Kitchen Design & Kitchen Cabinets Remodeling - Renomart » Cooktops

Portable Induction Cooktop

Kitchen Design — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:48:02 +0000

Portable Induction Cooktop

I am designing a kitchen for a very good friend of mine and during our conversation about her kitchen design, the topic of induction cooktops came up.

She was amazed at the large price difference between conventional halogen cooktops and induction cooktops. I explained to her the benefits of induction cooking, how energy efficient they were (90%) compared to gas cooktops (40%) etc but the only drawback was the initial cost. As a guide, induction cooktops range between $2,000 - $4,000 dollars.

A couple of days later I was checking some listings on my kitchen auction website and I noticed a lot of companies were selling portable induction cooktops.

Further investigation revealed that these portable induction cooktops were made by Fagor, Max Burton, Bosch, Viking, Miele, Thermador as well as other lesser known companies.

What I found most interesting was the cost. Portable induction cooktops were available from under $100 with the average price being around $200.

So I guess that if you ever wanted to try cooking with a magnetic induction cooktop but the high initial cost scared you off, you now have the perfect opportunity to buy a portable induction cooktop instead (and save yourself lots of money too!)

Magneflux 1800w Portable Boiler Plate Induction Cooktop
US $79.99

FRIGIDAIRE PORTABLE INDUCTION COOKTOP FGIC13P3KS
US $125.00

Portable Induction Electric Cooktop 1300W
US $69.99

Frigidaire Portable Induction Cooktop FGIC13P3KS
US $129.00

Portable Induction 1200 Watt Cooktop Stove SR 1851
US $132.00

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Magnetic Induction Wok – Gaggenau Vario VI 411 Induction Cooktop

Kitchen Design — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:39:53 +0000

Magnetic Induction Wok

The Gaggenau Vario VI 411 induction cooktop is designed as part of the Vario 400 Series. This stainless steel VI 411 induction cooktop utilizes the performance of gas with the effortless operation of an electrical appliance, allowing anyone to whip up a masterpiece of culinary delight.

The Gaggenau VI 411 features a unique 15-inch to 20-inch glass ceramic flat surface that always stays cool and a very large induction zone that utilises electronic controls with an output level of 3500 Watts of power. The induction zone has low to high power variability and pot detection capability delivering excellent results. Outperforming gas and electric cooktops, the VI 411 magnetic induction wok was the highest rated cooktop by a leading consumer magazine.

Standard features include:

Induction cooktop
Variable temperature control
Pan detection
Residual heat indication
Safety lock

Optional accessories include an automatic cooking timer, wok pan and wok pan support.

More information -
Gaggenau 15 Gaggenau Induction Wok Vario

ADCRAFT IND WOK208V WOK Induction Cooker 208V New
US $239.99

WOK Induction Cooker 120V New ADCRAFT IND WOK120V
US $266.65

ADCRAFT IND WOK120V WOK Induction Cooker 120V New
US $266.65

Berndes Coquere Induction 55 Qt Veggie Stir Fry Wok
US $136.95

COOKTEK INDUCTION WOK MWG3500
US $1,199.00

Cooktops, gaggenau, induction cooktop, induction zone, magnetic induction

Magnetic induction cooktops on eBay

Kitchen Design — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:46:51 +0000

Magnetic induction cooktops on eBay

Everybody likes a bargain and finding magnetic induction cooktops on eBay couldn't be simpler if you follow these 4 easy steps.

Step 1- Register (it's easy and free!)
Step 2 - Browse or search for 'magnetic induction cooktops'
Step 3 - Bid or Buy. If you want it at a lower price then you should 'Place a Bid'. If you want it straight away click on the 'Buy It Now' button.
Step 4 - Pay by credit card, PayPal or checking account.

Before you start bidding make sure you Register first. To make things easier for you I have a included a detailed summary of magnetic induction cooktops being bidded on in real time below.

GE 36 Profile Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop NEW
US $1,975.00

GE 36 Induction Smoothtop Sensor Cooktop BRAND NEW
US $1,825.00

GE 30 Stainless Induction Smoothtop Cooktop NEW
US $1,599.00

GE 30 Induction Smoothtop Sensor Cooktop BRAND NEW
US $1,445.00

SUMMIT INDUCTION COOKTOP WITH 1800 WATT COOKING ZONE
US $349.00

Cooktops, ebay, magnetic induction cooktops

Modular griddle cooktop – KitchenAid KGCP 463KSS

Kitchen Design — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:45:53 +0000

Modular griddle cooktop - KitchenAid KGCP 463KSS

This modular griddle cooktop is made by KitchenAid and it is part of the Architect Series.

It is a commercial style cooktop with a sleek, stainless steel exterior. It has 4 powerful gas burners ranging from 6,000 BTU simmer (adjustable down to 600 BTU's) all the way up to 15,000 BTU's and quite a hefty griddle cooktop which is situated in the middle of the unit.

