It seems to me that the average cooktop draws under 5kw. Those therefore have normal 2.5mm power point wiring going to them. That size wire won’t handle the demands of a larger cooktop whether it is induction or whatever. Induction is not inefficient, but they can pack a lot of power in as the plates are not directly heated, the device does not get hot. This model can draw over 7kw and would keep tripping a normal 20amp breaker so you definitely would need heavier wire. I did upgrade.

When you apply power to the stovetop you can set the maximum power the device can draw eg 4kw which means it would not pop the breaker or draw more that 5kw, but it may not be legal to operate like that and stay on an underrated circuit. Ask your electrician? I tried it in that mode (4kw) as a test and it seems fine for cooking but obviously it won’t permit full power on all plates at once.

It has two plates on the left which can be bridged and then operate as one large plate. Those two plates can also operate in ‘chef’ mode, so when you push the pot bot the back it has full power, pull it to the front it has minimum power. The large plate on the right is capable of a few tricks as well.

This stovetop cost me $250 . It’s one of the best investments I have ever purchased. I don’t know why I would ever need anything better? I cannot imagine why some induction stovetop cost much, much more.

Thanks so much for this. I have just purchased this item and waiting for my brother (lic sparky) to upgrade the wiring and install. I have always used gas but that is not an option in our new place and the ceramic cooktop in situ is at best a pile of smelly stuff. I read induction is as good as or better than gas so I am really looking fwd to getting it in.

HI JLA,

Thanks so much for you response and information which was very helpful! :)

I ended up getting the next model up (SMP658CNEIXL) for less ($230 at GG) than the one you reviewed! :))

It has 8 zones, Assisted cooking, Chef control and Flexifull and can be configured any way you like and is probably smarter than the user!! :O

I'm looking forward to it being installed and using it but may have to wait until after CV-19! :(

Regards,

Penny