GE Profile PHP900DMBB

The GE Profile PHP900DMBB is an induction cooktop, which uses electromagnetic energy to heat cookware instead of the cooking surface. This method offers some energy conservation and safety, as the cooktop itself stays cool to the touch. However, induction cooktops do tend to cost more than other electric cooktops, and they require cookware made of magnetic materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel. (To know for sure if yours will work, try sticking a magnet to the bottom of the pan.) Professional tests give the GE Profile PHP900DMBB excellent marks; it boils water quickly and offers great precision for delicate tasks, such as simmering sauces. Users confirm these results and add that the cooktop is easy to clean. A couple of them note that it produces a slight buzzing noise during use, and we saw a couple of complaints about durability. One user says the cooktop is easily scratched; another reports going through three breakdowns in three years. The cooktop has four heating elements ranging in size from 6 to 11 inches, each with 19 distinct power settings. If you don't think the benefits of induction balance out the drawbacks, consider a standard electric cooktop like the top-rated LG LCE3081ST (*Est. $1,050) .

We found the most thorough review of the GE Profile PHP900DMBB at ConsumerReports.org, which includes this cooktop in its latest tests of electric, gas and induction models. Each cooktop is tested on its speed at boiling water, its ability to melt and hold chocolate without scorching and its ability to hold tomato sauce at a steady simmer. We found a total of approximately 25 user reviews for this cooktop at Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com.