Showing posts with label countertop burners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label countertop burners. Show all posts

4/18/2012

Koolatron TCXU-24 Total Chef Automatic Coffee and Wine Urn 24-Cup Capacity, Silver Review

Koolatron TCXU-24 Total Chef Automatic Coffee and Wine Urn 24-Cup Capacity, Silver
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I have owned two (2) of these 24-cup coffee urn products, over the past 3+ years. The first one began leaking at about the end of the first year, so we liked the product enough to locate and purchase our second unit. The second urn worked well for about ten (10) months, but, this past week the device that controls the flow of liquid from the urn broke. Although we can still make our coffee, we must now LADDLE IT OUT OF THE URN. Not the best way to start one's day, I'm very sure.
I've had the device completely disassembled and attempted to repair the faulty item (it is a clear plastic unit, rather barrel-shaped, with a slot that allows the fliud to be discharged when the barrel is turned to the opening. The shaft that connects to the lever on the outside of the urn has snapped off and will not accept any of the glueing products that I've tried, attempting to repair it (even tried to re-enforce the device, inside, to no avail).
Since this is my second urn, and the problem is NOT A REPEAT OF THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST URN, I feel the consumer should be aware that the life expectancy of these products seems to be far less than the average consumer might expect, for an in-home electronic appliance, and incredibly short for any possible commercial use.
When working, the product was more than satisfactory, but, the unexpectedly short projected life of the product should be noted on the product, and/or these faults should be reflected in the pricing of the unit(s). If I could have found a parts supplier, I might not be so negative about the product either, but, having to purchase a new unit EVERY YEAR seems totally unfair to the consumer likely to purchase this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Koolatron TCXU-24 Total Chef Automatic Coffee and Wine Urn 24-Cup Capacity, Silver

Total Chef 24-cup coffeemaker Versatile coffee machine prepares coffee, tea, mulled wine, and keeps them warm too. This Coffeemaker/wine urn is great for parties.

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4/15/2012

BroilKing Single Cast Iron Burner Range/Hot Plate - Silvertone Review

BroilKing Single Cast Iron Burner Range/Hot Plate - Silvertone
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I was worried about ordering online and not being able to see the product in person. I was so surprised that it was so much better than I expected. I used it for canning and had a giant pressure cooker sitting on it. It performed perfectly and because it is so well made I expect that it will last me for years. Due to the fact the top area around the burner is metal you do not have to worry about a large pot extending out over the side of the burner and melting any plastic like other models on the internet. Well worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BroilKing Single Cast Iron Burner Range/Hot Plate - Silvertone

For your office, studio or dorm room (or in addition to your existing stove), this cast iron range holds its own with 1500 watts of power and a durable stainless steel housing. The heavy-duty cast iron element measures a little over 7-in., and evenly delivers heat for boiling, frying or reheating food. So sturdy, it can handle up to a 12-quart pot! Other features include an easy-to-clean surface, infinite heat control for a constant simmer or boil, non-skid feet and power light.

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4/06/2012

iPortable Induction Cooker Review

iPortable Induction Cooker
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Having owned a 5 zone induction cooktop imported from the UK in my previous home, I was already spoiled and no stranger to the responsiveness, efficiency, and pure power of induction cooking as well as the different brand units out there. I was a tad nervous about plunking down $500 for a single induction burner, however, this little workhorse has proven to be one of the most joyously hard working appliances in this old kitchen being used exclusively now while the archaic smooth top stove sits cool and idle.
The heat settings on this unit are spontaneous and responsive with a range that will shame your pro-gas stove or cooktop for putting a perfect sear on a roast and boiling a large pot of water lightening fast, plus all settings in between that are dead on accurate as well as a setting low enough to be used as a hot plate. And all this can be done anywhere, even outdoors. What a concept!
I highly recommend this Viking cooker if you are considering bringing induction into your home and would like a test drive a unit that is truly top notch and representative of the genre.
***Important to remember with all induction cooktops is your cookware must be ferrous or magnetic. You can test your pots and pan bottoms with an ordinary kitchen magnet. Cast iron and enameled steel work wonderfully on induction and now there are many cookware manufacturers producing lines of stainless steel that are induction capable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iPortable Induction Cooker

