The model offers 2100 W of maximum power and that means that your food will be ready in a matter of minutes. This is important not just in terms of saving your time but also when it comes to preserving all of the important nutrients and essential vitamins that would otherwise get lost in the process.
The power cable could be longer.
If you value your time more than anything else and would like to acquire what could very well be the best induction cooktop out there, the Philips HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop should prove to be right up your alley. Thanks to the compact size, it will be able to fit just about any kitchen.
Countertop
1
Digital control panel, LED Display
2100 W
Roti/Dosa, Gravy, Stir fry, Slow cook, Pressure cook, 0 to 3 hours time setting, Manual program, 8 power levels, temp range 100 C - 240 C
65 x 281 x 356 mm
1 year
The anti-magnetic wall ensures that the black glass panel heats up only in the centre while keeping the remaining surface cool, making the entire thing safer and much more efficient at the same time. The model also comes equipped with an automatic voltage regulator that takes care of high/low voltage variance.
The cooktop lacks in terms of power.
The Prestige PIC 20 is the sort of model that should easily be able to satisfy those customers looking for a portable induction cooktop that is safer than virtually any other cooktop out there. The appliance is also fairly durable and easy to maintain.
Countertop
1
Digital control panel, LED Display
1200 W
Dosa/Chapati, Pressure cook, Curry, Idly, Deep Fry, Heat milk, Keep warm, Saute, Timer, Variable temperature selection, Variable power selection
60 x 260 x 380 mm
1 year
The digital control panel based on an LED display features seven different segments for easy selection of menus in order to ensure hassle-free cooking. Add to that features that will allow you to adjust the cooking time, the power, and the temperature, and an automatic shut-off function that will let you cook your food unattended.
The buttons are a bit stiff.
The Pigeon Cruise Induction Cooktop is one of the most flexible options on the market that will be able to satisfy those that do not necessarily care about cooking just as well as it will attract customers that truly enjoy the process of preparing their own food.
Countertop
1
Digital control panel, LED Display
1800 W
Timer, Pressure cook, Saute, Curry, Heat milk, Dosa/Chapati, Deep Fry, Idly, Variable temperature selection, Variable power selection
88 x 310 x 365 mm
1 year
A large heating base that will be able to accommodate containers with a larger base, so you won't have to make another batch every time you'd like to cook a meal for two. A long wire cord will provide some additional options in terms of placement. The manual option features eight different power levels with temperatures ranging from 60 to 240 degrees Celcius.
The temperature range is uneven when it comes to the first couple of options.
If you're looking for a model that doesn't require a whole lot of prior experience and the one that will be able to provide years of faithful service, you simply cannot go wrong with the Preethi Trendy Plus IC 116 Induction Cooktop.
Countertop
1
Digital control panel, LED Display
1600 W
Gravy, Roti/Dosa, Fry, Idli, Milk/Tea, Timer, 8 power levels, temp range 60 C - 240 C
105 x 310 x 405 mm
1 year
The appliance doesn't just look elegant thanks to a surface made of crystal unpolished glass, but it's also been designed in order to prevent any entry of water or insects. Other than that, the controls that we will get into a bit later are laid out on the front, so the whole thing is fairly easy to operate.
The cooling fan still works for some time after you turn the model off.
The Bajaj Majesty ICX 3 Induction Cooker may not be the most outstanding option out there in terms of power, but it is certainly the most remarkable induction stove when it comes to an elegant design that could effortlessly spruce up the look of just about any kitchen out there.
Countertop
1
Digital control panel, LED Display
1400 W
Timer, Pressure cook, Heat milk, Rice, Water, Curry, Soup, Idly, Variable temperature selection, Variable power selection
85 x 305 x 385 mm
1 year
For All Sorts of Customers
The Philips HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop is a model that isn't entirely dissimilar to the majority of products from Philips. Aside from being known for exceptional quality, the company was never the one to cater to a specific audience and instead always tried to manufacture an item that would be able to satisfy the highest possible number of customers. And, as we have already mentioned, the model in question doesn't stray away too far from this philosophy. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that this cooktop is simply a middle-of-the-road product and there isn't anything particularly exceptional about it. On the contrary, this is a model that features quite a few specifications that very few competitors out there could even begin to match, but all in good time.
