Everyday cooking routines can be overwhelming for those who have a busy schedule, are constantly on the run and barely have time to see their family.
Even so, a healthy nutrition is essential for a busy person, which is why a solution must be found to cook easily and quickly.
In this article we will focus on the pros and cons of the Cadco BIR-1C Buffet Induction 120-Volt Hot Plate
, which is a beautifully designed induction cooktop with a single burner.
If you are looking for an appliance that is safe, affordable and easy to use, then this product might just be perfect for your needs.
Check out the main features of this induction cooker:
1. Controls
The Cadco BIR-1C Buffet Induction 120-Volt Hot Plate is equipped with a touch control panel that is very easy to operate. It has 3 sets of + and – buttons, for the timer, temperature adjustment and power level.
Also, it has an on/off main button that only has to be touched once to start the element. The same motion is required for it to shut-off.
The touch control also includes two tiny screens where the cooking time and the power level are displayed. Between these displays, there are 5 tiny LEDs that light up whenever a temperature level is set. Here are the 5 temperature levels of this cooker:
• 70 degrees Celsius / 160 degrees Fahrenheit
• 110 degrees Celsius / 230 degrees Fahrenheit
• 150 degrees Celsius / 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• 190 degrees Celsius / 370 degrees Fahrenheit
• 230 degrees Celsius / 450 degrees Fahrenheit
The power adjustment system has 9 levels that the user can set, ranging from 1-9. They can be set using the + and – touch controls.
The cooker’s timer can also be set easily. It ranges between 1 and 99 minutes and changing the cooking time during the operation will not affect the temperature or power settings.
2. Surface
This induction cooker’s surface is made of ceramic glass, known as Schott Ceran and it is surrounded by a high-grade stainless steel casing. It has a unique design and can only be used with induction-ready cookware.
It is important to use only flat-bottomed pots and pans that are made of iron, stainless steel or cast-iron.
3. Heating Elements
This is a single –burner induction cooktop. The cookware’s bottom must fit the element’s diameter which means that it must range from 3-5/32 inches to 10-1/4 inches.
Unless the cookware fits the description above, the device’s sensors will automatically shut it off.
Only the element will heat up during its operation, not the entire surface, which means that it is safe to touch the stainless steel surface or the surrounding area of the element.
The heating element must only be cleaned after the surface has completely cooled down, using soft cloth and induction-compatible sprays or solutions. It can also be cleaned with water.
4. Power/Watts
It’s easy to cook with this cooker thanks to its temperature and power control features. It can use up to 1400W and has 9 power levels, ranging from 220W to 1400W.
Here are the power levels that one can set:
• 200 W – level 1
• 360 W – level 2
• 530 W – level 3
• 630 W – level 4
• 920 W – level 5
• 1080 W – level 6
• 1200 W – level 7
• 1220 W – level 8
• 1400 W – level 9
The manufacturer specifically recommends using steel pots with a diameter between 7-7.8 inches for the values above.
The great thing about this cooktop is that it doesn’t require a special outlet, so it can be used for both commercial and home use.
5. Sensors
There are various sensors that contribute to the easiness of use of this induction cooker and its safety features. The temperature sensor is one of the most important, as it doesn’t allow the surface to overheat.
The touch controls sensors are present in every set of adjustment buttons in order to provide an easy and comfortable operation.
6. Ventilation
A cooling ventilator is present under the induction system and it is designed to protect from overheating and cool the entire mechanism down.
It must be cleaned from time to time, especially if the EC error displays. Impurities and dust may gather in its holes that can be easily and manually cleaned.
7. Safety Features
Its safety sensors prevent the cooker from overheating when no activity is being detected for 30 seconds or when the cookware is not compatible.
Among the safety functions there is also an operating time restriction that will shut the device automatically off if no settings have been changed for 2 hours.
Also, low and high voltage will cause the same behavior. Its internal monitoring functions will lead to error displaying on the tiny screens.
8. Accessories
The use of accessories or attachments is not recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Dimensions
This induction cooktop’s size of 16.2 x 12 x 3 inches is suitable for any kitchen. It can be easily stored and transported when required and it only weighs 6 pounds.
10. Pros
This modern induction cooker comes with plenty of advantages for its buyers:
• Has a modern design
• Is easy to operate
• Is lightweight
• Is easy to adjust
• Comes with safety features
• Is made of ceramic glass and durable stainless steel
• Has a pot recognition function
11. Cons
Although this product has is useful, practical and easy to work with, it also has its cons:
• It only has 5 temperature levels
• At its maximum power of 1400W, is not that powerful
• Its manufacturer only covers the product for 1 year
• Doesn’t have child-lock functions
12. Consumer Ratings
Buyers are very happy with their purchase, giving its gorgeous design and advanced features and functions. Consumers have rated this product 5 out of 5 stars.
13. Price
The Cadco BIR-1C Buffet Induction 120-Volt Hot Plate is exactly what one needs for safe and quick cooking. It is reliable, durable, sturdily constructed and its instructions are flawless.
The only thing that might concern buyers is that it is more expensive than other similar products. At this price, it comes with a technology that is worth the money, but can’t stop you from wondering why other cooktops are cheaper.
