@chefedwards Yours includes the counter or just the burners? How much was shipping and handling and all those extras? I'm in Los Angeles.

@Paul F Counter and burners – I'm not sure why someone would buy one without the other. Shipping and handling was ~$4k.

@chefedwards Just getting the hardware and template for a local fabricator would take some of the hesitancy away of ordering it for me... not to mention shipping costs, no? How long is the counter you ordered? How would I order an 8.5' counter with the special cuts ends I need to slide into the narrow side cabinets for example? Seems risky unless the kitchen is already done. Is that what I need to do, finish first?

@Paul F: Ah, that's an important point to mention. They need to fabricate it, because their porcelain includes additional materials to improve strength and improve the induction (see more details on TPB's website). Because of that, TPB have to fabricate it themselves. I gave them accurate design drawings of my kitchen and they fabricated to my measurements.

Note that I tested the strength of their porcelain (with their extra materials inside) vs. regular porcelain by dropping pans and heavy items on it. Their porcelain survived impacts that the regular porcelain didn't.

My countertop is 9' by 2'6" deep.

Since I posed the question below, I did quite a bit of checking into things. I'm inclined to get the TPB, but there is budget and I must convince my HOA that any renter in my unit could realize there was actually a cooktop there, and figure out how to use it! LOL.

I found that there was a relatively new TPB distributor in Canada. Somewhere on Houzz, a distributor for the Czech Republic offered to answer questions. So I wrote to both, and provided measurements (in Metric units) to the CA firm and got a quote that included shipping to a nearby countertop manufacturer, who would first measure and template it, then receive and install it. Price varies by overall size and size and number of burners, selected color, and type of controls. For me, a smaller and medium induction unit, with knob and light colored tile, with shipping, was going to be about $8K USD.

Ordering from either source results in the selected tile and burner sizes being created in Italy, and shipped. The website tpbtech.com has all the info about possible porcelin tile colors you can select. For the portion of countertop with the burners, they create a special multi-layer countertop within which the burners are integrated. You can select what kind of controls you prefer (in countertop, or knobs). Different color tile vary in price. This section of countertop is thicker, for the special layers required for the induction units. For backspash, or adjacent countertop you want to have match, you can get more tile that matches, and it's thinner (and cheaper).

As a point of reference, I compared this TPB quote to if I got porcelain tile countertops but went with a diff brand cooktop sold about ~100 mi away who could deliver and install it. It was just over $5K (hopefully being able to use remnant tile selection, and with 3 burners). But this other brand (Invisacook) just didn't show nearly the same amount of watts/power for cooking, so I am no longer considering it.

Canadian Distributor:

David Turnbull, Exclusive Canadian Distributor of TPB Tech, Invisible Induction Technology

877-741-8733 Cell 647-745 4597

david.turnbull@invisiblecooktop.ca

https://invisiblecooktop.ca/

https://www.tpbtech.com/en/home

Czech Republic Distributor:

René Bárta, barta@level02.cz
+420 731 653 843

LEVEL 02, a.s, Jar. Staši 165, 763 02 Zlín-Malenovice, Czech Republic

@Paul F The Candian distribbutor I reference below had suggested that I use a local countertop company to come and measure, template for the cutout, and install the material (essentially put in place and bracket to keep it from moving). They could ensure it will fit by providing the measurements (in cm.) That might make you feel more at ease, but if you want TPB, it's getting made in Italy, and shipped to you.

@chefedwards, please share where you ordered your TPB from, contact info. Did you reach out directo to the home company in Italy?

People are actually shipping TPB from Spain? How does the home insurance work in the US?

Then we can ship the Gaggenau Essentials as well?

@Frank Dong Sure but Gaggenau Essentials is a one burner with a knob module. I was thinking of getting it, but I could maybe fit three of the modules side-by-side on my counter.

@chefedwards, I came across this thread on invisible cooktops this morning. I was wondering how your renovation and installation of the TPB induction countertop has turned out. I am also interested in what type of vent/fan you chose to install. Lastly, do you have any pictures to share with those of us interested in invisible cooktops.

I am correcting sdexter69's information above: the new contact for the Czech distributor is sales@desire-smartfurniture.com; company Desire S-F s.r.o.; René Bárta, telephone +420 774 300 743.

We will be very happy to answer any questions about the Invisible cooktop, not only TPB, but also Cooking Surface Prime and other technologies. Do not hesitate to contact us. This follows on from our previous posts and threads on this topic on Houzz.

to Carolyn: TPB® does not require any special ventilation holes, there must only be 3 cm of free space under the inductors and this space must not be closed, but the air must flow into the space between the drawers and cabinets in the furniture. However, there must not be any other appliance under the inductors, such as an oven, dishwasher, etc.

@chefedwards Its been 3 months! I can't wait for you reply so I can finally put this decision to bed.

