Bosch Benchmark Slide-In Induction Range Review

9 years ago

My Bosch Benchmark Slide-In Induction Range (HIIP054U) was installed 10 December 2014 and has been getting heavy use since then. Overall, I love it! When researching this appliance, I found scant information online, so I thought it would help to add my two cents.

My former range was gas. I switched to induction to reduce indoor air pollution, plus my dad--an engineer--was pretty excited about induction technology.

In case anyone cares about my cooking habits/ level: I cook dinner six nights a week for two and consider myself a decent home cook that uses all appliances A LOT.

Note: I'm not really sure about the proper use of the word "hob." For this review, I am going to use it to mean an individual cooktop element (as opposed to all of the elements).

I think it's a nice looking appliance, but it has no knobs. All of the controls are buttons with digital display. If you like an industrial or farmhouse look, you won't like this range's look. It also lacks sharp edges which might appeal to those who like the super sleek, Euro kitchens.

The induction cooktop is great. It is designed to obviate the need for counter fillers. The gaps on either side are covered by the cooktop which extends about half an inch on either side. The hobs are well-placed. I was relieved to discover that certain pots can be used on more than one hob; increased flexibility is always a plus. The cooktop is very easy to clean. The superboost function is great for boiling water. And the individual hob timers are great! For poaching chicken, cooking grains or soup, just get the desired simmer, then forget about it. The cooktop has a separate kitchen timer that does not control any hobs. The heat controls range from 1 through 9 with half increments; I love the precise level of heat control. One has to spend a focused ten minutes or so learning how to use control the cooktop. It's fairly intuitive; once you know how to manage the timers and cook settings, you can do it without much thought. I have two minor complaints: (1) setting the timer with the "+" and "-" buttons can seem tedious, (2) I would love to be able to turn off each hob without needing "-" the heat control to "0".

I am still getting accustomed to all of the different oven settings, particularly convection. That said, I love the oven. I like the roll-out rack except that it is harder to clean than the standard racks. The oven control panel is very easy to use--far less tedious than the cooktop control panel as it has a numeric panel. The display is bigger than the cooktop display and shows you everything that is going on at a glance (temperature, preheat status, timer). I now know how to distinguish the various beeps and bells and love that it tells you when the preheat is complete with a gentle "ding." So far, I have made baked goods, roasted vegetables and various meats (including poultry and fish). I am still learning how to adjust temperature and time for various meat dishes, but it has been a snap for everything else. The probe is worthless as I imagine it is for most ovens. I'm sticking to my quick-read thermometer.

Since I have never used a warming drawer, I was not sure if I would even use mine. But I like having one. My kitchen remodel included opening the kitchen to the living and dining rooms. Now that everyone can see the entire kitchen, it's nice to be able to cook food 15 minutes ahead of time and tidy up a bit before guests arrive. It's easy to use.

As mentioned above, this range is new. I can not speak to durability or Bosch service. Nevertheless, I am very happy with it. If anyone has questions, please ask!

Featured Answer

Mary Readel

9 years ago

I have been following this thread, and have a Bosch Benchmark Range waiting to be installed. I emailed my distributor and ask questions regarding the noise level. The following emails are the replies from Bosch:

The baffle piece behind is meant to go on the unit per install instructions. If a technician were to go out because of a cooling fan issue and made the decision to remove or modify that piece, then it would not void the warranty because it was done by an authorized technician. However, it cannot be installed without the baffle filter from beginning because that is not proper installation.

Regards,

Jerry Zuniga

Partner Sales Associate

B/S/H Home Appliances

We have an induction range in our showroom so I went to go play around with it a little bit to get an idea of how loud the fan is. It is not too loud but you can definitely hear it when it kicks on. If I was within 7-8ft of the range I could hear it, outside of that range I could not really hear it. Even when I was standing right next to the range and the fan was running, I could hear the dishwasher that was nearby (about 4 feet away), which is rated @ 44dBA, slightly over the fan. Unfortunately there is no rating for how loud the fan is once it is on. Also, these are all estimates so I cannot guarantee that every single unit will sound the same but I’m thinking it would be similar. Also note, there are no service bulletins that say we have had issues with our fans not working properly.

