This cooktop is a model from the Cooktek’s “Apogee” line and its great power and low price make it the best solution for professional commercial cooking activities. It has two heating elements, disposed front to back for ergonomic reasons.
The Cooktek Apogee line also include other units with this kind of elements available in different wider or smaller configurations and even units with one single burner.
The MC2502FG is highly qualitative and it has some special features that represent strong competitive advantages in comparison with other induction cooktops.
It is equipped with a better resolution control with a power setting range from 0 to 100. It has a lot of temperature settings, a very intuitive control panel with touch keys, a digital timer and the possibility to lock out the menu to prevent any accidental risks. The two heating elements have a power of 3500W and the heat is distributed to each of it.
It is made in the USA and the manufacturer offers a three years warranty that proves us we have to deal with a very reliable appliance.
1. Controls
The control panel is smooth, easy to clean with a simple wipe. There are no keys that can easily break or misplace. The LCD displays information about the power setting, the temperature, heating, timer. There is also a pan indicator that shows if the pan you placed on the hob is induction compatible.
For easy use, each heating element has its own separate control keys. This makes it better to operate.
To activate one feature, you should just touch the specific key control.
a) The Power Button: you should use this control to turn the appliance on or off.
b) Mode/Select Button: helps you switch Power Cook and Temperature modes. You can also use this key to confirm a certain selection.
c) Lock Control: Use this key to preventing other users from switching the settings. If you press it 3 times the only key you could use then is the Power Button. Press it 3 times to unlock all the controls.
d) The Timer helps you set cooking time.
e) Slider Control: Allows you to set your own Temperature or Power Cook settings.
f) Precision Control Buttons: You can use these arrow keys to set temperature settings and Power Cook more precisely. The temperature control lets you opt between 100 precise temperature settings. The arrows also help you navigate through the menu.
On the display, you will see information about cooking and code errors in case of any problems.
2. Surface
The surface is from glass-ceramic and it is very easy to clean since spills don’t burn. There is a stainless steel frame surrounding the surface which makes it more practical and safer. If, by accident you spill a large amount of liquid onto the interface, you should wipe the liquid and let the surface and the control panel about two seconds untouched. Then normal sensitivity will come back to the controls.
It is also recommended to use a pan that is dry or else the pan temperature will rise, and the water drops from exterior may begin to boil.
When you intent to clean the unit, especially the surface, you should remove the plug from the power outlet, and when the appliance gets cool, you can wipe the surface using a damp cloth and a mild agent cleaner. The unit comes with a grease filter that helps protect the electronic components from any contaminant.
3. Heating Elements
There are two heating elements, front, and back. Each hob has its own control panel and its own MODE/SELECT control. You can use just one hob or you can use them both at the same time.
4. Power/Watts
MC2502FG cooktop offers a power range of 100-2500W per burner (power consumption is 5000W with 22 A max). The power settings vary from 0-100 and the temperature between 80°F – 500°F (30°C – 260°C)
The manufacturer recommendations say line voltage should never go further then 264VAC for 240VAC units and 132VAC for
120VAC units. Moreover, you need to provide a dedicated electrical circuit (protected with a 20 amp circuit breaker) for this appliance and you should never use a power strip or an extension cord.
Also, the stove must be properly grounded, because this measure reduces risks with electric shocks.
In case you need fast temperature increase, then you should activate the Power mode.
5. Sensors
There is a sensor that will automatically detect the pan. In this way the energy will immediately go to the pan, or there will be no energy consumption in case there is no compatible pan on it (in this situation you will see on the display an “X” across the pan logo, that is placed on the upper right corner).
6. Ventilation
The unit is equipped with a grease filter for a cleaner and cooler air intake. The fan is placed under the stove and it keeps all the internal electronic parts cool. You should keep it away from any other heat sources. For air circulations on the both sides, you should leave at least two inches clearance, front and near of the appliance. In case the air intake or the fan is blocked, the unit will overheat and you will see an error code on the display.
The manufacturer also warns that you should not use this unit near water (sink or swimming pool) or place it upside down, or outdoor in the rain. You should never block or place objects on the air entrance.
Also, when placing the cooktop on a surface, you should take into account a minimum clearance of 2 inches/ 5 cm on back, front, left and right sides. If you intend to drop it in, you should know there must be a minimum clearance of open space below the appliance of 6 inches/ 15 cm (unless you add extra fans for a better ventilation). There should be enough space for the flow of cool air because the ambient temperature should be of maximum 50°C/122°F.
To ensure proper ventilation, avoid installing the cooktop near the appliances that generate excessive heat or steam.
7, Safety Features
This cooktop is safer than traditional gas or electric stoves. In case of overheating it will automatically shut off. In order to check any possible overheating, but also the power supply and any other errors, the appliance is equipped with a CPU that monitors vital parts 120 times in every second. When something is not working properly the stove shuts off immediately and you will be able to read on the display an error code, that will help you diagnose and solve little problems.
The same, if the induction cooktop doesn’t detect any compatible pan or pot within some minutes, it will shut itself off.
Also for safety purpose, the manufacturer recommendations are to place the stove before using it on a stable and dry surface, to turn it off when you are not using it and never leave an empty pot on the cooking areas.
8. Accessories
The pack doesn’t include any pan or pot for use with the cooktop. Moreover, you will need compatible induction (magnetic) cookware.
Anyway in the pack there will be a complete manual, that contains tips, recommendations, and warnings. There is also a useful chapter about troubleshooting and there is a list with possible errors codes. All this may help you to fix any potential minor problems.
9. Dimensions
Here are the dimensions of this unit:
– length: 30.42 inches/ 772 mm
– width: 13.85 inches/ 351 mm
– thickness: 4.98 inches/ 126 mm
The packaged dimensions are almost 914 x 457 x 305 mm.
While the unit’s weight is 31.2 lbs (14.2 kg), the packaged weight is 45 lbs or 20.4 kg.
Of course, this is definitely not a slim unit, but being so sturdy makes it more reliable especially for commercial kitchens and professional cooking.
10. Pros
– Intuitive and elegant touch sensitive control panel
– Bright, backlit LCD cooking information display.
– Faster than conventional gas stoves.
– Heats the pan, rather than the air or the appliance itself
– Safer than conventional stoves. No flames, not hot coil, no other radiant heat sources.
– Easy to clean. The surface always remains cool so the spills don’t get burned.
– A cooler environment because there is no radiant heat to cool the air in the kitchen.
– It is very economical( efficiency more than 90% efficient). Heats the food, not the kitchen!
– Quality awarder: Entela certified, NSF and CE
– More precise temperature settings, from 85°F – 500°F
– LED display
– It auto-displays a diagnostic in case of any problem
– Practical and great design with a frame from stainless steel
11. Cons
– Needs compatible induction cookware
– Too heavy and big
– A little bit expensive
12. Consumer Ratings
There are no consumer ratings on Amazon, but on other websites and online stores, consumers awarded 3 to 5 stars to this product. Generally, they are pleased with their acquisition and this cooktop’s features and performances.
13. Price
At first sight, the price seems a little bit high in comparison with other induction cooktops, but we should take into account that this is a
more performant and high qualitative stove.
If we look back to all its features we will surely agree not only that it has a fair price, but it is a really good deal for all professional cookers and commercial kitchens. A really “must-have”!
