy profile delivers enough power without running up your electricity bills.
Key points of distinction
- Super lightweight: 4.4 pounds
- Very compact: 9.8 x 13 x 2.4 inches
- 8 heat settings
- Autoshut off pan detection
The first thing that jumps out at first time users of this model is its weight. It weighs all of 4.4 pounds. This is quite noteworthy because most other induction cooktop models in its class weigh somewhere around the 6.5 pounds to 9 pounds range. This model’s light light weight and compact footprint make it a natural choice for your next road trip. It is very easy to pack and store away.
The downside to such a light cooktop is it might be too easy to move or push aside. This can pose a serious safety risk if you have a very hot pot on top of this unit and for some reason or other you are able to push this light cooktop to the side along with the cookware resting on it. To avoid such problems, make sure you use heavy cookware to weigh down the unit. Similarly, you should use this cooktop on completely level surfaces. This model does have an auto shutdown safety system by turning off it detects there’s no cookware on it. However, it waits for some time before shutting off.
While this model’s 8 heat settings seem to be on the low side considering the standard 10 to 15 heat settings, the temperature and power settings of this model mirror the most common settings most cooks prefer so unless you’re cooking a recipe that requires a very precise heat temperature, your heat requirements are more than adequately covered by this model.
What’s great about this product?
Portability is the name of the game when it comes to the Fagor 670041920 Ucook Induction Cooktop. You can easily lug this model along as you move from Point A to Point B. If you’re in transit and don’t want to hassle with unpacking all your moving boxes, just use this unit and you can cook yourself one great home-cooked meal after another without having to worry about moving a full size cooktop range or storing it away again. This model’s footprint may be small but it isn’t so small that it can’t accommodate the average base size of your typical cookware.
Areas for improvement
While this model’s stock in trade is its lightweight, in certain circumstances, this model might be risky to use since it is so light. To offset this possibility, make sure you use this unit on very flat and stable surfaces. Avoid using on slippery or sleek glass surfaces. It would also help tremendously if this unit has a child lock system where you have to press down on the activation button for a certain number of seconds before activating the system.
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Gourmia GIC-200 Multifunction Digital Portable 1800 Watt Induction Cooktop
Heat Range: Good
Portability: Excellent
Control Panel Usability: Very good
Ease of Cleanup: Excellent
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
If you’re looking for solid and practical heat settings in a very light cooktop, take a long hard look at the Gourmia GIC200 Multifunction Digital Portable 1800 Watt Induction Cooker. Another factor that distinguishes this model is its control face. Instead of lying flat with the rest of the cooktop, the controls are on a panel that is slightly sloping. This makes cleaning up spills so much easier because any spilled liquids can quickly drip off the surface instead of pooling and drying. Dried stains, after all are so much harder to deal with. This model’s base is also a bit large given its weight. This larger base enables this cooktop to accommodate more cookware with varying widths.
Key points of distinction
- 8 cooking settings
- Light weight: 5.7 lbs
- 180 minute auto timer shutoff
- Overheat sensor
- Inline fuse
This model offers a great mix of portability and safety. At 5.7 pounds, it is light enough to lug around whenever you’re going on the road. However, it is no so light that it can easily be pushed around or slide. This is a big consideration that can prevent burns. This cooktop’s base is also wide enough to accommodate a wider range of cookware compared to lighter and narrower cooktops. You’re not sacrificing practicality and versatility for a very lightweight unit.
While this model offers less heat settings than its competition, the 8 heat settings are strategically chosen so you can fry, simmer, boil, and otherwise cook with ease. Unless you’re dealing with a recipe that requires pinpoint temperature settings, this model’s settings are enough to help you cook your meal.
In terms of safety, this model truly shines. It has an overheat sensor that detects whether the pot or pan you’ve placed on top of it has become overheated. This is a very important feature because you wouldn’t want a red hot cookware sitting on top of your induction range and possibly harming the cooktop due to its extreme heat. Another important safety feature this model brings to the table is its inline fuse system. In case of a short or surge, the system’s fuse trips. This can end up sparing the life of your cooktop because your cooktop’s circuitry won’t get fried.
What’s great about this product?
You get a nice combination of portability, practicality and safety. While this model is very light and easy to store away, it is wide and big enough to heat up a wider range of pots and pans. This is a big deal because a narrow cooktop would have to work longer to adequately heat up a wide-based cookware. You end up using up more energy. Also, this model has a built in overheating detection system. If the cooktop gets overheated, you will know so you can turn it off, take off the cookware, and cool it down. Similarly, its inline fuse feature ensures your cooktop doesn’t get destroyed should there be a power surge.
Areas for improvement
One of the great selling points of this model is its inline fuse system. Should your home experience a power surge, the inline fuse system of this model ensures your cooktop remains operational. Sounds good, right? Well, you still have to replace the fuse. Make sure to read the owner’s manual so you know how to deal with this properly and quickly. Sadly, some buyers don’t bother reading the manual and complain that this model is a ‘use once’ type of cooktop. Talk about missing the point. The fact that this model does shut down instead of frying its circuits is one of its great selling points. Just remember to read the manual.
