The KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop features in our roundup of the best induction cooktops (opens in new tab) because of its outstanding performance, safety features and customer support. There are four heat elements on this induction cooktop that provide a wide range of power, and there are power boost capabilities for even more heat. It has pan detection and control lock functions to ensure the heat elements are only on when you need them, and all of our interactions with representatives from KitchenAid were excellent.
KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop: What you need to know
The induction cooking performance of this product met our full expectations. It features four individual heat elements that range from 6 to 11 inches in diameter. The 11-inch heat element is the largest we saw on an induction cooktop. Additionally, it has a bridge element, which means you can connect two heat elements into one larger element, which is ideal for when you use large pieces of cookware such as a griddle. Not all induction cooktops offer this feature.
The power on the cooktop ranges from 1,400 watts to 3,700 watts. This is one of the widest ranges in power that we saw on this type of product, coming close to the more expensive Bosch FlexInduction NITP068UC (opens in new tab). The wide range allows you to simmer with ease as well as sear and fry foods. The power boost capability provides maximum heat capacity to a heat element for 10 minutes to help food cook faster or water to boil at an even higher rate. You can choose from 12 heat settings that range from low temperatures for simply simmering food to maximum power for water to boil rapidly.
There are only a few features on this induction cooktop. There is a melt setting that allows you to melt butter and chocolate without burning it. However, there is no specific warming feature available, which would allow you to keep food warm without overcooking it. There is a basic timer on the cooktop, but it does not feature any type of custom timing capabilities that would allow you to set an individual timer for each specific burner. Several of the other best cooktops offer a custom timer.
To adjust the few features available on this cooktop, the KitchenAid has touch controls. This allows you to easily adjust settings, and if food or liquid spills onto the display screen, you can wipe up the mess with little problems.
KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop: Safety features
The KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop provides several safety features to prevent burns and fires. The control lock is one such feature, as it prevents the cooktop from accidentally being turned on. This allows you to disable all controls when the cooktop is powered on, which prevents unwanted fingers from adjusting temperatures. When the cooktop is powered off, though, the control pad does not work.
Furthermore, if a pan is not correctly placed on the heat element within one minute of the burner being turned on, the element automatically turns off. If a pan is removed during cooking, a light on the cooktop notifies you for one minute, and then the heat element shuts off on its own. Both of these are excellent safety features of the best induction cooktops.
Additionally, if the induction cooktop's surface is hot, an H lights up on the cooktop. This indicator light may appear even after the cooktop is turned off, if the surface remains hot.
KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop: Customer service
All of our interactions with representatives from KitchenAid were excellent. They addressed all of our concerns and questions in a timely manner. KitchenAid provides telephone, email and live chat for reaching a support representative, which is excellent, considering many similar product manufacturers offer just email or telephone support.
The KitchenAid is covered under a one-year manufacturer warranty for its parts and labor. If you have any issues or problems with the cooktop, you can reach a representative to discuss the warranty and what it specifically covers.
Should you buy the KitchenAid KICU509XSS induction cooktop?
The KitchenAid KICU509XSS is one of the best induction cooktops available and provides powerful performance. It stands out from similar products because of its amazing power, large burners and bridge element option. It also provides several safety features to prevent burns and other injuries. However, we are disappointed this advanced cooktop doesn't offer more features, such as a custom timer and a warm setting. Despite its few omissions, this induction cooktop makes the time you spend in the kitchen enjoyable and safe.
