“Ahead of the Curve” – since 1964, BergHOFF the Belgium company, is the European manufacturer of Berghoff Studio Single Touch Induction Cooktop – Tronic Line.
Because the manufacturer doesn’t have very specific names for its induction cooktop models it is better to specify the model number, so this review is about the BHI-01B item no:18100027.
The manufacturer has it’s US headquarter in Odessa, Florida with distribution centers in Florida and California.
A lot of users bought this item for spaces where they don’t have gas: like a small condo on the water, cottages for vacation rentals which don’t have a kitchen, suites rented where the owner needs peace of mind that nothing can be burned and can be cleaned very easy, keep looking as new even after a lot of use, but also people who need fast meals, to keep their kitchen cool in summer, to cook outside for avoiding smelling up the house, safety and for saving on energy bills.
1. Controls
The item has a simple control panel with few touch controls which make it easy to use and shortens the learning time.
The touch controls respond very quickly so you need to get used to them. The first time you tend to push harder and hold longer.
The control panel is set slightly lower than the cooktop surface so that the chances of them being accidentally touched by the bottom of a pan is small. Also there is a line made of plastic that separates the control panel and the cooktop glass surface. Controls are placed from right to left, starting with OFF/ON and ending with LED Display.
I like that they are not crowded. The manufacturer has left enough space between them. 
On/OFF – is located at the right beginning of the control panel. When you press On/Off the Power Light will glow , the item will start to beep and LED Display will blink.
This is called stand by mode.
If you place a ready induction cookware on the item it will switch to cooking mode and the LED Display will show the “5” number which is the default heating level. The “stand by mode” will last 10 seconds. If no pan is present the item turns off.
Timer – is the next control besides On / Off and is used to set a cooking time. If you know exactly how long it takes to heat food, set the timer and you can do anything else. No more babysitting your pot or pan.
For example if you want to cook oatmeal set the time and temperature and when done, the item will shut off.
The maximum time that can be set is 150 minutes. When you press Time, LED Display will show “0” and using the “+” control you will be able to reach the desired temperature. The step for setting the time is 5 minutes.
When it to counts down the time this will be done with a step of 1 minute.
Led Display will show only minutes.
Temp – temperature is the third control from the right of control panel and the icon is a thermometer in a square.
If you want to cook at a specific temperature or want to follow your recipe exactly you can use this control
You can set the temperature from 150 F to 450 F (65 C to 232 C).
If you want to set up a specific time you need to press Temp control, the LED Display will show the default temp 270 F (132 C) and using + and – controls you can adjust the desired temperature. The step is 30 F.
To activate the new setting you need to press On/Off to restart the item.
Heat – a flame in a square was chosen by BergHOFF to be the icon for this control being the fourth from the right of the control panel.
This control is the same as the Power control of the Duxtop or Max Burton cooktops. The BergHoff has chosen to name it: Heat.
When you turn on the item the Power Control LED becomes a steady red which means the Heat control is activated. The default level is 5 and you can use + and – controls to adjust it. The range is 1 to 10 (260 W to 1600 W).
+ and –: controls are used to adjust the Temp, Heat or Timer
Led Display – will show status, time, temp, power level, and error codes. Is very useful to see if the item responds to controls or when something is wrong.
Led Control Lamps – the item has lamp controls for Heat (watt), Temp (F/C) and Timer (Min). When one of these controls are activated the corresponding lamp should become a steady red.
2. Surface
The surface is made by ceramic glass and looks very nice.
The edges of the item are plastic which is one worry for consumers. In case a pan slips over the edge it can melt these margins.
The manufacturer has marked with a circle the cooking area which has diameter of 9.5 inches. The wide size is 11 ¾ inches (30 cm) so you can’t use a pot with a bottom larger then 10 inches.
Some users used 12 inches pot but I would not advise this
On the surface is stamped the BergHOFF logo , 3 semicircles and a warning: “Surface remains hot, after use, do not touch”.
The surface cleaning is very easy and can be done with a soft cloth with regular dish soap and water. The manufacturer advises to not use any abrasive cleaners.
3. Heating Elements
The BergHOFF Touch Screen Single induction cooktop has 1 heating element positioned under the ceramic glass and heat bottom pan using induction technology.
The size of the coil is 9.5 inches. This is why we need to use pans with a specific size of bottom and that are induction ready. If the bottom of a pan is larger the edges will be heated but more slowly.
Here is a picture of the coil:
4. Power/Watts
This item has a maximum power of 1600 W . It has 10 levels of power which start at 260 W. The level you have set it to is displayed on the LED Display.
You will need a standard power outlet of 120 V and 60 Hz to connect the unit.
This model doesn’t have an option for 220 V.
5. Sensors
The system has 10 sensors and each one has a corresponding error code. Depending on the problem the LED display shows the code and the user knows what to do by referring to the manual.
If you see on the LED Display a code which starts with “E” it is clear that it is an error code and you need to see what is about.
