Bertazzoni just introduced a new induction range. Before you consider this for your kitchen, we will look at the distinctive features, prices and compare it to Viking, Dacor and Miele Induction ranges.
It has its advantages. Then again, it has its drawbacks.
Before we look at Bertazzoni, let’s review the benefits of Induction cooking.
Induction Cooking
Induction is my favorite cooking technology that we have at Yale. I love demonstrating it in one of our live kitchens in the showroom to someone who has never seen induction in action.
I always start by showing how fast a pot of water comes to a boil and the response is always the same: “wow”. You will be surprised by its speed and response.
Induction cooking has the fastest boil times (even faster than gas), and the most precise temperature control by cycling from a boil to a simmer almost instantly.
Science of Induction
Unlike a traditional electric cooktop where the entire element heats up, induction uses magnets and electricity to transfer heat from the cooking surface directly to the pan.
Induction is the most efficient cooking method, because the glass does not heat like electric. You also do not have the waste of gas with the heat escaping the sides.
Benefits
There are also a number of other benefits to induction. It is safer for children, because induction can only be activated by metal. Venting is much easier as well. It can even be downdrafted unlike the heat emitting professional gas rangetops.
Induction technology has been around for over 50 years, and has been popular in Europe. It is now starting to gain a lot of traction in the United States as prices have decreased. People are starting to realize all of the benefits associated with Induction cooking.
Bertazzoni
Bertazzoni is an Italian company based in Guastalla, which is in the northern part of Italy near Parma. Francesco Bertazzoni started the company in 1882 producing wood-burning stoves. They are known for their unique design and are one of the best manufacturers at incorporating colors into their range.
Bertazzoni Induction Ranges
Although they have a long history of producing other cooking products, Bertazzoni Induction ranges are brand new to the marketplace. As with any new products, we will have a better understanding of performance and reliability once we have a chance to see them in action.
They offer 2 series in their induction ranges: Professional and Master.
|
Professional |
Master |
Features:
- 30” Size
- 4 cooking zones
- Worktop design: stainless steel squared
- Front-right (5 3/4 in) 1 400 W - 2 200 W
- Back-left (7 in) 1 850 W - 3 000 W
- Back-right (8 1/2 in) 2 300 W - 3 700 W
- Front-left (7 in) 1 850 W - 3 000 W
- Oven modes: convection / convection bake / convection broiler / defrosting / dehydrate / broiler / proofing / pyrolytic self clean / turbo / warming
- Oven volume: 3.4 ft.
- Single true European convection
- Sliding shelves: 1 standard
- Wire shelves: 2 heavy gauge chromed
The main differences between the two are handle design, and the Professional series has metal coated controls as opposed to black. They both cost the same at $4,499 for a stainless steel self-cleaning model. They each have a manual clean model for $3,299.
The professional series also is available in a variety of different colors (black, white, yellow, orange, red, burgundy), with a price of $5,499.
Stainless steel is still the most popular choice for new kitchen designs.
However, finding a way to incorporate some color is becoming an increasing trend, as people are looking for an alternative to all stainless steel.
As you can see in the above photo you can add in a colored range with other stainless steel appliances, and really make it a focal point of your kitchen. Even the Induction top has a different design than anything else on the market.
Comparison to Other Brands
As for the range performance itself, you will have 4 separate induction burners (1 large, 2 medium, 1 small) each with a power boost option. Power boost allows you to borrow power from an adjacent burner to increase power by about 50%. (Read more about power sharing here)
This is a nice feature to bring a pot of water to a boil quickly or when searing meat. The oven interior utilizes a single true European convection fan with a heating element for a more consistent heat throughout the oven interior.
How does this compare to other brands on the market? Let’s take a look.
| Brand | Model # | Price |
# of |
Top Wattage (w/ boost) |
Top Wattage |
Oven Capacity (cu. ft.) |
Convection |
| Bertazzoni | PRO304INSX | $4,499 | 1 | 3700W | 2300W | 3.4 | European |
| Miele | HR1622 | $6,999 | 2 | 3850W | 2500W | 4.6 | European |
| Dacor | RNR30NS | $5,299 | 1 | N/A | 2800W | 4.5 | European |
| Viking | VISC5304BSS | $7,679 | 1 | 3700W | 2300W | 4.1 | European |
When compared to premium brands on the market, Bertazzoni has a smaller oven capacity, and is less feature driven compared to some of the others with more robust electronic controls, auto-cook programs, and/or a digital meat probe.
On the plus side it costs less (almost $1,000 less than the Dacor and over $3,000 less than the Viking) with very comparable power on the burners. It also has a very distinctive look.
Final Thoughts
Bertazzoni does not offer a full suite of appliances which means there will not be any packages available with them compared to other brands.
They do have a promotion where you may be eligible for a free hood or over-the-range microwave with the purchase of one of the induction ranges.
I do not think it is state of the art, but it is an attractive price. However, if you are looking for a product to stand out in your kitchen, or want a change from stainless steel, then Bertazzoni should be be considered.
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Additional Resources
Get the Yale Induction Buying Guide with features, specs and full descriptions and profile of every range and cooktop. Its’ a great read to learn how Induction works and what might be right for you. Over 100,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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