Hi Lexi —

I can't speak for long-term use, but we've tested this range in a lab and found it to be one of the best induction models available when it comes to initial quality:

http://ovens.reviewed.com/content/samsung-ne58h9970ws-slide-in-induction-range-review

The Samsung freestanding front control (with slide-in look) models, I think, are the best of the new crop of freestanding slide-ins (compared to LG, Frigidaire/Elux/Kenmore and Bosch).

Yes, it has some gimmicks—but I think Guiding Light (similar to Elux's Wave Touch) helps keep an uncluttered look, and FlexDuo is pretty helpful. You might love or hate the Virtual Flame, but it at least gets people less afraid of induction.

Our testers spent a decent amount of time with this model, so ask me if you have any other questions.

- Keith

Keith:

Thanks for posting.

Maybe you can get answers to some questions that have been asked here in previous threads on this range?

Are there just ten burner heat settings (as marked on the knobs) or can you make interim power adjustments by adjusting the knobs between the marked steps? Reportedly, the Miele induction range offers this although the user's guide does not mention it. The Samsung's user guide does not mention interim steps either, but it might not have them. It could be a selling point if the function was available because the Samung is sold for less than half the price of the Miele. OTOH, Whirlpool products and numbers of premium priced induction ranges (such as Dacor and F&P) only offer ten settings.

If there are only 10 settings, how are they arranged? That is, are they spaced evenly through the power band or are more of the steps concentrated at the lower end of the power scale where finer control is more desireable? By way of explanation, I'm thinking about tasks like using pressure cookers or making rice. My past experience with some ten-step induction cookers with relatively strictly linear set of power steps, is needing settings between 1 and 2 or between 2 and 3. I hardly ever need to use anything over 6 except for the very top end which is used when bringing a large pot to boil. Induction cookers from the likes of GE, Electrolux, Bosch, etc., with 17 (or greater) steps mitigate the linearity by providng provide interim settings (e.g., 1.5). A hypothetical alternative way of doing this could be having more finely graded steps at the lower end (as by having the first six steps on the Samsung correspond to what would be 1 through 3 or 4 on a GE or Elux).

Induction ranges produce low heat by cycling the burners on and off --- sometimes referred to as pulse width modulations (PWM). In the past, several threads here have reported that some manufacturers (such as GE, Electrolux, Miele, Bosch, etc.) pulse the burners on and off many times per second. The pulsing is imperceptible to the cook. Other brands --- Whirlpool's brands come to mind (including Kitchenaid and Maytag) --- seem to use cruder PWM. The low settings on those ranges pulse and cycle with a few seconds of absolutely still, then ramp up to a full boil for a second or two, and then back to a few seconds of stillness. (This also is common complaint about many less expensive portable countertop induction cookers, as well). What did your reviewers observe about this in using this Samsung?

Concern has been expressed about the location of the the oven vent. (It is in front, right below the left side of the control panel.) How much heat comes out the front oven vent when baking/roasting for an hour or more? Also, does that vent heat the burner knobs or oven control panel?

How loud/intrusive are the cooling fans for the electronics?

Hi Jwvideo:

The power settings range from 1-9, with a "P" for boosting the right rear and left front burners. If I recall correctly, it's only a single-digit display for each burner. It's been a while since we tested this unit, so I'll look into getting more information.

On low-power settings, we didn't notice any uneven cycling—and we have noticed that issue on some models that we've tested.

As for the controls, we don't measure temperature at the vent (in theory, that should be part of the product certification process), but our testers will comment if the area around the vent is unusually hot. Personally, I've noticed user reviews for other front-control brands that mention poor ventilation causing electronic control failure, but none for Samsung's front-control ranges so far.

Hope this helps,

- Keith

When you say you have noticed uneven cycling on some models you've tested, could you check your results for which models exhibited this?