Kenmore Elite 42800

The Kenmore Elite 42800 is an induction cooktop, meaning it uses electromagnetic energy to heat cookware instead of the cooking surface. The advantages of this method are energy conservation and safety. The cooktop itself doesn't get hot enough to ignite paper. The disadvantage, besides price, is that it can only be used with cookware made of magnetic material like cast iron or steel. Reviewers say the Kenmore Elite 42800 offers fantastic cooking performance, boiling water within minutes and simmering sauces with ease. It's also easy to clean. The induction cooktop has four elements ranging in size from 6 to 10 inches. Each burner has 15 power settings that allow users to control the heat output. However, we did see a few complaints about electrical problems and error codes that appear on the display. Not interested in induction technology? Consider a standard electric cooktop like the top-rated Electrolux Icon E30EC65ESS (Discontinued).

ConsumerReports.org is the standout cooktop reviewer with separate ratings for electric, gas and induction models. The Kenmore Elite 42800 is subjected, along with eight other induction cooktops, to tests designed to simulate standard cooking tasks. If you're considering the Kenmore Elite 42800, Sears.com is worth a visit for its good selection of user reviews. Epinions.com has a handful of posts as well.