GE Profile 36" Built-In Touch Control Induction Cooktop vs Impulse Cooktop (30-inch)

The GE Profile PHP9036 is a 36-inch built-in induction cooktop with five elements, the largest an 11-inch zone rated at 3,700 W on boost. Wirecutter picked it as the most feature-rich mid-priced option it has considered, citing 19 power settings, the easiest control panel it tried, an auto-sync bridge and Wi-Fi app control. The Chaos Collective YouTube channel, reviewing it as a first-time induction owner, found it brought water nearly to the boil within two or three minutes and liked its automatic burner shut-off. It suits cooks who want fine heat control and smart features; anyone who wants a larger central element for big pots, or a longer standard warranty, should look elsewhere.

Wirecutter borrowed an Impulse Cooktop, had it installed in its test kitchen and called it powerful, precise and impressively intuitive, and very expensive. A battery lets it run from a regular 120-volt outlet and send 10,000 watts to one element. A New York Magazine Strategist writer who cooks on one at home says its biggest drawback is the price. Impulse lists the 30-inch model at $6,999.