Induction cooktops are smart appliances that are useful in all kitchens. Unlike gas stoves, they are equipped with a variety of sensors with the purpose to increase the safety of the kitchen and the users.
Today’s article is a comparison between two products that belong to the same manufacturer: the
Vollrath 59500P
and the Vollrath 59300. These products have similar designs but different features and prices. Let’s see what their main differences are.
Overview of Vollrath 59500P – Mirage Pro series
This product’s price is obviously higher than the Cadet’s price. Actually, it is more than double. For slightly more than $500, buyers will get an impressive 14 inches single-burner induction cooktop, with a classy design.
This product has been designed for commercial use and is equipped with all the required functions in order to provide restaurant owners and staff the standards they need.
From a technical point of view, the Mirage cooktop features the G4 engine and 4 switches that offer users an incredible temperature control. It is made to resist, which is why Vollrath offers 2-year warranty coverage.
It is easy to turn on and shut off thanks to its visible touch controls. Operating it is a breeze thanks to its green controls, large display and the mechanical knob that is meant to help with the settings adjustment.
Here are the main controls of the Mirage Pro cooktop:
• On/off
• Power/temperature
• Timer
It can use up to 1800 Watts and must be plugged in 120V sockets. Its temperature levels range from 1 to 100 which is the equivalent of 80 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature can be set by simply rotating the knob towards the desired direction. The lowest power level is 80 degrees, while the highest is 525 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are three tiny LEDs that light up when the product is on, when the timer has been enabled or when the burner is active.
The display’s role goes beyond showing the temperature and cooking time. It is also a troubleshooting tool that displays errors during its use.
For example, if the cookware is not induction ready, it will display the F9 error and the user will have to remove and replace the pan or pot.
This unit comes with a multi-language user manual that includes all errors and instructions of use.
The great advantage of this product is its energy efficiency.
Being built with the environment’s safety in mind, it can save up to 90% energy.
Overview of Vollrath 59300 – Cadet Series
Unlike the Mirage Pro Series, the Cadet unit has basic functions. It is also more affordable, but less efficient, energetically speaking. For almost $250, buyers will get a nicely designed
12 inches induction cooktop for commercial use.
From a technical perspective, it is less focused on performance than its bigger brother, the Vollrath 59500P. However, Its G1 engine is still impressive and it manages to save 75% of the usually required energy in the cooking process.
It has 20 power levels that range from 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Its green touch controls are easy to work with:
• On/off
• Power/temperature
• Up/down – increase/decrease temperature, cooking time or power
• Timer
This unit features an identical display and three LEDs that show which function is enabled. Although it is made with the same precision, Vollrath only covers this unit for 1 year.
Differences
Except for the price, which is one of the main factors that could influence a buyer’s decision, there are some other important differences between the two products.
First of all, it is easy to observe that their design is similar, but not identical. The Mirage Pro series features a mechanical knob, while the Cadet series has up and down touch buttons instead.
Also, the Mirage Pro has a stainless steel top and aluminum bottom, while the Cadet unit has a molded plastic bottom. Their size is also different, which means that restaurant owners who are planning to use larger pans and pots should go for the 14 inches cooktop.
Temperature control is extremely important when it comes to induction cooking, which is why buyers should be careful when choosing between these two products.
The Mirage Pro has 100 power and temperature levels, as well as a G4 engine, while the Cadet only has 20 levels.
These products’ safety features remain the same, using the unit’s display to inform about incompatibilities or other errors.
Overall, both products are extremely useful, but they have been designed for different public categories.
Summary
If you want your cooking to be safe, quick and efficient, then you have to pick the right induction cooker for your needs.
Sometimes, that means having a basic cooktop with great safety features. Other times, it means having a complex product that practically does everything by itself.
In this case, the Mirage Pro series is a more advanced product, suitable for busy restaurants or coffee shops where the staff doesn’t have time to keep an eye on the cooktop at all times.
On the other hand, the Cadet series is suitable for offices or commercial spaces where advanced temperature controls are not required.
F.A.Q.
1. Does Vollrath 59500P Mirage Pro Countertop Induction Range Cooker provide low-temperature settings?
Yes, 80 degrees F is the low end of setting and it adjusts in 10-degree increments. As a tip, remember that the temperature sensor is in the surface of the hob; this means that the pan will likely be hotter, at least until the top of the hob reaches the temperature of the pan.
Vollrath 59500P |
Vollrath 59300 |
|
|---|---|---|
Manufacturer |
Vollrath |
Vollrath |
Destination use |
Commercial use |
Commercial use |
Controls |
Touch + knob |
Touch |
Control Panel |
Digital |
Digital |
Functions |
Power, Temperature, Timer |
Power, temperature, Timer |
Surface |
Ceramic Glass |
Ceramic Glass |
Color |
Black & Grey |
Black & Grey |
Power Source |
120V socket |
120V socket |
Output Power |
Up to 1800W |
Up to 1800W |
Power levels |
100 |
20 |
Temp Levels |
100 |
20 |
Temp step increment |
10 degrees |
10 degrees |
Programmable Time |
Yes (timer) |
Yes (timer) |
Function Lock |
No |
No |
Warranty |
2 years |
1 year |
Acoustic warnings |
No |
No |
Weight |
12.75 pounds |
10 pounds |
Shipping Weight |
13.6 pounds |
12.2 pounds |
Dimensions |
14 x 15 1/4 x 3” |
6.2 x 16.8 x 19” |
Cord Length |
6 ft. |
6 ft. |
LED Display |
Yes |
Yes |
Safety Features |
Yes |
Yes |
Error Codes |
Yes |
Yes |
Pan size (bottom diameter) |
14” |
12” |
Cookware material |
Ferrous stainless steel, iron, cast iron |
Ferrous stainless steel, iron, cast iron |
Free PAN |
No |
No |
Around Clearance |
½” bottom, 4” rear |
½” bottom, 4” rear |
Price |