Oversize dial controls add to the commercial look of this cooktop and the cast iron matt finish grates are easily removable for cleaning.

For more information on the modular griddle cooktop click the link below.

KitchenAid KGCP463KSS 36" Sealed Burner Commercial-Style Gas Cooktop with Simmer Plate Grille/Griddle: 4 Burners w/ Griddle

WOLF COOKTOP RT486G 6 BURNER INFRARED GRIDDLE
US $2,000.00

Thermador Pro 48 Gas CooktopElectric Griddle PCG484EC
US $3,299.00

NEW DCS CP 486GD L PROF COOKTOP 6 BURNER GRIDDLE SS
US $2,299.00

KITCHENAID 48 GAS COOKTOP GRILLE GRIDDLE STAINLESS
US $2,139.95

Capital Precision 36 4 Burner Gas Cooktop Griddle
US $2,705.00

commercial style, Cooktops, gas burners, gas cooktop, griddle, kitchenaid, stainless steel, Uncategorized

Magnetic Induction Cooktops

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:39:58 +0000

Magnetic Induction Cooktops

Magnetic induction is the latest and greatest development in the field of cooking today. Chefs who traditionally cooked with gas are now changing their old habits and are switching over to magnetic induction cooktops. Magnetic induction cooking has all the benefits of gas cooking but is much more efficient. But how is this possible? Read on and I'll tell you more.

How does it work
Instead of using a resistance element (electric coil, halogen tube etc) such as is found on a normal electric cooktop to heat the saucepan, a high frequency magnetic field is used instead. When magnetic molecules move back and forth rapidly, they create friction and become very hot indeed. An 'induction' coil is used to create the high frequency magnetic field and the saucepan (which contains steel) in essence becomes the 'element' and cooks the food inside it.

Advantages
The advantages of magnetic induction cooking are many.

Faster - because the energy is transferred directly to the saucepan (with minimal heat loss), heating is very fast. It is much faster than gas (and microwave ovens as well!). My induction cooktop (which is an Electrolux Gallery EHD8680) can heat 1 litre of water to a rolling boil in just 1 & 1/2 minutes.
Cheaper - 90% of induction energy goes straight into the saucepan. That means that for every dollar you spend on cooking, 90 cents of your hard earned money is returned to you in fast, efficient cooking power. Compared to gas which is about 40% efficient, 60 cents of your gas dollar goes up the rangehood. Electric halogen cooking is 58% efficient and radiant coil is around 47% efficient. When you lift a pan from the cooktop the magnetic field is broken and the power is cutoff. Putting the pan back down restores the power again, making it more economical and safer than other cooking methods.
Safer - because the glass cooktop surface does not get heated (only the saucepan), the pan gets hot and the cooktop remains cool. The only time the cooktop gets hot is from heat transfer from the bottom of the pan. It would be pretty hard to start a fire as there is no naked flame or infra red, radiant heat. Boilover can be eliminated because the touch controls are instantaneous (and most cooktops have boilover sensors which will cut the power if you have left the cooktop unattended).
Cleaner - As the cooktop is cool, any boilover or spillage of food does not get baked on. Sensor touch controls means there are no fiddly knobs to clean (and get in the way of your pans).

Disadvantages
There are only a couple.

Cookware must be magnetic (containing iron or steel). Copper based, aluminium, glass and most stainless steel will not work with magnetic induction. A simple test is to get a magnet and see if it will stick to the bottom of your saucepan.
The high initial cost of the cooktop itself (around the Au$3,000 mark)
The kitchen cabinetry may have to be modified (to allow for cooktop ventilation) if you are going to install the cooktop in an existing kitchen.

Have a look at my post regarding a portable induction cooktop too...

GE 36 Profile Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop NEW
US $1,975.00

GE 36 Induction Smoothtop Sensor Cooktop BRAND NEW
US $1,825.00

GE 30 Stainless Induction Smoothtop Cooktop NEW
US $1,599.00

GE 30 Induction Smoothtop Sensor Cooktop BRAND NEW
US $1,445.00

SUMMIT INDUCTION COOKTOP WITH 1800 WATT COOKING ZONE
US $349.00

Radiant Coil / Solid Cooktops

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:37:23 +0000

Radiant Coil / Solid Cooktops

Radiant coil cooktops utilise a resistive coil element to provide heat for cooking. They are usually wound in a spiral arrangement. Radiant coils are easily detached for cleaning or replacement. They sit over an opening in the cooktop and a metal drip tray is usually situated underneath the coil to catch spills etc.

Solid elements work in the same way but they look like a raised solid plate. They are easier to clean but can suffer from pitting or eroding of the surface if not looked after properly.
Radiant coil cooktops are generally slow to heat up and cool down. For this reason, boilovers are common if the cooktop is not watched. The coils do not usually glow red at lower temperatures so it is easy to burn yourself if you are not careful. Thankfully, most cooktops are equipped with indicator lights to tell you with coil is in operation.