E0 – if the intensity of current is higher then 20 A you get this error code;
E1 – the unit detects that voltage is under 95V;
E2 – the item detects that voltage is over 145 V;
E3, E4 and E5 – these codes alert you that some parts of the unit are damaged and that you need to contact an authorized service provider. The manufacturer is not very clear what parts need to be replaced;
E6 – cooking temperature is over 450 F (240 C) in TEMP mode;
E7 – the ventilation system isn’t working properly, can be blocked or something is damaged and an internal overheat situation appeared. You should keep clearance of 2 to 4 inches around the item and avoid placing it on soft tops.
You need to shut off the item, unplug it to cool down and then restart.
E8 – appears when the unit is in Power mode and is overheated having over 302 F (150 C). If you need to cook at higher temperature you should use the TEMP mode which allows a max of 450 F (240 C).
Solution: you need to Power Off, unplug it, let it cool down and then re plug and restart.
E9 – this error code is related to cookware. If the cookware is not induction ready or has a bottom size less then 5 inches (12 cm). The cookware bottom should be magnetic or be 18/0 stainless steel. As a general rule the bottom should be 5 to 10 inches in size to work.
The unit restarts automatically when you place the right cookware.
EE – this code appears on the LED Display when the time set for cooking reaches the maximum of 150 minutes, the item notifies with a beep and enters stand by mode. Needs to be restarted using On/OFF control to apply the new setting.
6. Ventilation
The unit has 1 fan which starts when you turn on the cooktop . For a proper air circulation the manufacturer added 2 air outlets – one of intake and one for exhaust.
The noise level is low but still noticeable but should not be a concern. Users say that their toaster ovens are more loud than the BergHoff Touch Screen induction cooktop.
We need to be careful to keep clearance around the cooktop. The manufacturer recommends 2 to 4 inches distance from any objects.
Also you need to place the item on a dry surface.
7. Safety Features
The manufacturer has equipped the device with many sensors (10) in order to ensure safe use.
The unit complies with ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories), FCC and NSF regulations.
The item turns off if no pan or no compatible one is detected. So if by mistake your cat hops on the cooktop and presses the On/Off control, for 10 seconds the item will be in standby mode but nothing is heated.
When you use the Time mode and set up a specific time for cooking, the item shuts down when the time is up.
This model doesn’t have the Lock function like the Duxtop 8300 ST where you can lock the entire control panel when it is working.
8. Accessories
The package includes the BergHoff Induction Cooktop 1600 W and the user manual.
The manufacturer sels over at Amazon a package which includes a Scala 10 inch deep skillet made by 3 –layer ferno ceramic material. It’s been very well received by customers.
You will need induction compatible cookware to use with this unit. One recommended by the manufacturer is BergHoff Scala but users found other models that work fine:
– Le Creuset;
– All Clad;
– Paula Deen
9. Dimensions
This model is perfect for those with a small kitchen or small counter space . To have an idea if it will fit your space here are the dimensions:
Part | Size |
|---|---|
Wide | 11 ¾ inches (30 cm) |
Lengh | 13 1/3 inches (34 cm) |
Height | 2 ¼ inches (6 cm) |
Weight | 5.6 lbs/ 2.55 kg |
Coil diameter | 9.5 inches (24.13 cm) |
Shipping weight | 8 lbs / 3.62 kg |
10. Warranty
BergHoff offers a 1 year warranty for this model.
You need to keep a copy of your sales receipt to prove the date of purchase to obtain the warranty.
The return of the product in warranty is free of transportation costs.
Also, the manufacturer advises to check the unit for exterior damages (broken surface, corners etc) upon receipt and to send it back in case if there are any issues.
11. Pros
Stand by mode for 10 sec which allow to lift off the pan and the item don’t turn off
Portable
Short start-up cooking time
Small size
Easy to use
Good quality
Sturdy which mean will not break easy
Easy to clean
Safe for using
Cools down quickly
Looks neat
Great power (1600W)
10 level powers
150 minutes cooking time
Saves energy – heating only the bottom pan and keep your kitchen cool
12. Cons
Need new induction compatible cookware
Temperature not entirely accurate
Plastic frame around ceramic glass (can melt if a pan slip)
Control panel touch is too sensitive
13. Consumer Ratings
I have noticed that users like its simplicity and the fact that it is very well constructed.
The item has a 4 star rating from users on Amazon. Almost 90% percent of users awarded the maximum rating level, the rest of 10% had some common problems like : their cookware is not induction compatible, by mistake they cracked the plastic around the cooktop etc.
14. Price
From my point of view this product is worth its price because it is easy to use, good looking and a well constructed device.
15. F.A.Q.
1. Does BergHOFF TouchScreen Induction CookTop have a waterproof surface?
Yes, this cooktop is designed with a glass or ceramic surface is glass or ceramic and the frame around is made of plastic. For the cleaning, you need a wet sponge and a wax cleaning product special for this type of cooktop. So, you will have no problems.
16. User Manual
Let us know in comments and will send it by email