Q: The customer is wanting to know if the fan noise issue has been fixed.

A: There is nothing to fix as the oven fans are designed to continuously run while the oven is in use, which is to keep the electrical components from overheating. They will run for a short while once the oven is turned off as well. Fans will not shut down until the possibility of frying the electronics has been eliminated.

**If there is a legitimate problem with the fan not working correctly then yes, the unit can be serviced under warranty. But, if the service call determines that the fan is performing normally, it will not qualify to be exchanged or returned. The customer service department cannot guarantee that they will replace the unit if it has an issue, procedure is for the unit to be repaired first, meaning parts replaced, then if multiple repair attempts fail, it will be submitted for an exchange request. It is a whole process**

Regards,

Jerry Zuniga

Partner Sales Associate

B/S/H Home Appliances

Comments (181)

lisadlu16
7 years ago
I have not noticed any pulsing at low temperatures. We use cast iron Le Creuset or stainless steel Al-Clad. The only piece we have that even hums is the small Al-Clad butter warmer but I think that is due to it's small size.
Anon Username
7 years ago
Great thanks for the data point.
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cfillyaw
7 years ago
I was curious about the question of trying to bridge two burners. Anyone give it a shot?
kazmom
6 years ago
Thought I would revive this thread and see if anyone can answer the bridging question. I am looking at this range and was curious if you can bridge two burners with a griddle.
cfillyaw
6 years ago
I don't believe there is a way to bridge two burners. Rumor has it the new version of this range might be able to do it. I thought I read that people felt it might be coming out later this year.
oic57
6 years ago
I use the demeyere plancha on my Bosch slide in. It fits perfectly across the two left hobs. I usually turn both hobs at the same level and it does a decent job of heating evenly.
wspy .
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I confirm: A new Bosch model is coming and featuring a flexzone that can be used as a bridge. It also features numeric controls which solve the issues mentioned above regarding the +/- controls...
kazmom
6 years ago
Wspy - I believe it is already out. The link to it was listed on another thread and the salesman at the store we went to was able to pull it up in their system as available for purchase.
wspy .
6 years ago
Great. Did you end up going with the Bosch?
knoh
Original Author
6 years ago
Super jealous of those that will get their hands on one of the new models! Time for someone to start a new thread!
cfillyaw
6 years ago
I am jealous of the number scale for adjusting the temp on the new ones.
kazmom
6 years ago
We are leaning toward buying the new Benchmark. It is way more than I planned on spending but I love the flex zone and the number scale. Haven't made the purchase yet though.
wspy .
6 years ago
Just reserved mine. A bit expensive indeed but luckily there was a nice Bosch promotion here in Canada...
kazmom
6 years ago
There is a 10% off here if you buy 3 appliances. We were already planning to get a Bosch dishwasher so we would probably throw in a speed oven to get to 3. It only goes through June so we have to decide soon!
Anon Username
6 years ago
Can somebody explain to me what the number scale is and how it is different from Bosch's existing products?
wspy .
6 years ago
On the previous model, each hob level had to be set using +/- buttons. For instance, if you would like to decrease a hob level from 9 to say 4, you would have had to press on the minus button 10 times (counting the half increments).

On the new model, you can just directly press on the number corresponding to the desired level.
feinmaster
6 years ago
Just ordered the new model with FlexZone today. Hopefully I can tell you first hand how it works. Called the NYC showroom today and they confirmed what the above poster says regarding just pushing directly what setting they want and not having to go through +/- to get through to the right level.
aptosca
6 years ago
strob06, the Bosch 10% rebate (can be a bit more if you buy all Benchmark) has been going on for years. The rebates expire every 3-6 mos. but they renew them. No guarantee that that will continue but I would be very surprised if they stopped.
kazmom
6 years ago
Thanks! Good to know!
belgiantex
6 years ago
Can someone confirm that the HIIP055C model (which is the one with the Flexzone) is available in the US ? The local dealer said that the HIIP055C is only available in Canada and that the HIIP055U model available in the US does not have the Flexzone.

