Induction cooking has been used in Europe for decades by both professional chefs and family cooks. 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.
What Is Induction Cooking?
Induction cooking utilizes magnetic frictions which resonate from under the cooktop surface to cookware placed upon it. Basically, the magnet in the cooktop excites the molecules in the pan. The pan does the actual cooking.
We cover the science of induction in our free Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
Benefits of Induction
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 cooking is also much safer than electric because the induction unit will not turn on without a magnetic pan. Heat dissipates 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 ranges are Viking and Dacor. Both offer professional or commercial type ranges for the home.
Viking
Viking, an American manufacturer located in Greenwood, Mississippi, is best known for their high end home appliances. Viking's induction range has the same distinctive look and feel as their gas and duel fuel ranges. To be transparent, we no longer sell Viking products.
Dacor
Dacor, a family-owned American manufacturer located in California, while lesser known, was the first to produce a professional range with sealed burners and a cooktop with continuous grates.
Here is a side-by-side, feature-by-feature comparison of their induction range models:
Viking vs. Dacor Induction Ranges
Viking VISC5304BSS
- Exclusive! Only 30" commercial-type electric induction self-cleaning range in the industry.
- MagneQuick induction power generators utilize magnetic energy for superior power, responsiveness and efficiency.
- Power management induction system provides a boost of superior power on select elements for faster boil times.
- Wide range of surface elements and wattages.
- Right front - 7" 1,850 watt element.
- Right rear - 7" 1,850 watt element.
- Left front - 8" 3,700 watt boost / 2,300 watt element.
- Left rear - 6" 1,400 watt element.
- Heavy-duty metal knobs with stainless steel finish.
- Oven has six rack positions with two TruGlide full extension racks and one standard rack.
- 4.7 cu. ft. overall.
- 4.1 cu. ft. measured to AHAM standards.
- Exclusive! Patent pending Vari-Speed Dual Flow convection system has the largest convection fan in the industry.
- The 8-1/2" fan works bi-directionally for maximum airflow and excellent cooking results.
- Concealed 10 pass dual bake element provides precise temperature control.
- Extra large glass enclosed infrared broiler provides superior broiling performance.
- Rapid Ready Preheat provides one of the fastest preheat times so your oven is ready to being cooking when you are.
- Three strategically located oven lights provide maximum visibility.
- Heavy-duty broiler pan and tray with rack provide more roasting and broiling options.
- Self-Clean
Dacor RR30NS
- Induction Cooktop heats cookware faster and more energy efficiently than gas or radiant cooktops, while keeping the cooktop cooler to the touch.
- 11 Induction Power Settings in each zone for a wide range of temperature control.
- SenseTech Induction Technology automatically detects the presence and size of your cookware and matches the energy transference with no residual heat loss. Turns off automatically within 30 seconds if no pan is detected or if a non-conductive pan is present.
- Clean and Modern Design with Stainless Steel and Black Ceramic Glass Finish.
- Exclusive Four-Part Pure Convection System with convection heating element (2,200W), baffle, fan and filter, reduces cooking time, provides superior heat distribution and eliminates flavor transfer.
- Digital Glass Touch Control Panel
- Delay Timed Cooking, Automatic Hold, Clock, 2 timers and 10 key touchpad.
- Angled Control Panel for ease of use and viewing.
- Two GlideRacks with Easy Pull Handles are adjustable to 7 rack positions and removable for easy cleaning.
- Digital Temperature Probe connects to controls and switches oven to Automatic Hold when desired internal meat temperature is achieved.
- GreenClean Steam-Cleaning Technology cleans light oven build-up in 30 minutes without the use of high-heat or harsh chemicals.
- Safety Lock-Out feature disables control panel keys when the oven is not in use.
- Residual Heat Indicator Lights show when ceramic surface is still hot after use.
- Slide-in models (RR30NIS/RR30NIFS) are compatible with Renaissance 30" Epicure Raised Vent (ERV3015)
- Freestanding Models (RR30NS/RR30NFS) ship standard with a 6" Backguard and full-depth side panels.
- Slide-in models (RR30NIS/RR30NIFS) for slide-in or island configurations, ship standard with 3-1/4" side panels
Which is Better?
Beside the always popular stainless steel model, Viking also offers its induction range in a wide palette of colors. Dacor's induction range is only available in stainless steel. Viking's range is freestanding, whereas Dacor's range is classified as a slide-in. This means that both sides of the Viking are finished whereas the Dacor does not have seams between the range and countertop and is easier to clean.
Output
Viking's top burner output is 3,700 KWs and its remaining three burners range from 1,400 to 1,850 KWs. Dacor has four burners with two at 2,800 KWs and two at 2,200 KWs. I like the power of the one induction burner in the Viking. However, the other burners are a bit under powered.
Controls
Viking's range has the traditional knob controls while Dacor features digital controls, along with a clock and timer, allowing for more precise cooking control.
Prices
There is a significant pricing difference, with Viking costing over $2,000 more than the Dacor.
At the end of the day, it is about reliability. Viking is just not a reliable brand anymore. We had a hard time supporting it and we have 21 techs on the road. Dacor is new to us but it has to be better statistically. We will soon find out.
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Additional Resources
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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.
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