Our experts have tested dozens of induction cooktops to help you understand their pros and cons. Looking ahead: finding the perfect induction without drawbacks is almost impossible, but we have identified five models that left us with the fewest questions. These devices can be considered recommended for purchase, since everything, or almost everything, is made at a high level.
History NI 6440 BBK
This independent built-in hob was called a real top performer among induction models by experts, which is extremely rare. The testers were surprised to note that the device did not give any reason for criticism and perfectly coped with both everyday tasks and more complex ones requiring delicacy. For example, during the test of the «Fondue» mode, where it was necessary to melt chocolate, the panel showed itself from the best side.
The hob is characterized by high power and a wide range of temperature adjustment, which allows you to both maintain a stable low temperature and quickly and evenly fry steaks. Convenient touch control also deserves praise: each burner is equipped with its own slider, and additional functions such as a short-term increase in power and a timer make using the hob even more convenient.
Tests showed a smooth and uniform change in power on all burners, including low-temperature modes. This allowed us to cook a variety of dishes with equal success — from kharcho with broth and fried vegetables to steaks and pancakes.
The main discovery in the History HI 6440 BBK was the unique Smart Zone function, which evaluates the efficiency of the hob's energy consumption depending on the quality and size of the cookware. This functionality makes it easy to answer the question of whether the cookware is suitable for induction and how energy efficient it is. We found this idea not only original, but also really useful, because many people choose induction panels specifically to save energy. Unsuitable cookware can not only reduce savings, but also negatively affect the operation of the burners.
Rather than disadvantages, this model has limitations, namely the inability to combine cooking zones, as well as non-disconnectable sound signals, which is a common feature of most induction hobs.
Haier HHY-Y64BFVB
This built-in independent hob with four burners, 15 power levels, Boost function and the ability to combine two cooking zones immediately attracted attention with its high power, strict minimalist design, beveled edges (which makes cleaning easier and prevents liquid from leaking) and convenient control — each burner has its own slider for smooth power adjustment. And during further practical tests, it only confirmed its excellent characteristics.
The special feature of this model is its inverter power control, which provides smooth regulation and constant heating without pauses. This allows for even cooking at any power level, and not just at high ones, as is often the case with hobs without inverter technology. Our testers noted stable heating with flexible temperature settings, making this model ideal for both delicate dishes that require low temperatures and steaks that require quick and intense frying.
Combining two zones into one allows you to use large and irregularly shaped cookware. However, during testing, we noticed that when using cookware that does not completely cover the combined Flex zone (for example, 32 cm diameter frying pans), the Boost function and power levels 11 to 15 work weaker than stated, losing from 300 to 800 watts. This is not due to a defect in the model, but to the peculiarities of induction heating: induction hobs are less effective with cookware of a smaller diameter, and if such cookware is recognized, the power is automatically reduced.
The model has all the functions necessary for a modern hob: a 99-minute timer, child protection, and a Stop & Go function that allows you to pause heating with one touch of a button and then resume it in the same mode.
We particularly noted the quiet operation of the fans, which is often a drawback of many induction cookers, as well as the excellent sensitivity of the sensors, which worked even when touched with wet hands. However, we did not like the non-switchable sound signals that accompany the control of the device.
Candy CID 30/G3
The two-burner hob, based on the results of testing, turned out to be an excellent budget solution for small apartments and, importantly, for discerning cooks. It is suitable not only for cooking dumplings and pasta, but also for preparing gourmet dishes, including confectionery products that require uniform heating in all modes. This model surprised by the fact that there is no pulse mode at low temperatures, when the burner turns on and off the induction coil. Usually, this method, in which the burner always works at maximum power, and the adjustment is achieved by pauses, is used in budget models, but in this case it is not so.
During testing of the device we did not encounter any problems: everything functioned without failures. Heating is controlled by a touch method using the plus-minus system (which is an advantage for many, excuse the pun). There is also a 99-minute timer and a panel lock, protecting against accidental pressing by children's hands and cat paws.