Before we get to some of those specifications, we would first like to discuss its user-friendly design. Similar to the majority of high-end induction cooktops, this one comes equipped with a digital control panel that wouldn't present any challenges to even some of the least experienced users out there and an LED display to further simplify the entire process. Other than that, getting started with the Philips HD4928 01 induction cooktop is as easy as a single press of a button. Once you've done that, all that's left is to choose the appropriate program for your dish of choice and wait a specified period of time.
Will Fit Any Kitchen
Now, finally getting to some of those specifications that make this model what it is, the first thing that will likely attract the attention of any customer is the size of the whole thing. It is no secret that there are literally hundreds of different kitchen appliances out there and, suffice it to say, most people simply don't have enough space to fit all of them. Which is precisely why it is so important that the Philips HD4928 01 induction cooktop features no more than 65 mm x 281 mm x 356 mm in overall dimensions, so you'll be able to find some space for it even if you have plenty of kitchen appliances and your kitchen happens to be relatively compact.
Another important spec of this model is power. As most of you are probably aware, it's the amount of power that the cooktop features which determines the cooking time. In addition to that, it is often the time it takes to prepare a meal that determines the quality of it and a shorter timespan better seals nutrition into the food and prevents vitamin loss. With that said, 2100 Watts of maximum power will make sure that this cooktop won't lose to any of its competitors when it comes to that. Other than that, it's not that different from any other high-end model out there. The auto-off program cooks food in the safest way possible and the cool-to-touch surface will make sure to prevent any possible injuries in the process. In other words, if you value your time more than anything else and you would like to acquire what could very well be the best induction cooktop on the market, the Philips HD4928/01 should prove to be right up your alley. Thanks to its compact size, it will fit just about any kitchen out there.
Additional Info
Safety Is Number One Priority
If you have already familiarised yourself with our "Did you know?" section, you ought to be aware of the fact that induction cooktops are one of the safest heating sources out there. Nevertheless, just because all of them are safe compared to regular stoves doesn't mean that each and every induction chulha is equally safe. So if you absolutely want to make sure that what you're getting couldn't possibly hurt you or anyone else in the process, we couldn't recommend the Prestige PIC 20 highly enough.
Aside from all the benefits of the induction technology, the model incorporates quite a variety of solutions that make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. One of the most remarkable of these solutions is an anti-magnetic wall. To put it in simpler terms, what the aforementioned technology does is ensure that the black glass panel heats up only in the centre while keeping the remaining surface cool. As you would imagine, this solution sort of kills two birds with one stone, given that it makes the entire cooktop safer and much more efficient at the same time. In addition to the anti-magnetic wall, this Prestige induction stove also comes equipped with an automatic voltage regulator that doesn't just take care of high/low voltage variance but also makes sure that the load is taken by the appliance gradually, which is something that's useful both for durability and performance.
A Truly Compact Solution
Of course, safety and durability aren't the only things that the model has in store for the potential customers. After all, Prestige is India's biggest kitchen appliance brand, so it should come as no surprise that the cooktop incorporates a variety of Indian menu options that will provide you with the opportunity to cook authentic Indian food, from dosa and chapati to curry and idli. However, if you like to mix things up once in a while, the model has you covered as well, with deep fry, pressure cook, saute, and keep warm options. By the way, all of these options are available at a single press of a feather touch button that will prevent any kind of liquid from getting into the appliance.
Furthermore, if you're not necessarily a cooking guru, this electric induction stove will be a perfect fit for you since all of those options that we mentioned earlier are a result of what the manufacturers refer to as a full procedure computer control, which is essentially a system that automatically adjusts the power and temperature for different foods and helps when it comes to truly efficient cooking. Finally, we would like to bring up the fact that this product is incredibly compact, with just about 60 mm x 260 mm x 380 mm in overall dimensions, which is something that helps not just in terms of space but also as far as the question of maintenance is concerned. In other words, the Prestige PIC 20 is the sort of model that should easily be able to satisfy those customers looking for a portable induction cooktop that is safer than virtually any other cooktop out there. The appliance is also fairly durable and easy to maintain.
