If you are looking at buying a new cook top you first need to know what size you need. The most common two sizes are 30″ and 36″. If you are designing a new kitchen then decide on one of these sizes and put it into your plans because while there are a few cook tops that come in other sizes (like 24″) your choice will be greatly limited. If you stick to 30″ or 36″ you will be able to choose from a huge range of brands, styles and functionality.
Deciding between 30″ and 36″
This comes down to personal preference and space limitations. If you are a big cook, love being in the kitchen and have the space to incorporate a 36″ then go for it. However if you do have space limitations then you may need to plan for a 30″. There is also a cost factor to consider, the 36″ range is obviously more expensive, however the price difference isn’t huge depending on what model you go for.
Points to consider when choosing size:
- Kitchen Size
- Worktop Space
- Amount of use your cook top gets
- Cost
- Power requirements and energy costs
Today we are going to look at some of the best 30″ induction cook tops that are currently available and go over the features of each. Here is a qucik summary of the 5 we looked at you can click the link to jump to that section.
| 1. Bosch NIT5066UC 500 | View on Amazon |
| 2. Frigidaire FGIC3067MB | View on Amazon |
| 3. Verona VECTIM304 | View on Amazon |
| 4. GE Cafe CHP9530SJSS | View on Amazon |
| 5. Fagor IFA80BF | View on Amazon |
Contents
- 1. Bosch NIT5066UC 500 30″ Black Electric Induction Cooktop
- 2. Frigidaire FGIC3067MB 30″ Induction Cooktop, Black
- 3. Verona VECTIM304 30″ Electric Induction 4 Element Cooktop in Black
- Controls
- 4. GE Cafe CHP9530SJSS 30″ Built-in Induction Cooktop
- 5. Fagor IFA80BF 30-Inch Induction Cooktop without Trim, Beveled Front
- Conclusion
1. Bosch NIT5066UC 500 30″ Black Electric Induction Cooktop
Let’s start off with one of the best and one of our personal favorites. This Bosch model looks amazing, it is incredibly sleek and modern looking. It is sure to look great in any kitchen regardless of design and color choices. It is incredibly thin which straight away gives it a modern look and feel.
The Controls
The controls are built directly onto the surface of the unit as you can see in the picture to the right. The touch controls allow you to set a wide range of functions and features. From here you can control the entire device.
• Power switch
• Child Lock
• Timer
• SpeedBoost
• Select Element
• Heat Level Control
The display panel lights up showing what features are active and of course which rings are engaged.
The Heating Elements
The most important part of any cook top is it’s ability to get hot so you can cook food! As this is an induction cook top it is fantastic at doing that as you would expect. Of course you need to use compatible cookware or use an induction interface.
This cooktop has 4 heating element rings which can all be turned on and off individually, once you have selected an element to use you can use the + and – buttons to select a heat level. You can also speed things up a bit if needed with the SpeedBoost button. The manual provides you with a guide on what heat setting level to use depending on what you are cooking but once you have used it for a short time you will be able to use your own judgement.
The power output for each ring can be in seen in this table
| Ring Location | Power Output | Power Output with SpeedBoost | Ring Dimension |
| Front Left | 2200W | 3700W | 9″ |
| Back Left | 1400W | 1800W | 6″ |
| Front Right | 1400W | 1800W | 6″ |
| Back Right | 2400W | 3600W | 11″ |
The rings will automatically shut off if no pan is detected on the surface after 20 seconds. For optimum cooking you should select a pan size that matches the ring.
Dimensions and Weight
The full dimensions can be seen on the table below. As you can see the unit is only 0.25″ high making it incredibly thin. It should be noted though that this cook top is designed to sit above the counter top so it is not flush with the counter.
The unit is fairly heavy at 48lbs so will require two people to take the delivery and maneuver it into place.
