Any quick thought on these? I know a couple of people, one being the wife, that might could make use of one...

Researching for Christmas presents. Amazon list over 400 for less than 200 bucks.

I bought one for the wife and I a couple of years ago - mainly as an option if the other burners were being used. I actually really like it for making sauces, and have used it outside for cooking smellier items. Our main cooktop is electric - I do think there is better temp control with the induction and would most likely replace our cooktop with an induction unit.

You probably know this but magnetic pans are a must for these - that could be an issue if you need to buy a bunch of pans.

I got a Tramontina brand from Costco, bundled with a pan. I think any highly rated unit from Amazon will be fine, and less than $100 should be good.

I have one, got it while the kitchen was being remodeled. Being a gas guy generally, it does take a little getting used to, but it worked fine. They do draw some power, though, if they are on a circuit I wouldn’t turn on anything else on that circuit. Just my experience having to go reset breakers.

Then again, I was doing a temporary kitchen on a folding table in the den. Your mileage may vary.

Get a refurb for around $60 off eBay.

I love them, but you have to have steel bottom or clad cookware.

I had one when I moved into an electric home. I got spoiled on gas and I hated electric in all it's forms. I got a single induction burner that catering companies use. Love it compared to electric
1. when turned off, the surface is SO much cooler
2. much faster than electric at full throttle
3. some feature auto-turnoff, saving pots from scorching when running dry

The portables are good, but you should get a whole induction stove if you get a chance. I moved again to a gas location so I will remain gas. However if I have to go electric, I would be tempted to go whole stove.

edit - forgot to mention, if you have a pacemaker.... be REAL careful. I think the induction units are strong enough to interfere with it. Also, some make a clicky noise during operation, it's the unit alternating the current to generate the heat at the bottom of the pan, don't freak.

I bought a Waring recommended by Cheesegrits and it heats up fast and is very efficient.

https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...890001284#6890001284

Had a single burner from Costco, it was great for cheese dips, but don't let a cast iron pan slip out of your hand, the top will shatter.

Replaced it with an Amazon two burner model, forget the brand. It's good but a commercial model with more precise temperature control is what I should have gotten.

Your cookware must have a magnetic bottom, some of my stainless will not work, some does just fine. Heats cast iron faster than gas.

I got mine from an infomercial in the 2000's. Still works.

https://www.nuwavenow.com/shop/pic-gold

Hay thanks all, think I will give it a go.

We got all new matching appliances in 2015 so full size is out for now.

Have plenty of power as I wired each above counter kitchen receptacle on its own circuit during the 2015 remodel.

I do understand about the pans.

Does it have to be induction? I bought one of these that uses butane and I love it...use it all the time. They make similar models that use butane or propane as well.

I have an older induction one that I just never really cared for. I like cooking over a flame, and if the power goes out the butane/propane ones will still work.