Wirecutter tested the 36-inch Miele KM 7740 FR in its test kitchen and names it one of its three induction cooktop picks, under the label "Higher-end design, proven reliability". It finds the features and functionality solid but not always intuitive, and says the cooktop stands out more for its sleek design. Abt lists it at $3,199.
Full review
Wirecutter's design-led pick
Wirecutter tested cooktops in its test kitchen and lists the Miele KM 7740 FR as one of three recommendations. It describes the model as new and lower priced, similar to the discontinued KM 6370 cooktops Miele sold for several years.
The guide says the cooktop stands out for its sleek design more than for its features and functionality. Models in the 7000 series have yellow display lights and a thick stainless steel frame that sits high on the counter.
Power and useful settings
Wirecutter reports that the 11-inch large element draws 3,700 W on boost. An auto-heat mode applies a brief burst of extra power to bring a pan to a chosen setting quickly.
It singles out the keep-warm setting, which can be adjusted from the control panel to hold a pan warm or at a simmer.
Controls take learning
The cooktop has nine basic power levels and up to 17, but Wirecutter found that reaching the additional settings is not intuitive. It also found programming the timer, or adjusting other settings such as the sound level, somewhat tricky even after reading the manual.
Wirecutter adds that Miele 7000-series cooktops offer no method of setting a precise temperature or cooking along with a recipe automatically, and says that absence is not a dealbreaker because those features are not widely available.
Reliability, warranty and price
Wirecutter reports that Miele is one of two appliance brands that claim their appliances are tested to last at least 10 years. Wirecutter notes Miele sells a five-year extended warranty at extra cost; Abt's listing gives two years of parts and labor coverage as standard.
Abt lists the KM 7740 FR at $3,199, with dimensions of 3.13 by 36 by 21.5 inches and a 50-amp, 240-volt supply. Abt notes the manufacturer does not include a power cord.
Strengths
- +11-inch large element draws 3,700 W on boost, per Wirecutter
- +Adjustable keep-warm setting that Wirecutter calls super-useful
- +Auto-heat mode speed-heats a pan to a chosen setting, per Wirecutter
- +Wi-Fi monitoring and Bluetooth sync with a Miele range hood
- +Two-year warranty; Wirecutter reports experts give Miele excellent marks for reliability
Watch-outs
- −Wirecutter found the extra power settings beyond the nine basic levels confusing to reach
- −Programming the timer or changing settings is somewhat tricky even after reading the manual, per Wirecutter
- −No way to set a precise temperature or cook along with a recipe automatically, per Wirecutter
- −Abt's listing notes that no power cord is included
How it compares
At $3,199 the Miele KM 7740 FR costs $100 more than the Bosch 800 Series NIT8661UC and $800 less than Miele's own flush-mounted KM 7745 FL. Wirecutter picked both the KM 7740 FR and the Bosch: the Miele's 11-inch main element is smaller than the Bosch's 13-inch one, and its warranty is two years against Bosch's one. Wirecutter says Miele 7000-series cooktops cannot set a precise temperature, which the Impulse Cooktop can do to the degree.
Rating sources
“This model’s sleek design is notable, and its features and functionality are solid though not always as intuitive as those of our other picks.”
Our 4.0 score is the average of the 1 scored review above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
