Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop
4.1
5
7
7
Excellent product & service
We really like the way the cook-top changes temperatures instantly. "The noodles are about to boil over.......not anymore". Induction cooking is fantastic!
Our unit failed (electronics) but CHEFS responded to the problem and got us a replacement, quickly.
I would recommend the Max Burton Induction Cooktop and CHEFS.
P&E
January 28, 2012
great purchase!
I love this cook top. Very sturdy, heats up real fast. Has a very nice range of heat levels and temperature settings. I would highly recommend this item
June 24, 2011
So Far, So Good!
Since it's a very recent purchase, I've only used this cooktop 4 times, but I am very happy with my purchase. It's amazing how fast a 4 qt saucepan of water will come to a boil. Larger vessels of water don't seem to go quite as fast. I am using this burner primarily for homebrewing beer and it works like a charm. Temperature control works well. I don't have a single negative comment about this cooktop.
June 24, 2011
Not what I expected
I bought the Max Burton 1800-watt induction cooktop for two reasons: 1) I wanted to have a cooking system that was fast, powerful and also capable of slow cooking and simmering, I wanted to be able to sear meats, fry at high temperature and simmer sauces evenly at low temperature. 2) I wanted to try the induction cooking method before I went out and bought an expensive range with an induction cooking surface.
The Max Burton failed miserably as a versatile cooking instrument. First I tested it by boiing water. I used a small one-quart stainless and aluminum layered induction capable saucier with a diameter of about 5 inches. I must admit that I was impressed when the water came to a rolling boil in 2 minutes. (The heating element on the Max Burton is only 4.5 inches.) Then I tried cooking breaded chicken cutlets in oil in a cast iron skillet. This was a disaster. I set the temp to 320 deg F which is slightly lower than usually recommended for cooking in oil. At first it appeared that all was well until I turned the cutlets over. The heat in the skillet was concentrated in the 4.5 inch inner circle and the rest of the pan was cold. Half of each cutlet was burning, while the other half was raw. On top of that, the machine had shut off. I had to transfer the cutlets to another pan to finish them. Maybe cast iron isn't the best conductor of heat, so I tried another test
I tried boiling water in a pot, similar in construction and manufacture to the pot used in my first test, but this time the pot was 7.5 inches in diameter. It took over 6 minutes to get a rolling boil. and that only occured in the small 4.5 inch center. The pot I used was one that had the highest rating for heat distribution. I don't think I could ever simmer sauces or slow-cook with this appliance.
As far as my second reason for buying the Max Burton induction cooktop, the jury is still out. Even though I was disappointed with the Max Burton, I still think there is an induction cooktop out there that I can enjoy. I have ordered another brand single burner induction cooktop with the same power rating, but it has a 7.5 inch cooking element, and it varies the heating area with the size of the pan it detects. I presume that the multiple elements on an induction range will offer different sizes of heating elements. In which case I could match the size of the element with the size of the pan.
March 28, 2011
Conditionally Recommended
I wasn't certain I was going to keep this, but after using it for only a day, I decided it was a keeper. I'm 2 weeks into it now, and I'm happy with the purchase of this cooktop. I also bought the interface top, but I consider this option all but useless. I cook for my family about 5 days a week and was looking to expand the capabilities of my 4-burner electric range (gotta hate electric) and to give me a 5th burner for larger meals.
PROS: Excellent range of temperature controls, heats inductive cookware instantaneously, easy to use, easy to keep clean, stable and sturdy, low power consumption (relative to an electric stove top), primary heating area (4.5") comparable to a gas range burner, stays cool to the touch (except for where cookware sits).
CONS: The 180 minute timer is all but useless. Once engaged, there is no way to know at which temperature setting you are cooking. When I tried to use it and then set my desired cooking temp, the unit would default to a medium setting of "5" (on Power) or 250 degrees (on Temp). If you try to set timer at a lower or higher setting, the timer would disengage. Useless as far as I am concerned; if you're going to offer a timer function, make it work properly.
The cooling fan is VERY noisy. A high-end fan (computer grade) would have worked as well and have been much quieter. My ceiling exhaust fan is not as loud. Expected better from an item of this price.
Device requires its own dedicated 15 amp electrical outlet, so keep this in mind. You can pretty much forget about using two on your counter top (or concurrently using anything else that might draw substantial power from the same circuit).
Once turned off, the unit runs the fan for a minute to cool down the system. This does NOT cool down the cooking surface, so take care. It remains hot for quite some time within the area in which your cookware was placed.
The interface disc is a complete waste of money. Forget about sauteing or searing when using this with non-inductive capable cookware. Stick to your stovetop for this, or do the right thing and buy cookware that is inductive capable; you'll be happier in the long run. I bought the disc with the cooktop as a package deal. A complete waste of money as far as I'm concerned.
Even with its faults and limitations, I would certainly recommend this induction cooktop to friends, sans disc. The interface disc itself ... no way. Sorry I wasted the money on this option.
Warranty seems very conditional - as if the manufacturer itself had little faith in the product. Warranty conditions up the wahzoo!
February 25, 2011
best purchase
Is formidable. I am impressed with the function of this range to such a great price. Cooks faster and consumes very little electricity.
December 17, 2010
It was as advertized I like the quick heat and ability to simmer
without having to worry about it burning. Also like the Temp mode it works fine.
Not able to get the timer to work mybe my fault but not a big deal.
September 21, 2010