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Induction cooktop first impressions

We just bought a portable induction cooktop for the Roadtrek, and trying it out. Wow, very impressed!

I tried boiling a quart of water in our 3 qt sauce pan, had a rolling boil in 5 minutes, much faster than the propane burner. Also has temperature settings for precise temperature cooking and a timer. Haven't done any actual cooking yet, but will on our next trip.

We already had "induction capable" cookware. The pan base has to be magnetic to work.

The price is very reasonable. I'm wondering why we didn't try this sooner.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #1 –
I got the fancier sibling for Christmas Amazon.com: Duxtop LCD 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop... (opted for this one since it can go lower to temper chocolate).  I still need to take a magnet to TJMaxx/Homegoods and find some compatible pans.  My older Calphalon stainless isn't magnetic.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #2 –
If used on inverter it must be a pure sine wave. They don't work on modified sine wave.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #3 –

We have one like Peter has, Michelle's is very nice, and we like it lots.  We use it outside often and inside too.  Just like any new cooktop it takes some time to figure out where all the familiar settimgs are but once you dial that in they are very nice.  I really like the option of cooking outside.  Keeps the food odors and steam out of the coach (sautéing mushrooms in butter and garlic or boiling a big batch of pasta).

Amazon.com : Magma Products, A10-363-2-IND, Gourmet "Nesting" 7-Piece...

... corrected the link

We got a set of Magma nesting, stainless steel, induction ready cookwear for the coach as well as a nice 8" saute pan, everything we need.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #4 –
Yes, tried it on our sine inverter and it works great.

Also, used my watt meter to verify the settings. At setting 10 it tops out at about 1350 watts, not 1800 watts as advertised. But, I think they are using some specmanship in what they claim. 1350 watts RMS would be 1890 watts peak, sneaky, sneaky... 
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #5 –
I like to use mine with cast iron cookware.  I have a griddle, skillet, and dutch oven (which works like a supercharged crock pot).

Unfortunately, my very high quality stainless cookware (with aluminum inside the walls and bottom) is not magnetic.

Also have an induction pad to place under the stainless if necessary, but rarely used.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #6 –
We changed out our coach to induction a while ago and loved it.  We ordered this new coach with no stove at all and an extra outlet .  BTW our induction burner worked on our inverter with no issues and it was the original modified sine 2500 inverter.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
I like to use mine with cast iron cookware.  I have a griddle, skillet, and dutch oven (which works like a supercharged crock pot).
After reading this, I decided I better stop at Target after work and get a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven. Neither I or Tammy has ever used one. In reading about them, nothing even comes close. We are anxious to try it.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #8 –
We have a Lodge griddle. It has ribs on one side, smooth on the other. It doesn't work well with the induction cooker, not enough cooktop to pot contact.  We have several Lodge frying pans, 8" and 10".  I bake corn bread in the 8" pan all the time.

The only bad part with cast iron is that it is heavy and it takes longer to heat up than other cookwear and it takes a while to cool off.  It is pretty much non-stick if it gets seasoned correctly.  You still need to use oil.  Use dish soap sparingly.  Just wipe them out if you can.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #9 –
We love ours and haven't use the propane stove since we bought it. It is much easier to control the temp and cools down fast. Start off on just below medium as it gets really hot fast.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #10 –
Update

I tried heating the cast iron Dutch oven and measured the maximum power at 1600 watts vs 1350 watts with our stainless pan with induction base.  So it seems the heating effectiveness depends on the type of cookware used. Tom, your comment about using cast iron was right on!

Also, many comments on Amazon regarding the induction cooker complain about an annoying high pitched sound. I had my son (who still has his good hearing) listen and could not hear it, so not a problem, at least for this model. 
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #11 –
We have the Duxtop portable induction range and use it when plugged in.  Works great with our stainless steel Americraft cookware- we have our full set with us since we full time.    Works great-  ^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #12 –

Chuck, Thanks for seeing the mis-link
Amazon.com : Magma Products, A10-363-2-IND, Gourmet "Nesting" 7-Piece...

Is the right one.  These are nice heavy duty pots. They also make a 10 pc set.  An extra handle and two more pots.  They also have these pot protectors.  Protects the pots when nested and they don't rattle. Having all of these nest together saves a lot of room.

Amazon.com : Magma Products, A10-368 No-Skid 3-Piece Pot Protectors Set,...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #13 –
Induction cooking is interesting.  In some ways I like it in others not so much.  Induction, since Jan. is what we have other than an electric skillet so I am adapting.  Fortunate that our pot and pan set that we had in our stix n brix house. 

New technology is creeping into my life.  ;)
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #14 –
We really liked it.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
New technology is creeping into my life.  ;)
1970's or earlier I believe Frigidaire was selling them, but not much interest then.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Chuck, Thanks for seeing the mis-link
Amazon.com : Magma Products, A10-363-2-IND, Gourmet "Nesting" 7-Piece...

Is the right one.  These are nice heavy duty pots. They also make a 10 pc set.  An extra handle and two more pots.  They also have these pot protectors.  Protects the pots when nested and they don't rattle. Having all of these nest together saves a lot of room.

Just got the 10 piece non-stick set today and agree - nest nicely and very well made cookware Amazon.com : Magma Products, A10-366-2-IND Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel...

The 10 piece comes with one set of the pot protectors.  I ordered a second set not realizing this, but it will come in handy for the steamer/colander insert I also ordered (which nests in the stack as well) https://www.amazon.com/Magma-Products-A10-367-Stainless-Colander/dp/B009SUHI6W?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009SUHI6W&pd_rd_r=CEWMW9PK612HKGEYJ2YQ&pd_rd_w=S2GxC&pd_rd_wg=2ikfG&psc=1&refRID=CEWMW9PK612HKGEYJ2YQ&ref_=pd_bxgy_200_img_3

Also got this cool roll-up dish drainer to go over the sink.  It's pricier than some of the others, but the bars are a rectangular cross section rather than round, which we prefer https://www.amazon.com/Kaleep-Multipurpose-Stainless-Foldable-Vegetables/dp/B071DDXDR5/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01&linkCode=ll1&tag=foreforums-20&linkId=460de9fc49d4fbec63959d0e398429cf
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #17 –

Added a NuWave Titanium 1850 countertop cooktop a little over a year ago a bit to some misgivings by my wife.  She very quickly came around and loves it.  Uses it all the time when we are on the campground's electricity (saves propane).  I liken cooking with induction to cooking with gas but using electricity. .

 We purchased the T-fal E938SA Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black. a Surprisingly sturdy and nice set.
Amazon.com: T-fal E938SA Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001
 

Re: Induction cooktop first impressions

Reply #18 –
Have one of the single induction cooktops and love it. Had bought a cheap one in 13 and used it till it gave up the ghost about 9 months ago.  I like the fact that I can take it outside to do fish or bacon. But it fits easily into a drawer for storage.
Would love to have the magna cookware,  but maybe next year.
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723