I'm losing my mind! All induction cooktop or MY preference: with gas?

10 years ago

I've spent HOURS and HOURS searching & reading here and on internet - I keep flip-flopping back and forth - ALL induction or mixed (1/2 and 1/2?) with gas WITH BLACK GLASS. Here's my situation: I'm just swapping out a 10 year old SS gas, 4 burner, 30" cooktop in a granite countertop. I'm a SERIOUS, frequent cook - sauces, gravies, saute'ing, etc. I'm a gadget and kitchen supplies freak. I literally have a good 25 or so pans, pots, steamers, pressure cooker, 13" saute pan, 3" melt pans, roasting pans, lids, 2-burner-length oblong pot for massive qty. - most all of which are not for induction - mainly alum., 70% non-stick, heavy-duty and I love them and don't want to give them up. I REALLY don't. I've bought a single, portable induct. burner and can tell I will love it. After a lot of thinking, I really think I still want both! Considered two 15" Wolf modules (gas and induct.), but don't like the lack of features on the induction one. Can't seem to find a dual cooktop (been told no longer much avail. in U.S.). I DO want all the goodies on the induct.: higher power, boost, large coil to allow bigger pan, min. of 15-17 settings, burner timer, effective, low melt/simmer setting, etc.

When I search on European websites, there are TONS of them (often called "mixed fuel") - even in the 30" width. But, will I have probs with compatibility? What about warranty or repair work? I seem to remember Pillog here saying she got hers from overseas? There's one I LOVE, LOVE the look of - see pic here, hopefully. But, can't get much detail about it no matter where it's been listed. It IS a Whirlpool - Model AKT 477 IX. I think it has a power boost to 3200 W. which is fine and a nice wok/large burner on right. Sells for about $1,000. Another couple of mixed fuels by De Dietrich for about $1200+. Anyone heard of this brand? How do I find out about the reputations - can't find reviews over there? When I've "flopped" to all induction, I've been seriously considering the newest Bosch Flexinduction, no SS ring, 30".

My GUT tells me to get the mixed one; for me, it's the best of both worlds. (When I make roast turkeys, as an example, I use SS roasting pans (I have THREE - medium and 2 lg.) (not induct. capable) and then place pan over 2 burners to make my famous gravy for all the fond I need.) Help/suggestions anyone? I can't imagine tossing out all my pans - a lifetime of collecting and few from my mom, too. Pillog? Kaseiki? PLEASE HELP!!!!!

Featured Answer

plllog

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Take a deep breath. :)

I did get my 24" induction from Europe, but it was at a time when there weren't any at all available in the U.S. There had been when I started but a couple of brands early on the market in the beginning of the current popularity of induction stopped making induction or exited the market. GW was one of the drivers of early adoption (not counting the previous round of induction 20 years prior). For awhile there, in the mid-2000's, there was a kitchen place that was bringing in a couple of models and our members were buying. Others brought in DeDietrichs themselves. I think there was a place in New Zealand that was helping, but then had to stop. At least one guy got a second unit for parts, but I don't know if that was before or after the inductors on his primary unit started failing. Parts was a big problem with that whole deal. De Dietrich is a brand of one of the big makers. Maybe Fagor? Good product but absolutely no product support here.

If you haven't seen the caveats about my self-imported Gaggenau, here they are:

1. It's identical to the 36" model they had at the time, minus one end (i.e., a pair of smaller elements). That means that the local repair service should recognize and be able to fix it. I discussed the whole thing at length with their "weird installation" specialist, and he opined that it would be fine but the clock might be off because of the difference in frequency. Turns out that the unit was made to work with either 50 or 60 (there are other parts of the world where they use 60 amps).

2. The self-importers here warned me to get a letter from my insurance company saying that it was all right to have the non-UL appliance. The one requirement my company had was that it must be installed by a licensed electrician. It also had to pass the building inspector's check.

3. There is no warranty when you self-import. You break it, you pay to have it fixed, and have parts sent from abroad. We have excellent Gaggenau service or I would never had done it. They also might have the parts since they had the similar unit on sale here. Not that I expect it to fail, but if you don't plan for it, you're really stuck. When my unit arrived with the box torn up and leaking styrofoam, intact but with a couple of small dents in the frame, I counted myself lucky. If it had come from a local store, I would have demanded pristine.

If I were to do it today, I almost certainly would by the 24" Wolf. I haven't looked closely at it, but I'm guessing it's fine. I don't use the features much. Just on and off. I keep meaning to put in a rice program, but I never make the same kind of rice so never do. I rarely need the true timers (countdown to off). I use boost. :) I use the gas for hotdogs and hamburgers because they do better on the grill plate with the hot air surrounding them, than in a pan (that's once or twice a year). I use the gas to toast tortillas and that kind of thing. I use the gas when I have more than one big pot. I like having gas. But if I didn't have the money, I'd get just induction and a camp stove for emergencies. (During a non-emergency blackout, when it's just the neighborhood, it's foolish to open the fridge and let out the cool air. If you leave it closed, your food will keep for at least a day. Better to just go outside of the blackout area to friends or a hotel.)

The hybrid units you're looking at are made for the lower part of the market, often for people who don't have reliable energy. If gas is delivered in balloons (big canisters) and shared with the neighbors (who might use it up before gas day), and electricity is uncertain, having both gives you a better chance of being able to cook. That doesn't mean it won't work for you! Just make sure you know what your cooking needs are.

