Review on Hamilton Beach 34104 Induction Versatile by Tammy Sutton

I bought this unit specifically because of the large diameter heating coil advertised as up to 10 inches. A cast-iron pan has a well-defined 4- to 5-inch diameter hot spot in the center, and the periphery is noticeably colder. , even after the pan has been warmed up for 20 minutes. Another disappointment is the inaccuracy of the temperature control. When I set the temperature to 300, the laser thermometer registered 332. When I set it to 350, the thermometer registered 385. I reckon this burner is a worthy value if you understand its limitations. Use the power controller and ignore the temperature control. The 30 second max power "boost" button is useful. I will use it for boiling and simmering large pots, which should be more forgiving of the smaller, hotter heating surface, but I will not use it for pan cooking like roasting or braising as the temperature difference from the center to the edge is too great. When I tried to cook some "silver dollars" the pancakes were burnt on one half but undercooked on the outer half. I ended up having to cook them individually, which defeated the purpose of the large diameter heating coil I thought I would buy.