Tefal Express Portable Induction Cooktop Testing & Review (IH720860)

[@rodneyalan6441]

I've used this but no others. From what I've managed to work out... The fry and the stir-fry and the hot pot buttons can be adjusted up or down using the plus minus ring however the buttons on the left cannot be adjusted because they are hard set for the job they have been factory set up for. One particular advantage over others is that this unit will go down to a very low setting which is really useful for some cooking. That 200 you saw on the fries is 200 degrees celsius. This can be adjusted all the way down to 60 degrees which is lower than a lot of its competitors. I like the way you tested the heating surface with the paper towel and I was surprised to see that the heating surface was quite small, perhaps at the feature of induction cooking where the pan itself becomes the element and the heat spreads very quickly to the base of the pan even though the induction is a smaller spot in the middle. The boost only works on hotpot and stir Fry which each has 2100watts fuil but the fry is 1700. The boost adds more to the stir fry or hotpot to lift the 2100 to ...2400 for 3 minutes or until you lower it. So to see the full power of this unit, Put your 2 cups of water in the pan Select stir Fry which defaults to 2100watts and press Boost to get 2200 watts for 3 minutes.an extra 100 watts past P10. And P1 is 100watts P2 is 300 watts P3 is 600 watts etc.. What the boil Steam And soup levels are I'm not sure but cooking can be done by power level or by temp. So, they may be by temp... Then do your timer test.

[@platima]

Yeah I had thought that might be the case. I did not tinker with it as much as perhaps I should have, probably because I was trying to keep it short and both the immediate fan along with the low power usage bothered me. Thanks for letting me know though!

[@supertuesday600]

@@platima Thanks for your video. Good efforts!!

[@platima]

@@supertuesday600 Very welcome, thank you for the kind words!

[@DianneByrne-ms7xm]

I think this product is not very good as I have to cook everything on fry to find a setting that I can turn down. Boil seems to only boil full on , maybe they should make a product that has one setting selection either heat up or heat down which is all need

[@redknight3439]

ok so you did a review, which helps with making an informed choice. Thank you for that. For anyone out there trying to decide which unit to get, Remember that Thee Most important part to hobs is how big the heating spot actually is. I own this one now and it turns out that trying to make pancakes on it in a non stick if you go too high with temp will end up burning and sticking... Seriously not impressed, I will be buying something with a heavier bottom and stainless steel and see if this then turns this into something a bit more usable... As things stand the 12 cm burner will brown only whats in the center and the rest remain unbrowned. There are adapters which allow you to use any of the old pans so that is an option if you have pans u dont want to part with. Does anyone know if there are induction hobs that have a 20cm heating element that is still portable?

[@platima]

Hey yeah some of the inbuilt ones have a larger element, but I've never seen a portable one bigger than maybe 15cm. The NE one I reviewed recently is still my fav, however, I am going to test using a metal sheet to spread the heat out soon! Stay tuned, and thanks foir the comment

[@ninjaburger8888]

bit late but electrolux etd29kc

[@jeffreywerner6574]

I just brought mine yesterday from binglee.$150...I actually red the manual.Then after picking it up to launch out the back door onto the concrete I thought I'd try again..So after transferring what I wanted to cook into now my 3rd pot,I realised the material.Stainless to aluminium and then finally steel..yay me...Then the fun began all over again.i finally just stuck to hotpot seting so I could also simmer my relish for 2hrs.I hope to learn abit more if it comes out from box again...

[@platima]

Yeah would have helped me if I read the manual haha. And I've done the same thing before trying to find the right pot! Enjoy

[@lifeisgood2542]

would you recommend this over other brands like kmart?

[@platima]

@@lifeisgood2542 For me so far Kmart/Anko is the win! But, I have two new ones to test out when I get time. Just half-packed to move house right now!

[@Kmno444]

@@platima Really? I'm finding the Kmart one really annoying with overheating. It shuts off rather than cycling on/off. Does the Tefal shut off and beep incessantly when overheated?

[@platima]

@@Kmno444 Hey that is odd, I'd not had that happen! Take it back maybe? Fan should stop it from overheating and they usually take returns without issue. My fav so far is the NE brand - just put a video up a few weeks ago if you want to see what it's like. Cheers

[@jaslynkoh622]

Thank you for sharing!

[@platima]

You're very welcome Jaslyn!

