I installed this a couple weeks ago and overall have been quite pleased with it. It dropped into the existing cut-out for a 30-year-old 24" solid-burner electric cooktop, and has been a lot more fun to cook with than that slow-to-respond thing.
Unlike another reviewer here, I had researched induction cooking before buying - in fact, I remember my father decades ago telling me about how clever this technology was, so I was long familiar with the requirement of magnetic pots and pans. Last fall, after moving into a rural home with only electricity, oil and wood, and the afore-mentioned electric cooktop, I bought a single-burner countertop induction unit to see how I liked it, hoping to avoid the necessity of putting in gas. Obviously, since I bought this, I decided it would do! However, until I found this model, I was hesitant to make a purchase as every major-brand model seemed to have among their reviews a few from people who, after paying ~6x the cost of this Empava, had a major failure soon after the cooktop was out of warranty. It seemed a lot of money for something that might not last a lot of years. Then I came across this cooktop.
This cooktop has one big idiosyncrasy that I assume is related to its low price and which I assume the expensive big-name cooktops would not have (though I haven't used one so I can't be sure) - I didn't notice this in my countertop unit: at lower power levels: it noticeably cycles on and off. To see this in action, read Bartleby’s excellent review of the Empava 30" Induction Cooktop EMPV-IDC30. He or she includes a video showing a pot alternating between boiling and simmering at about 3-second intervals. It is noticeable (and annoying) when trying for a low boil or gentle sautee if using a steel pan. (I realized while sauteeing onions this evening that I don't notice it when using cast iron - presumably its greater thermal mass evens out the heat.) For this I'd probably give the cooktop 3 stars if it weren't so darn cheap! It regains one star for the price.
I will also add that, like Bartleby for the 30" version, I consider the included supply line on to be undersized for the amperage of this unit (30 amps), but I didn't go so far as to replace it.
Other than this, the cooktop offers the quick response and power that induction is known for. My husband is thrilled with how fast he can boil a cup of water using burst mode - he says it's boiling before he finishes grinding his coffee.
Following a mention in another cooktop review, I visited Amazon's British site and found it frustrating to discover the large selection of 24" (60cm) induction cooktops available there in this price range - none of which will ship to the US. But that's not Empava's fault - in fact, we should thank them for offering us this cooktop! I hope they'll have some competition in years to come.
(P.S. Am I the only one who's kind of glad that I was forced to get rid of all but a small subset of my pans? I had way too many, and as a confirmed packrat, probably never would have regained all this cabinet space if not forced! :-) )
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ONE YEAR UPDATE: Yup, still loving it. Nothing to change in the above review. Except the price has gone up, so where I refer to name-brand cooktops costing 6x as much, it's just 4x now. Reading the reviews confirms my feeling when I bought it that one trade-off for the savings is manufacturer's support - I'd advise anyone who orders this to get it installed and tested within the Amazon return window.
We replaced a failed Summit 24inch cooktop with the Empava and were delighted with the performance. The Empava fans are very much quieter than the Summit. The power range is great: the Empava large element boost is more powerful than the Summit, and the small element low is lower without the short duty cycling. The ability to set individual timers for each element plus an overall alarm is very useful. Tea for two in 3 minutes in a cast iron tea pot.
Plus the usual induction cooktop advantages: quick on/off, energy efficient , safe surfaces.
I just finished installing this. On top of everything, this cooktop looks astonishing! It seems to work fine but I do have to get induction cookware.
Maybe I'll update later if there's any issue.
Peace
I'm very happy with the performance
Great Product!
Feature Product
- The flawless Empava smooth tempered glass surface allows for effortless cleanup, manufactured without the release of hazardous metals into the ground
- Hot surface indicator - an "H" will appear in the surface cooking area display as long as any surface cooking area is too hot to touch
- 9 heat level settings allow range from melt to rapid boil, digital touch controls lets you accurately control your heating
- Specifications - this cooktop features two 2100-watt element, a 2100-watt element and two 1500-watt element
- Empava appliances designs the highest quality cooking experience, our induction cooktops, gas cooktops and wall ovens are fully equipped for safety
Description
The Empava brand 24 in. Induction Cooktop combines the power of Induction with the easy clean-up of electric to give you the utmost cooking flexibility. Induction cooking is 70% more efficient than gas and offers more responsive, exceptional temperature control at low and high heats, so it is gentle enough to melt chocolate and powerful enough to boil water. And because heat is generated directly in the cookware, the cooktop stays cooler to the touch, making it safer and easier to clean. Induction elements are compatible with most stainless steel and cast iron cookware. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of a pot or pan, it is induction friendly. Empava products offer the best in contemporary design matched with the latest in appliance technologies to transform the way you live.
Best bang for the buck in the market
Hermoso producto tengo dos meses con ella y me encanta si la recomiendo! Recuerden que es de inducción y no todas las ollas trabajan con esta estufa! Solo las que un iman se puede pegar a ellas .
Great cooktop and at a great price
So far I love it (I haven't finished the remodel so it's still sitting on a table)! It's gorgeous so I'm hopeful it works as well as it looks. It was perfectly packaged and I received it super fast. I'll update with details on the operation and photos in the finished kitchen. I'm excited and can't wait to cook again!
Better
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