Mi Induction Cooker

[SauRoNZA]

I used a 25 cm pot, but next time ill try my smaller 22cm, think you may be on to something here.

Was wondering about material more than size.

I would imagine cast iron can heat up more and sustain it longer without input from the cooker.

 

[SauRoNZA]

What thermometer are you using to compare the temperatures?
Does the cooker say anything about how it was calibrated and at what altitude above sea level?
Also can the cooker work without the associated App?

I just used an old school metal analog fryer thermometer.

The instant read electronic one I have I know is way wrong from ****ing up more than one steak of mine so didn’t even bother with it.

Haven’t gone to see about calibration listings anywhere but did mean to google it when I can so will report back any findings. Figured it irrelevant as I’m not even too sure my thermometer is all that accurate.

And yes it can work without the App then you have a few defaults modes like Hotpot, Simmer, Stir Fry, Boil and of course the 99 levels of manual control which I’m sure one could correlate to temperature with some logic or manually measuring.

Should he noted I only ever measured for 50-60 degrees which is super low and generally tricky on any normal thermometer ranging up to 200+ so bound to be inaccurate even through simple eyesight.

 

[bwana]

Is that really an issue? Even my cheapo induction plate has no problems with a 12cm pot.

 

[ele33]

No, I’ve specifically tested my smallest pot for this very reason and has no issues.

I suspect that’s why they have the stick up pot detector/temp sensor instead of other detection methods.

I know my mate’s Whirlpool unit rejects even his biggest pot.

****

That’s a 17cm pot.

I will say without measuring it seems to take a little bit longer to boil than the slightly larger pot but might just be my impatience now.

Okay thanks, tried again, seems like none of our old AMC cookware works on it.
Tried a new AMC pot and it worked.

Edit:
Heats up quickly, about as quickly as our gas hob

 

[bwana]

Okay thanks, tried again, seems like none of our old AMC cookware works on it.
Tried a new AMC pot and it worked.

If a magnet sticks it should work. Bring one with you next time you go pots 'n pan shopping.

 

[SauRoNZA]

If a magnet sticks it should work. Bring one with you next time you go pots 'n pan shopping.

Yes, if a magnet sticks to it then it will work.

However there are many that do work without any magnet sticking as well...as is the case with my Berlinger Haus pots.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Okay thanks, tried again, seems like none of our old AMC cookware works on it.
Tried a new AMC pot and it worked.View attachment 761242

Edit:
Heats up quickly, about as quickly as our gas hob

I actually forgot to ask this as it sounded like it was somewhat working.

Old non-cast iron is generally a fail, but I have when a almost new Tefal that doesn’t work.

 

[maumau]

Okay thanks, tried again, seems like none of our old AMC cookware works on it.
Tried a new AMC pot and it worked.View attachment 761242

Edit:
Heats up quickly, about as quickly as our gas hob

Correct, old AMC is not induction friendly, new AMC cookware is.

 

[Geoff.D]

The rule of thumb is water boils 1 degree F lower for every rise of 500 feet in altitude.
Thermometers are normally calibrated at sea level with water boiling at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C) at sea level.
So it is easy to "check" a thermometer by immersion in boiling water without touching the sides or bottom of the pot.

Then adjusting the temperatures in recipes accordingly. BUT, not all recipes get adjusted the same way. Some require a rise in temperature and others a lowering of temperature and changes in cooking times also.

We have no trouble in making pancakes in CT but always sukkel in PTA. Takes a few before we get it right. And our beat-up camping pans seem to work better than that shiny new non-stick Bauer or whatever the latest flavour of the month make is.

 

[Geoff.D]

Correct, old AMC is not induction friendly, new AMC cookware is.

Ja, unfortunately, this is true. The new AMC pots are induction cooking rated. The old ones were designed for use on electric stove plates. they don't work the same on ceramic tops either - need to get used to the changed settings when switching. One of the reasons why we have not switched to gas --- the older AMC pots don't like gas stoves.

My wife is very proud of her AMC pots -- ours are now 46 years old.

 

[SauRoNZA]

So some questionable science bitches later.