[@JPLKMoz]

Excuse me for having a fascination with portable induction cooktops. So far I’ve tried the Xiaomi, Aldi 2100W and just bought an Ikea Tillreda 2000W. Reason being the Xiaomi seems weaker. The Aldi was good but has developed an intermittent fault where it goes crazy and draws 2500W on my power meter and can’t be turned down. I’m using the Aldi as reference because it’s been most consistent with its stated power draw. I’ve just made a discovery which might explain why some of your cooktops don’t draw stated power. I was initially disappointed with the Ikea because on my flat bottom Arcosteel wok it only drew 1500W on my power meter. I’ve been looking for one that drew what it stated. I was going to return it. But now I’ve noticed if I use a heavy steel saucepan it does draw 2000W. I then retested on my Aldi one when it wasn’t malfunctioning and to my surprise, it drew 2000W with the saucepan and 1500W with my flat-bottom wok and 1600W with my 30cm frypan. So definitely dependent on cookware. The Ikea is the same. If all your tests are using the same cookware and amount of water then should be fine. Xiaomi has an overzealous temperature sensor. It will draw a certain amount but after 10 minutes or so ramp down to only 800W even when the dial says full power. Can be annoying.

[@platima]

Oh that is bloody brilliant information, thank you! Yeah I am trying to stick to those exact two items that I test with, but I definitely will now. Have not managed to get my hands on one of those Aldi ones, but someone else mentioned them so I have been keeping my eye out. Cheers mate

[@LMF5000]

Thanks for the info, I've measured the same with my royalty line "2000W" cooktop (actually only 1400W max). Question - do your cooktops actually maintain accurate temperature? Mine boils water when I set it to 80C and gets hot enough to smoke oil when I set it to 100C.

[@platima]

@@LMF5000 Hah daaamn yeah it stays pretty close, eg 95-105.

[@DazzaOnGoogle]

Nice. In researching how these beasts work, it's becoming obvious that cookware matters, and performance may vary a lot because of it (lower frequency induction needs thicker steel to effectively transfer the energy). Lower frequency is cheaper to produce, so you might get what you pay for in some respects. Nice info. Cheers

[@allanlansdowne340]

That is why the instructions are included.

[@platima]

Didn't see any sorry, had to write my own 😂

[@presciedelacruz2981]

Can i use a cast iron skillet on the tefal induction cooker? Answer please, i own both.

[@platima]

Hey yeah absolutely! Works well, just keep in mind that cast iron is heavy - you don't want to crack the glass.

[@sethirvine5426]

Does the power vary, or does it just turn on and off to reach the lowers? Cause I have a Midea cook top and that just burns everything.

[@platima]

Yeah I think they just all 'pulse' the power to control actual temp. Ceramic or induction cook top? I assume induction. I've found the actual pots/pans you use have a LOT to do with the cooking outcome. Those thick base triple-layer pans and pots seem to work best, as the heat gets to the food with more even temperature.

[@KevinWuWon]

Why didn't you try the other modes? Like Boil, since you're boiling water

[@platima]

Considered it, but it depends on how the device functions, eg what sort pulsing it uses. Since induction cookers are pretty much on/off, nothing inbetween, the 'modes' are just different pulses, and no point testing anything more than 'on', and in this case the 'boost' function. If I needed to stretch the video out I probably would, but 16 mins is already pretty long!

[@KevinWuWon]

@@platimaI was wondering if the Boil mode would have maxed out the wattage since you were struggling to do so on the fry mode Anyway, thanks for these videos, I skimmed through them all and ended up going for the Anko.

[@platima]

@@KevinWuWon ah yeah valid point. I don't think it would, as when the coil is 'on' it's simply on, there is no up and down with how induction cooking works. Just pulsing. BUT, that being said it would not have taken long to try, so going forward with these sort of vids I think I will! And you're welcome. The Anko is my go-to too, just need to test the good Philips one sometime now.

[@KevinWuWon]

@@platima Do you still have the appliance and can you easily test if the power will max out on the other modes? Just out of interest

[@platima]

@@KevinWuWon nah already took it back. But I just read the manual to check, and those pre-programmed buttons only change the predefined time. Boil is 10 minutes, and "boost" is it's maximum output. Ref: www.tefal.com.au/Cooking-appliances/Steamers-%26-Induction-Hobs/Induction-Hobs/EXPRESS-INDUCTION-HOB-IH7208/p/7211003887

[@johnbatchler8551]

Nice assignment beer u have

[@platima]

Hah cheers mate

[@davoid7914]

I saw a video comparison of the Anko vs. the Ikea Tillreda (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJzCgpRnqrSGpbs) and the Anko fan was much louder. The Tefal sounded not too loud. Which one has been the quietest so far? My main reason for looking at a portable induction cooktop is to minimise the use of my noisy range hood fan. I currently have gas, so it has to be on. Whatever induction I got would be quieter, but quieter the better for me!

