Gourmia GIC-200 1800W Induction Cooktop Review

If you’re looking for an induction cooktop that is affordable but doesn’t look cheap and delivers solid value, it’s really tempting to conclude, once and for all, with the judgment that this unit is the best portable induction burner in its class. Not only do you get a really low price, you also get 1800 watts of induction heating power delivered in a 14 x 11.2 x 2.5 inches 5.7 pound frame. Given this great mix of solid heating and a very light and relatively small footprint, you might not be faulted for claiming that this small induction cooktop is either the best portable induction cooktop or even the best induction cooktop across the board. Before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s a quick rundown of our review criteria.

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Our review criteria

We need to explain our review criteria so you can get an objective view of the factors we filtered this model’s specifications against. We believe this principled approach is the way to move forward because we don’t want you to just take our word for it. Instead, we sized up this model based on the most common concerns buyers of induction cooktop express. Most buyers are interested in the heat range of the model, whether it is portable enough, whether it is easy to work with, how easy it is to clean up, how effective its heating is and whether it can accommodate a wide range of pans. The good news? The Gourmia GIC-200 1800 WATT Induction Cooktop answered all these concerns quite well.

Heat Range

Whether you’ve pot on cookware on top of this cooktop and are looking to grill, melt cheese, barbecue meat, slow cook a stew or casserole, sear and steam, saute, stir fry, deep fry, simmer, or boil, this model’s 8 temperature settings and power levels have you covered. You only need to look at the digital controls, pick the setting most appropriate for what you’re preparing and you’re good to go. In fact, you get heat settings ranging from 140 degrees all the way to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, you have your choice of 200 to 1800 watts of power. This 8 setting distribution is enough for most home chefs.

Heat management is a breeze with this model because it has a built in sensor that checks for overheating. You get warned if it is overheated and, if need be, its inline fuse will trip so your fire risks are minimized. In terms of heat management, it also comes with a 3 hour timer. 3 hours! If you are cooking casseroles, you can safely use this model with maximum peace of mind because you know it will still be delivering solid low level heat when you get back within 3 hours. Given this reliability, it is no wonder this small induction cooktop has been called the best range portable induction cooktop by its many fans-buyers.

Portability

As mentioned above, this model is a mere 5.7 pounds in weight. That’s very light as far as this type of cooktop is concerned. You can easily unplug this unit, store it in a box, and quickly transport it from Point A to Point B. Whether you’re moving homes or spending some time in the Great Outdoors, this model has all your induction cooking needs covered as long as you can plug it into a power source. While it’s footprint is no the smallest among cooktops in its class, it is small enough to be super portable while being big and wide enough to accommodate quite a nice range of cookware. One problem with super small or even highly miniaturized induction cooktops sis that they are giving up versatility (as far as pan sizes go) in exchange for a small footprint. You wont’ have that problem with the Gourmia GIC-200. It’s just right. Now, we see why it is one of the

best rated portable induction range models on many online shopping platforms. Those reviewers definitely aren’t exaggerating. This unit delivers quite a bit of quality heat in a small frame.

Easy controls

In terms of controls, this model has a nice angled control face. This is not a minor design difference. This actually makes quite a difference because you are not going to have to hassle with the flat control surface being flooded with spilled liquid. Can you imagine having to move that hot liquid aside so you can see the settings of your cooktop? You can skip all that unnecessary hassle with this model. It’s angled face mans any spills quickly and smoothly glide down its face so you are always aware of its heat settings. You can also quickly turn off the device thanks to the easy to spot power button. In terms of cooking ease, this unit’s 8 settings as well as up to 3 hours of timed cooking makes cooking (especially casseroles and stews) quite a breeze.

Cleanup and maintenance

As mentioned above, the angled control face of this unit makes spills a non-issue. You only need a nice damp cloth and some soapy water and cleaning this induction cooktop would be a simple matter of a few swipes. Quick, easy, and drama-free. If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. After all, what’s the point of buying a portable induction unit when it is very inconvenient to clean? Cleaning convenience goes hand in hand with portability. And on both these points, this model lives up to its billing of the best rated portable induction cooktop.

Heating quality

This criterion is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to cooktops. All the sleek designs and whiz-bang cutting edge control panel technology and portability would be a waste if the model isn’t up to the job of delivering the right amount of heat at the right time. We’re happy to report that the Gourmia GIC-200 1800 WATT Induction Cooktop does a solid job of evenly distributing its heat. It has no hotspots or hot rings. Instead, you get a nice evenly heated hot area. Provided you use a flat-bottom cookware, you should be in for some solid heating action.

Pan versatility

As long as you’re using a flat-bottomed induction pot or pan, this model will deliver the heat evenly where it needs to go. Period. It doesn’t matter whether you are using a ceramic, cast aluminum, copper, steel, or cast iron pot or pan, as long as it has enough ferromagnetic materials, you are good to go with this cooktop.

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Value for money analysis

Considering how affordable this unit is and considering its size, portability, and heating power, this model comes at the best price for induction cooktops. Seriously. In fact, it is a serious contender for the title of best buy induction cooktop. That’s how much value it brings to the table.