At first sight there is no significant difference between the two cooktops.
They are both single-element induction cooktops, they have similar designs, similar features, including power and temperature levels and so on. Nevertheless, what is that one has got and the other hasn’t?
In what follows we will highlight the main features of both cooktops and give our reasons to choose one over the other.
1. Overview of Ivation IV-ICPT18B Portable Induction Cooktop
Made of quality materials and packed with enough power and features even for the most demanding customers, the Ivation IV-ICPT18B has a black look with a stainless steel frame around the control area.
The partial premium glass surface is easy to clean and can accommodate pots or pans with flat bottom ranging from 4.75 to 10.25 inch in diameter.
Speaking of cookware, as this is an induction cooktop, it requires induction-ready cookware such as steel, cast iron, enameled iron, and stainless steel with magnetic bottoms.
The controls are conveniently placed at the front of the device and let you set the power and temperature levels quite easily. There are 10 temperature levels (460ᵒF, 430ᵒF, 390ᵒF, 360ᵒF, 320ᵒF, 280ᵒF, 250ᵒF, 210ᵒF, 180ᵒF and 140ᵒF.) and 10 power levels going from 900 to 1800W.
The interesting thing about this device (and its version IV-ICGT18B) is that the power and temperature levels do not coincide, so practically there are 20 levels that can be used.
Speaking of power, the Ivation IV-ICPT18B requires 120V/60Hz to operate and can be plugged in using the 5ft-long power chord which some users find a bit too short.
All in all, it is a great cooktop for home and even industrial use.
2. Overview of Ivation IV-ICGT18B Portable Induction Cooktop
As previously said, this is the `richer brother’ of Ivation IV-ICPT18B. ‘Richer’ here does not mean it has extra features or a huge price.
As a matter of fact, the two appliances differ more in looks than features or technical requirements. So, we continue here with the description of the features, with the mention that they are the same for the two devices.
Power levels aside, the Ivation IV-ICGT18B comes with a digital display conveniently placed between the touch sensitive control buttons and which shows clear and accurate readings for heat, temperature and time.
The errors that might occur are also displayed, making it easier to troubleshoot any malfunctions. Here is the list of errors and possible solutions:
E0: No pan/incompatible pan
Solution: place compatible pan on cooktop.
E1: Temperature too high or fan not working or sensor has failed
Solution: Clean ventilation slots if blocked, let device cool, try again.
E2: Sensor has failed or pan temperature too high (when pan boils dry or incompatible the unit cuts power to protect the IC Chip)
Solution: Remove pan, let device cool, try again.
E3: Voltage is incorrect.
Solution: Check to be sure voltage is correct.
Apart from these errors, the cooktop comes with a pan detection sensor that automatically shuts off the device after 60 seconds if no pot or pan is present, a too low/too high voltage sensor that protects the internal wiring from overcharging or any other damage.
And, of course, a child lock sensor that prevents your child from being burned or electrocuted when touching the appliance by accident.
3. The Differences
These are the main features of the two induction cooktops – Ivation IV-ICPT18B and Ivation IV-ICGT18B.
As already seen, they are pretty much the same. Where is the difference, then? Well, the difference is in the looks. That’s right, the looks.
The IV-ICPT18B has a partial glass cooking area and a thin frame of stainless steel around the control area.
Also, the display looks cheaper than the one in the IV-ICGT18B. All in all, they are great cooktops and we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for both of them:
Pros:
– 10 power levels and 10 temperature levels
– built-in timer
– ceramic glass surface that is easy to clean
– slim enough to be used even in RVs
– easy to use touch sensitive controls and digital display
– the glass surface reportedly does not heat too much as to cause severe burning
– child lock, pan-present sensor, diagnostic error system to ensure good performance
– lightweight, therefore easy to carry around
Cons:
– they do not allow for power or temperature customization, only the preset levels are available (40 degrees F in temperature increment is a bit too far for some dishes)
– the top power/temperature level is not enough for high searing
– the lowest power/temperature setting does not generate enough heat to keep food like sauce warm
4. Conclusion
Now, choosing between the two cooktops is quite difficult, all things considered.
Of course, they look different, but they have the same specs. Given the rather low price of both of them, we would go for the Ivation IV-ICGT18B.
Why? Because it looks better and it cleans easier, not having that stainless steel frame. But if you just need an induction cooktop and would rather spend ten extra minutes cleaning the surface of the IV-ICPT18B while saving some money, too, then the latter is as good as a choice as the Ivation IV-ICGT18B.
| IV-ICPT18B |
IV-ICGT18B |
|
|---|---|---|
| FEATURES | ||
| Destination use | Home use | Home use |
| Design | Frameless mainly (stainless steel frame around control area) | Frameless |
| Cooktop Surface | Partial Glass | Full premium glass |
| Cooktop Burner Type | Single induction element | Single induction element |
| Power source | 120V/60Hz, 50A | 120V/60Hz, 50A |
| Output power | 900Watts to 1800 Watts | 900Watts to 1800 Watts |
| Power levels | 10 | 10 |
| Temperature levels | 10 | 10 |
| Temperature range | 140°F to 460°F | 140°F to 460°F |
| Programmable time | 0-180 min (5 min. increment) | 0-180 min (5 min. increment) |
| Control Location | Front Center | Front Center |
| Control Type | Touch sensitive | Touch sensitive |
| Power Cord Length | 5ft | 5ft |
| Display | Digital Display | Digital Display |
| Function Lock | Yes | Yes |
| SAFETY SENSORS | ||
| Child Lock System | Yes | Yes |
| Pan Detection System | Yes | Yes |
| Error Message System | Yes | Yes |
| Too Low/Too High Voltage Signal | Yes | Yes |
| APPEARANCE | ||
| Color Appearance | Black with stainless steel inserts | All black |
| Frameless | Yes | yes |
| WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS | ||
| Approximate Shipping Weight | 7.4 lb | 7.4 lb |
| Dimensions (WxLxH) | 13 1/4 “x 11 1/4”x2 1/4” | 13 1/4 “x 11 1/4”x2 1/4” |
| PRICE (on Amazon) | Check Price |
Check Price |