[@platima]

Oh awesome, thanks for that link! Did not know Ikea made them. So far I've actually been using the Anko one the most. I'd use the Healthy Choice one more, but it does not have grippy feet which is sketchy when making sauces. Checking out Ikea's range now... dangerous territory haha. Cheers

[@roybustos5529]

Is it normal that fan doesnt stop when turned off? With the other brand we wait to stop the fan before unplugging it

[@platima]

Hey yeah it will stop eventually, just takes ages sometimes! Depends on the temperature sensor in it. I never let it run though - has been fine to just unplug it, but probably better to let it cool if you can, just for safety

[@tombkk1322]

I burn everything on this cooktop. Do you have this problem? Cannot cook chicken on a low heat without burning it.

[@platima]

Sounds like you've got quite a thin pan there. It was not my favourite induction cooker, but it certainly did well. Because induction heating is instant and within the metal, and they control total effective output by switching on and off, it's best to use quite a thick-based pan, or cast iron. Else if you look at the Tokit induction cooker, this works better with thinner pans as it has a very high frequency on/off control. Good luck!

[@tombkk1322]

@@platima Thamks for the fast response! Appreciate it.

[@platima]

@@tombkk1322 All good mate, I've got piles of videos about induction cookers haha. Different ones touch on different use cases, but I'd say the last two on the Tokit and the Dune were probably most informative

[@tauvao_]

I am thinking of getting Tefal... Do you have a fave cooktop you recommend others to get?? Would love to see a review for the "EuroChef Electric Induction Portable Cooktop".. I am sussing out on what cheap & affordable but good quality induction cooktop to get soon. I enjoy your reviews. Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to the Philips review too..

[@platima]

Hey honestly I always go back to the Anko (Kmart) one! I have kept two, but that one just seems best. EuroChef looks interesting; will have to add that to my list along with the Philips! Thank you for that recommendation.

[@Wimmle]

The noise is the pan it isnt magnetic enough/ doesnt have enough iron

[@platima]

I've definitely had that happen before, but not in this case. I've got 5 induction cookers, 3 at the time I recorded this, and only this one had the issue. Not to mention it's a fully stainless steel pot I am using. That being said, when I took it back they tried to test it and the unit completely failed so something was definitely wrong with it! Thanks for the input either way, as that most certainly will help others with similar issues!

[@Wimmle]

@@platima just found your channel great vids I'm in Vic so always happy to support fellow Aussies

[@platima]

@@Wimmle Hey thanks and great to hear! I love it over there and usually head over once a year and spend most my time in Southbank or on Chapel St. So good as far as food and culture goes!

[@seanpatrick1243]

I have a similar unit and it is terrible for anything using less than full power. Anything below full power seems to just be cycling between full power and no power at different rates. This makes it impossible to simmer anything. Have you noticed the same?

[@platima]

Hey sorry Sean nearly missed this one! And yeah that is a huge pain with portable induction cookers, well most of them, and something I cannot stand either. If you have a look at my video testing out the NE-011, that is the first I have found that does not do this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqHcoqaQp8yYpbs. Enjoy!

[@seanpatrick1243]

@@platima Cheers for the tip! I will check it out. Oops! Looks like that brand isn't available in Europe. I will have to see if it's sold under a different brand name.

[@jezthomas4402]

Cooking appliances do often have a higher input wattage than output, e.g. an 800w microwave may have 1200w input. So maybe that's where 2100 comes from; would be sharp practice by Tefal but won't be the first time a brand misconstrued the figures to sound better! Tefal (pronounced tea fal - like pal but with an f) is generally one of the better quality brands from my experience FYI. Thanks for reviewing; still wondering if any of the ones you tested doesn't cycle, and keeps a constant voltage?

[@platima]

Good to know re the pronunciation. And yeah usually it's that way around, eg I have a 1,000W microwave and it draws about 1,150 watts, but usually it would not draw less than it's power rating. I guess they're less picky with appliances than lightbulbs! For constant voltage it looks like it'd have to use a heating element, not induction unfortunately.

[@presciedelacruz2981]

Can i use a cast iron skillet on the tefal induction cooker?

[@platima]

Hey mate sorry I thought I replied to this! Yeah you absolutely can. Just be careful you don't crack the glass with how heavy they can be!

[@Mary-xc2gu]

After turning on switch, then pressing boil, the only thing it does it beep continously with no heat. What could be the issue? Any help?

