Before getting to the details and the price and so on, you should know this: the model under discussion below, the CASO C21 model 12300
is specifically designed for the US market.
Unlike the model for the European market, code-named 2300, there are a few features altered in order to make the appliance comply with the US regulations.
First of all, the maximum power of the US version has been limited to 1800W (down from the 2100W, due to the limit available from a regular outlet – theoretically 15 A at 125 volts = 1875W, when this is the only consumer on the fuse/circuit), and two buttons have been replaced:
– The US version has a “Keep Warm” button instead of the “Hold” button
– The US version has a “Slow cooking” button instead of the “Booster” button
Now that we cleared that up, let’s see what the CASO C21 has to offer in terms of features, safety options and price.
1. Controls
As you can see in the picture (the controls shown are from the main model, they may differ as explained above), the sensor touch controls are well-positioned and easily accessible, all the settings being shown on the quite large LCD display.
1. Power switch
2. Selection button (+), increase of the power, temperature or duration
3. Selection button (-), reduction of power, temperature or duration
4. LED display: power stage
5. LED display: temperature
6. LED display: timer
7. Function key Booster/Slow Cooking for the US market
8. Menu press 1x: power setting (with the following steps: 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300, 1500,1800W)
Menu press 2x: temperature settings (160-430F)
Menu press 3x: timer (time can be set in the interval 1 -120 minutes)
9. Function key Hold/Keep Warm for the US market
A word of advice: unlike other appliances with touch controls, the CASO C21 sensor touch buttons function differently, you do not need to tap on the needed button, just put your finger on it and hold it to make the settings scroll to the desired setting.
The two functions specific to the US market – Keep Warm and Slow Cooking – are very handy when needed. Obviously they do what their names say: keep the food warm or perform slow cooking (the power and/or temperature settings are kept to the required level for that operation).
2. Surface
The glass-ceramic surface can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and soap, but always keep in mind to turn the device off, unplug it and wait for it to cool down before cleaning it. Do not use any caustic or abrasive cleaning agents as they may damage the cooking surface.
3. Heating Elements
The CASO C21 model has one heating element that can accommodate cookware having a bottom diameter between 12 and 26 cm.
What’s kind of innovative for this peculiar model is that the two hotplates underneath the surface can function independently, depending on the power and/or temperature settings.
4. Power/Watts
Power: 1800W maximum
Stand-By: 1.5W
Connection:110V
The appliance requires proper grounding in order to avoid risk of injuries.
Also, as already stated, make sure you have checked the requirements of the right model, as the European model differs in both nominal power and voltage.
It is advisory that the installation be made by a trained electrician in order to avoid risk of injury and/or damage to the electrical wiring and/or the device.
5. Sensors
Unlike other, high-end cooktops, the CASO C21 is not packed with lots of sensors and features.
However, it sports an electronic sensor which detects when a pot or pan is placed on the cooking surface and automatically shuts the unit down when no pan is present.
Some users have reported the warning signal to go off even when the pot is taken off the cooking surface even for a short period of time.
It also has a voltage sensor which will display an error when the power is too low or too high (see the error codes in the table below, picture taken from the user manual).
6. Ventilation
No matter where you install this appliance, always make sure there is enough space for ventilation.
The manufacturer recommends at least 5 to 10 centimeters around the device, in order to prevent it from overheating. While the cooking surface does not become hot during operation, the steel case may heat up from the pan used for cooking.
7. Safety Features
Apart from the sensors and their respective safety features, the C21 lacks any other features such as a Child Lock or similar functions.
8. Accessories
The package contains a user manual detailed enough to get the appliance running and nothing more.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that the appliance must be used only with induction-ready cookware. Examples of suitable cookware materials include magnetic stainless steel, enameled steel and cast iron pots or pans with a flat surface.
Round-bottomed cookware is not suitable for this type of cooktops.
9. Dimensions
With the following dimensions – 360 x 280 x 68 mm/14.4 x 11.2 x 2.7 inches – the CASO C21 is small enough to fit into any kitchen and even into your RV or truck, making it a very good choice for a holiday (provided you will have all the necessary power to run it).
10. Pros
– easy to use, clean and store
– sturdy stainless steel casing
– automatic pan detection
– small enough to be carried around or taken on your holiday
– easy to use touch controls
11. Cons
– lack of Child Lock and similar features
– beep warnings are a bit too loud
– control buttons must be pressed and held, not tapped to get the desired setting
– no power-off, the device will reportedly enter Stand-By mode, it must be unplugged to turn it off completely
12. Consumer Ratings
The CASO Germany C21 single burner cooktop has mixed reviews on selling sites, partly due to its European “relative” that shows up in Google searches.
As stated above, there are a few differences between the two, and, since the European model has the same name and a very similar look, it gets quite confusing to differentiate between the two.
On the other hand, as said in the Cons section, the main complaints regarding the US version are linked to the way the controls work and the sometimes lound noises of the warning system
13. Where you can buy Caso C21
The CASO C21 induction cooktop is currently on sale on Amazon and free shipping.
14. F.A.Q.
1. Is the fan noise of this cooktop annoying?
As you may intuit, there is some fan noise when the unit is working and also, after turning it off and that is for sure. But the answer to this question is subjective: it is possible that for some people the noise may seem annoying, while for others not so much.
15. User Manual
Let us know in comments and will send it by e-mail.
| CASO C21 model 12300 |
|
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CASO |
| Destination use | home use |
| Controls | Sensor-Touch |
| Control Panel | Double LCD display |
| Functions | Keep Warm, |
| Surface | Glass-ceramic |
| Color | black |
| Power Source | electric |
| Output Power | 1500W |
| Power levels | 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300, 1500, 1800W |
| Temp Levels | 160-430F |
| Temp step increment | |
| Programable Time | 1-120 minutes |
| Function Lock | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Acousting warnings | yes, when setting the power and/or temperature |
| Weight | 7lb |
| Shipping Weight | 8 lb |
| Dimensions | 360 x 280 x 68 mm/14.4 x 11.2 x 2.7 inches |
| Cord Length | NA |
| Led Display | Dual displays for both timer & power level |
| Safety Feature | automatic overheating protection |
| Error Codes | Yes |
| Pan size (bottom diameter) | 12 to 26 cm |
| Cookware material | Induction-suitable cookware (cast iron, stainless steel) |
| Free PAN | No |
| Around Clearance | 5 to 10 cm minimum |
| Price | Check Discount on Amazon |
