This affordable induction cooktop makes a handy extra burner in the kitchen, or a portable heat source to cook or warm foods out of the kitchen.



 

About the Max Burton Induction Cooktop, Model 6000

Measuring about a foot square and 2 1/2 inches high, this portable induction cooktop is an affordably priced option for an extra burner when and where you need it.

The cooktop has three functions: You can use it as a traditional burner, adjusting the heat in 10 increments.

You can set it to maintain a temperature, ranging from 140°F, a safe temperature to keep foods warm, to 450°F, which would be ideal for searing and other high-heat cooking. And you can set a timer by minute increments, up to 180 minutes (3 hours), with either the temperature or power level set at the desired level.   The simple touchpad controls include a power button, a button to change the functions, and up and down arrow buttons to adjust the power level, target temperature or timer. An illuminated digital display shows the power level, time remaining, or temperature, depending on what function you’re using, and also indicates which function is being used.

The cooking surface can accommodate pans as small as 6 inches in diameter and as big as 10 inches. Make sure that the cookware you use is induction compatible (Check out 7 induction compatible cookware lines).

Note: Max Burton also markets a "Deluxe" cooktop (Model 6200, ). This version is slightly more expensive but doesn't really seem to be any different in terms of power and function.

 

The Max Burton Induction Cooktop to the Test

I probably will never want to become a full-fledged induction disciple and replace my gas cooktop, but I love the idea of having a portable induction cooktop. And for most basic uses, Max Burton’s version is a good option. It is one of the less expensive models (It’s around $80 online), and in my tests it was efficient and easy to use.

Induction cooking surfaces have two big advantages: they are efficient and they are super-responsive. The Max Burton model is no exception. Two quarts of water in a saucepan came to a simmer in less than 5 minutes, and a rolling boil in about 7. In comparison, the same saucepan of water on my gas stove took nearly twice as long to come to a boil. On the induction cooktop, when I lowered the heat, the water immediately stopped boiling. Being able to adjust the heat and have the contents of the pan react so quickly to the temperature change is a great advantage for precise cooking techniques, and to avoid burning.

Most people will mainly use the basic power function, in which you can adjust the heat in 10 increments, from just a simmer or keep-warm level, to a heat level that’s intense enough to sear a steak or stir-fry veggies.

I experimented with the other two functions. The temperature setting is great for maintaining a certain heat level for an extended period of time, particularly for keeping food warm for, say, a buffet. But you can’t fine-tune the temperature increments as much as I would like; the options range in 20 to 40 degree increments at 10 different settings; most likely, they’re the same wattage levels as the 10 power levels.

The timer could also be handy but I found it confusing to figure out how you set the timer and the power level together, even with the basic instruction booklet that came with the unit. I also didn’t like that when the time was up, the cooktop simply beeped once and turned off. It would be very easy to not notice that the timer had completed.

One of my favorite things about this cooktop, as with most induction cooktops, is how safe it is. I was able to take it to my daughter’s preschool to make soup with the class of 3-year-olds, and wasn’t afraid of anyone getting burned since there is not an open flame, and the sides and outside surface of the cooktop doesn’t get hot (Although, the exterior of the pot will get hot, and when you remove the pot, the surface of the cooktop will remain hot for a little while)

Don’t expect to be able to use this product for long cooking projects like sous vide cooking or making stock. For safety reasons, it shuts off after 3 hours, so you’d have to hang around to turn it back on.

But for under $100, the Max Burton Induction cooktop is a handy extra burner that’s ideal for entertaining, potlucks, and even boats or RVs with the proper electrical outlets.

 

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Inexpensive
• Heats contents quickly and efficiently

 

Cons:

• Setting the timer with the power or temperature function is confusing
• When timer is set, there is only a single beep to indicate it has turned off, which is easy to miss.
• Not enough fine-tuned adjustment for temperature setting
• 3-hour shutoff cannot be disabled for longer cooking projects

 

Description:

• Measures 13.3 by 12.5 by 2.6 inches, weighs 5 lbs. 12 oz.
• Maximum power 1800 watts
• Functions include power settings, temperature controls and timer. Heat settings range from 140°F to 450°F
• Safety features include overheat sensor, non-compatible cookware detector, circuit overload protection
• 1-year performance warranty