Which induction cooktop brand is best?
I've had induction cooktops (Australia) for over 15 years (normal use) & I'm onto my 4th one. Do the maths. I know the brand snobs out there will say you must be buying cheapies or 'using it wrongly'. Last repair dude tried to tell me the problem could have been a power surge - if so why doesn't the circuit board have protection against this & all we'd be replacing is a fuse?? Next repair guy was honest & said you're lucky if you got 5 years. The facts - Up to now I've only used Miele brand, because I was fooled into thinking they were the best for durability & reliability (my main criteria) & decent specifications. The average cost of a new unit is now around $4000AUD. I have been quoted >$1500 to repair the dreaded FE31 or 32 error code= new power board or controller. There are reputable replacements at under $1700. My mum has a crappy Blanco induction unit that's lasted over 8 years. My sis has a Bosch induction thats lasted about 4yrs. My mate has a Technika (China) induction that's into year 4 (not as easy to control). I did a lot of research & found that 3/4 of the units that fit my 75*49cm cut out come out of a few factories in Italy or Germany. If I'm only going to get 5 years at best out of a premium brand cooktop, or an exorbitant repair fee, I might as well buy a cheaper unit (I'm NOT talking Devanti, Domain, Ariston, Euro appliances). If you read the specs & download the manuals you can tell; Bosch, Siemens & Neff are virtually the same (not surprising) & ILVE, Franke also same (out of a factory in Italy). The Ikea cooktops also seem to be from either a Whirlpool factory in Italy or AEG/Electrolux. On past history I'm unwilling to invest $4000 on such poor technology. The Miele functioned OK, but it just isn't durable & hence way overpriced. There is no after sales service - just more price gouging. I could spend $10K on a Gaggenau, but I'm certain it won't last - the technology is flawed, but my wife likes it. I'm going to bin my Miele. My old Miele 7.4kw 32 amp was 3700W, 1800W, 2900W + multi (2900-3700)- 4 plates. Any reason why I wouldn't consider the IKEA Utnamnd for $1000 - 2*3000w boost multi + 3000, 2100W plates (I'm only hoping for at least 5years use without faults & comes with 5yr warranty)?. I can buy 4 of these for the price of a Miele & specs are comparable & I won't get raped every time I have to deal with these suppliers.
By the way I have a Miele oven that broke down after 3 years but they repaired it & its worked fine for almost 5 years(fingers crossed).