With more and more induction cooktops on the market, choosing a quality unit is not always as simple as it seems.
But, don’t worry because we are going to help you find the best and the right solution you are searching for.
Next is an article that will help you better understand the features, the benefits, the performances, but also the weaknesses of the
Tayama SM15-16A3
.
Why do customers recommend it?
Because it is compact, it heats up very quickly using little power, it cooks food fast and it is very easy to clean. It allows you to adjust the cooking energy in a second for a more precise cooking experience.
You will never be able to control the heat in such a perfect way using a traditional gas hob. As customers put it, this unit is “a great product”.
1. Controls
The control panel is placed right in front so you can easily access the buttons. In the middle, there is the display, where you can see the time. On the right and on the left of the digital display it is the Preset button and the Timer.
First set a preset function: Soup, Water, Low fire or Steam. Then press the Preset button. The display will show zero minutes and seconds, so you should use + or – keys to adjust the preset cook time.
When you want to set the Timer, just press it. You will see “0:00” on the display and next you can press the + or – buttons (two arrows, on tiny red squares) to adjust the cook time. The maximum time to set is 4 hours.
Maximum time preset is 24 hours.
You can use the + and – arrows to adjust the Temperature. Just press the buttons and select the right heat setting needed for a certain recipe. This time, on the display you will be able to read the temperature and the wattage. The Temperature can be set between 70 and 280°C).
Temperature range:
80°C = 176°F
100°C = 212°F
130°C = 266°F
160°C = 320°F
190°C = 374°F
220°C = 428°F
240°C = 464°F
270°C = 518°F
On the left, there are 4 manual adjustable functions. You can select Fry, Hot Pot, Fried or Stir and the programmed temperature and the wattage will appear on the digital display. In order to increase or decrease the heat you can use the + and – buttons. You can also opt for setting the time.
On the right side on the control panel, you can find the automatic functions: Soup, Low fire, Steam and Water.
This time, the temperature and the timer selections (+ and -) will not work.
You should wipe off the casing and the control panel with a soft cloth. Never use a hard detergent.
2. Surface
Like any other induction cooktops, this appliance has a surface that is flat and smooth. It is black, reliable and quite elegant.
Its main benefit is that, as it will remain cool even when the heating element is functioning, spills and overflows won’t stick to it.
As a result, you will be able to easily clean the surface with a damp and soft cloth. No need to rub.
The manufacturer recommends to be careful and not scrape the glass surface with the bottom of the pot. However, if this happens you should know that the induction cooktop will continue functioning in good parameters. So, it is just a matter of aesthetics.
3. Heating Elements
This model has one coil with a maximum power of 1500W. So it can heat a single pan or pot at once. The coil is placed under the heating circle where you should place a pan with a magnetic bottom.
4. Power/Watts
This induction cooktop has a maximum power of 1500W and overheat protection.
You need a standard kitchen 120 V and 60 Hz outlet in order to collect it to energy.
The manufacturer gives some recommendations in what concerns the levels of power used for cooking specific recipes:
500 Watts: Warm: You should use this level to melt chocolate or keep food warm.
800 Watts: Low: You can use this level for a gentle simmer.
1000 Watts: Medium/Low: By using this level you can bring water to boiling point.
1200 Watts: Medium: You should use this power level to boil water or to cook.
1400 Watts: Medium/High: You can choose this high level to sauté.
1500 Watts: High: This is the maximum power level and you can use it when you want to fry foods or to quickly boil water.
5. Sensors
The appliance is equipped with a pan recognition sensor, so it will only start heating the burner when a compatible induction pan or pot is on it.
When you remove the pan from the hob, this will automatically cool down, as will no longer “feel” the pan.
6. Ventilation
The unit is equipped with a fan. In order to assure good ventilation, you should never block it, nor let any objects near it, nor put the cooktop near other consuming air appliances (eg steamers). However, the unit stands on four props, so the fan can work properly to assure proper ventilation.
7. Safety Features
It has an overheat protection. In case it overheats, it will automatically shut off.
As it needs less energy and since there are no flames while heating the pan, it is safer in comparison with a conventional stove.
The cooktop is heating the cookware, but the surface stays cool. In this way, you may avoid any unwanted accidents.
8. Dimensions
This cooktop has a single burner and it is quite light, easy to move and to store. The exact dimensions are 13 inches long, 6 inched thickness and 7 inches width. It weights 7 pounds.
You can easily use it both for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
9. Accessories
It includes a free cooking pot, but it doesn’t have a divider and it is quite thin. However, if you haven’t any induction pan or pot, this may be useful. The induction cooktop is designed to be used along with magnetic bottoms.
Induction-compatible cookware
.Stainless Steel with a magnetic base
.Enameled iron and steel
.Cast iron
Non-induction compatible cookware
.pans made of copper
.glass
.aluminum
.Pottery type cookware
10. Pros
– eco-friendly and energy-efficient for cooking
– no flames – you kitchen remains cooler
– safe and easy to use
– very fast heating (1500W)
– the bottom of the pan is uniformly heated
– easy to clean and maintain
– easy to install
– one can order replacement parts if needed on the manufacturer’s website
11. Cons
– the pot included is too thin
– it may rock on a countertop; it is not very stable
– little user instructions and features
– it may not work with very small diameter cookware
– you need compatible cookware
– the controls are made of plastic, not so durable
– no control lock
12. Consumer Ratings
Over 75% of buyers were satisfied with their purchase. They were impressed mainly by its easy-to-use features, but also because it heats up very fast. In addition, no customer declared himself unsatisfied at all with buying this unit. However, there was one person who couldn’t manage to make the unit sit flat on a table.
All in all, customers awarded 4.2 out of 5 stars to this cooktop.
13. Price
It has a special price and includes free shipping + a cooking pot with cover. Taking into account its features, we can say it worths its price.
14. F.A.Q
1. Which are the dimensions of the cooking burner?
Tayama SM15-16A3 Induction Cooker is designed with a cooking surface that is a little more than 10″ in one direction, and right at 10″ in another. According to the information available on the website of the manufactory company, the exact dimensions of the burner are 9″×16″×13″.
15. User manual
Let us know in comments and will send it by e-mail
| Tayama SM15-16A3 Induction Cooker |
|
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tayama-USA |
| Destination use | Home |
| Controls | Soup, Water, Low fire, Steam/ Fry, Hot Pot, Fried or Stir/ + and -/ Timer/ Voltage/ Preset/On/Off |
| Control panel | Digital |
| Functions | Power, Timer |
| Surface | Ceramic Glass |
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | 120V |
| Output Power | 1500W |
| Power levels | 8 |
| Temp Levels | NA |
| Temp step increment | NA |
| Programable Time | 4 hours |
| Function Lock | NA |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Acousting warnings | NA |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13 x 16 x 9 inches |
| Cord Lengh | NA |
| Led Display | NA |
| Safety Feature | shuts down when the default timer is reached, |
| Error Codes | NA |
| Pan size (bottom diameter) | NA |
| Cookware material | Stainless Steel with a magnetic base.Enameled iron and steel.Cast iron |
| Free pan | yes |
| Around Clearance | NA |
| Price | Pan included |
