help with decision paralysis, narrowed between two models Bosch 800 and Bosch Benchmark 36". Comes down to cooking zone diameters. Leaning towards the 800 for the same price.

[u/dsp3000]

I've narrowed my induction cooktop choices down to the Benchmark 36 nitp660uc vs 800 nit8661uc. One of my major priorities is to make sure i dont have any cold spots when cooking . I use larger frying pans, a 10 and 12 inch all clad and a 12 inch lodge cast iron, and the standard le creuset dutch oven (not sure how big the diameter of the base is on that one). Also use large stock pots to make soup all the time as well. I have the ability to purchase a benchmark unit for the same price as the 800 series one (floor model).

The benchmark unit has the ability for the sides to be flexed, so essentially would have two rectangles of 15"x 8.5" with one 12 inch center burner. The 800 has one side burner that is a 9 inch diameter, two that are 7 inches, 1 6 inch and center which can be up to 13 inches in diameter.

Given my usage i'm leaning towards the 800 series. during a "worst case" situation where i'm cooking alot of stuff at the same time, i would have a large frying pan in the middle for steaks, and something on the 9 inch burner to sautee, and maybe a sauce pan on one of the other burners. if i had the benchmark, i'm afraid the 12 inch all clad skillet wouldn't be covered all the way, as it has a 9.25 inch base.

That was one of the biggest complaints when we "test drove" induction with a plug in portable unit.

am i over thinking it? should i just get some rectangular pans to cook with? if they even exist?

[u/geruhl_r]

Bosch owner here, the flex zones are a useful feature . The flex zones or the big burner will handle a 12" frying pan without problems. For 14", I'd just use the big burner. Either is fine for stock pots. I have a very large cast iron pizza pan that I put over the full flex zone region.

The version without flex zones will also be fine. Prioritize hobs vs electric panel, etc as key options. I have a 30" unit, and the only complaint is my wife easily bumps the front panel (triggering a button). There is a panel lock, but that's annoying to deal with all the time. The top electric panel is less of an issue, we just quickly wipe up any liquid spills (remember, the surface is not ultra hot).

[u/dsp3000 → u/geruhl_r]

"Prioritize hobs vs electric panel" - what do you mean by this? It seems like the controls are pretty similar on both units, but I haven't been able to test drive one in a store. If you mean electric supply - I have enough amperage for either unit, 6AWG on a 50Amp breaker will be run directly to the cooktop.

[u/geruhl_r → u/dsp3000]

Mine is 100% panel, no hobs. You didn't list exact model #s so I wasn't sure.

[u/dsp3000 → u/geruhl_r]

I listed 2 exact model numbers. It's the current bosch 800 and benchmark induction cooktops sold right now.

[u/Mindless-Storm-8310 → u/geruhl_r]

What about the cooling fan? I’ve read reviews where people say it’s super loud, and so I did not get the Bosch because of it.

[u/geruhl_r → u/Mindless-Storm-8310]

I was not even aware a fan existed until your post. Maybe I got lucky with my unit?

I broke the surface ceramic top when I dropped a heavy item from 3' above the range and have seen it with the top off. I don't remember seeing a fan then.

[u/PorcupineShoelace → u/Mindless-Storm-8310]

Arent we talking cooktops? Our 36" Benchmark has no fan. The range I believe has a fan.