3 hours ago, eugenep said:I live in an apartment and my stove just broke - the main burner.
So I can't sear things etc. anymore.
My landlord likely won't fix it and I was planning to move soon anyway.
I saw on a thread here that the Control Freak by Breville is good. Do you recommend any equipment or ideas?
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/breville-smart-cooker/?pkey=s|control freak|1
Do you know of anywhere I could get a good price in an emergency situation like this? I hate to buy something not on sale like this but..I"m really desperate (I can't cook anymore).
Thank you
Two questions:
(1) Do you have induction-compatible cookware now?
(2) Can you get by without a full-power appliance?
If you don't have compatible cookware already, you have to factor in that acquisition/discard cost, and you will ultimately have cookware you don't need. If you don't value your existing cookware, this may be no big deal.
If you need a full-power appliance, you will probably be disappointed with a 110VAC/1800W unit like the Control Freak. Especially so because it costs $1700. You'd be paying a premium for extreme granularity, with the power of a toaster oven. IMO, the only reason to sink that long green is if you see a regular use for that kind of limited-power control after you move and again have access to a full-power appliance. Most people in that situation tide themselves over with a truly inexpensive (e.g., .<$150) induction hotplate with the same power, just fewer settings and no feedback.
If you love your non-compatible cookware, but can see yourself using a single-hob induction appliance as a mainstay, I would consider investing in the Panasonic KY-Mk3500 Met-All that I reviewed here recently. It is a full 240VAC/3500W unit and "works" with non-magnetic cookware. It is likely a plug-in swap in your apartment (maybe with an adapter) for your dying electric range. I found mine for $611. It only has 20 settings, but that is actually a lot.
Or, what about buying a cheap contractor-grade full-size range to tide you over? You can buy 2-3 of those for what you'd spend on the Control Freak. Tell your Sh&*bird landlord to come get his broken range for disposal, and you'll take yours with you.
