Last year I wrote about a single induction cooktop from True Induction. Because I have received great feedback about the quality of their product I have decided to compare two of their double burners models: TI-2C vs TI-2B. I decided to compare them because the model numbers are very close and can cause confusion. I will also create a comparison chart at the end to be more clear about what the differences are.
The main difference is that
TI-2B
is a built in (counter inset) double burner and the
TI-2C is a portable double burner induction cooktop.
Both models are made in China but you will be amazed about the quality.
They have been manufactured for home users.
The TI-2C is a free standing unit and is more easy to install and move. I will allocate some space to show how to install the built in model – TI-2B.
Both models can be used by students, where there is a small kitchen, motor homes, RVers, sailors, military, marine vessels, those who have breath problems due to gas, for vacation cabins, etc.
Lets get into details about what these “life savers” can do. I say this because if you renovate you will love the portable dual cooktop model – TI-2C. You can prepare a complete dinner as you would do with a regular stove.
OR1. Controls
All controls are placed at the front for easy access. All are touch type.
Both models have the same controls and functions: On/Off, Timer, Temp, Heat, + and – , LED display.
These are allocated to each coil.
On/Off: When you plug it in the Power Light will turn on and you’ll hear a sound; this means the cooktop is in stand by mode (this can be confusing but if the LED Display shows nothing it is a sign that it is in stand by mode).
Heat: When you press the On/Off switch the Heat Light will glow red and on the LED Display there will appear the “5” level and the unit will make a noise.
Using + or – controls you can increase or decrease the heat level. There are 10 levels of heat.
You can switch from Heat to Temperature by pressing TEMP control. You will see the Temp light glow red and the LED Display will show 270 F (the default setting). You can use + or – to increase or degrease the temperature – there is a 30 degree step between each level. The range is 150 to 450 degree F. The exact levels are: 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, 360, 390, 420 and 450. You can simmer with good results using the first level.
Timer: This function will help you to set a cooking time . To activate, press the Timer control and the light Timer will glow red and the LED Display will show a “0”. You can use the + and – controls to adjust it. When you increase the time the increment step is 5 minutes and when you decrease it the increment is 1 minute.
2. Surface
The surface is made by ceramic glass. It is made up of one piece of material with no other obstacles on it making cleaning simple and quick.
The surface is very solid and can hold over 35 Lbs.
Every burner is marked with 2 concentric circles which guide you where to place the pot.
3. Heating Elements
Both models have two coils. The total power is 1800 w.
True Induction uses a new technology for power balance called “Power Invariance”.
If you only use one burner you can set it to level 10 so you can have the maximum power of 1800 W.
If you use both burners the maximum level you can heat it to is 10 levels for both, so if one burner is set at level 7, the cooktop automatically adjusts the second burner to 3 level.
You can use the Heat function for one burner and Temp for the second one. The only limit is that the burner with Heat activated can only have a maximum of 5 level settings.
4. Power/Watts
TI-2C and TI-2B have same max power of 1800 W.
You will need a standard kitchen 120 V – 60 Hz – 15 amp outlet.
Even if you have a 20 amp outlet/circuit the power will stay the same.
If you are forced to place the cooktop, specially the portable one – TI-2C, faraway from an outlet, you can use an extension cord but it needs to be a heavy duty one.
Also, it would not be a good idea to share an outlet which is in use with another appliance, such as a refrigerator.
5. Sensors
Both models have a temperature sensor which monitors the cooktop temperature to be no less then 122 F degrees after 6 minutes of starting. In case it is, the error E9 code will be displayed.
The reason for this could be that the sensor under the glass is damaged or you have tried to heat a big pot of water at a low power level together with a low indoor temperature.
6. Ventilation
On the underside edge there are two fans. The built in model TI-2B needs a minimum clearance of 3 inches to the shelf.
The portable model TI-2C sits on 4 legs and so the ventilation is assured. It needs a clearance of 4 inches around it.
7. Safety Features
Both items have built in safety shut off features which automatically turn off the unit after 150 minutes of use.
There is an acoustic signal which will let you know the item will turn off and the LED display will show the EE code.
This happens in both modes: heat and temp. In case your food needs more time, the cooktop can easily be set for a new cooking time.
8. Accessories
Both models need induction ready pots and pans. These need to be made of ferrous materials with a flat bottom.
The minimum bottom diameter should be 4.5 inches and a maximum of 10 inches.
If you want to be sure that you are buying a ready induction pan you can use a magnet to check if it sticks to the bottom.
9. Dimensions
TI-2C dimensions are:
23.5” width x 14” length x 2.5” height
The box size: 30x20x4
Actual weight: 11.2 pounds
Shipping weight: 14.2 pounds
TI-2B dimensions are:
23.5” width x 15” length x 3” height
Shipping weight: 15.1 pounds
10. Warranty
Both models come with a 2 years complete manufacturer warranty.
11. Pros
Built in safety feature for detection of pan.
Auto shut off if left heating for more than 150 minutes.
Fast heating.
Great for outdoor picnic (the portable model).
Doesn’t heat your kitchen.
Power invariance technology which helps to efficiently use 1800 w power.
Adjustable time up to 150 minutes.
Adjustable temperature.
Easy to clean.
Helps those with asthma who need a gas free solution.
12. Cons
The lowest temperature is 150 F degree.
It’s missing the lock button so when you clean the cooktop you will turn on some of the controls by accident.
The coils are a bit noisy.
Has a lot of warning beeps and noises
13. Consumer Ratings
Both double cooktop models have high ratings on Amazon. The buyers are happy with the performances and features of TI-2C and TI-2B products. The average rating is 4.5 of 5 stars.
14. Price
The counter inset model TI-2B is a little bit more expensive than the portable version, but both have great discounts on Amazon.
