Induction cooktop users -- recommendations please.

5 years ago

I am considering replacing my current cooktop (a Bertazzoni 36" combination cooktop -- 2 induction hobs, 3 gas hobs) with an all induction unit. The two induction hobs have stopped working, and I'm not sure whether repairing the unit (not under warranty anymore) makes sense when I'd prefer all induction anyway.

I'd love to get some input on what kind of induction unit you have; your experience using it. Did you get a flush installed unit or one that sits proud of the countertop? Pros and cons of that? How do you like the user interface? What features could you live with out? or not live without?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

MizLizzie

5 years ago

I will bump this up.

I have the most basic Bosch imaginable, just a slab of black glass, proud of the quartz. The model is so old and so basic, they no longer make it, but if I had it to do over again, I’d buy a Bosch as close to it as I could get. It is perfect, and has never failed me. I love everything about it, cook full meals on it at least twice a day, and can’t imagine needing more features. I sometimes think I’d prefer the recessed look, but with this Bosch sitting on the quartz, if I have a spill, I can just barely slip a paper towel between the two surfaces to clean anything that might have got under the glass. Being a neat freak, I’d probably choose function over form and do it like that again. Good luck.

Comments (16)

Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I have a Gaggenau induction cooktop that has a metal rim. I prefer the way Miele's cooktop sits proud on the counter without a metal surround. I think the Miele setup is easier to clean. No big deal- just a now that I have it, I see the other way is better. As for functionality- it is fantastic. Very granular control, easiest cleanup ever, a great cooktop- I suspect it's not that much better than the Bosch version judging from what I read here and the fact that Gagg and Bosch belong to the same parent company.
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Any kind of silicone mat will do. Silpats or off brand. Anything thin and grippy that doesn't interfere with the magnets will do. Re paper towels catching fire, anything is possible. I use Viva, which suffer no ill effects. I try to use few paper towels, though, so did buy a silicone mat. Paper burns great when it's lit (it's wood and perhaps rag), but it's very hard to ignite, especially whole, in the center. Perhaps if it gets really oily, the oil could catch fire if it then got between the magnets and the pot and got hot enough. You'd have to try really hard. But, of course, you shouldn't leave things cooking untended even on induction. You can also use newspaper or parchment paper to contain a spattery mess. You'll see a scorch mark long before it ignites. It really is very hard to burn paper. My guess? People may be reusing the same paper towel and it's the crud in the towel catching fire. I wouldn't reuse paper on the induction. Use the nearly clean paper towel for another job, and dispose of it. Use the newspaper and trash it if it's cruddy, recycle if it's clean. Or get a silicone mat and sponge it after using. Crud, expecially crystalline crud like salt or sugar, can scratch the glass surface of your unit, so do clean up thoroughly every time. Cleaning up is so easy, it shouldn't be any bother.
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alex9179
5 years ago
I'm not in my house after needing to reno but, I have a 30" Bosch and love it. It took a couple of weeks for me to realized that touching the interface did not mean pushing! I adapted to the power steps within a couple of weeks. The individual timers weren't on my want list but I ended up loving and using them all of the time. Mine has Autochef but I don't fry but once in a blue moon and when I do the pan that works with it is too small for a family meal. I don't use this function.

It sits proud of the countertop, no chips on the edges from careless family members.
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sherri1058
5 years ago
Mine is flush. Love the look, and my countertop guy was amazing, so crumbs, etc. getting stuck is not an issue. The 2 features that I love are the separate controls for each hob and the individual timers.
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scrappy25
5 years ago
Very happy with a 36' Bosch 800 here. Great layout and controls, including the individual timers. Started with a Gagg that had to be replaced and was very glad that I did the drop in cutout initially- otherwise might have had to replace the entire countertop.
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provogal
5 years ago
I have had the Miele induction cooktop for 7years now. I absolutely love it! It looks as good today as it did when it was installed. Amazingly easy to clean!
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javiwa
5 years ago
Another satisfied Bosch (30" Benchmark) customer here. We opted for the proud mount to have one less thing to stress about (i.e., hoping the fabricator would do a near-perfect job with the cutout so I wouldn't ended up having to dig junk out of the crevices if he didn't). Glad we didn't go with the flush mount as we ended up with mis-measured and mis-cut everythings!
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User
5 years ago
I have the low-level Bosh, frameless. If I had to do it again, mine would be flush. While the glass is tough, if you hit it just right (such as dropping a bottle of wine from approximately two inches above it right on the edge - did that) it will break quite nicely. Fortunately, the Bosch glass top was not horribly expensive and it was super-easy to replace.
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HKO HKO
5 years ago
We have the Miele. It sits up above the counter a bit and has a metal trim. Not a problem to clean around. Love it. Would buy again.
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AJCN
5 years ago
I have the Bosch 36" 800. I really love the individual timers. But I never use the "master chef" features. I bought mine in 2013. I think since then the Bosch introduced one that has a bridge. If that had been available when I bought, I think I would have gone for that feature.
boschboy
5 years ago
I have had both the 36” Bosch 800 series and the GE Cafe 30”. I currently have the GE and one of the features I use most is the Sous Vide WiFi attachment. The bridge feature to me is useless as it just turns on 2 hobs at once which I could do manually. Both the Bosch and the GE were top mounted which worked for me. I had no issues with either unit and would recommend both.
zmith
5 years ago
My first induction top was a 30" frigidaire-made Kenmore elite. Hated it's buzzing noises. The controls were such that you had to use up and down arrows to change heat settings on the burners. Loved using induction however. Replaced it 4 or 5 years ago with a 36" Bosch 500 series. Love that I just press a number for the desired heat level. I find the power boost most useful for boiling water.
muskokascp
5 years ago
Another fan of the Bosch. I can't remember which one we have - mid level. Installed in 2011 and never had a problem. Would buy again .
Jim1405
5 years ago
I've had my 36" Bosch 800 series for 3 1/2 months now a love it. After using a coil top electric most of my life this thing is wonderful. The individual timers are great for cooking rice, oatmeal etc. I like the power control scale is nice and wide so it is easy for my fat fingers to hit the correct level. I didn't do the flush mount because I was concerned it might be more of an issue with the cut-out in the granite if I ever have to replace the cooktop.
Elizabeth Keough
5 years ago
Thanks for posting this question. I was looking at the GE or Samsung induction cooktops. But with all of the happy Bosch posters, I'll take a look at their offerings as well. I'm super excited to go from the old electric range we inherited with our house to induction!!
User
5 years ago
Check the weight and the wiring on the ones you are interested in. Heavier, with larger wires = better quality that will last longer.

Induction cooktop users -- recommendations please.

MizLizzie

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Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real

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