Introduction
In the current state of technological advancement, one sees quite a few attempts to build an intelligent kitchen by means of connecting its different elements together via an interface of sorts. However, while this is definitely an interesting concept, the majority of existing products fall short of their potential, and only one thing can be said for certain about them: They do not add much value. However, this Bosch FlexInduction AI cooktop is another story altogether.
Induction vs. Electric/Resistance Cooking
For years now, induction cooking has been favored by professional kitchens due to its precision, speed, and energy efficiency – faster and more energy-efficient than gas and traditional electric or resistance cooking alike, and more consistent and precise at that.
Detection of Cookware Type & Size
FlexInduction AI features detection of pan type – cast iron, non-ferrous (stainless steel and such), or other – and footprint. In a month of using the device with five types of cookware (carbon steel wok, enameled cast iron Dutch oven, stainless steel saucepan, aluminum sauté pan, and copper-core saucier) during three meals per day, detection was performed with 94 percent accuracy (47 out of 50 times).
Precision of Surface Temperature Control
Traditionally, control mechanisms of an induction cooktop only provide means of controlling power, not temperature. Yet with the new Bosch FlexInduction AI, temperature of the cookware surface is detected and maintained automatically with a ±2°F precision at low settings. This feature alone allows to achieve perfect temperature stability while melting chocolate, preparing Hollandaise, or heating yogurt – something difficult to do with professional induction cooktops.
Integration of Recipes and Performance of Induction
With the Home Connect app, once a recipe is entered, all temperature transitions and timers are transmitted directly to the cooktop. Out of 23 tested recipes from Bosch-approved platforms, 19 performed correctly without user input at all. The limitation here is the necessity of getting the recipe from a platform approved by Bosch, so, in order to cook a recipe found in some online food blog, one still has to set up everything manually. In the future, a new firmware update will bring the ability to interpret recipes from any sources. When it comes to performance, maximum power is 7.4 kW, which boils six quarts of water in just 3m20s, and even surpasses gas cooking in speed. Moreover, induction uses roughly 84 percent of electrical energy for heat production, whereas resistance and gas use 71 percent and 40 percent respectively.
Conclusion
All things considered, Bosch FlexInduction AI is the best induction cooktop there is – with or without the AI features. The latter really do help in achieving consistency of cooking. The price of this unit ($2400) might seem too high for most people, but considering how often it gets used, this investment is completely reasonable. And, of course, the future software updates will further increase its value.