VICC120SS -MagneQuick induction power generator -Burner- 8''/1,800 watt -Easy to clean glass ceramic surface -Extremely durable, wear-resistant surface. -Portable countertop cooking -Metal knobs with childproof, push-to-turn safety feature -Stainless steel / black exterior featuring black glass and knobs -1 year full warranty -Dimensions: 3.25'' H x 12'' W x 15'' D -Not all cookware is induction capable -Must be a flat bottomed cookware with a magnetic component This easy to use induction cooker creates an additional cooktop in your kitchen, office, or anywhere it's useful. The exceptionally responsive MagneQuick power generator used magnetic energy to cook quickly and efficiently. A glass ceramic surface is extremely durable and allows for easy cleanup.

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3/24/2012

Magneflux Portable Induction Cooktop Includes non-stick finish pan(ENERGY EFFICIENT) Review

Magneflux Portable Induction Cooktop Includes non-stick finish pan(ENERGY EFFICIENT)
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An induction cooker is different from a standard electric coil since the cooking surface remains relatively cool, being largely heated by the pan; the surrounding surface will remain cool to the touch. Instead of the heat loss we recognize as a warm or hot kitchen, the heat is 70-90% efficiently directed to the pan and little heat is lost to the air except from the hot pan. The cooker requires ferrous (metal)cookware that a magnet will stick to; aluminum or glass will not work unless a special heating plate is put on the cooktop that will transfer the heat to the non-ferrous material. The reason for this is that the cooker has an electromagnetic coil that creates an electrical field, which in turn causes the pot to heat up by the induced current since the cookware will not be as good a conductor as the copper coil in the cooktop. All instructions make particular note for those with a pacemaker or defibrillator to not use this sort of cooking method since it could potentially interfere with the devices.
This induction cooker is 1800 watts, which to my understanding is the most powerful that can be used on a 110V circuit. There are actually 2 models; they have the same feature set, but this one has stainless steel trim and comes with a non-stick pan, and the other is an all black finish and no pan. It doesn't have a built in timer, but comes with a battery powered digital timer. This, in some ways, is better since you can keep the timer near you in other rooms as a reminder. It has 9 power levels arranged in 3 groups: low, medium and high; each having 3 sets of temperatures. The temperature settings range from 150 degrees F to a high of 500 degrees F. The controls are true touch type, not blister type press pads, and are sensitive to a light touch. There are, as in most, 2 circles indicated for pan placement and it is supposed to sense the correct pan size, the minimum being a 5 inch diameter, the maximum being about 9 inches. The unit looks and feels like a quality item. The glass top is easily cleaned with the included microfiber cloth. Like most units the cooling fan can be heard and remains on for a minute or so after it is off for cooling the coils.
It seems to have even heat and is every bit as responsive as gas. It is different cooking with however. At the lowest heat it pulses to keep the temperature constant, which can take some getting used to. Again, all units do this; it's the nature of the beast. The cooktop remains cool to the touch and heats very quickly. No, I have not done the boiling water test, but my stir fry turned out fine with no drama.
I got this as an introduction to this type of cooking, so I can't comment on other units. I am very happy with the build quality and would purchase it again.
UPDATE 9 September: I've had more of a chance to use this unit and while I still like it and feel that it is well worth the money, there are a few caveats:
The low temperature settings are 150, 175 and 200, and the medium begins with 250. For something like rice that depends upon steaming, 200 is too low and 250 tends to be just a bit too high. By finessing the controls a well cooked rice can be done, but it would be easier if there were more control over the temperature. On the other hand, I continue to be impressed with the immediate control of temperature and its power to take on things like browning meat. It was easy to make golden translucent sauteed onions and brown meat for an excellent goulash; but because of the power I had to be careful to watch the liquid level. Although there is definitely a learning curve, all meals prepared thus far have been quite good. The pan that comes with this unit is a very nice non-stick one. It does not come with a lid, but a Calphalon 12 inch glass lid fits it perfectly. For some reason the bottom isn't flat so oil tends to run to the sides. This hasn't been an issue with most things since not much oil is needed with non-stick, and sauces have been fine.
The only unit that I have seen that has infinite settings is the Viking, which is also 1800 watts, but costs $500. It is also the only one that I have seen that has a rotary control, which is far more precise and faster to use. Before you get put off from a touch pad though,it has its virtues, such as ease of clean up and no mechanical components to fail, but is a bit slower to change things quickly, such as changing quickly when something is boiling over. I hope that this information will be useful to those trying to sort things out.
As a final note, I also bought a Viking unit and have found it to be easier to manage the heat with the rotary control knob. Although the noise from the fan in the magneflux didn't bother me, the Viking is also much quieter if that is a consideration for you. Other than boiling water or heating oil perhaps, don't be misled by cooking speed claims. Once the pot/pan is at the right temperature it will take as long to cook as any other conventional method. Its strength is with the immediate responsiveness to control and the area surrounding it remaining relatively cool.