The manufacturer reccomneds you keep 2″ distance from the back wall and just over 2″ from the front of the counter. All these dimensions should be considered before buying this cook top. If you are replacing a unit or installing one in a new kitchen the counter top cut out will need to be correct.
| Overall appliance dimensions (HxWxD) (in) | 1/4”+4 1/8” x 31” x 21 1/4” |
| Required cutout size (HxWxD) (in) | 4 1/8” x 28 3/4” x 20” |
| Product packaging dimensions (HxWxD) (in) | 7 1/16” x 36 5/8” x 26 5/8” |
| Minimum distance from counter front (in) | 2 1/4” |
| Minimum distance from rear wall (in) | 2” |
| Power Cord Length | 37” |
| Net weight (lbs) | 38 lbs |
| Gross weight (lbs) | 48 lbs |
Pro’s
- Easy to use
- Touch controls
- Great safety features like child lock
- Easy to clean
- Very thin and great look
- SpeedBoost Technology for super fast cooking
- Well constructed with high quality materials.
Con’s
- Compatible cookware or induction disc required.
- Scratches to surface will be very visible and may damage unit
- Warranty only lasts 1 year (which is standard to be fair)
2. Frigidaire FGIC3067MB 30″ Induction Cooktop, Black
This superb option comes from Frigidaire, it has a unique design with it’s cross hairs style top as opposed to the usual circle markers. So immediately this one stands out from the crowd when it comes to design. At the time of writing this is one of the best selling cook tops on Amazon.
The Controls
This unit has very clear and concise controls with a separate control area for each ring. Each control has a touch pad that is lined up below the ring on the front of the cook top. This makes it very clear and very quick to turn on the ring of choice. In the center of the cook top you have power, child lock, timer and keep warm controls. There is also a small display here for the timer and all the controls have nice indicator lights to show when they are in use.
- Plus and Minus Power for each ring
- Power on/off for each ring
- Indicator lights
- Minute Timer (1 to 99 minutes) with LCD display
- Increase and Descrease Time Buttons for timer
- Lock Button (child saftey)
- Warm and keep warm button
- Power button – This controls power to the entire unit you can then choose which rings to use with their individual controls
The Heating Elements
There are 4 rings as I said each with varying levels of power. The largest ring allows for 3400W which means you can boil a pan of water in less than 2 minutes and cook your food quickly.
| Ring Location | Power Output | Ring Dimension |
| Front Left | 1800/2600W | 7″ |
| Back Left | 2300/3200W | 8″ |
| Front Right | 2500/3400W | 10″ |
| Back Right | 1450/2000W | 6″ |
Dimensions and Weight
Depth: 21-1/2″
Height: 4-3/8″
Width: 30-3/4″
Cutout Dimensions
Width (Min.)/(Max.): 29-5/8″/29-3/4″
Depth (Min.)/(Max.): 20-3/8″/20-1/2″
Height: 4-1/2″
Full installation instructions for the unit and configuring your counter top can be found on the Frigidaire website or by clicking here.
Pro’s
- High power and fast cooking
- Very detailed instructions come with the unit for use and installation. Plus it’s available online if you misplace
- Clear controls for each ring
- Keep Warm Function
- Timer with audible alert
- Modern Design
- High Quality Ceramic Surface
- Hot surface indicators
- Very power efficient – big energy savings over electric and gas cook tops.
- Thin and sleek
Con’s
- 1 year warranty
- Only 2 burners can be on full power at once
3. Verona VECTIM304 30″ Electric Induction 4 Element Cooktop in Black
This Verona cooktop aims to provide function with style. It features an elegant aluminum trim that exudes luxury, while offering all of the features you would expect from a premium cooktop appliance.
Controls
There are a great number of controls available with this one.
- On/Off Power Button
- Child Lock Button with indicator
- Individual power controls for all 4 rings
- Special function keys
- “Peacock tailed” Power Indicator
- Timer
- Sliding Power Select
- Hot Zone Indicator for each ring
- Power level display for each ring
- Booster / Fast Boil Function
- Hot Surface & Residual Heat Indicator
- Timer Functions & Display
- Acoustic Buzzer
- Failure Code Indicator
Heating Elements
All 4 rings offer a great range of power and heat. As with all induction cooktops the pan must be placed in the middle of the ring to allow the unit to detect the pan and activate the heat. Using a pan that is too large for the ring may result in some noise coming from the unit, this is considered normal and common with induction devices.
| Ring Location | Power Output | Ring Dimension |
| Front Left | 1200/1400W | 6″ |
| Back Left | 2200/3000W | 8″ |
| Front Right | 1200/1400W | 6″ |
| Back Right | 1800/2800W | 7″ |
Safety Features
The Verona VECTIM304 30″ Electric Induction Cooktop has a key lock button that must be pressed for 2 seconds to activate. This will prevent accidental pressing of the buttons and also renders the device child safe.