Anyone any insight ?
wspy .
6 years ago
According to Bosch US website, it has a flexzone.

http://www.bosch-home.com/us/productslist/cooking-baking/slide-in-ranges/induction-slide-in-ranges/HIIP055U?breadcrumb=freestandingcookers
kazmom
6 years ago
I am in the US and have bought and taken delivery of the new Benchmark Induction Slide In Model # H11P055U with the flex zone. They are definitely out there and can be ordered.
belgiantex
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thanks wspy & strob06 ! Looks like I may go to a different dealer who knows what he's talking about ;-)
jwvideo
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Besides strob, several other forum members received Bosch Benchmark induction ranges (with flex zones) several weeks ago. Reports and photos are linked here. A trip last week to the local Feguson's show room confirmed that the HIPP055u (Benchmark) --- as well as the non-Flexzone HII8055u (800 series verson) --- is presently available for delivery even here in deepest, darkest Montana.
Jakvis
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
According to the parts look up the only difference between the US and Canada model is the Canada model comes with a 220v plug in power cord already attached. A Canadian appliance dealer friend of mine says this is per Canada requirements for all 220v appliances.
belgiantex
6 years ago
Thanks for all the responses. Very helpful
belgiantex
6 years ago
Can someone post a picture of their recently purchased Bosch with the Flex Induction zone please ?
nightflyer
6 years ago
I'm another with the HIIP055U installed and working. I had debated about the 800 series without the FlexInduction zone in order to save some money, but am very glad that I got the benchmark with the FlexInduction. Some of the FlexInduction stuff is a gimmick (PowerMove where different parts of the zone have different power and so you can adjust levels by moving the pan rather than adjusting the power on a single burner), and I have a separate electric griddle for doing pancakes and such, so I thought the additional money wouldn't necessarily give me any features I care about. right now, the flex zone is probably the most used area, as I can put any size pot on it and not have to think "oh, is this pot the right size for the smaller right side burner, or should I use the larger right size burner?" -- I just put it in the middle of the flex zone and it works. As I get more familiar with which of my pots are best suited to which burners, then I may not use the flex zone as much, but it's very useful now.
feinmaster
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
belgiantex, I have several photos of my new HIIPO55U on my separate thread here (scroll all way down as several photos are posted along the way):

New Bosch induction review

BTW, still loving mine, see thread. Good luck with your decision!
belgiantex
6 years ago
@Feinmaster:

Thanks. I did see that thread and it's one of them that has convinced me (for 90% at least) to go with the Bosch.

Still a little apprehensive the large 11" zone is in the back/center. I hate reaching over another pot to get to a wide pan which is usually used for a sear, a stir-fry, etc... usually it's your hottest pan on the stove and I like keeping those in the front. But I guess that's a matter of getting used to it.

Nearly made up my mind ;-) Dacor is still in the running, but the Bosch is inching away to the finish line
kazmom
6 years ago
One thing to remember is that you can put a larger pot toward the front of the flex zone or a smaller pot toward the back of the flex zone, to get the arrangement you want. You aren't locked into the specific burner sizes with this, which is one of the things I liked.
nightflyer
6 years ago
Also, there isn't any pot "in front of" the largest burner. The FlexInduction zone is completely to the left, and the medium single hob is mostly to the right of it. If you're just using the FlexInduction zone and the large hob, no problem reaching things. If you're using all 4 hobs, there is still a reasonable area to access the large pan without reaching directly over any pan on the medium hob to the right.