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2/14/2012

Fagor 670040240 110-Volt Portable Induction Cooktop Review

Fagor 670040240 110-Volt Portable Induction Cooktop
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This was my first experience with induction cooking, and, like everyone else says, it's fantastic. Keeps the kitchen cool, heats things faster, offers precise control, environmental, easy to clean - all good stuff.
But I'm going to try a different brand next time I buy an induction cooktop. Here's why:
1) There are only six heat settings. I've found that to simmer many items, I need a setting in between 2 and 3. So I have to stand over it and manually switch between the two.
2) It appears to cycle on and off (at least on setting 3). A pot of stuff will bubble for a while, then stop, then bubble for a while, etc. I don't know if this is normal for an induction cooktop, but obviously it isn't very smooth.
3) The controls are indeed difficult to get used to, though it can be done. You need to give them a rather sharp tap, instead of just pressing them. There's also a delay, so if you want to turn the heat down from 6 to 1, you have to tap at certain intervals.
4) It seems to produce a hot spot in the center of the pan. That part will bubble when the edges stay cooler. I don't know if this is normal with induction cooking. I use All-Clad pans.
All told, these negatives don't outweigh the positive experience of using an induction cooktop. But I'll try another brand next time. And there will be a next time, because compared to my lousy electric stove, induction cooking is wonderful!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fagor 670040240 110-Volt Portable Induction Cooktop

Sleek and efficient, this induction-powered cooktop brings the comfort and health benefits of home-cooked foods to the office, dorm room, cabin, or anywhere in need of a portable heat source. The 110-volt appliance features a large burner and six adjustable power levels, with a temperature capacity that ranges from 190 to 430 degrees F--perfect for everything from gently soft-boiled eggs to hearty soups, stews, and more. Convenient to transport and simple to use, the energy-efficient unit heats instantly when needed, while the surface around the pot remains cool to the touch. For added safety, the cooktop's auto-pan detection sensor automatically shuts the unit off after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected to prevent scorching, heat-related injury, and power waste. Even more, the cooktop provides a digital 180-minute countdown timer that aids in properly cooking all dishes, reducing the risks of overcooking. Additional highlights include an easy-to-clean glass surface, a touch control panel with a digital display, a child safety-lock system, a low- and high-voltage warning system, and a diagnostic error message system for simple troubleshooting. The cooktop works with all induction-ready cookware, such as cast aluminum, enameled iron and steel, stainless steel with a magnetic bottom, and cast iron (all Fagor pressure cookers and cookware are induction compatible). The UL-approved induction cooktop measures 14 by 12 by 2-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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2/08/2012

Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk with Heat-Proof Handle Review

Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk with Heat-Proof Handle
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This was purchased with an induction cooktop, It is well made and does what it is supposed to do. The money is better invested in induction compatabile cookware. We found dirt cheap cookware at TJMAX for less than the purchase price of this device. If you have a pot or pan you cannot live without then buy it. It's just another item you need to clean after cooking. The induction cookware heats so fast it makes cookware used with this seem like cooking in the dark ages.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk with Heat-Proof Handle

Designed for use with any portable or built-in induction cooktop, this handy 8-inch disk acts as a heat converter, making it possible to cook with any type of cookware including aluminum, glass, copper, porcelain, and non-magnetic stainless steel. Simply place the disk between any induction cooktop and the cookware of choice--anything from small fry pans and saucepans to larger griddles and stockpots--for safe, efficient cooking. The unit's durable stainless-steel construction evenly distributes heat, while its stay-cool handle ensures a secure, comfortable grip. The induction interface disk measures 8 by 15 by 1/2 inches.