Each ring has a heat indicator that will continue to stay illuminated even when the ring power is off to show that there is still heat on the ring. The rings do cool very rapidly though once they have been shut off.#
It also comes with internal heat sensors that will shut the unit off if it detects there is a problem or that continued use will result in damage to the unit. The display will indicate a fail code which you can check against the manual. If it is a overheating code then we recommend thoroughly allowing your device to cool before attempting to use it again. Always consult the manual or an expert in the unlikely event of this happening.
Dimensions
4. GE Cafe CHP9530SJSS 30″ Built-in Induction Cooktop
A bit of a different layout on this one but it’s not without reason. This cooktop comes with a “Stainless Steel Clad Aluminum Griddle” which can be placed across the left 2 rings. This is a great option if you like to cook using a griddle as many other cooktops will not have this ability. It does however limit you ever so slightly with pan sizes when using all 4 rings at once.
Controls
The controls on this unit are absolutely beautiful. Incredibly modern design. Check out this video of them in action.
The video shows the larger version of the same model. As you can see each ring comes with it’s own power and temperature control dial. While in the center of the unit we have a power button, child lock and timer. The video also shows you just how thin this unit is, almost completely flush with the worktop.
Heating Elements
All the rings work brilliantly and as expected. The heat transfers very well to your cookware and cooking begins immediately and is quickly. To use the griddle it must be placed precisely over both the left hand rings for them both to activate, there is a “sync rings” button to allow both rings to be controlled at the same time from one place and ensures that the heat is perfectly matched from both rings.
| Element | Power | Size of ring |
| Left Front | 2500W | 7″ |
| Left Rear | 2500W | 7″ |
| Right Front | 3700W | 11″ |
| Right Rear | 1800W | 6″ |
Dimensions
| Cutout Dimensions (Width x Depth) (In.) | 28-1/2 x 19-5/8 |
| Net Weight | 37 lb |
| Overall Depth | 20 7/8 in |
| Overall Height | 4 5/8 in |
| Overall Width | 29 3/4 in |
The cutout dimensions and installation instructions can be found in the manual or you can read them now by clicking here
Pro’s
- Amazing touch controls
- Looks superb
- Really flat and thin
- Ability to use griddle with sync rings technology.
- Easy to clean and maintain
Con’s
- One of the more expensive cooktops in the 30″ range
5. Fagor IFA80BF 30-Inch Induction Cooktop without Trim, Beveled Front
Last on our list is this model from Fagor. At first look the controls are not as clear as the others on the list but once you are used to the way this works you will find it is an excellent choice. There are three quick launch commands for each ring which at first look like something you would see on a VCR, these allow you to select a low, medium or high temperature with a simple touch. Although you may not be familiar with this brand name Fagor is well known in the commercial sector and is an expert at producing induction cooktops.
Controls
Each ring has its own set of controls with its own power button. There are 3 quick start options as well as the regular + and – keys for adjusting temperature.
There is no child lock and no timer with this cooktop.
Heating Elements
As with the others this has 4 induction rings with varying sizes and power outputs. The power and size of each ring is as follows.
- Nice controls
- Modern Look
- 7-Point safety system
- 12 Cooking settings + 3 quick launch settings
- Extremely durable Eurokera ceramic glass
Con’s
- Controls not as nice as others in price range
- No child lock
- No Timer
- Installation Instructions are not as concise and clear as others we have tested
Conclusion
All 5 of these cooktops are excellent and the one you choose will depend on what features are important to you. We absolutely loved the look of the GE model (number 4 on the list) because of it’s incredible controls but we preferred the ring layout on the Frigidaire (number 2). All of them were perfectly excellent when it came to cooking for time and overall use. If you have a child and need the extra safety features then make sure you pick one with a child lock. All induction cooktops are very safe though especially when cpmpared to their gas and electric counterparts. All them will shut off if they don’t detect a pan. The choice is yours but we think these are 5 of the best available in the 30″ range right now. Let us know which one you like and any experiences you have with them in the comments below. Here is all 5 again with their current prices at Amazon – we found Amazon to be the cheapest place to buy these and they all had free shipping at the time of writing.