Still haven’t installed it, as still in the middle of the house remodel (it’s a giant project)… But it arrived intact.

To Réné’s points about installation above: TPB didn’t specify to me that 3cm clearance is required beneath the inductors (I have that, but that’s besides the point). And they didn’t say anything about space under the inductors needing to not be closed; I’m not sure how the space under the induction unit wouldn’t be closed. In my case, I’ll have drawers beneath the unit.

In my case for my 36-inch induction cooktop, the supporting cabinet has wire pull-out shelving behind the doors allowing a fairly large volume of air to be circulated. These shelves support pots and pans. I've never performed a test such as boiling down maple sap to syrup over a few days to test the thermal steady-state condition.

With nominal wood drawers, it would help if they had an inch or two of gap at the back. In extremis, one could implement a scheme involving one or more quiet computer fans that circulated air through a larger volume.

to Chefedwards: maybe I wasn't clear enough above. In the technical description of TPB® and then in the execution drawing, it is stated that there must be a free space of at least 8 cm under the board. Since the block of inductors is 5 cm, then 3 cm must still be free under the inductors. There must be furniture, a drawer, a cabinet under the inductors that allows air to circulate inside the furniture. There must not be, for example, a closed floor under the inductors, a box, etc. It is also necessary for the reason that the space under the inductors is accessible for possible service. If you provide free access to the inductors in the furniture, then everything is fine.

@chefedwards My window closes on Tuesday for my cooktop choice. I'd love to hear from someone like yourself that actually has used TCB. How's it coming? Can I see it even if it's not installed? I hate to regret it if you come out in 4 weeks saying how great it is. I'm in Santa Monica, are you near?

Hey Paul, would be happy to show it to you in its box (as we still haven’t installed it — I’m doing a large remodel which is taking forever...It’ll be installed after cabinets are in, around early November). But I live just outside SF, so not near you. For what it’s worth, my GC inspected it closely upon delivery and said everything was working, but I personally haven’t tried it yet. Sorry, wish I could be more helpful. I’ll have photos and a video to share as soon as it’s in!

@chefedwards Alright... apparently it wasn't meant for me. I'm going with the Thermador freedom induction. Good luck, I hope its great!

@chefedwards thanks for the the read! I too am interested in TPB tech induction cook top with counter top. how is your remodel coming along? were you able to install the cooktop?

Ok guys, after about two years of planning, designing, international logistics, and long construction delays, the TPB is finally in (note: the long time was due to construction, not TPB).

I promised to give this community a real life look at how it works, so I recorded the below video for you. Hope it helps!

Experiment: I boiled 2 liters (2.1 gallons) of water in their 24cm saucepan. I didn’t record precise initial temperature, but it was very cold.

Time to reach boiling point:

• On boost: 4 minutes 30 seconds
• On power level 9/9d 9 minutes

Video: This is the 9/9 power without boost which takes 9 minutes from cold to boiling. You can see the countertop and me touching the surface right after it boils.

Countertop: Premium White Naturale, 9’6” wide by 2’3” deep. It’s beautiful and pairs nicely with the walnut surrounding. It’s a reinforced porcelain with copper (I think) inside — more details on their website.

Cracking: When choosing the countertop, they sent me a bunch of samples. To test their strength, I dropped things on them to see if it’d crack. When I dropped a heavy saucepan from about 6’, it didn’t damage the sample (except for when it hit the edge, then the edge cracked). I feel very good about its strength.

Delivery time: From the order at TPB in Barcelona to items arriving at my door in California was about 4 months. I contracted with R&L Logistics for international shipping.

Warranty: 3 years. If anything happens to the induction unit, they’ll send me a replacement to pop in within 3 business days. There wouldn’t be any situation in which I’d have to replace the countertop

Cost: I paid around 7k EUR, and another ~$2k for delivery.

Cookware: I bought seven items and they’re all stainless steel and very high quality. Mix of sizes (some 17cm diameter, some 24cm).

Overall impression (2 days in): I adore it. I was very nervous about buying it given the logistics and lack of US presence. But the bet has paid off. I am a professional chef and am so happy to have this. International shipping was a pain (I don’t recommend R&L), but it arrived intact.

If anyone has questions or wants more info, let me know. I hope it goes without saying I’m not affiliated with TPB.

Hope this helps!

How are the hobs marked?

I only see a picture, are others able to view the video.

@carolyn Weird, it didn’t upload the video (only a screenshot of it). Trying again here!

@kaseki there are small etched circles. Very easy to find if you know to look for them, invisible if you don’t.

Ok, Houzz isn’t letting me share a video (or delete the above picture)… Will share a public link in the next day or so.

2 liters of water is only a little more than 1/2 gallon.

@chefedwards it looks nice! Who did you get to install it? Was installation easy and straightforward?

