In this article, we are going to compare three different models of Bosch induction cooktops from the 30 inches wide series. So, we have the Benchmark model and the 800 series, that can be frameless or with a frame and the 500 series. For the best understanding let’s make a list:
So, we can see that some of these induction cooktops from Bosch are with a frame, and some are frameless. You can easily distinguish those with frame by looking at the model’s name. Induction cooktops with frame have an “S” at the end (eg NITP066UC is Frameless and NITP066SUC is with Frame).
From the manufacturer’s point of view, it seems that the frames on induction burners add more protection to the edges of the glass. However, some customers argue that this frame has only an aesthetic role, giving a much interesting design to the appliance.
In addition, the surface will be more difficult to clean in this area, as the dirt can enter under the frame.
Anyway, most often, induction cooktops with a frame are much expensive in comparison with those frameless. If we look that way, it seems to be a waste of money to invest in an induction cooktop with a frame.
2. Overview Benchmark NITP066UC Frameless, NITP066SUC – Frame
Bosch NITP066UC is an induction cooktop with 4 elements and a very interesting characteristic: you can use the heating element on the left side as if it were 2 separate heating elements. You can also choose to run this heating element alone and in this way you can use longer or larger induction pans and pots.
This appliance with 30 amp circuit is frameless, but there is a similar unit with frames from stainless steel in front and on the back. It is Bosch NITP066SUC Induction Cooktop. Informative, these models have sister units of 36 inches width, with and without frames.
But let’s come back to Bosch NITP066UC and NITP066SUC and see what are its most important features. This unit is the only 30 inches width induction burner on the market with a 30 amp breaker requirement. Two heating elements are bridged and all four of them are boosted.
The appliance is black and there are some soft lines on the circles that delimitate the cooking area. Each heating element has its own CountDown Timer and to select the cooking level you have to choose from 17 setting, which means that the cooktop is very precise.
The FlexInduction is a plus to these models, as the two left side heating elements can operate as one long heating element (up to 11-14 inches).
Some other important features are pan detection and pan-size detection, the possibility to lock the control panel in case you have children, protection when you clean the surface (there are no risks to change the setting by accident while you clean the dirt) .
There are also indicators for residual heat and for safety measure, the unit shuts off automatically if it overheats. Dimensions for frameless Bosch NITP066UC and NITP066SUC with a frame are 31 inches wide and 21-1/4 inches deep. Below the surface, you need to keep an empty space of 4-3/8″ for Bosch NITP066UC and 4-7/16″ for NITP066SUC.
3. Overview 500 series NIT5066UC
The NIT5066UC 500 30 inch width is a great looking, fashionable, black and stylish induction cooktop. There are no frames and it has four cooking areas with different sizes. Each of it is very well positioned on the appliance so that you can easily put a pan on when you want to cook.
The circles that show the cooking zones stand out from the rest of the surface. The dimensions of this unit are 31 inches wide and 21-1/4 inches deep. It is recommended that you keep a 4-1/8 clearance under the surface.
With Bosch NIT5066UC 500 you can individually programme each heating element because it has Independent CountDown Timer. There is also a function that prevents overheating; when the cooktop exceeds a level of temperature that you have set it shuts off automatically.
2 minutes – this is the time needed to boil water. The NIT5066UC 500 is very fast and in the end you will cook faster and have more time for other fun activities. The unit is also equipped with features like pan/ pan size detection and lockout for children protection.
4. Overview 800 series NIT8066UC Frameless, NIT8066SUC – Frame
In what concerns the 800 series, we also have two different types of induction cooktops: the NIT8066UC that is Frameless and the NIT8066SUC that comes with frames. Otherwise, the technical characteristics are the same.
The main difference between the 500 series and the 800 series from Bosch is that the last has an Auto chef function. This Bosch’s exclusive characteristic helps the unit to detect the level of temperature from the bottom of the pot.
Besides, it will maintain that temperature with great precision. This mean that if you add a new ingredient on the pan, the temperature will not fluctuate.
800 series have four heating elements and, as those model mentioned above can function in an older kitchen with an underpowered wiring. The larger heating element has 11 inches and a great power for cooking. NIT8066UC has no frames, so it has a modern and plain design.
On the other hand, NIT8066SUC is designed with stainless steel frames, in the front and on the back edges. This new look makes it a perfect solution for people who have sinks from stainless steel and other units from like this in their kitchen.
So what are the differences and which one is your best choice?
To better see the differences between the 30 inches Bosch induction Cooktops described above, I’ve drafted a table that you can read below.
If you like to buy an induction cooktop with frames so that you can better protect the surface, then you may go for the NITP066SUC or the NIT8066SUC. But, if you are looking for a sleek, modern design you can choose a frameless Bosch 30 inched width induction burner.
To focus on differences, I will go further and say that if you already have longer induction pans and pots you can opt for NITP066UC because this model has a special heating element on the left that can run as a single.
In comparison with the other models described, this one has larger cooking zones (just one of 6 inches, two of 8/9 inches and one with 11 inches).
Finally, if you consider that the innovative feature of AutoChef would help you (because you need to maintain an exact temperature for a lot of recipes), then it is sure that you have to go for 800 series NIT8066UC. But if you think you don’t need this feature, then go on, save some money and opt for the 500 series NIT5066UC that is cheaper.
With this comparison I hope I cleared some important things about the 30 inches Bosch induction Cooktops and that I emphasized the differences between them in such a way that you can easily decide “which one is you best”.
Benchmark NITP066UC Frameless, NITP066SUC – Frame |
500 series NIT5066UC |
800 series NIT8066UC Frameless, NIT8066SUC – Frame |
|
---|---|---|---|
Number of heating elements |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Boosted heating elements |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Powers |
· 3.3 kW – front left, 8/9-inch diameter· 3.3 kW – back left, 8/9-inch diameter· 2.4 kW – back right, 11-inch diameter· 1.4 kW – front right, 6-inch diameter |
· 2.2 kW – front left, 9-inch diameter· 1.4 kW – back left, 6-inch diameter· 2.4 kW – center, 11-inch diameter· 1.4 kW – right, 6-inch diameter |
· 2.2 kW – front left, 9-inch diameter· 1.4 kW – back left, 6-inch diameter· 2.4 kW center, 11-inch diameter· 1.4 kW – right, 6-inch diameter |
Maximum power |
7.2 kW |
7.2 kW |
7.2 kW |
Levels |
17 |
17 |
17 |
Features |
|||
pan recognition |
yes |
yes |
yes |
pan-size detection |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Childproof lockout |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Residual-heat indicators |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Overheat shutoff |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Other functions |
FlexInduction and Wipe protection |
– |
AutoChef |
Dimensions |
31 “ x 21, 1/4”; needs 4-3/8″ clearance below surface |
31″ wide x 21-1/4″ deep; needs 4-3/8″ clearance below surface |
31″ wide x 21-1/4″ deep; needs 4-3/8″ clearance below surface |
Price |
|||
Cost/Kilowatt |
$290.00 |
$200.00 |
$225.00 |