This review dives deep into the EMPAVA 36-inch induction cooktop, exploring its features, performance, and overall value. Induction cooking is revolutionizing kitchens, offering superior efficiency and speed compared to gas or electric alternatives. This review examines whether the EMPAVA lives up to the promise of induction technology, focusing on its key selling points: speed, ease of cleaning, and innovative features. We'll analyze the cooktop's five cooking zones, including the convenient Flex Bridge, and its intuitive control panel. Performance testing will cover various cooking scenarios, evaluating heating speed, temperature control, and evenness of cooking.Beyond performance, we’ll address potential drawbacks. The review will discuss the size limitations of the smaller burners, the characteristic induction buzzing sound, and the necessary 240-volt installation requirements. Finally, we’ll weigh the pros and cons to determine if the EMPAVA 36-inch induction cooktop is a worthwhile investment, considering its price point, warranty, and overall user experience. Our assessment will help you decide if this cooktop is the right upgrade for your kitchen.
Pros And Cons
- Super efficient; almost all energy goes directly into heating the pan.
- Easy to clean; the surface never gets hot enough to burn food on.
- Five zones, two of which can be combined into a flex bridge for larger pans or griddles.
- Induction burners are close to the edges of the painted circles, ensuring even cooking.
- Separate control units for each induction coil; if one goes out, it won't affect the others.
- Simple and easy-to-use controls.
- Pause button allows for interruption without resetting.
- Safety features include overflow protection and a child lock.
- Fast heating.
- 2-year warranty.
- Glass surface can crack if a pan is banged on it.
- Requires induction-safe pans.
- May not heat warped pans evenly.
- Smaller side burners limit pan size.
- Flex bridge has slightly uneven heating due to circular induction coils.
- Buzzing noise from pan during heating may be annoying to some.
- Requires 240-volt connection, potentially requiring electrician services.
Read more: Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop Review: A Mixed Bag of Features
Induction Cooking: A Superior Choice?
Induction cooktops offer a significant upgrade over traditional radiant electric and gas cooktops. Radiant electric cooktops are slow and inefficient, while gas cooktops, though efficient for high-heat cooking, are notoriously difficult to clean. Induction, however, heats cookware directly through magnetic induction, leading to faster cooking times and easier cleanup.
The energy efficiency of induction is unparalleled; nearly all the energy is transferred directly to the pan, minimizing heat loss and saving energy. This also translates to a cooler cooktop surface, reducing the risk of burns and making cleanup a breeze. The quick heating and precise temperature control are game-changers in the kitchen.
EMPAVA 36-inch Induction Cooktop: Key Features
The EMPAVA 36-inch induction cooktop boasts five cooking zones, with two zones combinable into a “Flex Bridge” for larger cookware. This innovative feature allows for flexibility in cooking various sizes of pans, including griddles.
The cooktop features individual control units for each burner, meaning a malfunction in one won't affect the others. A two-year warranty provides added peace of mind compared to some competitors offering only one year. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, with features like a pause function, timer, child lock, and boost function.
Performance & Cooking Tests
The EMPAVA cooktop's heating speed is remarkable. Boiling three cups of cold water took only about 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The even cooking performance was tested with clarified butter (requiring lower, sustained heat) and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches (requiring different heat levels for various ingredients).
A steak char test demonstrated the cooktop's ability to produce a nice crust on both sides, even with a slightly oversized pan on the side burners. While the edges of the steak cooked slightly less evenly with the larger pan, the overall results were impressive, showcasing the power and versatility of the cooktop.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
The cooktop's smaller side burners might limit the size of pans you can use on those zones. The buzzing sound produced by induction cooking, while not excessively loud, may be a concern for some users. It's a characteristic of induction technology and less noticeable with higher quality pans.
Installation requires a 240-volt outlet, necessitating an electrician's visit for most homes. The glass surface is susceptible to cracking from impacts, so careful handling is crucial. Ensure your cookware is induction-compatible (magnetic base).
Conclusion: Is the EMPAVA Induction Cooktop Worth It?
The EMPAVA 36-inch induction cooktop offers exceptional performance and features for its price. The speed, efficiency, and ease of cleaning are significant advantages over traditional cooktops. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the smaller side burners, the buzzing sound, and the necessity of a 240-volt outlet and induction-ready cookware.
Overall, if you're seeking a powerful, efficient, and easy-to-clean cooktop and can navigate the installation and cookware requirements, the EMPAVA is a worthy contender. The two-year warranty and individual burner controls further enhance its value proposition.