Samsung 6.3 cu ft Smart Induction Range NE63B8211SS Review: Fast Boiling, Smart Features, and Major Drawbacks

This review delves into the Samsung 6.3 cu ft Smart Induction Range NE63B8211SS, examining its strengths and weaknesses based on real-world usage. We explore its standout features, including incredibly fast boiling times, convenient smart connectivity, and a helpful pan compatibility test. The speed and smart capabilities offer significant advantages for efficient and convenient cooking. However, the review also highlights critical limitations that significantly impact the overall user experience.Despite the impressive cooking performance and smart features, this review uncovers serious reliability concerns. The reported instances of major service issues within the first year, coupled with extended repair times, raise significant questions about the long-term value and usability of this appliance. We'll analyze these issues in detail, providing a balanced assessment to help potential buyers make an informed decision, weighing the benefits of fast cooking against the potential for significant downtime and repair costs.

Pros And Cons

Samsung Induction Stove
  • Boils water super fast
  • Nice oven
  • Internet connected (allows viewing oven status)
  • Has a mode to test induction compatibility of pots (0-2 rating)
  • Shuts off automatically if water spills over
  • Internet connectivity requires pressing the 'smart control' button
  • Cannot preheat oven remotely
  • Has been out of service for a total of 4 months due to manufacturing/delivery issues (LED misalignment and water damage to electronics)
  • Repair took 2 months each time
  • Complex internal design makes repairs difficult and expensive

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

Blazing Fast Boiling and Smart Connectivity

The Samsung induction stove's most impressive feature is its incredibly fast boiling time. Water boils remarkably quickly, significantly faster than traditional electric or gas ranges. This speed is a huge advantage for busy cooks. The stove also boasts smart connectivity, allowing you to monitor your oven remotely. This is convenient for keeping an eye on your cooking from other areas of your home.

Close-up of the boiling water on the induction stovetop, showcasing the speed.
Close-up of the boiling water on the induction stovetop, showcasing the speed.

However, accessing the smart features requires pressing the 'Smart Control' button on the stove itself. This is a minor inconvenience, but it negates the true convenience of remote monitoring and control. You can see the oven's status, but you can't preheat it remotely, limiting the benefit of the smart capabilities.

The user pointing out the 'Smart Control' button on the stove.
The user pointing out the 'Smart Control' button on the stove.

Induction Compatibility Testing and Pan Performance

One helpful feature is the ability to test pan compatibility. By holding specific buttons, the stove performs a test to determine the induction compatibility of your cookware. This is a very useful feature for ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. The test provides a rating from 0 to 2, with 2 indicating the most efficient pan.

The user demonstrating the induction compatibility test mode.
The user demonstrating the induction compatibility test mode.

The reviewer demonstrates the test with various pans, highlighting the differences in heating performance between induction-compatible and incompatible cookware. This feature allows users to quickly identify suitable pans and potentially avoid purchasing inefficient or incompatible options.

The stove displaying the compatibility test results on the different pans.
The stove displaying the compatibility test results on the different pans.

Major Reliability Issues and Service Challenges

Despite its impressive features, the Samsung induction range has significant reliability problems. The reviewer reports two major service issues within 12 months. These involved misaligned LEDs and a significant water leak that damaged internal components. Repair times for these problems were excessively long, leading to extended periods where the range was unusable.

A shot of the misaligned LEDs.
A shot of the misaligned LEDs.

The extended repair times highlight a critical weakness: poor serviceability. Even with a warranty, lengthy downtime significantly impacts the user experience. Consider these reliability issues carefully before purchasing, especially if this is your primary cooking appliance.

Illustrative shot depicting the water damage after a boil-over.
Illustrative shot depicting the water damage after a boil-over.

Additional Features and Overall Assessment

Beyond the induction cooktop, the oven offers ample space and includes a useful drawer. A quiet exhaust fan is integrated, although it may not be as powerful as some others. The exhaust fan offers a cool automatic shut-off feature after three minutes of operation. The unit also incorporates SmartThings app integration via QR codes for easy setup and manual access.

Overview shot of the oven and its features.
Overview shot of the oven and its features.

While the Samsung induction range boasts impressive speed and smart features, its significant reliability concerns are a serious drawback. Extended downtime for repairs significantly diminishes the value proposition. Therefore, unless you have a backup cooking solution, I would strongly caution against purchasing this model, especially considering the high cost of potential repairs.

The user showcasing the QR codes for app integration.
The user showcasing the QR codes for app integration.