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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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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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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