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12/22/2011

Circulon Infinite Induction Cooker Review

Circulon Infinite Induction Cooker
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[UPDATE TO THE REVIEW BELOW - after using the cooker about 10 times (10 hours over a 5 month period) it has quit working. The fan runs and the display indicates all is well, but no heat is generated in the pot (and yes, it is an induction-compatible pot).]
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I couldn't find the power rating of this device anywhere on the web. I decided to risk buying it because the device looked well thought-out. The label on the underside rates it at 1500 Watts max. I measured around 1430 Watts (active power) and around 1530 VA (apparent power) using a Kill-A-Watt meter with the burner running at max power. It has 9 power settings down to a 100 W simmer.
In a large-diameter pan it brought 2 qts of water from room temperature to a boil in 10 minutes. Based on the pattern of the boiling activity the device seems to have an active heating area 5-6 inches in diameter, which is consistent with the recommended minimum pot diameter of 5 inches.
The 3-star rating is due to the small diameter of the active heating area. I bought this thing in part to cook down garden produce like tomatoes in broad shallow pans prior to freezing or canning, and it doesn't seem very good for that. I'm used to cooking with gas, and a gas burner spreads the heat across the bottom of the pan (much of it escaping around the sides, unfortunately). The induction burner focuses the heat much more precisely, so if you cook in smaller diameter pans it may suit you well. BTW, it has a fan that is not exactly whisper quiet but wouldn't bother me.


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Induction is a method of cooking whereby a magnetic coil produces a high-frequency electromagnetic field. Magnetism then penetrates the magnetic material of a pan, setting up a circulating electric current which generates heat. The heat produced in the pan is then transferred to the contents. Instead of heating the area under and around a pan like a traditional gas or electric burner, an induction burner turns your pan into the heat source. Induction cooking is extremely efficient. 90% of the energy generated by induction goes directly into the pan, compared with only about 55% efficiency for gas and electric ranges. Induction cooking is fast - water boils nearly twice as fast with induction cooking than with traditional stovetops so you use less energy making it environmentally friendly. Cookware made of magnetic metal such as 18/0 stainless steel, carbon steel and cast iron is induction suitable.Infinite Circulon, along with a number of other brands of cookware are ideally suited for induction cook tops.

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11/11/2011

Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop Review

Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop
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... for your learning dollars, that is.
Had this for a month; free-shipped, it arrived intact and within a very reasonable time. Manual is brief and to the point.
Works fabulously with simple time-proven cast iron cookware, but don't expect omelets to come off whole easily - might do with enameled cast iron which I do not have. It is great to have minimal heat dumped into the house when you are paying for your air conditioning and it is 90°+ outside. That it worked just fine with some of my older - cheaper stainless steel pots that didn't pass the magnet test was a pleasant surprise. I plan to move it to the back porch before I try my heavy-flavored grill-pan fried fish!
Took away the 5th star since (a) heat is so localized over the center that it charred stir-fry veggies and burnt the thin-gauge pan when I got a bit over zealous with the power settings and (b) the temperature preset increments are too far apart for my liking. It shouldn't be a big deal to have more numbers of and more uniformly spaced steps since the controls are all electronic. I would use cast iron cookware exclusively unless heating a liquid, -the thickness helps distribute heat more quickly and evenly- but you will want to be extra careful of the delicate-looking ceramic cooktop surface.
All in all, a great inexpensive tool to learn induction cooking and what to look for before you plonk your money down for that big-bucks 4 or 5 element full size induction cooktop kitchen upgrade. I am happy with the purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop

Sleek and energy efficient, this high-quality cooktop brings the comfort and health benefits of home-cooked foods to the office, dorm room, catered affair, or anywhere in need of a portable heat source. Unlike standard electric elements, it supplies an induction heating element, which delivers the same precise control over the heat as with a gas burner, but without the danger of an open flame. The single burner provides 10 power levels from 500 to 1800 watts and 10 temperature settings that range from 140 to 450 degrees F--perfect for everything from gently soft-boiled eggs to hearty soups, stews, and more. Its user-friendly push-button control panel features an easy-to-read digital display and a 180-minute timer with auto shut-off that aids in properly cooking all dishes, reducing the risks of overcooking, burning, and waste. The cooktop delivers instant heat to induction-compatible cookware; it can also accommodate non-induction cookware with the use of an induction interface disk (model 6010; sold separately). For added safety and convenience, the appliance comes with an in-line fuse, overheat sensor, an unsuitable-cookware detector, and a smooth design that wipes clean easily. Attractively housed in durable stainless steel, the induction cooktop measures 13-2/7 by 12-1/2 by 2-3/5 inches.