Flexibility Is the Answer
Generally speaking, induction cooktops are the sort of kitchen appliances that, due to their simplicity, often attract more of a bachelor crowd that do not necessarily enjoy preparing food on their own. And there's nothing particularly wrong with that, but that doesn't mean that there isn't an induction plate out there that will be more than suitable for those that like making their own food and enjoy the cooking process. And if you still feel sceptical about these appliances, there's a good chance that Pigeon Cruise would be able to change your mind.
Though the model is far from being one-dimensional and it actually has quite a lot going for it, we feel that the most interesting thing about it is the sort of flexibility it offers when it comes to cooking. Of course, the majority of its flexibility stems from an LED display that features seven different segments for easy selection of menus in order to ensure hassle-free cooking. Similar to other cooktops based on an induction technology, the model already comes equipped with a variety of programs that will help you prepare your favourite Indian dishes like dosa, chapati, idli, or different types of curry. But unlike some of those cooktops, Pigeon Cruise also incorporates features that will allow you to adjust the cooking time, the power, and the temperature, while an automatic shut-off function will provide you with the opportunity to cook your food unattended by setting any time that you see fit.
Dual Heat Sensor
By the way, before we move away from cooking to other aspects of this Pigeon induction stove, we would like to give a quick mention to a dual heat sensor technology that gauges different variations in temperature, thus effectively ensuring that the appliance heats up within the permissible safety range.
Now, setting all of it aside for a moment, we reckon it is time to focus some of our attention on other elements of this cooktop, with the most noticeable one being the sort of power it offers. Having that said, with 1800 Watts of maximum power, the model will be able to prepare your food in no time, thus retaining all of the important nutrients and essential vitamins that are often lost when it comes to a more conventional method of cooking. Nevertheless, despite the sort of power it offers, this induction plate is actually quite efficient in terms of power consumption, especially taking the automatic shut-off function that we described earlier into account. And if durability is your meat and potatoes, the appliance won't disappoint you either, with its high-grade electrical system that protects against short circuits. In addition to the latter, superior top plate cans will be able to withstand extremely high temperatures, which is another point in favour of durability.
All things considered, Pigeon Cruise Induction Cooktop is one of the most flexible options on the market that will be able to satisfy those that do not necessarily care about cooking just as well as it will attract customers that truly enjoy the process of preparing their own food.
The Key is Simplicity
The Preethi Trendy Plus IC 116 Induction Cooktop is a product that is all about simplicity. Now, sometimes that means that the item is simply basic and it doesn't have a lot of features and elements going for it but that isn't the case here. It's not that the model in question doesn't include just about anything that you could want out of a cooktop based on an induction technology. It's just that the biggest selling point of this kitchen appliance is most certainly that just about anyone will be able to operate it and the sort of reliability it offers will go a long way in terms of securing years of faithful service.
There are a few specific aspects that were implemented in order to ensure the latter, but the most important one is probably the high-quality ceramic plate that is capable of enduring and withstanding temperatures of up to 240 degrees Celcius, and that isn't a feature to be underestimated as far as the question of durability is concerned. Naturally, not dissimilar to the majority of high-end induction stoves, this one comes equipped with high-grade electricals in order to protect the system against short circuits. Finally, to wrap the matter of durability up, we would be remiss not to mention that, in addition to the 1-year warranty, you will also receive guaranteed lifetime free service, so there's a pretty good chance that once you acquire it, the Preethi Trendy Plus IC 116 Induction Cooktop will be there to stay.
A Large Heating Base
Suffice it to say, you wouldn't be able to surprise anyone with pre-programmed Indian menus nowadays. But that is because Preethi was the first company to introduce this concept, which is why it should go without saying that this electric induction stove from the said company comes with six different pre-set options that will allow you to prepare gravy, roti, dosa, idli, fry whatever you wish or make some tea while you are at it. The one-touch menu does not necessarily require a degree in rocket science, so if you don't feel like making one of the aforementioned dishes, there's always the manual option that features eight different power levels with temperatures ranging from 60 to 240 degrees Celcius. The maximum amount of power the model is capable of delivering is 1600 W, which is a fairly respectable number that will make the process just about as quick as possible.
