Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has revealed alarming flaws in 13 induction cooktop models, with two failing to heat oil within 45 minutes and nearly 70% unable to maintain low heat – while five brands misrepresented their energy efficiency ratings.
The Consumer Council of Hong Kong released its latest findings in Choice magazine Issue 568, testing 13 dual-zone and full-surface induction cookers priced from HK$3,680 to HK$18,580. The rigorous evaluation assessed heating performance, energy efficiency, safety features, and heat distribution, uncovering significant discrepancies between advertised claims and real-world performance.
Two Models Fail Core Heating Test
In a simulated cooking scenario, researchers required each unit’s primary hob to heat cooking oil to 180°C within 45 minutes before frying frozen potato chips. Two models failed outright: the German Pool GIC-252DB and the Giggas GS-238D only managed to reach temperatures above 170°C, falling short of the target.
The Panasonic KY-C223B struggled as well, requiring nearly 40 minutes to hit 180°C, leaving barely enough time to fry a single batch of chips. By contrast, the ten remaining models achieved the target in 13.7 to 25.3 minutes and completed one to three batches of chips.
Uneven Heat Distribution Plagues Six Units
The council tested heat uniformity by cooking pancake batter under standard settings. Five models produced pancakes with dark centres, indicating concentrated heat in the middle while edges remained undercooked. All three full-surface models tested exhibited uneven heat distribution across the cooking area, likely due to gaps between induction coils where heat must travel from the edges inward.
The German Pool GIC-252DB also triggered its automatic overheating protection during testing, shutting down prematurely when surface temperatures became too high.
Low Heat Control Falls Short for Most Models
Perhaps most concerning for slow-cooking enthusiasts: nearly 70% of models failed to meet the IEC 60350-2 international standard for low-power control. The test measured whether cooktops could melt chocolate without exceeding 53°C in the first 18 minutes and without peaking above 75°C. Most units drove oil temperatures up too quickly, with only four models passing all three criteria.
This raises serious concerns for households relying on induction hobs for simmering soups, stews, or braised dishes.
Energy Labels Mislead Consumers
The council discovered that five models achieved lower energy efficiency ratings in testing than what appeared on their labels. The Rasonic RIC-S44E – the fastest model at heating oil – registered standby power consumption exceeding 2 watts, placing it at Energy Efficiency Level 5 despite its label claiming Level 2.
The findings have been forwarded to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for further investigation.
Expert Safety Tips for Induction Cooker Users
To minimise risks and extend appliance lifespan, the Consumer Council recommends these precautions:
- Use a dedicated power socket. Induction cookers draw high wattage; sharing outlets with other large appliances can cause circuit overload.
- Check cookware compatibility. Use pots and pans designed for induction cooking to ensure efficient heat transfer.
- Inspect the ceramic surface before use. Cracks or damage can lead to electrical hazards. Stop immediately and contact the retailer or manufacturer.
- Allow cooling after cooking. The internal fan continues running after shutoff to cool components. Disconnecting power too early may damage internal parts.
What This Means for Hong Kong Consumers
With induction cookers remaining a popular choice for their easy cleaning and cooler kitchen temperatures compared to gas stoves, shoppers must look beyond price tags. The council’s investigation proves that higher cost does not guarantee better performance – some mid-range models outperformed premium competitors.
As the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department reviews the mislabelled units, consumers are urged to check Choice magazine’s full rankings before making a purchase. With fire hazards, overheating, and wasted energy at stake, this is one kitchen decision worth researching thoroughly.
For related reading, explore the Consumer Council’s tests on bottled water and cooking oils, both available in the latest issue of Choice.