When I started shopping for a new range I envisioned buying a professional gas model from the likes of Bluestar, Thermador or Wolf for $5,000 or more. That would represent a serious investment and financial commitment, but given I was starting a cooking website and it would (hopefully) be a lifetime investment I thought it would be worthwhile.
One thing I heard more than once from the appliance expert I spoke with was, “I changed from gas to induction and I’m not going back.” I had not really considered induction, probably because I did not have a 240V 50A connection in my kitchen. Realizing it is not that big a deal to have one installed, I decided to get my feet wet with induction by buying an induction cooktop. If induction is on your shopping list I suggest you do so as well. The investment is small, you will know if induction is for you and even if you get an induction range, you will find the cooktop to be useful when you need an extra burner or are cooking side dishes outside (so long as you have an outlet.) You will also quickly discover if your existing cookware is induction-compatible!
The Duxtop 9600LS is the toast of the town in portable induction cooktops and what I chose for myself. It typically sells for under $120 and has all the features and performance you would ever want or need in a portable cooktop. There are much more expensive portable induction cooktops available, such as the $1,499 Breville Control Freak. You can also get an IKEA TILLREDA for only $59.99. I suggest spending just a bit more than the TILLREDA, and a lot less than the Breville to get the 9600LS. Duxtop is the industry leader in portable induction cooktops, and the 9600LS hits the sweet spot dead center with its combination of power, control, features and value.
I only had to use mine twice before I was hooked and completely sold on induction. The speed, precision and control was a revelation. It boils water extremely quickly when making tea or pour-over coffee, and then I went to boiling potatoes. My pot was about to boil over, and turning down the power resulted in an instant reaction in the pot so not a drop spilled out. Reheating leftover soup in a pot was so quick and easy I stopped using the microwave, and it is nice and cool to work with since the appliance does not directly create any heat. There are no gas fumes, no danger of leaving a burner on and the pot handles almost always stay cool, which is something else I can’t say about gas.
Induction cooking will be a regular feature on this site. If you want to try it and join in the fun, go get yourself a Duxtop 9600LS! It you only want to spend $50 or so I would not fault you for buying the Ikea TILLREDA.