For years, induction burners have appealed to professional chefs seeking, above all else, precision. They work like this: a high-frequency electromagnet creates a magnetic field between the cooktop and the pan. This then penetrates the iron in pans, essentially creating heat energy inside of them. The pros are plain to those who use them. Apart from being wildly energy efficient and wicked quick, induction burners can be set and maintained to exact degrees within a set range.
The hurdle is that most cooks just aren’t used to precision cooking; they’re used to stoves that heat food in vague generality (low, medium, high), the parameters of which change from kitchen to kitchen, stove to stove. Breville’s Control Freak, however, engineered in tandem with PolyScience, improves the usability of induction-type cooking in two ways: first, it features a sensor that measures the liquid inside a pot, not just the surface temperature. It also allows cooks to set the rate at which the ideal temperature is met, meaning it doesn’t just start sprinting from the get-go — this is good for things like eggs, which are hyper sensitive to heat. If you’re not impressed yet, know that the Control Freak offers the widest range of temperatures out of any induction stove ever made. Users can set and maintain exact temperatures between 86 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit.
Performance Range: 86°F to 482°F
Surface Material: high-heat resistant ceramic glass
Housing Material: stainless steel
Dimensions: 4.3 x 13.7 x 18.5 inches