which induction cook top (budget??)?

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mdav056

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#2360202 24-Nov-2019 21:02

Try it out before you buy it. I have yet to find an induction cooktop that responds to my finger, and when using these have always had to ask my wife to operate the controls. I may lack the capacity that she has.

gml

DS248

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#2360243 24-Nov-2019 23:53

We recently replaced our gas cook top with an induction hob. Had installed a Bosch induction hob in our previous house and have not liked going 'back' to gas since moving here over 7 years ago but cost was the issue. Existing gas cook top was large (~90 cm) and hole is granite on three sides so replacement induction hob had to be 90 cm version also. That meant two things - an expensive hob and large cost to run ~17 m of 40 amp cable to feed it. But eventually frustrations with the gas won out (gas from small in-kitchen bottles and options for refilling those had reduced to one, ~15 mins drive away and the future of that uncertain). But main issue was, having previously had induction for well over a decade, someone did not like gas (I was not fussed on it either). Ease of cleaning was also an issue.

It turned out the only hob we found ('name brand', anyway) that had near the same cut out dimensions was the 90 cm Bosch PXX975DC1E model. Width of existing hole was exactly to spec - just had to lengthen the hole by 14 mm and fortunately were able to do that on the fourth side which was wood. Happy with 'having to have' the Bosch though as had been happy with our previous Bosch. We had earlier installed a 'cheap' brand induction model back in the 1990's when they were rare in NZ but had to have it repaired after a few years then it died a few years later (at the time it was not actually cheap at all, just cheaper than the one or two alternative brand induction models that were available in NZ). Replaced it with the Bosch, which never missed a beat.

As mentioned the issue was cost. But we found we could get the model we needed quite a lot cheaper by buying a 'carton damage' model from Able Appliances who act as the 'outlet store' for Bosch carton damage products, at least here in Auckland. Will not find them on PriceSpy etc though. Cost was < $3500 vs ~$4200 min elsewhere at the time, with most ~$4700 (RRP). Regular stores now have it down to $3999. Still full Bosch new model warranty and it did come with just superficial cartoon damage (definitely not dropped or similar - just a few cuts / tears in the cartoon). Hob unmarked and works flawlessly (as would expect!) but have only had it installed a bit over a month. Very happy with the change from gas back to induction.

Like someone else mentioned, we were ultimately able to swap over the existing 40 amp feeding the oven (way overkill) with a new 32 amp cable, so only 5 m of new 40 amp required. The existing 40 amp probably was intended for both but the draw from a large induction hob is too high for that (yes, some electricians recommended just living with it but our preference was separate feeds). Also installed a separate new 32 amp cable (same route) to our carport for future EV charging (not connected yet though - just the cable in).

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#2360634 25-Nov-2019 20:57

thanks. i like the beko premium which is 2400 at heathcotes, and the tradedepot vogue which is 800 but not sure if the vogue can compete. can the heat be easily fine tuned? the beko apparently has 3 modes - simmer fry warm. not sure if that actually does what i want it to do. it has a stop and un-stop function (not sure how useful) and it has nearly twice the power of the vogue (3.5kw vs 2kw).

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#2360635 25-Nov-2019 21:00

DS248:

We recently replaced our gas cook top with an induction hob. Had installed a Bosch induction hob in our previous house and have not liked going 'back' to gas since moving here over 7 years ago but cost was the issue. Existing gas cook top was large (~90 cm) and hole is granite on three sides so replacement induction hob had to be 90 cm version also. That meant two things - an expensive hob and large cost to run ~17 m of 40 amp cable to feed it. But eventually frustrations with the gas won out (gas from small in-kitchen bottles and options for refilling those had reduced to one, ~15 mins drive away and the future of that uncertain). But main issue was, having previously had induction for well over a decade, someone did not like gas (I was not fussed on it either). Ease of cleaning was also an issue.

It turned out the only hob we found ('name brand', anyway) that had near the same cut out dimensions was the 90 cm Bosch PXX975DC1E model. Width of existing hole was exactly to spec - just had to lengthen the hole by 14 mm and fortunately were able to do that on the fourth side which was wood. Happy with 'having to have' the Bosch though as had been happy with our previous Bosch. We had earlier installed a 'cheap' brand induction model back in the 1990's when they were rare in NZ but had to have it repaired after a few years then it died a few years later (at the time it was not actually cheap at all, just cheaper than the one or two alternative brand induction models that were available in NZ). Replaced it with the Bosch, which never missed a beat.

As mentioned the issue was cost. But we found we could get the model we needed quite a lot cheaper by buying a 'carton damage' model from Able Appliances who act as the 'outlet store' for Bosch carton damage products, at least here in Auckland. Will not find them on PriceSpy etc though. Cost was < $3500 vs ~$4200 min elsewhere at the time, with most ~$4700 (RRP). Regular stores now have it down to $3999. Still full Bosch new model warranty and it did come with just superficial cartoon damage (definitely not dropped or similar - just a few cuts / tears in the cartoon). Hob unmarked and works flawlessly (as would expect!) but have only had it installed a bit over a month. Very happy with the change from gas back to induction.

Like someone else mentioned, we were ultimately able to swap over the existing 40 amp feeding the oven (way overkill) with a new 32 amp cable, so only 5 m of new 40 amp required. The existing 40 amp probably was intended for both but the draw from a large induction hob is too high for that (yes, some electricians recommended just living with it but our preference was separate feeds). Also installed a separate new 32 amp cable (same route) to our carport for future EV charging (not connected yet though - just the cable in).

thanks for that. in terms of ease of use, i prefer gas as the heat is direct and has a knob. but agree induction is more hassle free.

timmmay

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#2360638 25-Nov-2019 21:20

My beko freestanding oven is similar to gas, in that you basically set the power level you want, rather than a target temperature. You just get used to it as you learn the hob.

