TRU Eco Induction Cooker: Energy efficient induction cooker 90% energy efficiency and more even heat distribution over traditional cooking methods Over 50% faster boiling times than gas or electric ranges 1400 watts Adjustable temperature control from 160F to 430F 120 minute timer 10 power level settings Automatic cookware detection system Safely shifts to stand-by mode when cookware is removed or cooking cycle ends Easy-clean glass ceramic cooking surface Non-skid feet Model# TE-121
Manufacturer | - |
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Brand | TRU |
Item model number | TE-121 |
Color | Black |
Weight | - |
Height | - |
Depth | - |
Product Id | 628018 |
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User Reviews and Ratings | 3 (1 ratings) 3 out of 5 stars |
UPC | 655772006981 |
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TRU Eco Induction Cooker
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This unit works well. Much lower price than other units. Don't let people fool you, A nice set of pans does not cost much. The fan in the unit is quiet, but not silent. You have power or temp settings and a timer. The power setting works well, but I have yet to see what difference temp settings make. Some pans do not tell you if they will work on induction cookers, if a magnet will stick to the bottom, they will work. Just be sure they are smooth, flat, and thick on bottom.
The TE-121 has good ergonomics. The unit seems durable. It does not have a cheap or flimsy look or feel to it. The flat one-piece black glass cooking surface is attractive, easy to clean, and scratch resistant. The underside fan is reasonably quiet. The timer works well. It counts down from a maximum of 120 in whole minutes, then enters stand-by (stopping the heating process) and alerts with 5 mild beeps. When the timer is used, the display alternates between the mode display (temperature or power setting) and the minutes remaining. The mode button and setting knob control panel works well. I prefer it to the touch pad control panels of otherwise similar units. There are two modes, consisting of ten "power levels" (300W - 1400W) and nine cooking temperatures (160F, 180F, 210F, 250F, 290F, 320F, 360F, 390F, 430F). The "power" button takes the unit in and out of stand-by, rather than turning it on/off. The User's Guide says the device should be unplugged when not in use. I keep mine plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet which I use as the on/off switch. The cooking surface measures about 10.5" square and is marked with three concentric light gray circles that measure about 3", 7.5" and 9.25". The markings are just an artistic design. Based on the "hot spot" visible on the bottom of a pan while heating water, the induction-cooker element under the glass measures about 5.5" in diameter and is positioned about one inch off-center, toward the control panel. I prefer form to follow function. A more functional design would be a 4.75" circle (the minimum recommended cookware size), within a 5.5" circle (the induction element size), within a 10" circle (the maximum recommended cookware size). Of course, the induction-cooker element should be centered under the cooking surface. The TE-121 heats water quickly relative to its power rating of 1,400 watts which produces the equivalent of about 10,000 BTU/hour. It brought a cup of water in a 5" uncovered pan to a rolling boil in about ninety seconds. However, four cups of water in an uncovered 9" pan took about seven minutes. Those are the measurements I got using the maximum power level (P10), at about 450' above sea level, starting with room temperature (72F) water and cookware. The minimum power level (P-1) produced a fairly stable 140F surface temperature reading at the center of the pan. The "power level" cooking mode does not provide constant power levels of differing wattages. Instead, the induction-cooker element is cycled on and off at full power for different periods of time to produce an average wattage (e.g.: 1400W for 50% of the cycle time is considered a 700W cycle), similar to the power level control of a typical hot plate. The temperature-controlled cooking mode utilizes this same cyclic heating strategy, except that the cycle is controlled by a temperature sensor rather than a timer. The timer-based power level control works consistently well with all of my induction-friendly (i.e. significantly ferric) cookware. The temperature sensor engineering could be better. The temperature-controlled cooking mode is consistently accurate (+/- two degrees) with my least useful piece of cookware, a 5" cast iron skillet. It is more problematic with the remainder of my collection of 5" to 10" stainless steel and cast iron cookware. For example, water in a pan comes to a rolling boil at the lowest temperature setting (160F) for a significant time (varies from pan to pan) before the temperature sensor begins cycling the power on and off to establish and maintain the temperature setting. I find that moving cookware forward, to touch the 9.25" circle near the control panel, results in more accurate temperature control and is sometimes necessary to get the temperature sensor to function at all. I use hot plates quite often. All things considered, the TE-121 is an outstanding hotplate replacement. Having used it a couple dozen times during the past few weeks, quirks and all, I consider it useful and worth the price. I'm very satisfied with this product.
This is one of my best kitchen appliance purchases. The price is excellent, but more importantly, the product has such a great design, as well as great functionality. I plugged it in and I had water boiling in a pot in less than two minutes -- amazing. I am sold on induction cooking. I am using this product as a cooktop in a studio apartment, combined with a convection-microwave oven. I had no problems finding pots and pans to work with the induction cooking element. Just take a magnet with you while shopping, and if it sticks firmly to the bottom, then it will work on this cooktop.
I have not had this product a very long time but so far I love it. I leave it on my kitchen table in the corner and it is easy for me to boil water or cook something for a quick breakfast or lunch. I use a wheelchair in my kitchen so this is the most convenient and attractive appliance I own. So far I think it is a really great invention and this particular appliance is attractive and the operation of it is very easy. I love how it stays cool. It's amazing.
I've been using the unit for about a week now, every day. I went with cast iron utensils. Today I boiled 2 liters of water in <10 min in a 5 qt Dutch oven, and cooked three pounds of red beans in only an hour at power setting 4. I discovered that you can use EITHER the power setting, or the temp setting, but not both at once. If you use a temp setting, the unit defaults to power level 6 to maintain the temp...problematic for some recipes. However, once I realized it I didn't see it as an issue. I almost always start out at level 6 no matter what the task, and almost always end up at only 4 or 3 to finish cooking...even frying. The unit is easy to use, easy to keep clean, and I'm really pleased I have it.
I have used the cooker 7 times. I have cooked with a pressure cooker. I have cooked mexican rice and chili and several other recipes and they all came out perfect. All the claims about the induction cooker are true. The precision control is amazing. The only suggestion I can make is that the manufacturer include a basic sample recipe cookbook for the first time user to become familier with the cooker.
I can't give this 5 stars only because I haven't used it yet. I've put it away for after I've moved, which is some months off yet. However, I was pleased with what I saw when I got it. This will cook up to some large pots/pans. I like the variable knob, and the ratchety-click feel when you turn it. The picture doesn't do it justice: I was expecting something about the size of a single element hot plate, but it's bigger and more stable than those. I think the appearance is sleek and simple, and the value appears excellent. Buy this one before you spend twice as much on another.
I bought this because eveytime I turned on my gas stove the air conditioner would come on! It's super fast and doesn't heat the room. Energy efficent and easy to clean. I did have to purchase the proper pans, but found them reasonable. My apartment is more comfortable and I can't wait to see the drop in my electric bill. This is perfect for small places and travel. I love this cooker!
Great price, works as advertised. Reaction speed is astounding. The only (small) gripe I have is that the thermostat settings are too far apart. I live at high elevation, where water boils at far below 212deg. I therefore cannot use the temperature sensor to simmer content - it just boils to violently. Luckily, the alternative 'power' settings fill the gaps, although not perfectly. Overall, great product at great price.
if you have the correct cook ware it works great. did not know until i opened the box that it only works with cast iron and stainless steel cook ware.