Max Burton 6000 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop, Black

There's good news and bad news. I bought this unit as a training unit to check out the technology and have a good extra hob on hand for times when we strain our kitchen resources. The intent is to eventually equip our kitchen with an induction cooktop for energy efficiency.

The good news is that the technology works as advertised. It's remarkably quick and has plenty of power despite running off a normal power outlet. The bad news is that on this unit the heating element (if that is the correct terminology) is only about 7 to 8 inches across. It worked fine when we made soups, though we did notice that only the middle boiled or simmered. However, when frying, the limitation of the element size became a problem. We used a lodge 12" cast iron skillet to fry fish. The center of the pan put a beautiful tan on the panko, but the outside of the pan was relatively cool, requiring that each piece of fish be flipped to four positions before it was properly cooked.
We tested the unit by wetting the bottom of a cold pan and watching how it dried. The center bubbled and dried, but the outer bottom was only warm to the touch. I thought perhaps it was defective, but other reviewers have commented on the problem.

I notice that most of the units on the market do not specify the size of the heating element. Whether this exposes a problem with the technology or is just marketing avoiding a problem with inexpensive units I can't tell.

I am hopeful of the technology, but returned this unit because of it's limitations. If you only use smaller pans, or rarely, if ever, fry, I recommend it.

As has been mentioned before the first unit arrived broken.

Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop

6200 Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop has 10 variable temperature settings from 140 to 450F, 10 power levels from 500 to 1800 watts, 180 minute timer with auto shut off when time has expired. Safety features include an in line fuse, overheat sensor, unsuitable cookware detector.

Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop

Fagor is the worldwide pioneer in induction technology and the leading pressure cooker brand in the United States. It is our mission to provide small electric appliances that are energy efficient, innovative, safe and dependable. The Fagor small electrics collection offers counterop convenience and energy efficiency all at your fingertips. They are designed with precision and constructed of the finest materials all while being enviromentally conscious .Fagor's pioneer leadership in induction technology sets our updated and more user friendly Portable Induction Cooktop apart from the rest. The Induction Cooktop provides the fastest, safest, most efficient cooking experience. It uses 90% of energy porduced while providing precise and instant heat. It also cooks up to 50% faster than gas and electric which saves energy and money. New features include: 7 power settings relating to various cooking functions, 2 Quick Launch buttons that immediately take you to your desired level and a "Quick Temperature Check" that displays the actual temperature.