Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus Induction Cooktop Review: Best Budget Option?

This review dives into the Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus Induction Cooktop, exploring whether it lives up to its claim as the best budget option. We unpack the cooktop's design, features, and performance, examining its build quality, ease of use, and cooking capabilities. From initial unboxing to a boiling water test, we assess its strengths and weaknesses, comparing its functionality and reliability to competitors in the same price bracket.This in-depth analysis covers aspects like the control panel responsiveness, heating efficiency, cleaning convenience, and overall user experience. We consider its suitability for different household sizes and cooking needs, highlighting key features such as its preset menus, safety mechanisms, and power consumption. Ultimately, we determine if the Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus offers exceptional value for its price point or if compromises in design impact its long-term usability.

Pros And Cons

Prestige Atlas 3.0B Induction Cooktop
  • Stylish design
  • Digital control panel with soft-touch buttons
  • Lightweight but solid feel
  • Compact size
  • Air vents and bottom fan for cooling
  • Anti-skid rubber feet
  • Push button control panel
  • Timer function
  • Preset menus
  • Digital display and power indication
  • Cool touch ceramic surface
  • Automatic voltage regulator
  • Power saving technology
  • All Indian preset menu options (dosa, curry, payal, deep fry)
  • Strong build quality suitable for heavy daily use
  • Good button response
  • Minimal noise
  • Easy to clean ceramic surface
  • Better option than Bijan 1800 wattage induction cooktop in the same price range
  • Plastic control panel (gets hot)
  • 16 amp power plug (may not fit all sockets)
  • Short cable length
  • Only compatible with cast iron and stainless steel utensils

Read more: Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop Review: A Mixed Bag of Features

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus Induction Cooktop arrived in a well-labeled box, clearly displaying the model name and wattage (1600W). Inside, I found the cooktop itself, along with the user manual and warranty card. The initial impression was one of sleek, modern design. The plastic base and ceramic top felt durable and sturdy, promising a long lifespan.

A view of the cooktop highlighting its design and build quality.
A view of the cooktop highlighting its design and build quality.

The cooktop’s compact size is ideal for smaller kitchens. The digital control panel and soft-touch buttons provide a user-friendly experience. Despite being lightweight, it feels surprisingly solid and well-built. The inclusion of air vents and a bottom fan for cooling suggests thoughtful design considerations.

Features and Specifications

The Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus boasts a push-button control panel, timer function, and preset menus for convenience. The digital display is clear and easy to read, indicating power and heating levels. Safety features include a cool-touch ceramic surface and an automatic voltage regulator to protect against voltage drops.

Close-up of the digital control panel and buttons.
Close-up of the digital control panel and buttons.

With a power consumption of 1600 watts and 230V AC 50Hz input, it's suitable for daily use. The cooktop also incorporates power-saving technology and offers all-Indian preset menu options (dosa, curry, etc.) for quick and easy cooking.

The digital display showing power and heating options.
The digital display showing power and heating options.

Performance Test and Observations

The cooktop uses a standard Indian three-pin plug, which might require a suitable adapter. During the boiling water test, the responsiveness of the buttons was excellent. However, the plastic control panel felt somewhat less premium compared to other aspects of the cooktop. The heating element itself worked effectively, and the water boiled within a reasonable timeframe.

The cooktop's ceramic surface.
The cooktop's ceramic surface.

The ceramic surface is easy to clean and maintain. Minimal noise during operation was observed, making it a pleasant device to use. While the cooktop performs well for its price point, it's crucial to note its compatibility with only cast iron and stainless steel cookware.

Conclusion and Comparison

The Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus offers excellent value for its price (around ₹1500). Its compact size, user-friendly features, and ease of cleaning make it a suitable choice for small families and daily use. While the plastic control panel could be improved, its overall performance is commendable, particularly when compared to other cooktops in the same budget range.

Compared to the Bijan 1800W induction cooktop, the Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus appears to be a more reliable option due to Bijan's reported port issues. However, for larger families, the Philips HD 4928 Induction Cooktop might be a more appropriate choice. The Prestige Atlas 3.0 Plus provides strong performance for a year based on user experience.