When comparing GE CGP650SETSS vs Empava EMPV-IDC30 Induction Cooktop, the Slant community recommends GE CGP650SETSS for most people. In the question“What are the best cooktops?” GE CGP650SETSS is ranked 4th while Empava EMPV-IDC30 Induction Cooktop is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose GE CGP650SETSS is:
This 36" wide cooktop has five burners. They are separated by wide spaces and are covered with continuous burner grates. This allows you to work with large cookware that can be rearranged throughout the cooktop.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Ideal for oversized cookware
This 36" wide cooktop has five burners. They are separated by wide spaces and are covered with continuous burner grates. This allows you to work with large cookware that can be rearranged throughout the cooktop.
Pro Excellent for versatile cooking
Some of the burners are excellent for specific uses. For example, the left side burners are good for searing while the right top one is good for delicate melting and simmering. It also has a tri-ring burner which offers the most flexibility.
Pro Professional-looking appearance
The cooktop looks very professional and sturdy, with a metal finish that gives it a premium feel. It will definitely make itself a highlight of your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Pro Has a control lock
Instead of relying on push-to-turn knobs, this unit has an actual control lock feature that disables the controls altogether. This is a vert reliable safety feature if you have fidgety kids.
Pro Can run on liquid propane
You can convert this cooktop to run it on liquid propane. You will not need to buy a conversion kit separately as it’s already included in the package.
Pro Can be used to griddle
An included customized Lodge griddle can be swapped out for the left grate. A griddle adds a lot of versatility to your kitchen and makes it easier to cook eggs or burger patties.
Pro Very good for simmering
It can maintain low temperatures on all of the burners, so you can simmer sauces on any of them without worrying that something will burn.
Pro Flexible center burner
It has a central burner with a doughnut-shaped burner around it. This setup ensures that it can be used both for gentle simmering, or for blistering heat to boil water fast.
Pro Dishwasher safe grates
The grates can be safely washed in the dishwasher without worrying that the color will come off.
Pro Useful stylish LED backlights
The knobs have blue backlights that not only look good but also let you know which of the burners are operating.
Pro Excellent for fast cooking
It reacts to temperature settings changes instantly, about 4x faster than most conventional stoves. This allows you to boil a full large pot in only less than 2 minutes.
Pro Works fine with a wet/greasy hand
There's no need to poke hard since the touchscreen controls are sensitive like a phone screen. They even respond to wet/oily fingers, which is the usual case for people who are cooking.
Pro Allows you to accurately control the heat settings
The Empava has 9 heat level settings you can easily adjust using digital touch controls. This lets you fine-tune the temperature settings from melt to rapid boil, for example.
Pro Cleanup is effortless
Because heat is generated directly to the cookware, the cooktop stays cool to the touch, making it safe to clean even after you've just finished cooking. And since it has a smooth tempered glass surface, you can easily wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Cons
Con Can't detect flame
It lacks flame sensor and automatic flame reignition, which is a feature found even in cheap models.
Con Low maximum temperatures
The burners can’t hit very high temperatures: they only average about 370 ºF. This is low, compared to electric cooktops that can easily go past 600 ºF.
Con Has no metal trims for protection
This cooktop does not come with any metal trim pieces to protect the vulnerable glass edges.
Con Does not have a low setting
Unlike most other induction cooktops, the Empava doesn't really have a 'low setting'. It only throttles the temperature down by powering on and off rather than staying at the lowest level like other inductions cooktops do. Simmering on low heat may be hard with this quirk.
Con Requires space
The Empava demands space since the cord comes out the back side corner and there is a fan at the back to keep the cooktop cool.