The title is a bit cryptic, but we will deal here with two entry-level induction cooktops from Globe Food Equipment.
As expected, they are very similar in both looks and features; however, there are some details that make the difference. If you are really curious, read on to find out all about them.
As usual, we will tell you a thing or two about each one and then we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Globe Food GIR18-24 Overview
At first sight, the Globe Food GIR18 looks like a sturdy cooktop with an uncomplicated operation routine.
And so it is. Sturdy, yet quite simple to operate. The controls, conveniently placed at the front of the device, allow for easy setting the right temperature and power. Speaking of these, the GIR18 has seven power levels, from 500W to 1800W, with the 1200W power level being the default setting when you turn the device on.
As far as temperature is concerned, you can set it within the 140°F-460°F interval. But there is a glitch here: the control panel has a light indicator that says “HEAT” when in fact it corresponds to the power setting.
OF course, heat levels depends on the power level set, but it’s just a warning so that you do not mistake that for the temperature indicator (which is labeled “TEMP”). Speaking of power, the GIR18 cooktop needs a 1800W, 120V, 60 Hz, 15 amps wiring set-up, so it would be advisable that you check the specs of your wall outlet/inside wiring prior to installing the appliance.
Another aspect worth mentioning is that the GIR18 has a built-in timer, allowing you to set a maximum of 280 minutes, and an automatic shut-off function that will turn the device off once the timer reaches 0 (zero).
What we have overlooked so far is that the Globe Food GIR18 is a single-element induction cooktop with a generous ceramic cooking surface that can accommodate induction ready cookware with a base diameter from 4.75” to 10.25”.
A word of advice: although the cooking surface does not get hot during normal operation, you should not touch the device during cooking as the stainless steel frame might get hot from the pot you’re using.
And, since we are at the safety talk in our presentation, it is worth noting that the GIR18 has good safety features, despite it being an entry-level appliance.
First, there is an error display system for troubleshooting the most common problems (E1 means the surface is too hot, due to ventilation vents being blocked, for example; E2 stands for overheat protection due to the use of inappropriate cookware, that is cookware that is not induction ready, and E3 will be triggered by a temporary voltage overload).
Next, we have an automatic shut-off system that will become effective when there is no pan present or the pan is empty (this is not to be confused with the automatic shut-off feature that comes with the timer function we talked about earlier).
What the GIR18 and its counterpart, the IR1800, lack is a control lock function and a child lock button.
Globe Food IR1800-24 Overview
The Globe Food IR1800 is the slimmer, better looking version of the GIR18 cooktop. In broad lines it is similar to the other, with the same power specs and requirements, the same safety features, but almost half the price.
It has a single heating element as well, but the temperature levels range from 150°F to 450°F and it has only three power levels, with the low setting being the default one.
As a side note, the owner’s manual states that there are six power levels, but the operating instructions mention only the three levels and there are no references to as what is the real number.
Probably each power level has a sub-level, according to the temperature setting currently used. There is also a timer that allows a maximum cooking time of 170 minutes. The moment the timer reaches zero the appliance will automatically turn off. If the timer is not set, the cooktop will run continuously for two hours and then shut off.
The cooking surface made of ceramic glass can accommodate pots or pans with a base diameter of 4.75” to 9.5”, a bit smaller than the GIR18. Of course, you’ll need induction ready cookware (made of cast iron, stainless steel or aluminium, if they are clearly marked as suitable for induction cooking).
The stainless steel case of the IR1800 is only 2.75” high, making it a suitable cooktop even for the less large kitchens or rooms. The control panel and adjacent LED display are conveniently placed at the front, each setting (heat, temperature, timer) having a corresponding indicator light that shows which one is in use.
As for the safety features, the IR1800 has the exact features as the GIR18, with the difference that the error codes have an extra 0 when displayed – E01 for the IR1800, E1 for the GIR18, for example, but their meaning is exactly the same.
Conclusion
Now, the bottom line: which one to choose? The GIR18 or the IR1800? To start with, the latter is half the size (and the price) of the former. So, if size or money is a problem, you should go for the IR1800. If that’s not the case, here are the differences between the two: the GIR18 is larger, sturdier than the IR1800, it has a thicker stainless steel frame and the controls lack the indicator lights for each temperature level (the IR1800 has a light for each temperature and power level).
On the other hand, the GIR18 has a larger cooking area (almost an inch larger) and larger time and temperature intervals than the IR1800. Not to mention that the power levels of IR1800 are reportedly limited to three: low, medium, high, whereas the GIR18 has seven power levels, from 500W to 1800W. But the IR1800 is lighter, almost half the weight of the GIR18.
All in all, you should assess your cooking needs very carefully before making a decision: do you need the extra power/cooking time provided by GIR18?
Do you carry the device a lot, in which case the IR1800 would be more suitable?
Do you usually cook a lot and use large pots or pans, so the GIR18 is the right choice for you? And, why not, which one would better integrate visually in your kitchen?
Give a thorough answer to such questions and you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re after. For a quick overview of the two cooktops, have a look at the comparison table below.
| NAME | GIR18 | IR1800 | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANUFACTURER | Globe Food Equipment | Globe Food Equipment | |
| FEATURES | |||
| Destination use | home | home | |
| Design | stainless steel frame | stainless steel frame | |
| Cooktop Surface | ceramic | ceramic | |
| Cooktop Burner Type | induction, electric | induction, electric | |
| No. of elements | 1 | 1 | |
| Cooking surface | 4.75 – 10.25” | 4.75 – 9.5” | |
| Control Location | front | front | lower front part of the device |
| Control Type | Touch pad controls | Touch pad controls | |
| Power levels | 7 (500-1800W) | 6 | |
| Display | 4 digit LED display | 4 digit LED display and separate lights for settings | bright display for easy viewing |
| Indicator Lights | yes | yes | |
| Power Cord Length | 5-1/2 ft | 5-1/2 ft | |
| Temperature range | 140°F-460°F | 150°F-450°F | |
| Programmable time | Digital timer (0 -180 min.) | Digital timer (0 -170 min.) | |
| Adjustable foot for levelling the unit | yes | yes | |
| SAFETY FEATURES | |||
| Error code alert display | yes | yes | |
| Automatic empty pan safety shut-off | yes | yes | |
| Child Lock System | no | no | |
| Pan Detection System | yes | yes | |
| Too High Voltage Signal | yes | yes | lack of too low voltage sensors |
| Automatic shut-off | yes | yes | When the timer reaches 0 |
| Overheating sensor | no | yes | |
| APPEARANCE | |||
| Color Appearance | black with thick frames | All black, with thin frames | |
| Frameless | no | ||
| WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS | |||
| Approximate Shipping Weight | 14.4 lb | 8.5 lb | |
| Shippin weight LxWxH (in.) | 18.9×15.16×5.71 | 17.75×14.63×4.875 | |
| Dimensions LxWxH(In.) | 12.9 x 17.4 x 4.3 | 14×12.06×2.75 | |
| Net weight | 10.6lb | 7.2lb | |
| POWER / RATINGS | |||
| Power | 1800W, 120V, 60 Hz, 15 amps | 1800W, 120V, 60 Hz, 15 amps | |
| WARRANTY | |||
| Parts Warranty | Limited 1-year entire appliance | Limited 1-year entire appliance | |
| Labor Warranty | Limited 1-year entire appliance | Limited 1-year entire appliance | |
| PRICE | Check Price |
Check Price |
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