Wolf and Gaggenau are two of the best brands in the industry. They have recently become more competitive over the last 5 years. We will compare their most popular units along with an explanation of how induction works.
Induction Cooking
Induction cooking has been used in Europe for decades by both professional chefs and family cooks demanding the best in performance. Induction cooking provides an alternative to the traditional cooking methods of gas or electric. Induction cooktops are 90-95% energy efficient and as a result, no heat is wasted since energy is supplied directly to the cooking vessel.
How Induction Works
Induction cooking is also one of the safest and most efficient cooking methods. Induction cooking utilizes magnetic frictions which resonate from under the cooktop surface to cookware placed upon it. The usage of magnetically constructed cookware becomes part of the electrical circuit, gathering energy and creating heat. Simply, the magnetic coil excites the metal in the pan, which in turn cooks the food.
Induction Benefits
One of the greatest benefits of induction cooking is reduced cooking time. A pan of water can be brought to a full boil in less than half the time necessary when using an electric cooktop. Induction is even measurably faster than professional gas units
Induction cooking is also much safer than electric because the induction unit will not turn on without a metal pan. Also, the surface dissipates heat more quickly because there is no heating element, only the residual heat from the pan. Since there is less heat emitting from the cooking surface, less ventilation is required.
Among the leading manufacturers which offer induction cook tops are Gaggenau and Wolf.
Gaggenau
Founded in 1681 by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden, as an iron works company in the small German town of Gaggenau. The company originally produced coal-fired cookers and gas cook tops. As new technology emerged, Gaggenau utilized it to become a leader in manufacturing of induction cooktops.
In 1995, Gaggenau became part of BSH Bosch, and Siemens home appliance division. Recently, Bosch has reinvigorated the brand with new products and a better warranty.
Wolf Appliance Inc.
Wolfis a corporate companion of Sub-Zero and is the largest American family owned appliance company. In the late 1990’s, Wolf Appliance became a residential line of appliances by Sub-Zero acquiring patent rights and a few products from the Wolf Commercial range company based out of California. Wolf Appliances are premium products manufactured in Madison, Wisconsin.
Gaggenau and Wolf carry induction cooktops in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 36 inches wide. For purposes of comparison, we will look at the more popular 36 inch size. Gaggenau carries four 36 inch wide units, while Wolf makes one. I have chosen two models which are similar in features and price for comparison purposes: the Gaggenau CI491602 and the Wolf CT36IS.
Gaggenau CI491602 Induction Cooktop
When switched off, the CI 491 blends into the countertop almost invisibly. The visual elements are all reduced to the bare essentials - the cooking zones, the main switch and the Gaggenau logo. Such minimalist design brings out the best in flush-fitted surfaces.
Features:
- Stainless steel frame.
- Frying sensor function
- Super booster function for the 11" cooking zone with 4.4 kW
- Twist-Pad control - the maneuverable magnetic knob sets cooking zone and temperature.
- 1 induction cooking zone 7" (1800 W, with booster 2500 W), automatically switches to 11" (2800 W, with booster 4400 W).
- 1 induction cooking zone 8" (2200 W, with booster 3300 W).
- 2 induction cooking zones 7" (1800 W, with booster 2500 W).
- 1 induction cooking zone 6" (1400 W, with booster 1800 W).
- Twist-Pad control with removable magnetic knob.
- Cooking zone marking.
- Electronic power control in 17 output levels.
- Frying sensor function for 7" and 8" cooking zones.
- Booster function for each cooking zone.
- Super booster function for 11" cooking zone.
- Quick boil timer, with individually adjustable boiling time.
- Cooking timer for up to 90 minutes.
- Short-time timer.
- Memory function.
- Options menu
- Power management.
- Main switch.
- Operation indication.
- Pan detection.
- Individual residual heat indication.
- Child lock.
- Safety lock.
- Total rating: 1.8 kW
- Connecting cable 60" without plug.
Wolf CT36IS Induction Cooktop
Wolf's unframed induction cook top has no stainless steel trim, just the sophisticated, minimalist exterior subtly patterned design to hide any unsightly scratches.
Features
- CSA certified for US and Canada
- Easy-to-clean black ceramic glass surface is resistant to scratching, staining, impact and heat
- Induction elements heat cookware, not the glass, for a cooler, safer cooking surface
- Five high-efficiency induction elements deliver power and control
- Maximum element power: 3000 W with 4000 W boost, (2) 1800 W with 3000 W boost and (2) 1200 W
- True Simmer setting on three elements
- Melt setting on two elements
- Cookware sensing-elements will not be energized without an induction-compatible pan on the cook top surface
- Hi-Power mode boosts power on 1800W elements by diverting power from adjacent element-4000 W element does not divert power from adjacent element for boost
- Temperature limiter to ensure that safe operating temperature of ceramic glass is never exceeded
- Illuminated touch controls with graduated control lighting and adjustable sound frequency and volume
- Hot-surface indicator light in control panel
- Lock mode-cooktop will be locked so that no elements can be turned on
- Universal OFF turns all elements off
- Countdown timer with 1 to 99 minute range
Gaggenau and Wolf both have 5 burners, with varying wattage of the burners indicated in the chart below. As you will note, Wolf has more power on three of the five burners but less in the remaining two. Wolf has touchpad controls where the Gaggenau unit has a magnetic knob that controls the setting. This knob can be taken off the cook top and placed in a drawer for a clean sleek look.
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Gaggenau Burner Output
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Wolf Burner output
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Gaggenau vs. Wolf Induction Cooktops
I like both for different reasons. Gaggenau has the best warranty in the appliance business at 7 years when you buy other Gaggenau appliances. I also like the high output and the industry best 2.9% service rate within the first year.
Wolf excels especially in gas. That’s their pedigree. Their induction product has improved. The Wolf line in wall ovens and especially refrigerators with Sub-Zero is probably the best kitchen package on the market. They also have $2,500 in incentives for qualifying models.
So it really depends on what you value.
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Additional Resources
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.