The best induction cooktops with slider controls

The 2022 debutant is a Zanussi induction hob with convenient controls. Each of the four heating zones has its own slider with 9 power levels and PowerBoost accelerated heating. There will be no difficulties with other popular options, be it a cooking timer, pause, or control lock (to prevent children from playing around).

Zanussi ZIAN 644 K allows you not to do unnecessary things not only thanks to the touch sliders. Thus, a special BoilAssist sensor allows you to automate the boiling process. When activated, it monitors the temperature and, when boiling begins, automatically reduces the heat so that the liquid does not "run away".

The model also supports the Hob2Hood function, which is used to synchronize the operation of the hob and hood. In devices compatible with this technology, switching on and adjusting the fan speed is automated and coordinated with the operation of the burners.

The smooth black glass ceramics of the model "hides" four induction heating elements that do not heat themselves, but transfer thermal energy to the cookware. The most powerful and largest heating zone (2300 W and 21 cm) is located in the front on the left, and the smallest one (1400 W and 14.5 cm) is to the left of it. At the back, there are two identical burners of medium power and size (1800 W and 18 cm).

PowerBoost mode provides an increase of 1 to 1.4 kW to peak values, up to 3700 W at the largest heating zone. However, if the electrical wiring is weak, the power limitation system automatically reduces the maximum 7.35 kW to 3.7 kW, and the user cannot set any intermediate value. But even despite this, Zanussi ZIAN 644 K is a very interesting hob both in terms of price and functions.

In 2022, the induction hob joined the 3000 series, which unites entry-level (basic) solutions of the AEG brand. Along with the Zanussi ZIAN 644 K, it is one of the most affordable models on the market with the Hob2Hood function. Thus, if you have a hood compatible with this technology, you will not have to turn on the latter or adjust the speed of its fan. The required air absorption mode will be selected automatically, taking into account the current power of the AEG IKB 64401 FB burners.

Four induction coils are “hidden” under the glass-ceramic surface. Two burners of the same size (18 cm) and power (1800 W) are located at the back. In the front, on the left, there is a 21-centimeter 2300-watt zone, and on the right, a 14.5-centimeter 1400-watt zone. The peak power of any burner can be temporarily increased using the PowerBoost mode. For a small zone, this “increase” is 1.1 kW, for medium ones - 1 kW, and for the largest - 1.4 kW (up to 3700 W).

For control, a touch panel with 4 individual Direct Touch Controls sliders is offered. They will help you flexibly adjust the heating intensity (14 power levels are available) or activate PowerBoost. The remaining sensors allow you to pause the device for a short time (pause), set a timer or even lock the controls to protect against curious children.

The total connection power of 7.35 kW makes it possible to use 3 or even 4 burners at once. But only if your wiring can handle it, otherwise the device will automatically cut the power by 2 times. In fact, there is a power limitation, but it is not flexible at all. Otherwise, the AEG IKB 64401 FB is a solid induction panel for its money.

The features of the Haier brand induction hob include a built-in Wi-Fi module, which is necessary for controlling the device via the Internet. After a simple pairing procedure with a smartphone, the proprietary hOn application opens access to hundreds of recipes and a set of 30 programs to facilitate the cooking process. The user only needs to select the desired dish (mode), and all operating parameters will be transferred to Haier HAI-SJ64MC automatically.

For traditional interaction with the glass ceramic panel, there are four touch sliders. They allow you to select one of the 9 available power levels for each of the heating zones. Pause and PowerBoost modes are also offered. The first will help to pause the operation of the device and then resume it again with the previously set settings, and the second will temporarily increase the power by 500 W.

To protect against children, the controls can be locked. And to reduce overall energy consumption and loads on the wiring, the Haier HAI-SJ64MC has a Power Management function. With it, instead of the default parameter, it is suggested to set one of 4 more modest values in the range from 5.5 to 2.5 kW.

Unlike most analogues, the induction hob has four identical burners with a diameter of 18 cm and a power of 1500 W (2000 W in PowerBoost mode). Such unification is convenient for typical tasks and working with standard cookware. But this moment also imposes certain limitations. Thus, utensils with a bottom diameter of less than 14 cm may not be recognized by the device, plus the peak power of 2 kW is clearly not the most convincing show. For example, it will not be possible to quickly boil a large volume of water here.

If this is not critical for you, then you should definitely take a closer look at the Haier HAI-SJ64MC, because relatively inexpensive models with a slider and remote control can be counted on the fingers of your hands.

The Whirlpool induction hob is ready to boast of 6th Sense technology support, which helps automate cooking processes. The model has acquired 4 automatic programs, namely automatic boiling, melting, simmering (cooking over low heat) and keeping warm.

By the way, in manual modes, the Whirlpool WFS 0160 NE is no less intuitive. Each burner has an individual slider with 18 power levels. And as additional functions, the Booster intensity increase, timer, child protection, residual heat indicator and Power Management are available. So the total energy consumption from 7.2 kW can easily be reduced to 6, 4 or 2.5 kW.

The special feature of the 4-burner hob is the adaptive FlexSide zone. Thus, the two left burners can be combined into one large one, for example, to cook in an oblong pan. In addition, in this zone it is permissible to use other non-standard utensils and/or cook 3 dishes at once.

Plus, the adaptive area is notable for another interesting function called Chef Control. When activated, the large burner is divided into three temperature zones. The top part will have the highest heating temperature, the center will have the average, and the bottom will have the minimum. Accordingly, dishes that require different heat treatment will simply need to be moved between them, avoiding unnecessary fuss with the settings.

The glass ceramics of the model are made by the reputable manufacturer Schott Ceran. This is not only stylish and attractive, but also a premium quality material that is resistant to abrasions, scratches and other negative impacts.

Whirlpool WFS 0160 NE is a hob with a reasonable price tag, which can please both a bachelor who is far from culinary delights and a demanding enthusiastic cook.

The hob from Bosch represents the branded comfort-class line Serie 6. It can be classified as a solution that can satisfy the needs of demanding users.

Bosch PIX 631 HC1E has 4 induction burners: the largest one is on the right (21 cm, 2.5 kW), and the smallest one is above it (diameter 14.5 cm, power 1.6 kW). On the left is the adaptive FlexInduction zone, almost 40 cm wide and with a peak intensity of 3.7 kW. In fact, these are two identical burners (19x23 cm), which can be combined into one, and different cookware (small, large or non-standard) is automatically recognized, even if not installed in the center.

The adaptive zone is supplemented by the PerfectFry Plus sensor: it allows frying in auto mode - with minimal user intervention. A temporary 50% PowerBoost power increase is available for all burners. There is also a pause and restart mode ReStart (in case of accidental shutdown), and an automatic cookware recognition function.

The advantages of the panel include the use of high-quality glass ceramics from Schott Ceran. It features a touch control panel with a common 17-level slider - 9 main and 8 additional power settings.

The usual interaction option is complemented by remote access support. Using the Home Connect mobile application, you can control the operation of the device via the Internet. The smartphone will help with express diagnostics of breakdowns, allows you to activate additional functions and even synchronize the hob with the hood (if it supports Home Connect).

Bosch PIX 631 HC1E is a smart glass ceramic hob with an adaptive zone and other useful options.