KitchenAid Architect Series II KICU500XSS 30 ” vs Kitchenaid KICU500XBL 30″ Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking is very different from other conventional forms of preparing food because electromagnetic energy is used to transmit heat directly to the pan on the burner without spreading it on the entire cooking zone.

If you already know what great advantages brings induction technology and you are looking for a 30-inch induction cooktop to place in your kitchen, you may be interested in these two models we are going to compare next in this article: KitchenAid KICU500XSS and Kitchenaid KICU500XBL, each with 4 heating elements.

Does it seem to you they look quite the same?

Yes, you are right. Apart from the fact that they are manufactured by the same brand, they have also the same features. “So where is the difference?” – you will ask.

They are sister units and while KitchenAid KICU500XSS has a stainless steel frame,
Kitchenaid KICU500XBL is all black with beveled edges.

2. Overview of KitchenAid Architect Series II KICU500XSS 30 Induction Cooktop

KICU500XSS is equipped with melt-and-hold plus simmer settings that are designed to help you cook with low heat.

While many other versions on 30-inch induction cooktop can’t be used for slow-cooking, this one has a special feature that allows you to cook even on low heat. And you can install it over a built-in oven.

It has 4 heating elements and all of them can be boosted. Here is how the power is shared among them:

We can observe that all four heating elements have Performance Boost, a modern function that ensures the best cooking results (it is perfect for fast boiling). Moreover, each burner has simmered, melt and keep warm functions.

The touch-control panel is integrated into the surface and gives the unit a more futuristic and elegant aspect.

There is also a slider that you can use to select the heat level.

The temperature can be set in nine levels and the maximum power is 7.4W, which means it can heat extremely fast and bring water to boil in seconds. The surface is manufactured from ceramic glass and it is very smooth so cleanup is really a piece of cake (but you have to do it after you have finished cooking).

For safety purpose, the cooktop is equipped with a Lock Button that prevents accidental use.

On Amazon, there is very little feedback for this unit from the customers, but on homedepot.com and kitchenaid.com almost all the persons who had bought it rated it with positive stars mainly because it is very easy to clean and use, extremely fast and perfect for simmering.

While the heating elements, the controls and glass surface have 5 years warranty, other parts are covered by warranty only for one year.

This version has a practical stainless steel frame which helps you avoid accidental breaking of the ceramic glass surface.

3. Overview of Kitchenaid KICU500XBL 30-Inch, 4-Element Cooktop

Kitchenaid KICU500XBL has all the features we have already brought into discussion with KICU500XSS, but it doesn’t have trim on edges.

The 9 levels of temperature sustain great precision and optimal results for each type of cooking. Simply said, you can use it to prepare a variety of foods, from simmering or melting chocolate/ butter, to keeping food warm (level 1-2), slow boil (level 4-5), quickly brown or sear food (level 7-8) and rapidly boiling water (9-Boost).

Let’s see what are the controls available on it:

Using this induction cooktop is very intuitive but also safe. To turn it on just press the Power button. For safety purpose if you don’t place a compatible pan on it within 10 seconds, it will automatically turn off.

Also, if by accident any cooking button or power slider is touched without first selecting a burner to use, all dashes will flash and you will hear an alarm 3 times.
When you select a surface cooking zone, you will also see the timer and you can set it if you want.

The Hot Surface Indicator (letter “H” will appear on the display to warn you) will show you when the cooking surface is too hot so you should not touch it. When a power failure happens, this indicator will be displayed for up to 45 minutes after the power is restored.

The cooktop is equipped with a pan detection sensor, so you will see a light on when no pan is positioned on the burner you want to use. If you remove the pan when the Timer is running, the countdown will continue to count down.

The Timer can be set up to 90 minutes and you can use < and > keys to increase or decrease the timer in 1-minute increments.

The cooktop is equipped with audible signals, that will guide you through setting the main functions for
cooking.

If you hear one tone:
– there is a valid pad press
– the slider is set to “0”
– the slider is set to “Boost”

If you hear two tones:
– there is an invalid pad press

And if you hear it three times, it means the Timer cycle has come to an end.

Customers highly recommend this appliance as it provides instant heat under a compatible cookware.

4. The Differences

As a difference between these two versions of the same product, I would say in essence it is a matter of design and taste.

The fact that KitchenAid Architect Series II KICU500XSS is finished in stainless steel and that Kitchenaid KICU500XBL has bevelled edges make us identify these differences:

– Protection. KICU500XSS is more protected against accidents due to its frame. On the other hand, KICU500XBL has a higher risk of breaking its ceramic glass surface and you need to be more careful when you are around the cooktop.
– Design. KICU500XBL looks more sleek and elegant. It fits perfect in beautifully-decorated modern kitchens.
– Practical aspect. KICU500XBL tends to be more practical because dirt and residual food that remain on the surface will be easy to remove and clean. With KICU500XSS that has frame, dirt and leftovers may go under the trim and can be difficult to remove.

5. Summary

With or without stainless steel frames? – This is the question.

As a conclusion, we can say that people who are looking for a more elegant and modern design of an induction cooktop should opt for Kitchenaid KICU500XBL that has no frame.

On the other hand, people that are more practical may better choose KICU500XSS, that has a stainless steel frame. Also, people who have other stainless steel items in the kitchen may consider this will better fit in their home.

Product	KICU500XSS	KICU500XBL
Destination Use	Home	Home
Output Power	Output 1: 1800/1400 W Output 2: 3200/2300 W Output 3: 1800/1400 W Output 4: 3200/2300 W	Output 1: 1800/1400 W Output 2: 3200/2300 W Output 3: 1800/1400 W Output 4: 3200/2300 W
Power Levels	9 + Boost	9 + Boost
Temperature Levels	NA	NA
Programmable Time	90 minute	90 minute
Function Lock	Yes	Yes
Warranty	heating elements, the controls and glass surface have 5 years warranty, other parts are covered by warranty only for one year.	heating elements, the controls and glass surface have 5 years warranty, other parts are covered by warranty only for one year.
Acoustic Warnings	Yes	Yes
Weight	55 lb	55 lb
Dimensions	21.3 x 30.8 x 2.4 inches	21.3 x 30.8 x 2.4 inches
Cord Length	NA	NA
Cooking Zone Size	– 6″ element provides 1.4 kW and can boost to 1.8 kW – 10″ provides 2.3 kW (can be boosted to 3.2 kW) – 7″ provides 1.4 kW (boost up to 1.8 kW) – 9″ provides 2.3 kW and can be boosted to 3.2 kW	– 6″ element provides 1.4 kW and can boost to 1.8 kW – 10″ provides 2.3 kW (can be boosted to 3.2 kW) – 7″ provides 1.4 kW (boost up to 1.8 kW) – 9″ provides 2.3 kW and can be boosted to 3.2 kW
Safety Sensors	shuts off automatically if cookware is not detected +pan detection sensor	shuts off automatically if cookware is not detected +pan detection sensor
Induction Cookware Sensor (E0)	Yes	Yes
Internal Overheat Sensor (E01)	Yes	Yes
Glass Cooktop Overheat (E02)	Yes	Yes
Incorrect Voltage (E 03)	Yes	Yes
Price (Amazon)	Check Price	Check Price