[I totally agree with you about reaching over things. I had to rule out any range where the cooktop controls are on the back]
Craig Hunt
4 years ago
Can someone tell me if you had to relocate the wall plug? My current plug is located about 2 inches above the floor but looking at the install manual they specified a location about a foot off the ground.
nightflyer
4 years ago
I know that we didn't have to relocate our plug, even though the installation manual implied that we might have to. We were able to see the unit in a store, and could tell that our existing plug location wouldn't be a problem. Hopefully you can see one in person to determine whether your plug location will work.
Craig Hunt
4 years ago
Thanks, unfortunately, all the local places that carry this range only have the gas models on the floor. One of the reps told me they just don't have that much demand for induction ranges that are also slide in.
nightflyer
4 years ago
Sorry to hear that. Maybe you can contact Bosch directly to see if they can give you more accurate info. I'd be willing to pull my stove out to measure things, but mine is several years old now, and I don't know if they've made some minor change in the back that might affect plug placement! It would be a real shame if you relied on my (old) stove's design, and the current stoves had some changes.
Craig Hunt
4 years ago
You are right, new model might be different but thanks for the offer. One thing I have done is download the CAD file for this and opened it up on my computer. It looks like I might be in the clear. However, cad files are really just meant to be accurately dimensioned props in a drawing. Outer dimension are usually very accurate for construction but not when it comes to details they cut corners with accuracy.
vbnet
4 years ago
Soooo, did all of you end up getting the Bosch benchmark? Do you love it?
vbnet
4 years ago
It's sounding pretty good from all the comments here!
nightflyer
4 years ago
I'm very happy with mine, had it a few years. I did have to have a circuit board replaced. I think it was still under the original warranty, but I had opted for an extended warranty through the store. With the stove being so expensive and having so much electronics in it, it seemed worth it to pay for the extended warranty.
vbnet
4 years ago
agreed on extended warranty!
HU-52717999766
3 years ago
what's been your experience with the self clean feature? does the oven door get really hot?
nightflyer
3 years ago
I personally have never used the self clean feature. I'm too worried about the heat from that messing up the electronics (that's what people thought several years ago when I got mine; not sure if opinions have changed). I generally use some kind of pan to catch drips, so only rarely have things drip onto the oven floor, and for things like roasted chicken that may spatter grease all over, it seems to just bake off over the next times I'm using my oven.

So, I can't tell you how the self clean works, but I can tell you that I haven't really ever felt the need for it, either.
kazmom
3 years ago
We have used the self clean feature and it was fine. I do think that the door gets hot, but I don’t remember for sure, it has been a while. It literally burns everything in it to dust!

Last time we cleaned it manually because we had some burnt on drippings that smelled horrible as the self clean was going. We ended up turning it off, letting it cool and using oven cleaner.
Tom Woo
3 years ago
Hi there,

I just ordered a slide-in Bosch induction range HII8056C and wondered about the plug-in for the range needs to be 12" from the floor. I read in previous posts by Craig Hunt that he had a similar question and I'm wondering if the plug needed to be relocated. Thanks.
feinmaster
3 years ago
I relocated mine according to the installation instructions. Hired an electrician to do it. If I hadn't, the outlet would be directly behind the warming drawer which seemed like a bad idea.
Cindy Tillotson
last year
Question regarding cleaning glass oven door on HIIP056U. I understand how to remove oven door. There are stains on inside of glass. Does this model allow to remove panel and glass to clean or do you use something to clean between glass and door?
nightflyer
last year
I don't know the answer to Cindy's question about cleaning the glass oven door, but I would caution people to be very careful when removing the oven door. Yes, it is easy to do, but one time I didn't follow the instructions exactly, and one of the door attachment pieces didn't get set to the right place, and after I removed the door, the spring on that piece caused it to move quickly and it actually shattered the glass (I assume through some internal vibrations or something). That was an expensive way to figure out that I need to be careful when removing the door.
feinmaster
last year
Cindy, I do not know about cleaning the glass, but wish I did - it is pretty dirty after 7 years! I still love, love it. Let me know if you find out the answer on cleaning. I will try looking into it as well.
Casey Sousa
4 months ago
Trying to find out if anyone has figure out yet how to clean the inside of the glass on this door .. Love the range overall, but struggling to find out how to even remove the door!

Bosch Benchmark Slide-In Induction Range Review

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