what do you have now, what's your budget?

I have a 30” electric cooktop. We’re remodelling so I’m taking the opportunity of going to a 36”. My budget is $5k if needs be.

Very pleased with Bosch Benchmark 36”. It’s good value for money we felt..

I don't have it yet, as the renovation is not done, but after much research I'll be getting the 36 inch Blue Star induction. https://www.appliancesconnection.com/bluestar-bsp36indckt.html - However, what is your budget and what kind of area do you live in? I am in an area that almost requires high end appliances in kitchens. Other areas may not. That could influence your options significantly.

Bosch and Miele are great. I had the former in a previous house. It was great. Currently have Miele. It is great too. Bosch is a fantastic value.

I have a Thermador 36" induction. Had it about 1 year. Love everything about it.

I had a Miele in a previous house. What I did like was the ability to do half steps of power e.g. 6, 6.5, 7. The touch pads were easy to use and made the top easy to clean

We renovated last summer. We were ready to buy the 36'' Bosch and then we saw the 36'' Frigidaire over in the corner. We asked the appliance salesman (very high end store) and he said oh yeah that one is great too. He was able to order it for $750! We saved a few thousand dollars and put the extra money into our countertops. It's working great. No complaints! SO easy to clean and safe with the kids!

• GE Profile PHP9036DJBB 36 in. Electric Induction Cooktop ($1709)
• Frigidaire FFIC3626TB 36 in. Induction Cooktop ($997) Also at Best Buy ($999).

I have the 42" Miele induction cooktop and I love it.

Any reviews on the Thermador Freedom 36" induction CIT36XWBB? I'm trying to decide between this and the 36" Wolf Induction. I love the idea of not having any pre designed burners/circles. I really am interested in the quality, customer service of the Thermador. I wasn't able to see it cook at the showroom near me, I was able to see the Wolf, which I also loved. I'm just thinking if I'm going to choose a cooktop (induction, go ahead, try and talk me out of it), to get the best quality, but also technology. What I really want to know is what you don't like about them. Thanks in advance

I've seen and demo'd both. The Freedom is nice looking (gray glass) and in general Thermador makes a very good product. I found the interface a bit difficult to use. You need to scroll up and down for your setting, sometimes going past it and needing to back up. I found the Wolf much better in that regard, but not as nice looking. I actually want knobs on mine, so I think I'm going with the Blue Star. BS seems to be the only high end brand (other than Viking) which has knob based controls.

Design Girl Not sure what you mean by this You need to scroll up and down for your setting, sometimes going past it and needing to back up

I found I like not having the nobs. Much easier to keep clean. The Freedom is very nice looking.

I have not seen the Blue Star in person or seen it operated so I don't have that to compare with.

What I mean by scrolling is like what you do with your phone. First, press to activate pot, then move your finger up and down scrolling for the number setting (how hot) you want your burner.

If I wanted it at 5, I'd often end up at 6 or 7, and then have to go back to adjust, sometimes then going to 4. I found it annoying and sometimes the touch controls don't work (on all brands) if your hands are wet. I like the feeling of a knob and actually think it's easier. You know which knob goes to which burner and you simply use one motion to set it. Cleaning is not an issue for me on an induction as there usually isn't much splatter. I can even cook bacon with a paper towel under the pan. I feel the knobs give me the "look" I want. It's simply a personal choice. As I said, the "freedom" is nice looking.

Thanks for the clarification. I just turn on the on button then press whatever number I want.

No scrolling involved. That is just the way I do it. I think as long as it works it is all good. I'm just glad I got an Induction Cooktop.

I originally planned on Bosch 800 36". But I also liked GE Monogram 36" in the cool silver...but so pricey just for the color. The Bosch required a much bigger cutout so I switched to the Cafe...and last minute bought the Frigidaire. LOL. It was a deal and had great reviews.

Design Girl, would love to know if you bought the Bluestar induction cooktop and if so, your opinion?

@K&D at the lake not yet. I am waiting on permits to come through and will place my order then project won’t be donw until November

Thanks! Just wondering—the 36” Bluestar induction looks like it has less total cooktop space compared to the 36 “ Miele or Wolf, for instance. I’m trying to find comparative dimensions. Have you seen the BlueStar in a showroom?

Good luck on your project. I’ll post when I decide on my cooktop. Leaning toward Bluestar....

@K&D at the lake - I have seen the Blue Star in person, as well as the Wolf. I have not seen Miele as I really want knob based controls. I've only found Viking, BS, Frigidaire, Bertazonni and Fulgor Milano with knobs. I ruled out Frigidaire as I wanted a higher end unit. Bert and FM are both Italian made and I was worried about service issues. That left BS and Viking. I'm 99% sure I'm going with Blue Star. It was a very nice looking unit that had one large burner, 2 medium ones that bridged and 2 a bit smaller. It has a lot of power and looked very sturdy and well made. I didn't feel it had any less cooking area than the Wolf. If I were to change my mind and go with a digital control, I think I'd go with Wolf. It seemed the easiest to use.

I am quite happy with the Bosch

@Design Girl thanks! and for the other comments too. Looks like supply issues may make my decision for me! Or we may be cooking on a portable induction hob till we Can get what we want delivered.

@K&D at the lake - I get it. As soon as my permit is issued, I'm putting my order in. My two cents is to wait and get what you really want as it's a long term investment. If my fridge doesn't come in on time, I'll get a cheap white one and sell it afterwards. Hopefully since my project isn't supposed to be finished for 6 months, I'll be ok. Good luck.

@rmsaustin- do you find the burners have enough power and range of control on the wolf? Thanks!

I do - for my purposes - home cooking. I can melt butter or bring cream up to temp slowly, and also get a great sear on a steak. I, in fact, have to cook pasta on one level below high because it inevitably boils over otherwise - of course, if that happens, clean up is so easy! My cooktop has a boost feature on three of the hobs -- to boost the temp higher -- I use it when I need to get a large pot of water up to a boil or sometimes to sear (but then have to really watch so things don't burn!).

Does the Wolf induction cooktop have safety auto off if burner is left on?

@Michelle Wissig - I don't know, but no induction will works\ without a pot/pan on it.