Why I’m Ready to Ditch My Gas Range After 2 Weeks with Breville’s Portable Induction Stove

I’ve been renovating my kitchen, which means my gas stove has been out of commission. Since cooking is still a necessity, I decided to try out an induction cooktop. At first, I was curious about the cheaper models, but I went for the Breville Control Freak Home, a premium choice priced at $1,299.

In the past few weeks, I’ve cooked various meals, including steak and pasta, to test its features. Here’s what I discovered:

Intuitive Cooking Experience

The Control Freak takes the guesswork out of cooking. Unlike typical induction stoves, it has a display that shows the temperature with numerous presets for different ingredients and cooking techniques. You can search for settings like poultry or salmon, and the stove adjusts to the ideal temperature automatically. You can also manually control the temperature, which gives you flexibility.

I made scrambled eggs and sunny side up eggs, and the Control Freak performed flawlessly. I got perfectly cooked eggs without any overcooking.

Handy Temperature Probe

One standout feature is the detachable temperature probe. I used it while cooking New York Strip steaks to ensure they reached a perfect 125°F. This made it easy to achieve that juicy, medium-rare doneness. The probe even comes with a small silicone ball to attach it securely to your pot or pan, which is a thoughtful touch.

Quick Heating

Traditionally, I’ve preferred gas stoves for their quick heating. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the Control Freak heated up compared to my gas range. It reached cooking temperatures faster than I expected, making meal prep more efficient.

Compatibility Challenges

Not all pots and pans work with induction stoves. They need to be made of materials like steel or iron. I have some aluminum cookware that includes a steel base, so it worked, but sometimes my smallest pan didn’t fit the sensor properly, causing it not to heat.

Interestingly, while there are presets for boiling sugar and other liquids, there’s no specific setting for boiling water. I found that I had to set it to 230-240°F to get a rolling boil, higher than anticipated.

Conclusion

The Breville Control Freak Home is indeed a premium appliance. While it’s pricier than many portable induction stoves, its range of features, precision, and quick heating make it a valuable option for anyone serious about cooking. Given my experience, I’m now considering an induction stove for my next major kitchen purchase.

For a broader understanding of the induction cooking trend, a recent survey showed that over 40% of home cooks are shifting to induction stoves for their energy efficiency and safety features. This aligns with growing environmental awareness and smart home technology, presenting a shift in how we approach kitchen appliances.

In the fast-evolving world of cooking technology, the Breville Control Freak stands out, proving that high-quality appliances can make cooking an even more enjoyable experience.

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