Having said all of that, there's no way we could wrap this whole thing up without pointing out a couple of specifications that may not sound particularly impressive but are just as important as the rest of them. First is a large heating base that will be able to accommodate containers with a larger base, so you won't have to make another batch every time you'd like to cook a meal for two. Second and last is a long wire cord that will provide some additional options in terms of placement. So, if you're looking for a model that doesn't require a whole lot of prior experience and the one that will be able to provide years of faithful service, you simply cannot go wrong with the Preethi Trendy Plus IC 116 Induction Cooktop.
Do Not Make Light of Elegance
Even though the majority of induction cooktops boast a fairly chic and polished look if you compare them to their inferior heating counterparts, most manufacturers don't believe in going the extra mile in order to make sure that their model truly stands out in terms of looks even in comparison to its contemporaries. Nevertheless, most manufacturers, as you would imagine, does not imply the entirety of them, and Bajaj is a pretty great exception to this rule. Naturally, it's not like every single one of their products is as dazzling as it gets, but the Bajaj Majesty ICX 3 Induction Cooker certainly fits this description to a tee.
While the particular model from Bajaj isn't necessarily the most compact induction stove out there with 85 x 305 x 385 mm of overall dimensions, the design of it is actually quite ergonomic. The appliance doesn't just look elegant thanks to a surface made of crystal unpolished glass, but it's also been designed in order to prevent any entry of water or insects. Other than that, the controls that we will get into a bit later are laid out on the front, so the whole thing is fairly easy to operate. Of course, in addition to those controls, the model also comes equipped with an LED display in order to make the operation just about as simple as it could get.
A Whole Lot of Options
Settings the looks aside for a moment, we would like to talk about the controls that we have briefly touched upon earlier, especially considering that this is arguably the model's second biggest selling point. Those controls are there in order to make sense of all the conveniences packed into this Bajaj induction stove. Using all of these controls, you will be able to prepare curry, idli, rice, all kinds of soup, heat milk, boil water, and pressure cook. On top of that, these are just pre-set programs and we haven't even mentioned yet the manual option that offers variable time selection, variable temperature selection, and the ability to choose the amount of power you wish to utilise. Suffice it to say, such a number of options will be more than enough to satisfy even the biggest and the most demanding cooking enthusiasts.
Other than that, there really isn't that much to say about this kitchen appliance, aside from the fact that it is also fairly efficient in terms of power consumption thanks to a fairly quick and efficient heating mechanism. All in all, the Bajaj Majesty ICX 3 Induction Cooker may not be the most outstanding option out there in terms of power, but it is certainly the most remarkable induction stove when it comes to an elegant design that could effortlessly spruce up the look of just about any kitchen out there.
Additional Info
What Is an Induction Cooktop?
Looking for a new cooker for your kitchen? Consider choosing an innovative energy-efficient induction cooktop! Conventional electric stoves have heating elements, induction cooktops work in a different way. They use magnetic induction to heat the cookware while the hob is heated only by the cookware on it. The main advantage of an induction cooktop is efficiency. Your pots and pans are heated immediately and your meals are ready in no time, whereas common electrical and gas cookers emit a lot of heat. At the same time, induction cooktops are safe. The device turns on only when you place some cookware on it. As soon as you remove it, an induction cooktop turns off automatically. However, this appliance has a peculiar feature. It will heat only those pans and pots that are made of ferromagnetic (e. g. stainless steel or cast iron). We have reviewed five best induction cooktops, please, compare them and choose the one you like the most!
If you enjoy cooking sophisticated dishes that require the precise following of recipes, it is worth getting one of the kitchen and food scales and measuring cups as well.
What Features to Compare
Type
The first thing to keep in mind while choosing the cooker is its type. Countertop induction cooktops are portable so they are perfect for any small kitchen. You can place the appliance on your kitchen table/countertop for the utmost convenience. They are usually equipped with one or two burners. The second type, built-in induction cooktops, have higher power compared to countertop models; they usually have 3-6 burners of various sizes and shapes. However, built-in cooktops have larger dimensions, while a small kitchen requires a portable device.