Found that if setting temperature in the app there is the white area you cannot use so it’s either 80 or 110, guessing it’s where a second coil comes onto play.

So I pot the 18cm cast iron on the Chinese wireless magic thing and put 500ml of sunflower oil on it and set it to 80.

07:30:00 later and we got to 70 degrees.

To my surprise the piece of **** “instant” thermometer wasn’t too far off.

So it seems we are out by 10 degrees making me think the sensor itself is likely accurate but measures outside of the pan/pot and so there is a loss.

Or my thermometers are kak.

110 degrees on app and we get to 100 on the thermometers. 16:30:00 later. I proceed to moer the instant thing into the oil assuming it is now dead, but amazingly it still lives after a wash.

So far so good, 10 degrees is easily compensated for.

150 here we come. And 23 minutes from starting we sit at 130 and the instant is now more accurate after it’s near death experience.

190 on the app now maxed out and we just about edge over 170 at 30 minutes of wasting electricity for shits and giggles.

I fail to take a photo because I’m distracted by the Instant that taps out at 150 apparently.

So I turn the thing over manually all the way to 99 and give it another 5 minutes and we edge towards 175.

Granted given a bit more time it might have gotten a bit further but I think it’s proven that Big Hit’s issue with the koek that is fat might be a real issue.

Just for fun I more it over to the ceramic electric (no it’s not that dirty, it’s just a camera trick) and this happens in a minute or two.

However there is no way in hell it would have gotten to temperature from zero near as quickly as the induction would so there might be some logic in getting it up to temp with that and moving it over if you are serious about frying.

One thing is for sure, I need some of those fancy probe meat thermometers before I try this sous vide thing.

 

[richjdavies]

I got one of these a few month ago.

Occasionally I have problems with things just not getting very hot. Not sure if its some mode it goes into, or maybe the specific pans coil isn't great?

I was cautious about the wifi and the app... Feel a bit weirded out by possible chinese state/companies knowing what's cooking?

Havent seen temperature outside of the app only 0-99 and timer... Am i being dumb?

 

[Geoff.D]

So assuming the altitude in PTA is about 4500 ft, a thermometer calibrated at sea level would read about 9 degrees lower F which is about 12 degrees C --- The thermometer is probably okay seeing you measured a diff of 10 degrees lower.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I got one of these a few month ago.

Occasionally I have problems with things just not getting very hot. Not sure if its some mode it goes into, or maybe the specific pans coil isn't great?

I was cautious about the wifi and the app... Feel a bit weirded out by possible chinese state/companies knowing what's cooking?

Havent seen temperature outside of the app only 0-99 and timer... Am i being dumb?

No, temperature is only available in the app.

 

[SauRoNZA]

So assuming the altitude in PTA is about 4500 ft, a thermometer calibrated at sea level would read about 9 degrees lower F which is about 12 degrees C --- The thermometer is probably okay seeing you measured a diff of 10 degrees lower.

I am at sea level though.

 

[Geoff.D]

I am at sea level though.

Then we have a problem. Thought you were in GP somewhere. Suggest you check the thermometer using boiling water.

 

[_kabal_]

Just moved house and couldn’t take the crappy electric plates stove, so took the plunge on this.

coming from gas, this is pretty impressive, albeit all I have made is a pair of fried eggs.

Used the simmer present and then dropped down to about 40 half way through.

I haven’t timed it, but have made a lot of eggs on my old gas range, and I would say that this induction unit comes to temp in maybe half the time. Super convenient for a midnight snack

 

[Geoff.D]

As long as yu have suitable pots and pans yes it works. But then the same applies to gas.

 

[ebendl]

Sorry for bumping the thread!

Has anybody by chance taken a power measurement on the Xiaomi?

I just installed solar and batteries and need a replacement for my good ol' electrical kettle to reduce usage. Wondering if this would do it? Have been eyeing it on Takealot...

These guys measured what looks like a Snappy Chef and found about a 33% saving (not super scientific but oh well) -- https://powersaving.co.za/appliance-tests/kitchen-appliances/induction-hob-test/

 

[SauRoNZA]

I seem to recall the peak is 1200W but hardly ever use it at full power.

Not sure I would use it to replace a kettle though.