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8/09/2011

Proctor-Silex 34101 Fifth Burner Review

Proctor-Silex 34101 Fifth Burner
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We got this to replace a burner bought off the shelf. It died within the first week. I have been much happier with the results for this burner as a replacement for our dead stove. In fact, it heats up faster that our stove used to. Produces good heat quickly and has worked well in almost all situations.
The only issue I have is with what seems to be an overtemp safety because it will cycle itself on and off. A pot will get hot quickly but it also seems to senses that the pot is still there and hot, and decides to take a rest or turner off the burner for 15-30 sec while things in your pot stop boiling. It seems to come back quickly to reheat again, but cooking with an even hear is lost as the burner cycles on/off.

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The Proctor-Silex Fifth Burner is perfect for providing an extra cooking surface when you expect a lot of company.It is even suitable for small apartments and dorm rooms. Adjustable temperature keeps you in control. Model number on packaging may be listed as either 34101 or 76371PY. Product is identical.

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7/31/2011

Waring Pro ICT100 Professional Induction Cooktop Review

Waring Pro ICT100 Professional Induction Cooktop
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If only one could get this type of cooking in a stove at a reasonable price! At the present time, since there is very little demand for magnetic induction cooking, full stovetops are very expensive. However, one can purchase a single burner unit like this one from Waring Pro, and discover how wonderful induction cooking is!
This induction cooktop is super energy efficient. All you heat is the pan. Right next to it the surface is totally cool. Indeed, the only heat on the cooktop comes from the pan itself. After use, the fan will run for a minute or so to make sure the surface is temperate to the touch. Moreover, the cooktop will will not function if it does not sense a pan/pot on the surface (or the right kind of pan), and will shut off if the pot gets to hot.
When I first put my stainless steel pasta pot on it nothing happened. I thought something was wrong. But that pot bottom was not magnetic, and thus would not work with magnetic induction. You MUST have the right kind of cookware (it should say induction on the storebox - we use Circulon Infinite Infinite Circulon 10-Piece Set- or simply test it with a magnet in the store. Aluminum, copper, etc. will not work. Cast iron works fine, but the weight of cast iron could scratch the surface if you are not careful.
I find that whatever you cook heats really fast, faster than our electric range because there is no warmup; heat is instantaneous. Cooldown almost so. No waste of energy. Some fan noise, not objectionable, and some slight higher frequency noise when it is heating. Timer can be handy if you are not sure when you might get back.
We are really pleased with this. We use it on our kitchen island where you can cook with it, or keep something warm in total safety because the sides of the cooktop are cool to the touch. You would need some counter space to use it, and we store it easily by leaning it up against the wall under the counter so it is always ready for use. It cleans up super easy since it never gets hot!
This unit could also be used camping with an inverter, during a power outage using an inverter and a car battery, or in the backyard to heat the beans when you are cooking burgers. Many uses are possible as long as you can supply 1400 watts of power from your inverter.
There are some other models available from other manufacturers right here on Amazon, but I do not think you could go wrong with this unit by Waring. It is beautifully made - a fine asset to your kitchen. It would also be great for summer cooking as less heat would be added to your kitchen. Highly recommended!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Waring Pro ICT100 Professional Induction Cooktop

Efficient and easy to operate, this professional induction cooktop provides extra help with family meals and entertaining. It uses electromagnetic technology to ensure quick heat-ups while consuming 85-percent less energy than conventional burners. Delivering even heating with no hot spots, the small appliance accommodates induction-ready cookware, and its heat stops automatically 45 seconds after removal of a pot or pan. Simple touch controls include On/Off, seven heat settings, and a 99-minute timer. Other highlights include a blue LED timer display, safe operation with no flame or exhaust gas, and elegant styling with a smooth glass top. The induction cooktop measures approximately 13-1/2 by 11 by 3 inches and carries a five-year limited warranty.

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