Induction cooktop

[johntaves]

Originally Posted by Skeet46

What are the pros and cons of changing from gas to induction? Is there a direct replacement?

I am trying to find an induction cooktop that does not have a fan. Does anyone have one, or know of one, that does not have a fan?

Does anyone have one, or know of one, that has a fan that runs only as fast as it is needed? (a variable speed fan)

Thanks,

jt

[Iceclimber]

I bought a single induction burner that was well reviewed - just to try it. I can't see ripping out propane considering we boondock more than we hook up.

[mlpeloquin]

Years ago when we were at a Heartland national rally in Goshen, Indiana, we won a New Wave induction plate. We have never used a propane stove top again. Yes we had to replace the pots and pan. We love it. It cooks so fast, I don't know why you are so concerned about the fan. The electrical/electronics need to be cooled. It only runs when it is on. It is the best thing we ever won or purchased.

[johntaves]

Originally Posted by mlpeloquin

I don't know why you are so concerned about the fan. The electrical/electronics need to be cooled. It only runs when it is on.

I am so concerned about the fan because it makes noise. I don't like pointless noise.

The cooktop I am trying right now, runs the fan at one speed all the time. I see no reason that there are not units that control the alter the speed of the fan depending on the cooling needs.

Friends that have home units say they don't have a fan. Maybe they are cooled with heat pipes to the skin of the unit.

If anyone has information, I would appreciate it.

[tap4154]

I install appliances in homes, and all induction cooktops have fans. Some are quieter than others, but asking for an induction cooktop without a fan is like asking for a residential refrigerator without a compressor. It's a required component to keep internals cool. In my Class C I carry a portable one-burner induction burner to use when I have hookups, and I use the propane cooktop when boondocking.

[johntaves]

Originally Posted by tap4154

It's a required component to keep internals cool

The unit can radiate heat without a fan. For example, my DC powered RV fridge does not have a fan to help remove the heat that the compressor moves from the interior to the exterior of the unit. The heat is radiated from the skin of the unit.

In order of best to worst:

1. No fan, with potentially some cooling fins
2. Large speed controlled fan
3. Small speed controlled fan
4. Small fixed speed fan

The one I am trying right now has 2 small fixed speed fans. In addition, it can be dropped into the counter and therefore the fans will be circulating air in a relatively small space under the counter. It seems that the designers were ridiculously cheap by making the fans operate all the time at a rate to handle the worst case scenario.

When I shop for these, I am rarely finding any info regarding noise or cooling. If anyone knows of units that are higher on that scale, I would appreciate hearing about them. There must be better options because I can't be the only one to not want some pointless fan noise anytime I heat something.

[tap4154]

When installed into a counter, you need to make sure you have adequate space underneath for air to circulate. If it's a very small cabinet, it's simply not viable. I don't think you'll find any that don't have some kind of fan. It's like the reason your laptop and desktop computers need a fan, they need to keep the electronics cool, and they need flowing air. However when they are installed into a counter, you barely even hear the fan operating. Your best solution might be to go ahead and install it into the counter, as long as you have a large enough cabinet underneath (air space)..