Be it gas, electric or induction, ranges have held onto a vestigial limb — a finite, unmoveable set of areas to do the actual cooking. This new induction cooktop from Thermador, however, is smart enough to heat anywhere there’s a pot.
The new Freedom cooktop bills itself as the first induction appliance whose entire surface acts as a heating element. Its “natural-mapping” interface allows users to add, remove and shift pans around while they cook and should allow chefs a greater degree of flexibility in their meal preparation.
Induction cooking employs a copper wire running under the clear ceramic surface and a strong AC current to create a magnetic field. This then transfers an electric current to the cookware, heating it while keeping the range cool to the touch. It’s more efficient than both gas and traditional electric methods.
The Freedom also includes a 6.3-inch display that recognises the pot’s shape and size, as well as controls the unit’s power settings and cook time (begone, egg timer!). Its surface accommodates pans up to 53 x 33cm and will retail for $US5000 when it hits the market in July. [Appliancist – Wikipedia]