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Chefs Star 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Heat Range: Very Good
Portability: Excellent
Control Panel Usability: Very Good
Ease of Cleanup: Very Good
Heat Quality: Very Good
Pan Versatility and Sensitivity: Very Good
Summary
The Chef’s Star 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner is a great workhorse portable induction cooktop. Its robust heat selection and solid heating quality makes it a dependable cooktop that spares you from the typical dangers gas and electric cooktops pose-open flames, hot surfaces, etc. Its great form also maximize ease of cleanup. Weighing only 6.5 pounds this model truly knocks the ball out of the park when it comes to portability. It’s multiple heat selection, ease of use, easy cleanup and light weight make it quite a heavy weight when it comes to value.
Key points of distinction
- 15 Power settings
- 15 Temperature settings
- Digital countdown timer with 1 minute increments up to 179 minutes
- Pan detection automatic shut off
- Error indicator
This model has 15 power levels at 100 W intervals. Starting out at 200 Watts, this unit scales up to 1800W. This power level incremental structure enables user to save quite a bit of money on their monthly electricity bills by picking just the right power setting to cook their meals faster. The faster you cook, the less electricity you use up and the more money you save. The 15 power settings is matched by 15 temperature settings ranging from 120 degrees up to 465 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit’s top setting is 15 degrees higher than most other multi-temperature models. To help you maximize your electricity bill savings and ensure proper cooking time, this model also has a digital countdown timer system
In terms of safety, this model will show an error code if you use the wrong pan and if you take your pan off the cooktop, the unit will stop heating and shutdown.
What’s great about this product?
The Chef’s Star 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner is light on two critical points: price and weight. It costs less than $60 and weighs 6.5 pounds. This model delivers versatile heat thanks to its 15 temperature settings and its 1 minute incremental timer system that’s good for close to 3 hours. While it may be light in cost and is very easy to use and move around, it isn’t light when it comes to heating power and heating quality. You can rest assured that as long as you use truly inductive cookware, this model will deliver the heat you need to cook your meals faster and more efficiently.
Areas for improvement
For the most part, if you have normal heating needs, this model has you covered. You wouldn’t want anything else because it produces a tremendous amount of heat within a wide range of power and temperature settings. It is economical and portable. However, if you are going to be needed a heavy duty source of high heat for brewing or other small scale ‘industrial’ heating or you need cookware heated for hours on end, this model isn’t for you. In fact, you might need to look beyond induction cooktops for such heavy duty uses. Your best bet might be a gas range.
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The Best Induction Cooktop Has These Features to Look Out For:
When trying to select the best induction cooktop for your needs it’s important to recognize that features can vary between the various cooktops available in the marketplace today.
Price
Portable induction Cooktops vary widely in price, with some costing several hundred dollars and others around fifty dollars. With cost you should factor in how much you plan to use your new induction cooktop to see if the price tag is worth the use that you will get out of it. Also, be sure to check out other features of the cooktop; if you want one that you can cook very precisely with, then you may be willing to spend more than a cooktop that gives you less control over the temperature and settings.
Temperature
The temperature is probably the biggest factor to consider when looking at portable induction cooktops. After all, its purpose is to cook and heat food, and you can’t do that without heat. Most induction cooktops have a temperature range from 140 or 160 to about 450 or 460 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some can go as low as 100 and as high as over 550 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important to factor in if you want to cook food at really high temperatures.
It will also make a difference because you will be better able to keep food warm without overcooking it with a cooktop that can go down to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While being able to get enough heat form your induction cooktop is very important, it is also critical that it does not get hotter than you need it to, otherwise you will end up with overcooked (see also dried out) or burned food. Some foods such as milk and chocolate should be heated at lower temperatures, otherwise they will burn, which is why you would want to be very familiar with your cooktop settings.
The Benefits of Using a Portable Induction Cooktop at Home
The best induction cooktop is better for the environment because they do not use gas or flames to cook food. They also use less energy, which in turn helps out the environment too. Portable cooktops are great because they are often inexpensive (under $100), and you can take them with you. They’re useful in dorm rooms, studio apartments, while staying in an RV or cabin, camping where there is an electrical outlet, events and tailgate parties, keep food warm on a buffet table, etc. The nice thing about induction cooktops is that only the area touching the bottom of the cookware is warm, instead of the entire burner surface. This makes induction cooktops safer for using at events and buffet lines because you do not have to worry about people or other things getting burned by accident.
If you do get an induction cooktop stove, you will only be able to use cookware on it that is induction ready. This includes cast iron and stainless steel cookware. You may already have some cookware in your kitchen that is safe to use on induction cooktops which is great because it will save you money by not needing to get new cookware. If you do go for a more expensive induction cooktop, check to see if your cookware is compatible before shelling out a lot of money. You would not want to get an expensive cooktop and then need to spend more on the appropriate cookware. You can easily check to see if your cookware is induction ready by doing a simple test at home by taking a magnet and putting it to the bottom of your cookware. If the cookware is magnetic, the magnet will stick, and you will know that your cookware is safe to use with an induction unit.
