I tested it
Built-in · 24-inch
Empava Ease 24-inch
The Empava is the cooktop I'd put in a rental or a garage apartment when the budget is tight. It costs far less than the Bosch and still boiled a quart in 3 minutes and 20 seconds, quicker than any gas burner I've owned.
My verdict
My verdict: Buy it if you want four zones in 24 inches for far less money. Skip it if you simmer delicate sauces often.
My test results
1 quart boiled in 3 minutes and 20 seconds; the lowest setting pulsed on and off.
| Boils 1 quart in | 3 min 20 sec |
|---|---|
| Gentle simmer | Pulses on low |
| Pans that fit at once | 3 to 4 small pans |
Quick facts
4 zones · 9 heat levels · hardwired 240 volts · pan-size sensor and hot-surface light · 23 1/4 × 20 1/2 inches, 25 pounds
Pros and cons
What I liked
- It costs much less than the name brands.
- It fits four zones into 24 inches.
- It boils quickly for the price.
What I didn't like
- Its lowest setting pulses on and off.
- Owner reports on durability are mixed.
My notes
The Empava is the cooktop I’d put in a rental or a garage apartment when the budget is tight. It costs far less than the Bosch and still boiled a quart in 3 minutes and 20 seconds, quicker than any gas burner I’ve owned. For everyday pasta, eggs and stir-fries, it did the job without fuss.
Low heat is where it shows its price. On level 1 it switched fully on and off, so my sauce went from still to bubbling and back every few seconds. I learned to simmer on level 2 instead, which worked fine. Owners like how it looks and how fast it heats, but about one in ten of its Amazon ratings were 1-star when I checked, often about units that stopped working, so keep your receipt and register the warranty.
More about the brand: are Empava induction cooktops worth it?
Shop now (opens Amazon in a new tab)