Take up the challenge! Be a MasterChef in your own kitchen with Chefman RJ21-IN Induction Cooktop (Review)

Not 1, Not 2. But 3 years of warranty that will surely convince you to look closed to this induction cooktop from Chefman.

Chefman RJ21-IN has been manufactured to the highest quality and standards. The design is attractive mainly because of its rounded edges and its explicit control panel.

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It has a single cooking zone, it is very compact and can be used in large or small kitchens, as a second stove in your kitchen or for other the same several situations.

It can boil water in just 90 seconds and it will help you save energy (up to less 70% electrical energy). Power can be adjusted from 300w and 1800w, in eight levels and the timer can be set up to 180 minutes.

Here is more about this beautiful and easy-to-use induction cooktop:

1. Controls

The control panel is digital and it consists of several buttons:
– The Functions
– Power level/ TEMP/ Timer adjustments and Child lock
– Power On/Off button.

On the little display in the center, you will see the time and the temperature.

When plugging the unit you will hear a “Beep” and the indicator above the Power Key will start to flash. This is the standby mode.

The display can show:

– L= the temperature on the cooking zone is less than 140°F
– H = the temperature on the cooking zone is more than 140°F

Timer
You have to press the Function control once until the Timer indicator will light up. On the
display, you will see the default time:00:00.

Then press + or – to set the desired time. To access quick setting just press and hold for three seconds. The timer can be set from 1 minute to 2 hours and 59 minutes.

Temperature
The default power is 420°F. To adjust the temperature just use the + and – keys. There a 8
levels: 140°F, 180°F, 212°F, 260°F, 300°F, 360°F, 420°F, 465°F.

Power
The default power is 1200W and you can adjust it using the + and – keys.

Lock function
You should set this function when you no longer need frequent adjustments of the cooking function. To cancel the lock setting just press the On/Off key.

2. Surface

The unit’s surface is designed from durable and qualitative materials: crystal temperature resistant
glass. It is black, with simple design, two rings in the middle that mark the heating area and the manufacturer’s logo on it.

The elegant and the easy to clean surface seems to be one of the main advantages of induction
cooktops. You can clean the glass plate, the panel and the shell very simple after each use
with a soft cloth. When you see greasy dirt just uses a clean damp cloth with a soft detergent.

However, the manufacturer warns you not to cook on a broken surface because the cleaning
detergents and water may get inside the unit, resulting in electrical shocks. If you see a
crack on the surface, you should immediately disconnect the appliance.

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If you want to keep the surface looking like new for a long time, be sure that the bottom of
the pans or pots doesn’t scape the surface. Anyway, if it happens, the unit will continue functioning without problems.

In order to keep your cooktop looking like new, take measures to ensure that the bottom of cookware does not scrape the unit’s glass surface, although a scratched surface will not impair the use of the induction cooktop.

3. Heating Elements

Chefman RJ21-IN has a single heating element that is placed inside the large red ring. The manufacturer recommends you to use pans and pots with a diameter of maximum 12 inches.

Besided if you are using cookware with this diameter of 12 inches you should take into account that the heat will be slowly transferred to the outer edges of the pan.

4. Power/Watts

Before connecting the induction burner, you need to verify whether the voltage needs to correspond to the voltage supply in you kitchen.

If the connection is not made right, the cooktop can be damaged and there also can be accidents.

Chefman RJ21-IN has a great power if we look to its dimensions. It has 1800W and the voltage is 120V a 60 Hz.

5. Sensors

There is the pan-detection sensor that will automatically recognise the cookware you place on the cooking circle of the surface.

If the cookware is not induction compatible the cooktop will not heat the surface and after a few minutes the cooktop will shut off. Also when in function if you remove the pan from the cooking zone the cooktop will automatically stop.

6. Ventilation

Ventilation is assured by a fan, placed on the back of the cooktop. You can see it if you turn the cooktop upside down.

In order to ensure proper ventilation, you need to place the unit on a stable and non-metallic surface. Never put it on a flammable surface like a table cloth or carpet.

While the cooktop is functioning, you have to be sure that the fan is working properly. Never block the slots of the induction cooktop because it can result in overheating.

The manufacturer recommends you to maintain at least 3 to 5 inches from the walls and from other appliances. Also, when using the induction cooktop you have to be sure it is not placed in the proximity of open flames or other heat sources (eg: never inside a heated oven).

7. Safety Features

In comparison with traditional gas or electric burners, induction cooktops are far away more safe.

First, because there are no flames when you cook and second because the cooking surface stays cool because the coil will heat only the cookware.

For safety reason, this compact cooktop has a pan detection sensor and will eventually shut off automatically if no compatible cookware is placed on the heating circle.

According to the manufacturer‘s recommendations you should not immerse the cord or other electrical components of the unit in other or other liquid because this can lead to electrical shocks.

Although this unit is very compact and easy to carry even out of your kitchen, the manufacturer does not recommend you to use it outdoor.

Also for safety purpose you have to avoid placing magnetized items like cell phones or credit cards on the glass surface while the induction cooktop is functioning because the magnetic properties of the appliance can destroy these objects.

8. Accessories

In the pack, you will find the Chefman RJ21-IN and the user manual. While some induction cooktops come with a free induction pan, this one does not include one. Consequently, you should have the compatible cookware or, if not, you should buy new sets.

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But how can you check your existing cookware for induction compatibility?
There are 3 ways to do that:
1. Use a magnet. See if it sticks to the bottom of the pan or pot. If it does, this means the pan or the pot is induction-ready.

2. Put a small quantity of water in a pan/ pot. If it is induction compatible, the water will begin to boil.

3. The third thing you can do to check the compatibility of your cookware with induction technology is to see if an induction-ready icon is printed on the bottom of the cookware. However please note that not all pans and pots have this symbol.

Coopler, aluminium or glass are materials that are not induction compatible, while pans and pots from cast iron, stainless steel, enameled iron and steel can be successfully used with Chefman RJ21.

9. Dimensions

Chefman RJ21-IN measures 14 x 11 x 3 inches and weights 5.2 pounds while the shipping weight is 5.9 pounds and the case dimensions are 15 x 13 x 16.5 inches.

We see this is a very compact unit, with only 3 inches thickness. It can be used in small kitchens, basements, dorms and studios.

10. Pros

– 3 years warranty

– very energy efficient

– simple to use (control panel)

– great design: slim, black, intuitive control panel

– easy to move from one place to another

– user manual and complete information from the manufacturer

11. Cons

– needs induction compatible cookware

– not intended for commercial use (according to the manufacturer)

– the control panel is not sloped; if you use a large pan you will hardly access the settings

12. Consumer Ratings

No relevant ratings for this cooktop until now. However, it is preferred by customers who are looking for a small induction single burner.

13. Price

Please find this cooktop on Amazon sold with this price. It has an excellent price – quality ratio and 3 years warranty.

14. F.A.Q.

1. How large is the heating coil of this cooktop?

You will see on the cooking surface that there is an inner circle that is 4-1/2 Inches in diameter, while the outer circle is 7-1/2″ in diameter. Make sure you observe all these indications before purchasing the compatible pots and pans needed for your cooktop.

15. User Manual

Let us know in comments and will send it to you by e-mail.

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