Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Diva 365 induction range

In our tests, induction cooktops have proved themselves, having broken our speed record for boiling water and simmered sauce flawlessly. What’s more, the magnetic field, which does the cooking on these cooktops, sends nearly all of its heat to the pot or pan, so the cooking surface remains relatively cool, a safety plus.

The new Diva 365 induction range, among the first on the market, is a 36-inch stainless-steel appliance with five induction elements—one large, 4,000-watt “Super Burner”; two 3,000-watt side burners; and two 2,000-watt versions for small pots and lower-heat simmering. (Watch our video, right.)

The 365 comes with a premium price tag: $8,950. Note that the range also requires two 220-volt circuits.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: See our Cooktops and Wall Ovens product page for detailed information on gas and electric cooktops, and learn more about induction models. If you’re in the market for a cooktop, use our buying advice to find the best model, including detailed information on important cooktop features. Before you shop, refer to our Ratings of gas and electric models, available to subscribers.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Fisher & Paykel CookSurface gas cooktop

First there were electric smoothtop cooktops, which eliminated food-trapping coils. Next came gas-on-glass versions, which did away with the grime-trapping wells typically found around the burners.

The latest easier-to-clean cooktop is the 36-inch-wide, three-burner CookSurface gas model from the Fisher & Paykel. After you’re done cooking, says the manufacturer, you push a large knob on the cooktop to lower the burners so they’re flush with the ceramic glass cooktop, facilitating cleanup. Next time you need to boil water, sauté a steak, or stir-fry some vegetables, you push the knob to raise the burners. (The photo shows the cooktop with a burner recessed, left, and elevated.)

To lower or raise the flame level when cooking, you twist that same knob, says the manufacturer. The CookSurface cooktop provides smooth heat control by using the patented AeroBurner system, which adds oxygen as the flame setting goes up, according to Fisher & Paykel.

The three burners can go from a low simmer to a robust 15,000 Btu. Other features include digital displays, quiet igniters, and pan supports that rise and lower with the burners and replace the usual grates. The 21-inch-deep and 161⁄2-inch-deep versions of this cooktop should arrive at Fisher & Paykel dealers and select Lowe’s stores nationwide this fall.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a cooktop, use our buying advice to find the best model, including detailed information on important cooktop features. Before you shop, refer to our Ratings of gas and electric models, available to subscribers.

 

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Thermador Masterpiece Deluxe electric cooktops

Thermador calls its new infrared-sensor-equipped Masterpiece Deluxe electric cooktops groundbreaking. What distinguishes the cooktops? They’re equipped with an industry-first sensor, dubbed Sensor Dome (shown), that is designed to continually measure heat from the cookware and automatically cycle the burner on and off or even shut it down to maintain a set temperature, claims Thermador.

The manufacturer maintains you’ll save time and get better cooking performance since you won’t have to guess at or adjust the temperature. The retractable sensor is also supposed to prevent pots from boiling over.

The Masterpiece Deluxe cooktops are due in stores this July. The 30-inch, four-burner model with one sensor will cost $1,799; the five-burner, 36-inch model with one sensor, $1,899; the two-sensor 36-inch version, $2,099.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Before you shop for a cooktop, read our buying advice and review the Ratings of electric and gas cooktops, available to subscribers.