ChefEdwards, Houzz/GW doesn't provide for videos to be uploaded/attached directly into posts. They must be placed at an online sharing service and linked via URL. YouTube and Vimeo are directly supported by the Video function in the editing toolbar when replies are added, which embeds/frames the video in the post. Other platforms are linked via the Link function for viewing at the host site.

Apologies! It was 2 liters (0.5 gallons, not 2 gallons).

Ok, video posted above. As mentioned, in this video I boiled 2 liters (~1/2 gallon) of water in their 24cm saucepan. I didn’t record precise initial temperature, but it was very cold.
Time to reach boiling point:

• On boost: 4 minutes 30 seconds (not in this video)
• On power level 9/9: 9 minutes (in this video)

You can see the countertop and me touching the surface right after it boils. Hope this helps!

@chefedwards I didn’t see the video. Quick question. How many inductors does your stove have?

This is weird — the video shows up on the web version of Houzz but not on mobile…

I have three inductors.

Ok! I went to the website and was able to view the video you posted! Thanks a bunch! Is the stove typically loud? Did you the elevations under the pot? If so did you order the pods or the rings?

It’s quiet — a little quieter than a normal induction because it’s under a thicker surface.

I got their TPB cookware which has 3mm legs, which keeps the counter at room temperature. It also came with a ring which I use when I want to use my regular cookware.

The coolest part of it for me is being able to have my cutting board right next to the saucepan. It’s really convenient.

Ahhh ok ok…i am not familiar with induction stove tops. Currently I have electric and it makes no noise. Do you have a hood?

I am communicating with TPB now regarding pricing. I don’t have a tech drawing but I was able to provide them with the floor plan and my preliminary measurements (I have a u-shaped kitchen). I will also be getting 3 inductors due to my space. I am also working with another company for a hood! I would need to find a company who can install it as well as get a new sink(i didn't plan for that due to not knowing I cant use my existing sink as its an under mount. I am thinking to go with a drop in).

@chefwdwards do you mind telling me the size of the inductors you selected? I am communicating with TPB and they have informed the 280 is a huge inductor. Did you get the 280? If so is it equivalent to the big burner on an electric stove? My big burner goes up to 12 inches

@chefedwards thanks so much for the hepful posting. Any chance you'd be willing to directly connect with someone who is in the same process? (also in California) And/or willing to share your contact information for the team at TPB that worked with you? Thanks!

Be careful! It is scam company which provides poor quality products, I would say a very bad copy of Invisa cook . We ordered that worktop and original cookware, but the worktop got broken after 2 months. Before buying they said that warranty is for two years, but once we contacted, that we noticed cracks on worktop, they declined any replacement and asked more money. The manner of communication is very rude since purchase, as well, we see so many bad reviews in internet, they treat all clients in same manner. Now we are preparing documents for the court, hiring an expert. If there are more people who had dame problem, feel free to contact us and join for the court process.

I do not recommend this product, we bought and we have such a bad experience. I got broken after 2 months and we used their original cookware. Th emanner of communication is rude, not responsive. Its a waste of money. Warrantity they tell, they do not provide.

We’re in Redondo Beach and considering the TPB cooktop for a 10 ft island - Chefedwards, what’s the verdict now after having it for a while -

Absolutely love it!

Rita Čeponė: what happened to your system? How did the countertop crack? Their countertop is supposed to be indestructible…?

ChefEdwards: Thanks for your commentaries. I’ve been using a Miele induction glass top which we love. To boil a couple of liters of water seems much much faster for us. I’m not sure I’m understanding. Presumably you had used induction prior to this. Is the TPB system slower? Because of the thickness of the countertop?

ChefEdwards: I've read reviews regarding a competitive product, to the effect it won't produce a full running boil in a large stock pot or pasta pot. Have you seen this issue with the TPB product? Are you able to achieve a full running boil in a large pot of water? If so, does the TPB product do it in a reasonable period of time?

Love it so far. And it’s pretty quick — I posted videos above in the thread so you can see it in action.

Hi @chefedwards, thank you for the detailed info on TPB and following through with updates.

We are also located in the SF area, and my cousin and I are currently in process building two neighboring family homes and are considering TPB as well as Invisacook and other options for invisible induction for both homes. After reading through your thread and watching your video, our main concern is how loud the unit sounds in the recording. Is that just a function of your phone picking up those sound frequencies a lot, or is the TPB unit and pot actually buzzing and humming quite audibly when you use it in person? Would love your take on how obvious that is, and if it kind of makes the vibe of cooking a bit strange? Thanks in advance.

I have really bad experience with this product, which I dont recommend to buy because:
-its not working as advertised. It breaks quickly with a big crack. You can just through more than 10000 dollars in to rubbish bin
-no customer service, no guarantee
-avoid responsibility
They act arrogant and just ignore. All nice talk only till you buy

Where are you located? Who did you purchase the product from and where is the crack in relation to the induction unit?

@Aldona Please post more pics of the crack because the one you are showing sure looks AI generated.