After two weeks of using Breville's portable induction stove, I've developed a desire to swap out my traditional gas range.
The Breville Control Freak Home induction cooktop is a high-performance, portable appliance that offers exceptional temperature control, rapid heating, and a range of advanced features. This device caters to serious cooks who demand precision and flexibility in their culinary endeavours.
One of the standout features of the Control Freak is its exceptional temperature control and precision. The cooktop measures temperature 20 times per second and makes real-time adjustments, surpassing most other portable induction cooktops and gas ranges in terms of granularity. This level of precision allows for faster and more accurate cooking, resulting in consistent, restaurant-quality results.
In addition to its precision, the Control Freak also heats up quickly, often faster than even a good gas range. This rapid heating capability and responsiveness make it competitive with the speed and control traditionally favored in gas cooking.
The Control Freak comes with several settings for boiling various liquids and cooking techniques, making it a great choice for those uncertain of their cooking skills or who don't want to adjust temperatures frequently. The cooktop allows for programming specific temperature settings for recipes, which enhances consistency and convenience, especially for delicate culinary tasks.
The cooktop includes a temperature probe, probe pot clip, accessory storage box, and instruction booklet. The temperature probe is handy for accurate cooking temperature measurement, with a small slotted silicone ball for secure attachment to pots or pans.
However, the Control Freak is a more expensive option compared to portable induction stoves, with prices around $1,500 or more. Like all induction devices, it requires ferrous cookware (steel or iron) or cookware with steel inserts. Some pots and pans may not work with the Control Freak, so users should ensure compatibility before purchasing.
The Control Freak has dimensions of 12.2 x 16.9 x 4.1 inches and weighs 15.4 pounds, making it portable enough for professional chefs, cooking educators, and passionate home cooks who require commercial-grade precision in a compact unit. The device also features a two-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
In conclusion, the Breville Control Freak Home offers a level of sophistication and performance that justifies consideration for those willing to invest in high-end induction technology. Its fast heating, exceptional temperature control, and professional-grade features make it an attractive option for those considering induction stoves as their next major appliance purchase. However, its premium price and some usability quirks, such as the requirement for ferrous cookware and the small contact sensor, should be taken into account before making a decision.
The Control Freak Home induction cooktop, with its smart-home-device-like features, significantly enhances one's home-and-garden lifestyle, seamlessly blending technology and cooking gadgets. Its precision and speed in heating are on par with gas ranges, making it a preferred choice for serious cooks and those new to cooking.