I've put a Graniteware roaster, molded bottom and all, on my 11" double element on the induction to reduce pan juices. It works fine even though the corners stick out. I did get a big round griddle for it, however. I have a heavy enamelled cast iron double griddle/grill that is not appropriate for induction. I use it in the oven and got the round, induction griddle for my big element. :)

Will you really keep using your beloved old cookware with gas when you have an induction element? You might. But you might just want to use the induction all the time. Perhaps you should try doing all your main cooking on the induction hotplate for a couple of weeks and see.

Something to consider about the unit you pictured--those gas grates are above the plane of the counter/stove, in the European way. They're relatively higher and smaller than American raised grates. Have you used this style before? I have. Pots can fall off while you're stirring. They don't usually dump their contents or anything, but it's a pain. I really hate them.

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Comments (14)

PRO
Joe Henderson
10 years ago
You shouldn't buy an european appliance. Service will be non existent, parts won't be available if you do have an issue, and there may or may not be code/compliance issues that would cause problems with an inspector. Not worth while IMHO.

Bertazzoni Segmented 36"

I know its not 30" but I have sold several of them very successfully. Good quality, an 18k btu burner and 2 induction burners

The new wolf units are a bit of an upgrade. The CI152TS is the new induction and the CG152TS is the gas. They haven't started shipping yet, but they are nicer.

Budget being no issue, Gaggenau 400 series are awesome. You can do the VI424610 and the VG424210 and then retrofit the knobs into the front of your cabinetry (relatively easy actually)

Thats about it for the US. Until their is broader acceptance of induction (I know these boards are big fans, but in my experience too many people just have a hard time seeing it as different from the old electric radiant units) thats all there is.
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PRO
Deck The Halls
10 years ago
Have you considered a range with gas burners and a French Top for your sauces? I have recently purchased a Lacanche and I've read on the threads for it here that they are doing a induction for the US market. You may want to check with the Lacanche dealer in NY.

When a range is ordered, the customer decides on the configuration of the range top and ovens. Including deciding on BTY's, French Top, and whether the ovens will be gas or electric, electric convection or one of each.
homepro01
10 years ago
Miele also makes combi units like Wolf and Gaggenau. The issue you have is the space is 30" With that space limitation, you can install two modules, one dual gas burners and one induction module which only has one burner. I personally would not buy the combined units because I think they offer too many compromises in power and repair ability. With your current size limitation, you may want to consider a good 30" gas cooktop and continue to use your induction portable as needed. This will prevent you from having to spend money on new cookware.

Good luck with you decision.
dbabrams
10 years ago
What part of the country are you in? I only have 30" to work with so I'm putting in a 30" Miele Induction cooktop and a 60k BTU wok burner outside. It's warm most of the year here.
0
weedmeister
10 years ago
Personally, I'd say that if you have a lot of aluminum pans that you don't want to part with, you would be ill served going to induction.
0
sjhockeyfan325
10 years ago
And personally, I'd say deciding whether to go induction or not because of the pans you already own is a classic case of tail wagging dog LOL!
0
M M
10 years ago
Thanks for the link to Bertazzoni! I have been looking at placing gas and induction modular units side by side, but really like the look of the Bertazzoni combination single unit.
0
arlinek
Original Author
10 years ago

Thank you ALL for your responses. Each has helped clarify add'l thoughts I've had and brought up new ones! I THINK I've made a decision about what I need to do. As of this moment, I'm going to buy a 30" black glass induction cooktop - 4 burners. When I want to use one of my non-induction pans, I'm going to use a heavy-duty gas, 12,000 BTU portable unit that runs on Butane (1 hr. of continuous high BTUs usage; 2-3 hrs. for medium)! It's clear that my needs for those won't be often, but it WILL solve most of my issues that were bothering me and I won't have to give ALL of my favorite pans away that I so feared. And I'll still have access to BOTH induction AND gas (my original duel-fuel passion)! The reviews for this particular 12,000 BTU gas unit were outstanding and it's cost is less than $50 for the privilege.

I was considering the Bosch Flexinduction or the highly praised (by reviewers) Frigidaire FGIC 3067MB. But, now I've noticed here the Bosch 800 being discussed for less $$ than the Flex if one doesn't need the flexible pods (which I don't, really). Frigidaire has about all the goodies EXCEPT individual burner timers at around $1100 or so with just terrific reviews on amazon - an amazing price point. Can anyone point out some detriments of these three that I may not have noticed or be aware of? What would all of us unknowing people do without all your input and kind help??
0
writersblock (9b/10a)
10 years ago
If you aren't afraid of open box/refurb stuff, Sears outlet has the FGIC3067MB for less than $800!
0
arlinek
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Yes, I saw that, thanks! But, the ones they have are in midwest and I'd want to see it first; it was tempting. (And I'm in San Diego.)
0
a2gemini
10 years ago
Arlinek

Come visit the MW! Lots of space here.

My parents lived in Ireland for a time period in the early 80's and we noticed that everyone had 2 gas and 2 electric burners. We asked why - "of course we have 2 of each, so when the electric company is on strike we use the gas and vice versa"

Postal was on strike while we were there and there was a 7 year wait to get a telephone line installed. Guess now everyone is using cellular.

Welcome to the world of induction. It is amazing- different than gas or electric but quite amazing.
0
arlinek
Original Author
10 years ago
Where's MW, a2gem?
0
a2gemini
10 years ago
Sorry it was late in the MW aka Midwest
0

I'm losing my mind! All induction cooktop or MY preference: with gas?

plllog

Comments (14)

Joe Henderson

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Deck The Halls

homepro01

dbabrams

weedmeister

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M M

arlinek
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writersblock (9b/10a)

arlinek
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a2gemini

arlinek
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a2gemini

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I'm losing my mind! All induction cooktop or MY preference: with gas?

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arlinekOriginal Author

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