All-Clad Induction Burner

[Cityplace]

Thinking about purchasing this as a portable burner for the deck:

http://amzn.com/B003TOCO1W

Does anyone have any experience with this? One of the features I'm most interested in is if a 12" cast iron pan fits properly?

Thanks.

[cutipie721]

The unit itself is 12" wide, no way the "burner" ring is. By the look of it, I'd give it 9" at the most.

I bet your pan will sit on the unit fine, it probably won't topple over, but it will extend over the heat zone.

[paulj]

Other descriptions say it is compatible with pans 6-12" in diameter. I agree that the printed ring is about 9". The induction coil probably is not any bigger than that. If you want even heat across the surface of a 12" pan, you should get an induction compatible cast aluminum, which is far more conductive than cast iron.

[Cityplace]

But any experience with the performance for this specific model? Is it worth it over some of the cheaper options out there (ie. Max Burton)? Thanks!

[paulj]

I need to replace (or repair) my Tatung, and am looking at the Max Burton. I have no experience with the All Clad, but I, based on what I've seen so far, I doubt if there is much difference in performance. The power rating is basically the same (1800w). Unit size is similar, so induction coils must be similar. Both have 10 power levels. There may be some difference in the user interface. I'd try to compare the user manuals.

But, what kind of performance are you concerned about?

[Cityplace]

It seems like your analysis is right - the only advantage that the All-Clad might have is in ergonomics (a dial as opposed to buttons to increase/decrease the power).

In terms of performance, I was mostly talking about speed-to-power, reliability etc.