Wolf Induction Cooktop Reviews

Each induction hob offers four high-efficiency elements that deliver both the heat and control that most love about gas hops.

The maximum element power is 1800 W and features a 3000 W boost. The other two elements are 1200 W. The Hi-Power mode redirects energy from adjacent elements to add it where it packs the most punch.

Each cooktop offers a design that makes building it into the counter beautiful and straightforward. With a frame and unframed model, you’ll find one that easily integrates into your kitchen design. The extraction fans also fit in well and are neutral enough to work with any kitchen plan.

Each product comes with a Black Ceran ceramic surface designed to last the life of your kitchen. It resists staining, scratching, and heat to retain a brand-new look as long as its properly cared for. Burning and aging are less likely compared to other stove types because the elements sense whether cookware was included on top of the stove and only heat up when a compatible pan rests on the element.

Wolf added several other safety and convenience features that keep the product simple while promoting usability.

The temperature limiter prevents the stove from over-heating and inadvertently damaging the ceramic surface.

There’s also a lock-mode that adds a child safety feature. It prevents any of the elements from turning on while the universal off button switches all the of them off at once.

Wolf also integrated flexibility into the cooking configurations to best match both cooking methods and pan sizes. You should have an equally easy time boiling pasta as you do making a temperamental sauce.

The illuminated white LED sliding touch controls also provide additional feedback to make temperature control and cooking time even simpler.

Finally, there’s a countdown timer with a range to prevent over-cooking and reduce the likelihood of accidentally leaving the stove on.

Wolf prohibits retailers from sharing pricing for the induction cooktops online. To get a full range of prices, you must visit a retailer or request a brochure. Individual retailers have the freedom to set their prices. However, it is fair to assume the price rises according to the size and complexity of the stove chosen.

Customer comments related to other products suggest pricing tends to remain on the premium end of the spectrum, which is perhaps why Wolf prefers not to disclose the price outside of a retail environment.

For years, induction appliances faced a stigma that kept them away from the critical reviewers in the industry.

Until recently, foodies preferred gas hobs for greater control. Cooking snobs thought they were a technology that appealed to techies rather than the average consumer or aspiring great home cook. Chefs avoided them too because, despite the promises of simplicity and control, temperature control by eye was a way to show off skills.

Today, induction hobs no longer exist at the periphery but continue to inch their way closer to the mainstream. The modern design makes them a darling for remodelers and their environmentally-friendly nature appeals to those who want to their part for the earth.

Wolf induction cooktops are best known for remaining on the simpler end of the spectrum. As the industry space has grown, big-name players added new features that make them more controllable and include new features like auto-reduce heat functions.

The highest end cooktops, like Gaggenau, offer a zone-free experience that allows you to place your pan anywhere and get the heat you’re looking for.

Wolf cooktops don’t include any of those fancy features. They heat and cool when the plan is on the element, just as all others do. They also come with simple safety features. Many warn that advanced cooks may feel like they must fight against their stove to achieve the temperature they want.

Still, the Wolf induction cooktop does what it should. Current owners note that it heats quickly and maintains the temperature well even over long periods of time. The burner arrangements are favorable, and the melt and simmer features are handy for more proficient home cooks.

One routine public comment stands out, and you should consider it if the presentation feature is important to you. Consumers report that Wolf cooktops tend to look “used” quickly after installation. They aren’t easy to clean, and the ceramic surface wears quickly.

Additionally, temperature control remains a noted issue among other Wolf products, namely ovens. It’s unclear whether that extends to the induction cooktops, but it’s something to consider if you’re in the market for a whole new set of kitchen appliances. Problems with other hobs and ovens are reportedly costly and re-occurring, which leave some homeowners without access to their kitchen for days on end.

Ultimately, a relationship with Wolf seems tethered to a relationship with your local service and repair shop in some cases. While servicing an appliance isn’t something out of the ordinary, consumers tend to expect fewer defects and expensive issues for a premium product.

Features and looks score these cooktops plenty of points among people undergoing kitchen re-models and the accessibility of going green appeals to people. However, it’s often considered to be a mid-range product in its most crucial feature: cooking capability.

There are three features found in other products from Bosch, Miele, and Thermador that consumers love but don’t appear in Wolf cooktops.

Wolf induction tops lack a bridge element found on similar cooktops. The bridge element creates a larger cooking space by allowing you to use two elements. When would you use this feature? Griddles and grills come to mind. If you place a skillet across two elements without a bridge element, the middle receives no heat or uneven heat, which creates an uneven cooking experience.

With a bridge element, you won’t lose the heat and everything cooks at the same speed.

The auto-off feature found in several other cooktops is also missing here. While it’s not necessary, it does mean you need to be more conscious when using the stove. Because the stove holds its temperature well, you shouldn’t find it heats up beyond its capacity.

Some have mentioned a slight buzzing noise with the cooktop whereas some Miele and Thermador customers claim their hobs work silently.

A slight buzzing might be annoying for some, but it is allegedly normal. If the buzzing becomes louder, call a service center. They send out a repair team to see if the buzzing is still within the normal range. If not, a repair might be necessary.

Finally, repairs seem to be commonplace among Wolf compared to other brands. Even those who love their cooktop note the number of repairs and replacements required. The number of service visits seems to be unique to Wolf compared to its competitors.

Without a set price, it’s difficult to compare Wolf with the value offered by other brands like Miele, Bosch, and Thermador. We do know that it offers fewer of the more useful features, but for some home cooks, these features don’t impact the value significantly.

The overwhelming takeaway from almost every source is the amount of service these induction tops, and other Wolf and Sub-Zero products, require. While the warranty covers defects, losing access to your cooktop for a day or even multiple days puts you at a disadvantage and costs money, even if the repairs are free.

Before buying, talk to the retailer about the kind of service and repair jobs offered in your local area to make sure you remain covered if something goes wrong.

No coupons or deals currently exist in part because retailers set their own prices. Visit a retailer online to keep up with current or future promotions or specials on both the induction cooktop and installation packages.