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michelle_hines76

2 burner Induction cooking

10 years ago

We are replacing a 36" electric cooktop with an induction version. We currently use the two burner bridge element at least once a month. The Electrolux Model (EW36IC60LS), which happens to be the only one that will fit the hole our Kitchenaid left, does not have a bridge element to cook on 2 burners at the same time. Does anyone know if this is an issue with induction? If we have the pan on 2 burners (set at the same temp) will it heat evenly? If it matters, my larger 2 burner pots are all Le Creuset cast iron. I was thinking this might not be an issue with cast iron? Any suggestions? We were looking to avoid replacing the counter top. Thanks for any advice!

Comments (3)

  • 10 years ago

    It depends. Certain induction tops have wattage limits such that if you have all of the burners running at once, the unit will reduce the wattage from each. The other question is what you mean by bridge. If your old cooktops bridge feature was just linking the controls for the two burners, then I think you will be ok. If the bridge feature actually Had a heating element in the "dead space" between the burners, then the functionality will be different unless the new cooktop has similar functionality. I know you are limited by the existing cut out, but make sure you identify all of your options. There are a few induction tops out there that have layouts that are more accommodating if a bridge than others.


    also, the appliance forum may generate more useful info.

    Michelle Mullins thanked rjknsf
  • 10 years ago

    rjksnf - I should be ok with the wattage limits, we have never used all 5 burners at once. Typically 3 is my max. My current bridge element heats up the dead space, I don't fully understand the science behind induction so I wasn't sure if the whole pan would get hot or just the area over the heating element. Thanks for the feedback!

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Some (or maybe all) of the induction cooktops share a certain amount of wattage with another burner. Usually front and back. So if you have one on full power the other can't be on full power at the same time. It doesn't really have anything to do with the main source of power coming to the cook top. So if you were to want to put a skillet over a front and back burner and then put them both on high it wouldn't work. I have a GE Profile induction range. I have used front and back burners for a large roaster and it works fine. I think they are usually close enough that induction will heat most of the pan. It may not be quite as even as an actual bridged cook top. I also would never want to use the highest settings except to bring water to a boil. So it likely wouldn't be an issue. Just make sure you know how each cooktop has their burners (hobs) laid out and what their power rating is as they differ from brand to brand.

    Michelle Mullins thanked silken1