Control Panel
The main feature that determines performance of any induction cooktop is a temperature range the unit provides. Multiple temperature modes will help you select the right one for preparing your favorite dishes. Some recipes require a low-temperature cooking, others need a higher temperature; now you can choose the optimal device to meet your daily needs! The induction cooktop usually has 10-15 power levels so you can easily adjust the power level. Owing to an up-to-date digital control panel with an easy-to-read display, using such appliance is literally a piece of cake. In addition, some manufacturers provide their induction cooktops with ergonomic touch control panels. Choose the appliance that suits you best!
Extras
Owing to multiple options, cooking is as easy as it has never been before! To control the process of preparing meals, an induction cooktop can be equipped with a timer that makes an audible beeping signal when your dish is ready. Thanks to Auto Pan Detection with an auto-off feature, the appliance shuts off if there is no cookware on it. Parents will appreciate a Child Lock System that won't let their kids use the device without adults' supervision.
Did you know?
Induction cooking is, as you might imagine, a relatively new technology that has only recently approached the mass market. And, just as it usually is with new things, people tend to spread a lot of rumours and false information about it, so we thought it would be a good idea to address some of these myths and debunk them for your convenience. Some of these statements may be 100% false while others may not be entirely correct, so try to read carefully and pay attention to the details.
Not Dangerous at All
One of the most popular rumour usually centres around the fact that induction cooking isn't safe for you and that induction cooktops are more or less a constant hazard threat. Nevertheless, despite its popularity, this is no more than a myth that doesn't have a leg to stand on. The truth is, induction cooktops are actually the safest heating sources, especially if you compare them to the electric coils that can get really hot in a fairly short period of time and maintain these high temperatures for a really long time. Furthermore, gas cooktops utilise a technology that basically works with actual flames, and that's not even to mention the use of toxic byproducts that are harmful to your health. Induction cooktops, on the other hand, always incorporate a slew of different features that do wonders in terms of preventing overheating, burning, or high-low voltage fluctuations.
Do not Underestimate Copper and Aluminium
As you probably know, a decent percentage of cooking appliances and containers are made of copper and aluminium, so it would be rather inconvenient if the myth about them being incompatible with the induction technology wasn't, at the very least, highly exaggerated. In reality, about the only thing that an induction heating element needs in order to work is an induction-compatible surface. Ergo, if the bottom of a pan or pot is comprised of an induction-compatible material like cast or enamelled iron, all of the other parts of the cookware can contain pretty much any type of heat-resistant material.
Surprisingly Enough, Brand Doesn't Really Matter
Another piece of misinformation that, despite being completely false, plenty of people take at face value is based on the idea that certain induction cooktops will only work with a specific induction cookware brand. Though we may understand why people would believe something like that, the whole idea is nothing but another myth that doesn't have just about anything to do with reality. Sure, certain manufacturers may recommend using their own cookware, but even the most audacious of them wouldn't be foolish enough to claim their cooktops won't work with cookware of any other brand.
Sometimes, Circles Are Just Circles
While some of these myths may sound realistic, a good chunk of them are just downright silly. Nevertheless, some people actually believe that, for example, the circles on the bottom of the pan have to be the exact same size as the induction coil. "Oddly" enough, that idea is completely bogus. Induction cooktops react positively to just about any induction-ready material. So unless you're dealing with a pan that is simply too large or too small, the cooktop will absolutely recognise it.
Sources:
1. Matthew Steen Induction Cooktop Buying Guide, choice. July 14, 2016.
2. Induction Cooktop Guide, eBay. April 24, 2014.
3. Induction Cookers–Everything You Need to Know About, TechLineInfo. July 4, 2012.
4. Ceramic vs Induction Cooktops Buying Guide, Harvey Norman.
5. Nicholas Gerbis Buying an Induction Cooktop, HowStuffWorks.
6. Induction Cooking, Wikipedia. July 17, 2016.
7. Janice Lawandi How an Induction Stove Works, and the Right Pans to Use, Kitchn. April 16, 2015.
8. Alexandra Foley A Recipe for Induction Stove Design Using Multiphysics Simulation, COMSOL. June 10, 2013.
9. Electromagnetic Induction, Wikipedia. August 4, 2016.
10. Chris Woodford Induction Cooktops, ExplainThatStuff. February 12, 2016.