MikeAqua

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#2362072 28-Nov-2019 09:29

We had Bosch 60cm unit in our place in Nelson. Very happy with it. For 90% of cooking it's equal to or better than gas. Amazing for slow cooking, reductions and preserves. We also had a portable gas wok ring that connected to a bayonet fitting for sustained high temperature cooking - steak, wok etc.

Our new place has gas hob and I miss induction so much that I went out and bought a portable induction plate. Great for outdoor hot-pot night in summer.

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Earbanean

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#2362181 28-Nov-2019 10:50

We're renovating at the mo and are putting in an induction cooktop. We wanted bigger than 60 cm, but not 90cm. There are a couple in between that, that we're looking at. Bosch PXY875DE1E 80 cm and F&P CI754DTB2 75 cm.

Both of these are normally around $3,500 ish. However the F&P is now $2,170 on Noel Leeming Black Friday sale. We were going do some in-store haggling at Harvey Norman etc, before locking one in, but the F&P is looking pretty attractive.

Note, we hadn't thought of F&P as an induction cooktop brand, but Consumer have 2 of their cooktops raked 2nd and 3rd, only behind a Miele - which is a more expensive price point.

Zeon

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#2362329 28-Nov-2019 14:05

It's probably not worth running another cable unless you verify it blows the fuse or trips the circuit breaker often.

I bought an inductiontion cooktop from Mitre10 alongside an oven last year. The cooktop had the power cable come out at the front but this then hit the top of the front lip of the oven and the cooktop couldn't sit flush to the bench. Had to change it with another cooktop from them that was much more expensive.

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rphenix

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#2362349 28-Nov-2019 15:25

Wont recommend brands - just want to say its something you really want to test in a show room and not buy by dimensions and specs alone you need to simulate using it. Our induction cooktop is good in every way except one fatal flaw - being all touch screen it has a kids/lock that you have to press for a second or two before you can then use the rest of the controls even to turn down a pan that is already cooking (you can turn the entire unit off without unlocking but that's it) Its perfect in every other way - easy to work out how to do separate timers on different pots all at once, brings things to a boil very quickly - looks good etc but the unlock delay is very aggravating and no reviews at the time mentioned this.

Batman

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#2362426 28-Nov-2019 21:02

mdav056:

Try it out before you buy it. I have yet to find an induction cooktop that responds to my finger, and when using these have always had to ask my wife to operate the controls. I may lack the capacity that she has.

thanks that's exactly what i need but exactly what i can't get. how to go to a store and try fast boil, gentle simmer, fry steak, stir fry, barbeque!

i have used a few that are very difficult to use (hence i keep saying i like my gas because it's very very very easy to control the heat!).

but i take it that now's the time to buy because of the sales

i've looked at the internet - beko 90cm premium direct access and other brands (eg F&P)

and i completely understand what you mean.

*sigh

ee nee mee nee mi nee mo

Batman

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#2362427 28-Nov-2019 21:04

Earbanean:

We're renovating at the mo and are putting in an induction cooktop. We wanted bigger than 60 cm, but not 90cm. There are a couple in between that, that we're looking at. Bosch PXY875DE1E 80 cm and F&P CI754DTB2 75 cm.

Both of these are normally around $3,500 ish. However the F&P is now $2,170 on Noel Leeming Black Friday sale. We were going do some in-store haggling at Harvey Norman etc, before locking one in, but the F&P is looking pretty attractive.

Note, we hadn't thought of F&P as an induction cooktop brand, but Consumer have 2 of their cooktops raked 2nd and 3rd, only behind a Miele - which is a more expensive price point.

does it say that it's

- easy to control the heat

- touch screen has no lag

- touch screen works like an iphone

- no lag or dumb hassle or other gotchas

- they did all kinds of cooking that is actual simulation and not some weighted number of how uniform the colour looks to the wife's eyes?

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ratsun81

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#2362523 29-Nov-2019 08:00

Earbanean:

We're renovating at the mo and are putting in an induction cooktop. We wanted bigger than 60 cm, but not 90cm. There are a couple in between that, that we're looking at. Bosch PXY875DE1E 80 cm and F&P CI754DTB2 75 cm.

Both of these are normally around $3,500 ish. However the F&P is now $2,170 on Noel Leeming Black Friday sale. We were going do some in-store haggling at Harvey Norman etc, before locking one in, but the F&P is looking pretty attractive.

Note, we hadn't thought of F&P as an induction cooktop brand, but Consumer have 2 of their cooktops raked 2nd and 3rd, only behind a Miele - which is a more expensive price point.

Check out Electrolux they have a 70cm unit. Ive got one and its been good for the last 3 years since we bought it. Nothing to complain about.

I think its the EHI745BA model i have which might not be available anymore based off a quick google.

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Batman

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#2363401 30-Nov-2019 12:37

Earbanean:

We're renovating at the mo and are putting in an induction cooktop. We wanted bigger than 60 cm, but not 90cm. There are a couple in between that, that we're looking at. Bosch PXY875DE1E 80 cm and F&P CI754DTB2 75 cm.

Both of these are normally around $3,500 ish. However the F&P is now $2,170 on Noel Leeming Black Friday sale. We were going do some in-store haggling at Harvey Norman etc, before locking one in, but the F&P is looking pretty attractive.

Note, we hadn't thought of F&P as an induction cooktop brand, but Consumer have 2 of their cooktops raked 2nd and 3rd, only behind a Miele - which is a more expensive price point.

the F&P doesn't seem to have a "pause" mode?

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