Induction cooktop recommendations

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testycanuck

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#306464 25-Jul-2023 13:51

Hi I've searched and there aren't any recent posts about induction cooktops. Do people have brands or models they recommend? I was looking at this one from Bosch but really not sure about the differences between all models and brands

https://www.bosch-home.co.nz/productlist/cooking-baking/cooktops/induction-cooktops/PVS675FB5E#/Tabs=section-highlights/

Thanks!

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#3107879 25-Jul-2023 13:53

We got a Beko 5 - 8 years ago. It works fine, but it's midrange at best. The metal splashback behind it is bending a bit, and the glass cooktop while ok is looking somewhat worn. I would probably go for a Bosch or another good brand next time. However, if midrange is what someone can afford, a midrange Beko induction is still a lot better than anything without induction.

jamesrt

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#3107885 25-Jul-2023 14:16

We had a Samsung bench-top Induction - emphasis on "had". I do NOT recommended this brand.

It developed multiple faults, was repaired a couple of times, and then finally blew up - we've replaced it with a unit by a different manufacturer.

The main brand-name retailer we purchased the replacement off didn't recommend (and I'm not sure if they even stocked anymore, tbh!) Samsung, due to lots of similar issues, and issues with parts/repairs.

Just my $0.02c worth.

mortonman

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#3107889 25-Jul-2023 14:36

We installed a fisher and paykel hob about 3 years ago when we remodelled the kitchen. Had gas previously

Its awesome and still looks like new.

Induction Cooktop, 60cm, 4 Zones, with SmartZone (fisherpaykel.com)

The smartzone is great for larger pans.

Dingbatt

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#3107897 25-Jul-2023 14:55

Had similar problems to jamesrt with our original Samsung hob. Ditched it and replaced it with a Miele. A basic model with simple functions, but it hasn’t missed a beat.

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robjg63

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#3107903 25-Jul-2023 15:19

We bought a Bosch pie631fb1e for about $1800 a little over 2 years ago.
It is great. At the time there were shortages of appliances, so the equivalent 'could' be cheaper now.
It has excellent control of the power. We had a gas hob before and i had to talk my wife into going induction and we put one gas burner in because we already had the gas installed.
We rarely ever use the gas.
We have had a very good run (touch wood) with Bosch appliances.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

surfisup1000

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#3107904 25-Jul-2023 15:35

We have a brandt induction cooktop... been going perfectly since 2009.

MikeB4

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#3107910 25-Jul-2023 15:57

I concur regarding Samsung kitchen appliances. Samsung makes reasonable phones and TVs but their other appliances are very problematic as I have personally experienced. I would add Belling to the do not touch list.

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johno1234

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#3107918 25-Jul-2023 16:06

Slightly OT but the glass induction cooktop on our 90cm freestanding range was not looking great after a boilover. I thought the glass was etched and damaged and I couldn't get it clean.

Wifey horrified me by getting a professional oven clean done... and blow me down the glass cooktop looks like new again. The pros scrape it very carefully with a very sharp very straight bladed scraper. Obviously they clean the oven too.

Once they were done the oven looked like new again. I was very impressed.

phrozenpenguin

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#3107920 25-Jul-2023 16:19

We bought the Bosch Series 8 induction (I think this one: https://www.bosch-home.co.nz/productlist/cooking-baking/cooktops/induction-cooktops/PXY675DC1E#/Togglebox=accessories/Togglebox=manuals/Togglebox=accessoriesOthers/) a couple of years ago. It was a bit of a price increase over a 6 but available in stock.

It has been fantastic and whole highly recommend - we moved from a basic ceramic and it is SO MUCH better. The difference between series 6 and 8 may be minor or important depending on how you cook. The flexi/multi zone and extension areas are great for e.g. roasting trays etc - but we use them rarely. I think your linked option in the thread would be great. What kind of price are you being quoted?

billgates

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#3107969 25-Jul-2023 16:32

We have had the Electrolux model for the last 2.5 years and it's been great. No issues thus far. Ours was the 11kW version connected to both our power phases at home. I see they have now reduced power so it can run on single phase but the power output from hobs is still more than enough.

90cm UltimateTaste 700 5 zone induction cooktop (EHI955BE) | Electrolux

Do whatever you want to do man.

GenX

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#3108053 25-Jul-2023 19:13

We had a Westinghouse WHI945BC induction cooktop installed 2 years ago. It’s been brilliant.

One thing to watch though is the pots and pans. Our old Le Creuset stuff heats up and boils water in minutes. Another make we have that are marked as induction compatible take an age to heat up. It’s really noticeable as well with different makes of frying pan.

testycanuck

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#3108056 25-Jul-2023 19:21

Thanks for all the replies, sounds like Bosch is rated highly.

phrozenpenguin:

We bought the Bosch Series 8 induction (I think this one: https://www.bosch-home.co.nz/productlist/cooking-baking/cooktops/induction-cooktops/PXY675DC1E#/Togglebox=accessories/Togglebox=manuals/Togglebox=accessoriesOthers/) a couple of years ago. It was a bit of a price increase over a 6 but available in stock.

It has been fantastic and whole highly recommend - we moved from a basic ceramic and it is SO MUCH better. The difference between series 6 and 8 may be minor or important depending on how you cook. The flexi/multi zone and extension areas are great for e.g. roasting trays etc - but we use them rarely. I think your linked option in the thread would be great. What kind of price are you being quoted?

Lowest I've found is $1,993, which I think is a decent price? We weren't sure how useful the multi-zone would be, but I guess it can't hurt to have it just in case.

MadEngineer

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#3108062 25-Jul-2023 19:46

Our house came with an AEG which works well. It can be programmed for power requirements and I love the function of tapping heat level 9 twice to get a pot boiling NOW. Assume this is a standard function these days.

I'm not sure how they've applied the labeling to the glass but that's quite durable and doesn't seem to rub off with the cleaner+conditioner.

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Senecio

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#3108104 25-Jul-2023 22:03

I will state my conflict of interest by saying I am a proud F&P employee so I won't go recommending one brand over another. What I will say however is once you go to an induction cooktop you won't want to ever return to a standard ceramic cooktop. The level of control over temperature and the way the pan or pot responds to the power setting is night day over a ceramic cooktop. We recently replaced our ceramic with induction and it has transformed our cooking. We can now sear meat again when previously it either burned or broiled in its own juices.

As pointed out above you do need to pay attention to the cookware you use. Not all "induction compatible" cookware is equal. Cast Iron is ideal but a non-stick pan needs to have a decently thick steel base for induction to work effectively.

johno1234

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#3108124 26-Jul-2023 07:54

We’re between houses in a rental and making do with a gas cooktop. It is so inferior to induction. Bringing a pot of water to boil feels like it takes ages. Not surprising given the amount of heat energy from the gas that missed the water and can be felt above it. Plus the gas is converted to water vapour (and CO2) on burning, neither are desirable.

There’s only one thing good about cooktops and that’s the wok burner.

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