[@platima]

Hey Mary. Usually means your cookware is not compatible. For induction cookers you need something conductive, eg copper or steel. Aluminium will not work unless it is one of the multi-layered ones. Most pots/pans will say if they are induction-compatible on the packaging. Good luck!

[@Mary-xc2gu]

@@platima Thanks for replying, have double checked cookware and they are compatible but still not heating. Might have purchased a faulty item.

[@platima]

@@Mary-xc2gu Unfortunately that may be the case! I would double check with a 100% steel pot just to be absolutely sure, and then take it back. Was there any E code or similar on the display while it beeped?

[@Mary-xc2gu]

@@platima No e code, just beeping and then switching off

[@platima]

@@Mary-xc2gu What a pain. Yeah I'd say take it back to Myer / Harvey Norman / whereever and they should be able to replace or refund. While you're at it, I recently tried a Nationwide Electrical (most recent video) inductino cooker and was VERY happy with that one out of the 5 I have tried so far.

[@IsraelMoralesTadeo]

It's still good this 2024?

[@platima]

Yeah look it ain't bad, but honestly my top 3 are between the NE, which is no longer available, and then the Dune, which is great and under $100, or the Tokit which is amazing but expensive! Enjoy 😊

[@IsraelMoralesTadeo]

@@platima My Choices is Midea and Tefal, since I'm from Philippines I can't find any good brands here, most of brands here are made from China 😅 maybe I'll go for Tefal since it's still good right?

[@platima]

@@IsraelMoralesTadeo Can order the Tokit online, it's not Australian! Would definitely recommend that over the Tefal. But, if you have Tefal there, then it'll do. I think Tokit was similar price? www.tokit.com/collections/induction-cooktop

[@ronaldguida]

what is the max temperature it can achieve?

[@platima]

Hey that's a bit of a difficult one. The max temp depends on the material of the pot/pan you are using, and what it is you are cooking. That being said, it appears this one has a thermal cut-out built in for safety that'll trigger at 230C. Ref dam.groupeseb.com/m/511eab214b9bccf3/original/9100034754-IFU.pdf

[@shahnajruma4017]

How to do temperature low &high

[@platima]

The circle in the middle has Min/Max/+/- so you can set temperature high or low by either wattage or temperature from memory!

[@stephenpooler3351]

Here's a review on your review. The expectation is that the person doing a review knows what they are doing?? Why don't you read the manual first. It's a pretty ordinary review.

[@platima]

Thanks mate much apprecaited!

[@ranetteclelland9546]

Maybe he should read the instructions

[@platima]

No chance brother 🤣🤣

[@trevorwilson4147]

Read the manual, Rooster

[@platima]

Nah mate it's an induction cooker, not a combine harvester. I use it how the average person would, thus sharing a relatable experience :)

[@SM-bt8gc]

What is it's price?

[@platima]

$119 my friend! Linkie: www.harveynorman.com.au/tefal-express-portable-induction-cooktop.html

[@sharonchong5445]

+-(have 100)

[@platima]

Thanks? Hah

[@marcop3517]

As a review - i have to give this a thumbs down as you mentioned multiple times throughout the video that you should have read the manual (which is crap I must admit) and this would have changed the testing or result of your tests. Un-prepared.

[@platima]

You're absolutely not wrong mate! Zero preparation. Just showing a real world experience unboxing it and using it as only ~25% of people read the manuals. I'm not here to teach ya how to use it 😜

[@marcop3517]

​@@platima I wasn't here to learn how to use it mate - I can figure that out for myself. Your 'review' has incorrect info because you didn't come prepared. And an 'unboxing' and 'first impression' is different to a 'review' where some knowledge and experience through use of the item is reasonably expected. But I don't think you are prepared to accpet constructive critism.

[@platima]

@@marcop3517 I absolutely welcome all criticism, as you're entitled to your opinion. It just differs from mine. It's unfortunate that this video is not what you're after, but I appreciate your feedback nonetheless, and maybe one day in the future it'll change the way I do things. For now, this is what I do, and I have fun doing it, and that's all that matters 😊

[@hifigeek009]

Get on with it. Don't try to make a living out of this media. Hopeless, don't kid yerself

[@platima]

Not in the slightest Ray, I don't make a living out of it and don't intend to - I'm quite successful at life, and this is just a side project to share what I learn with anyone interested. A donation of experience to the cumulative lexicon of cooking expectations, if you will. Thanks for your comment and engagement though, it's greatly appreciated, but if you're not interested then it might not be the channel for you. Best of luck either way and have a ripper week.

[@Rocket-Man]

Horrible demonstration. 😡😡😡

[@platima]

Thanks