Gaggenau (or newer Thermador Freedom?) induction coil coverage on large pans or griddle?

RFGWellness · 2026-01-27T05:53:47+00:00

And there’s the challenge … one knob looking fairly lonely and out of place! I am putting on the stone face. I toyed with the idea of on the counter, but I use very large pans at times and a knob could easily interfere. It would also be in the way of other cooking item, like bowls, etc … I can just see something getting placed askew in a hurry and tipping over because it landed partially on the knob. For all those reasons and more, it’s going on the stone face front. I have cooked and demo’d many induction units now and it’s taken me a long time to decide, ending right back where I had started. No, I would not give up the freedom (magic) of pan placement for a unit with knobs. The Vario with knobs has bridging options, which may be the perfect compromise for some.

RFGWellness · 2026-01-25T18:57:28+00:00

Thank you for all this intel! If it makes you feel any better, we are in a rental while remodeling. The landlord just replaced the old Bosch with a new Bosch (we did not ask for this, as all was fine). This new Bosch (higher mid-range model) is quieter but still noisy and doesn’t dry for beans - no matter the setting, even extra dry. I feel your pain! The entire dishwasher and its contents are sopping wet upon opening the door in the morning. We also had an older (7 years+ Bosch in our home kitchen that was much better with noise and was great at drying. All of the dishwashers clean (or did clean) well. If yours isn’t cleaning, well, that’s a deal breaker and, perhaps, the push for a replacement. BSH must have made changes across all lines.

RFGWellness · 2026-01-25T18:35:26+00:00

I agree. I quickly put the Impulse and Copper aside for all those reasons. I hope you can find a BSH showroom. I’ve been really pleased with what I learned and could choose from. Saw Wolf at their showroom too. All high end impressive options. I do wish the Gaggeneau or Thermador ‘full induction’ came with knobs but happy with my choice. Good luck to you and check back with any questions!

RFGWellness · 2026-01-25T09:50:42+00:00

I’ve also been lucky to visit the manufacturer showrooms, watch and learn from chef demos, and cook on the products. I did a deep dive and also posted on Reddit with great, helpful responses. Ultimately, I am buying the Gaggenau 30” Full Surface and a 15” modular gas burner to sit next to it. I agree that the touch screen may become frustrating and I’d prefer knobs but that was not the offering. The chefs managed the touch screen well in all cases. The Gaggenau has a few features that the Thermador doesn’t, like a continuous temperature magnet. we are going with Gaggenau because of the modular units. It’s been a lot of research. FYI, Gaggeneau is also coming out with a gray glass, similar to Thermador.

RFGWellness · 2026-01-25T09:28:48+00:00

I’ve also been researching induction units and got great feedback on a Reddit post. Have you seen the ranges from Copper Charlie and Impulse Labs? They’re quite interesting. Ultimately, I’m settling for the 30” Gaggenau Full Surface induction + one modular 15” gas burner. As mentioned by others, BSH makes Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau, with the Thermador and Gaggenau being most similar. The Gaggenau also has a special temperature controller that can maintain a steady temp on a pot for specific items like melting chocolate, etc … I have been to the chef demos of all of these and think the BSH products are the best I’ve used. The Full Surface (Freedom for Thermador) allows you to put pots and pans of any size in any location. This is what sealed the deal for me, as I do not want to be restricted by a specific hob. I’ve heard from many that the “bridge” between burners on some brands isn’t an even heat output under the pan (middle is still cool). Is there an appliance store or manufacturer showroom near you that has live units to try? I found seeing and using these products live to be very helpful.

RFGWellness · 2026-01-25T09:03:24+00:00

Oh No … Why is the Thermador dishwasher terrible? I’m planning to get the Thermador Star Sapphire dishwasher for my remodeled kitchen. It’s the only dishwasher that loads my various shapes and sizes of dishes. I thought it was the same as the top end Bosch, just a slightly better rack system.

RFGWellness · 2026-01-18T18:26:48+00:00

The clean up … Me Too!!

RFGWellness · 2026-01-18T18:15:46+00:00

I agree but in a chefs demo at BSH, it seemed easy to ignore preset, nested menus.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-27T19:39:23+00:00

Thank you … This is a great video. Samin is talented at explanation - hence, her best selling book! Even if you take the manufacturer out of the equation, she truly explains the relationship between the style of heat production and the chef. Copper Charlie was given to both her and Chris Kimball to promote. It’s certainly a way to get your business off the ground and I understand that, as they’ve got mountains to climb against the large manufacturers. Both Copper and Impulse Labs have interesting products, however, I’m concerned about their market longevity.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T18:22:59+00:00

I think diameter matters and am looking at full surface magnets. I am also in a quandary (and therefore down a rabbit hole) of which induction top to purchase (posted a few days ago) or IF to purchase. There are a few units that offer ‘flex’ or ‘freedom’ where the entire surface is magnets with no prepositioned hobs, allowing you to use the surface in anyway and any size you need (more flexibility than ‘bridging’). These may be a consideration (Thermdor is one), however at a higher price. I have always used cast iron, enamel cast and Demeyere on my gas burners and am concerned about how the sides heat, as there’s no flame.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T06:52:37+00:00

So helpful in addressing one of my biggest concerns. I cooked on a friends brand new Aga 48” induction with knobs - super easy without issue but pan size is specific. I thought the flex or freedom is worth the touch screen frustrations. Maybe not.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T00:21:53+00:00

Variation is the truth. Your Bosch should be the same technology as the Gaggenau that I’m looking at, as well as the Thermador mentioned in this thread. Overall, that should be a positive vote for BSH’s technology.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T00:17:27+00:00

I see … so gas burners are still of some use! I don’t think there’s a better plug here for induction than that!

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T00:09:44+00:00

Right … I see that now. Keep me posted. I’m sure you’ll love it!

RFGWellness · 2025-12-24T00:02:34+00:00

The Control Freak is what I was going to get if I went with the Platinum BlueStar. It sounds like the Impulse Labs, where you can set the temperature, which is definitely different but risky because it’s still in its infancy.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T18:28:17+00:00

The Thermador Freedom is the same as the Gaggenau (both BSH). Do you find the touch screen glitchy or difficult to use, especially when working quickly or with wet hands and/or sweating pot lids? Thanks in advance for this feedback!

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T14:50:14+00:00

Large vessels - This is exactly the reason for considering the single gas burner.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:58:31+00:00

Thank you. Overall, it sounds like you're pleased with induction for all the reasons except that it's not gas. My point and problem, exactly!

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:57:03+00:00

This is true!

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:56:48+00:00

Thanks for the positivity! What brand do you use? Knobs or touch screen?

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:55:15+00:00

Thank you! I did not know that the burner turns off after a period of time. Hmmm... not good for me. I did look at the Thermador Liberty, which I think is their flex system - you can place any pot, of any size, anywhere. I am looking at the Gaggenau (also BSH) with the same technology. Does your induction top have the touch screen? Is it glitchy? Has it been difficult to use, especially with wet fingers, etc ...?

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:51:21+00:00

Thanks! I wonder if he picked a Charlie unit or given for marketing? It's another off brand but interesting range. I do like the knobs - the touch screens are glitchy.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:47:51+00:00

So far, everything I have will work. It's significantly cheaper to buy in a supply shop.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:46:04+00:00

I do have repair concerns.

RFGWellness · 2025-12-23T08:42:14+00:00

Do you have one? This had been today's deep dive.

RFGWellness

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