NEW GE 30 STAINLESS ELECTRIC COIL COOKTOP JP328SKSS
US $268.00

GE 2 burner Electric Coil Cooktop
US $314.75

NEW 30 BLACK ELECTRIC COIL COOKTOP
US $174.00

Cooktops

Ceramic Glass Cooktops

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:32:19 +0000

Ceramic Glass Cooktops

Ceramic glass cooktops are a combination of radiant coils (underneath) and a single piece of ceramic glass which forms the cooktop surface. The glass is approximately 6mm thick. This flat surface makes cleaning spillovers a breeze.

The use of hi speed heating radiant coils gives the ceramic cooktop a welcome boost. Little heat is lost to the glass cooktop periphery and most heat is delivered to the bottom of the cooking utensils. Cooking utensils must have flat bottoms for the cooktop to work effectively. Any warping in the base of the pans can result in an annoying 'rocking' on the glass surface.

Although easy to clean, the ceramic glass surface can be damaged by spillovers having a high sugar content. This must be scraped off immediately. As with radiant coil cooktops it is hard to see if the cooktop is hot after cooking has completed and all are fitted with warning lights that turn off after the surface is cool enough to touch.

GE Glass Cooktop Assembly WB36X10152
US $14.62

Miele KM427 240 36 Ceran Glass Electric Cooktop
US $797.29

GE Glass Cooktop Replacement WB62T10022 NEW
US $100.00

ceramic glass, Cooktops, glass cooktops

Halogen Cooktops

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:31:16 +0000

Halogen Cooktops

Halogen cooktops look exactly like their ceramic glass cousins except that underneath the glass lies a halogen quartz tube element. Thats right, its a light bulb! But how can light cook my meals? Lets find out.

Halogen bulbs contain a tungsten filament and halogen gas. When electricity passes through the tungsten filament it heats up (very quickly) and the halogen gas combines with the tungsten boiling off from the filament to form tungsten halide. The heat breaks down the tungsten halide and the tungsten redeposits itself back on the filament (thus giving the element a much longer life). The energy given off by the lamp is predominantly infra red so it will quite easily pass through the ceramic glass cooktop into the cooking utensil. It also gives of light (a red glow) so it can easily be seen through the glass therefore it is easy to see what part of the cooktop is hot.

Halogen cooktops are very fast to heat up (faster than other glass cooktops) except magnetic induction cooktops.

GE Glass Cooktop Assembly WB36X10152
US $14.62

Miele KM427 240 36 Ceran Glass Electric Cooktop
US $797.29

GE Glass Cooktop Replacement WB62T10022 NEW
US $100.00

ceramic glass, Cooktops, glass cooktops

Gas Ignition Systems

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:29:56 +0000

Gas Ignition Systems

Gas ignition systems for cooktops generally come in three different types. Matches or lighter (self explanatory), piezo and electronic. I'll skip the matches and lighter and describe the other two types.
Piezo ignition

Most peoples introduction to piezos come from the good old singing birthday or christmas card. The speaker inside the card is a piezo transducer made to operate as a speaker. A small voltage across the piezo crystal makes the piezo move, therefore converting the voltage to (annoying) sound waves.

A piezo ignition system works in the opposite way. A mechanical plunger acts upon the crystal (striking it) and an electrical spark is given off by the piezo. This voltage is extremely high and the spark is easily produced. The advantage here is that no electrical power is required to run the device. The disadvantage is that it makes a loud 'clunk' and you only get spark per activation.

Electronic ignition

Electronic ignition is by far the best solution to gas ignition. Electronic ignition works when the electronic device gets a signal (from a switch or gas knob). The device then outputs a series of sparks igniting the gas burner. Usually, the sparks are emitted at more than one point around the burner. When the switch (or gas knob) is released, the ignition stops.

Brunton Raptor Camping Stove Piezo Ignition New
US $35.00

Heavy Duty Automatic Piezo Ignition Torch SODPT500 Sold
US $46.95

PIEZO IGNITION ROTHMANS ADVERTISING GAS LIGHTER
US $9.95

Cooktops, piezo ignition, piezo transducer, Uncategorized

Flame Safety Devices

Kitchen Design — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:28:37 +0000

Flame Safety Devices

Flame safety devices (or flame failure devices) work by stopping the gas supply to the cooktop if the flame goes out.

The flame safety device works by utilising a thermocouple heated by the burner flame. The thermocouple generates a small electrical current which is connected to a small electromagnetic valve in the gas supply line. When the the thermocouple is hot, the valve continues to stay open. When the flame is extuinguished (by a draught or gust of air) the thermocouple goes cold and the electrical current no longer passes through it. The valve is then turned off automatically because the electromagnet has had its electrical current shut off.

cooktop, Cooktops, flame failure, flame safety