My inductive hob review.

Barn Owl · August 03, 2008, 09:01:58 PM

I bought two inductive hobs and wanted to thank those who turned me on to them. We have been using the propane stove that the PO put in and in so many words it sucks. Way too much heat for such a little space in the bus. For some time I have been looking for a convection microwave and picked a scratch and dent one up at Home Depot. I like it and it took care of having an oven. I tend to do things in spurts so I plunged in and ordered two inductive cooktops that I found on sale for what I thought was a fair price. Wow! These things are neat! I had no idea how fast they would heat up and have had to adjust my cooking to compensate for the difference. "Blazing fast" would be an understatement. Want to watch water boil? Don't blink. What an incredible piece of technology. I was glad they came with pans because I don't currently have anything that would work, though I need to find some better ones. These things put off almost no heat compared to conventional cooktops. I like the fact that they can be put away to free up counter space, and even brought to the house if we are doing a big thanksgiving and need additional cooking eyes. Because they are "smart" and know when a pan is on them or not, and they are cool, I also feel they are much safer in a confined space such as a bus and around the little ones. If anyone is thinking about getting an inductive cook-top I wouldn't hesitate. The old propane RV stove will soon be history.

This is what I got:

http://www.compactappliance.com/IHP1500-Avanti-Induction-Hotplate-With-Skillet/IHP1500,default,pd.html?cgid=Appliances-Ranges_Cooktops-Countertop_Burner

This is a good informative site:

http://theinductionsite.com/

jjrbus · August 03, 2008, 09:50:40 PM

Thanks for the post. I have been thinking on these for a while. I do not like to cook in the bus so have a outside 2 burner propane cooktop next to the grill. Two of these portables would work very well.
I have a micro/convection oven, cannot say I love or hate it just that it works. Mine is older and the wattage is low, about 800 watts. On most recipes I must use more time than called for.

Barn Owl · August 03, 2008, 10:29:01 PM

I also use a propane burner when I cook outside. I am a big fan of Dutch ovens, and if I have the time to fire up the charcoal, they are my preference. I so enjoy camp cooking.

I use something very similar to this (mine is from overstocked - $45, Harbor freight regulator and hose $12):

kyle4501 · August 04, 2008, 09:06:27 AM

Good stuff!
Can you tell me how many amps it pulls to heat a pan of water to boiling?

I want one, I'm just trying to place a priority on it.

johns4104 · August 04, 2008, 01:53:38 PM

Kyle,
The link says two setting 1300 watt and 1500watt.
That is 10.83 amps and 12.50 amps

Hope this helps,
John

kyle4501 · August 04, 2008, 02:51:54 PM

Dadgumit, I read that link twice & missed it both times . . . guess I need to put reading glasses at the top of my list

FloridaCliff · August 04, 2008, 04:34:03 PM

Quote from: kyle4501 on August 04, 2008, 02:51:54 PM
Dadgumit, I read that link twice & missed it both times . . . guess I need to put reading glasses at the top of my list

After seeing a few of your bus purchases, glasses would seem in order......Gotcha! LOL

Cliff

Barn Owl · August 04, 2008, 06:23:28 PM

There are some specs here in the owners manual:

http://www.avantiproducts.com/manuals/ihp1500.pdf

HTH

H3Jim · August 04, 2008, 07:06:41 PM

I have been Very happy with my supentown induction hob. When (if) I ever remodel my house kitchen, I am planning oin going induction. I think they are just great technology. I use the hob in the coach, and was trying to figure out how to take them apart and build in tow of them into the hole I already have for my dual burner electric.

So my recommendation would be to go for it.

pvcces · August 14, 2008, 12:38:08 PM

We bought one of these, intending to use it on the boat and the bus, but it would not work on the MSW inverter. If you are considering one, you might try to find a way to test it on your inverter before commiting to a purchase that you can't return.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey

WEC4104 · August 14, 2008, 01:15:00 PM

Looks like a real nice unit, and I like the fact it appears to use most of its size as cooking surface. (Minimum size unit to store, while giving the largest usable cook surface possible.)

For me, I would to have this in addition to my 4 burner propane stove, not instead of it. I am a big believer in having multiple (redundant) systems in the bus. Don't want to run the generator? Use propane. Have "free" electric from the campground pole? Use electric. I like options, options are good.

Like Laryn, I prefer outside camp cooking in the summer . (Own four dutch ovens, and absolutely love 'em). In fact, I prefer cast iron cookware in general. I can also attest to the fact that Lodge cast iron skillets work very well with induction cook surfaces, because our home stove in an induction unit.

Today, I carry an electric coffemaker and an electric griddle in the bus. These, along with my microwave, are my electric options when I don't use propane. The induction hub shown would be a nice addition. At 1500 watts, you would have to plug them into separate circuits if you were going to use two, or run an extra beefy circuit back to the panel.