The surface can accommodate a three-liter saucepan on a large burner, and a container with a bottom diameter of up to 14 cm on a small burner, and even up to 18 cm if it is a cookware with a thick induction bottom. Thanks to the smooth and precise heating on the panel, it is easy to cook the most delicate dishes — sauces, delicate soups, melt butter and chocolate, as well as simmer and quickly evenly fry meat. The power of the burners is 1500 W for the near one and 2000 W for the far one, but this model does not have a short-term power increase function (booster).
The advantages of this model include a frameless design and quiet operation of the fans. As for the disadvantages, as in the previous model, there are non-disconnectable sound signals. Also, there are no functions for combining cooking zones, Boost and pause, but for a two-burner budget model this is quite acceptable. But the sensors work perfectly and respond even to the touch of wet or oil-stained fingers.
Lex EVI 641B BL
This independent built-in hob in the mid-price segment can compete with more expensive models thanks to its high power, the presence of all the necessary functions (booster, combining heating zones on both sides, pause, timer, etc.) and stylish, laconic design.
Perhaps we will criticize the controls a little: the 9-step slider for adjusting the power is presented only for all heating zones, which requires preliminary selection of a specific zone. This approach may not please many, but testers rated the controls as convenient. The short-term Boost power increase function can be activated both on the combined zone and on one burner on the opposite side. In this case, the remaining burner can work no higher than the seventh power level. The Pause function pauses the heating of all active burners, and a 99-minute timer can be set for each burner separately.
The marking of the heating zones is done in a minimalist style and may take some time to get used to, since the burners are visually indistinguishable from each other. The sensors are highly sensitive and respond perfectly, even if you touch them with wet hands.
The hob passed all our practical tests with flying colors, cooking both pancakes and steaks, as well as vegetable stews evenly. For the latter, we combined the left burners and first set the fourth and then the third heat level. This did not cause any inconvenience, and we did not have to additionally monitor the cast iron cookware and the boiling process.
Millen MIH 602 BL
This good and quite budget-friendly four-burner built-in hob did not surprise us with any unpleasant moments: all functions worked, and various dishes were cooked without problems. The appearance of the model was also attractive: simplicity and elegance, and the frameless design makes it easy to clean. Some inconveniences in control can be noted — first you need to select a burner, and then use the touch slider to set the power level (the slider is common for all burners). However, you quickly get used to it.
The burners can be combined to form two large cooking zones, and there are also Boost functions for a short-term increase in power on the selected burner, pause, lock, auto switch-off, residual heat indicator, timer and 9 power levels — all of this is quite standard.
The device successfully passed all stages of testing and managed to cook dishes, but it turned out that the heating elements are not located in the center of the designated zones on the panel, but are shifted to the near or far edge. This creates inconvenience when frying, since it is uneven, especially when combining zones, when two switched on coils are quite far from each other. You can fry on this stove, but it requires a certain dexterity and attention: you need to periodically swap products, as we did with cutlets.
When boiling and stewing, the displacement of the induction coils does not affect the process and the result, but during long-term simmering we had to adjust the power as many as six times.
It is important to note that this model works with the presence of a duty cycle and in a pulse-free mode only from the sixth to the ninth level, while at levels one to five it functions continuously, producing a soft rhythmic ticking sound, changing the heating approximately every 1-2 seconds. From the sixth level, the ticking sound disappears, the oscillation range decreases, and in the Boost mode, the heating becomes stable, which allows you to fry steaks without problems.
During testing, we liked that the sensors respond to pressing (even with wet fingers), and the glass-ceramic coating is easy to clean.
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Our lab tested both budget induction hobs and more expensive models. In each category, you can find devices that meet the highest requirements, which will make everyday cooking enjoyable and the stove maintenance minimal. These are the induction hobs we included in our digest.