Smeg SI1M7743B

Not my initial choice but quite happy with it – Purchased this Smeg induction cooktop (70cm) as it was the only induction cooktop on the market that would fit the existing cavity in my composite stone benchtop (no cutting allowed). It was in the middle price range and cheaper than the one I was looking at originally. Seemed to be reasonable value for its features. Replaced an ageing gas cooktop… Read more

and had to get new electrical wiring and outlet as part of the replacement. The cooktop fitted perfectly into the cavity and was easy for the electrician to install. This is my first experience with induction cooking and am quite pleased with the result. Pots of water boil up in half the time they previously took. Frying seems to be a little slow but maybe that is related to the shape/size of pan I am using. Fried food and browning meat just seems to take a bit longer and stews a bit more. I also notice a lot more steam coming off anything I am cooking and always have to run the exhaust fan. Don't know why this would be related to induction cooking?? I find the slide controls for "temperature " control a bit annoying as it's a bit of guess work where on the slide the desired setting is located (1-14 plus a boost setting). When I want to adjust the power level I have to peck around on the slider to find the desired adjustment. It would be nice if there was a small indicator light on the slider showing exactly where the current power level is so I can get an idea how far either side of the current power setting I need to tap on the slider. My original choice of cooktop actually had dials which I would have much preferred. It has one multi zone option on the left hand side where you can expand the cooking surface to include both left hand "elements". Handy for very large cookware. It is easy to clean but being black glass it does show up every little spill and crumb and smudge. I seem to be forever wiping it down. I also keep it turned off at the power outlet when not in use as I also use the surface as a secondary benchtop as I only have limited bench space. The cooktop has a hissy fit and beeps and carries on if you rest anything on the cooking surfaces when turned on at the power point. If you rest something (other than something intended to be cooked) on one of the cooking "elements" while another is in use - say a lid or a spoon or a heat proof mat, the cooktop will beep and turn itself off ceasing to cook. Annoying. Induction cooktops apparently need to be wired in to a powerpoint with an on/off switch accessible nearby for safety reasons, so I had to get an existing powerpoint replaced as part of the installation. One tip the electrician gave me was not to put any silicon sealant around the edge of the cooktop to seal the tiny gap between the cooktop and the bench surface. I was concerned about any spills that may get underneath. Apparently if you need to take the cooktop out of the benchtop for repairs it can be hard to remove with sealant in place and runs the risk of breaking. So far so good. I really like that I don't have to worry about the gas flame going out when something boils over or if turned down very low!