The CI induction cooktop features 17 power levels for precise temperature control, 2 boost options for rapid boiling of water and pan heating, as well as options for sensor cooking.

Induction is extremely responsive allowing you to go from a rolling boil to a simmer in seconds however that amazing response is dependent on using the correct cookware. Pans must have a strong ferromagnetic content, so best choices for cookware are 5-ply stainless steel, cast iron and enameled steel cookware. If the cookware is unsuitable the display for the cooking will flash and the cooktop will turn off after 90 seconds.

Close-up view of an owner using the twist knob of a CI induction cooktop

All functions are controlled by a maneuverable magnetic twist knob that sits front and center of the cooktop. To use the cooktop place a pan on one of the 5 burners and touch the power icon to turn on the cooktop, all the burner positions will light up around the knob. Tilt the magnetic knob towards the burner you wish to activate, let the knob sit flat on the cooktop and twist the knob to select the desired power level. Repeat the process for each pan.

Plan view of the twist knob of a CI induction cooktop and optional function icons

Optional functions

When you select a burner position and power level you will see a display of optional functions along the bottom left side of the cooktop. These functions can be accessed at any time by tilting the knob towards the appropriate burner position.

Icon of the Boost function on the CI induction cooktop

Boost Function

Power boost can be selected to bring large pans of water to a rapid boil.

Icon of the Pan Boost function on the CI induction cooktop

Pan Boost

This function can be used to bring a skillet to the perfect temperature for searing. It is only active for 15 seconds then the power level will drop to level 9. Adjust the power level appropriate for your pan depending on the type of foods being seared.

Icon of the Flex Function on the CI induction cooktop

Flex Function

The side burners on each side of the cooktop can be combined to create one large cooking area for large sized pans. Place the pan over the burners, select one of the burners with a tilt then touch the Flex function from the lighted display, now twist the knob to select the desired power level. To deactivate the flex function, select one of the burners and touch the Flex function icon.

Collage of the Cooking sensor and the cooking sensor attached to a pot and being activated

Cooking Sensor

A bluetooth cooking sensor that can be attached to a pan is included in a small box with the cooktop. The sensor is used to measure the temperature in the pan ensuring it remains consistent. Sensor cooking is ideal for cooking with a pressure cooker, deep frying, simmering sauces and cooking grains and beans to avoid liquid from boiling over.

The sensor must first be paired with the cooktop, then attached to the pan with the included silicone patch. using the template provided in the box. Pans with a silicone patch can be washed in the dishwasher and the patch can be removed at any time leaving no marks on the pan.

Icon of the Cooking Sensor function on the CI induction cooktop

Sensor Temperature Range

140 - 160 F for keeping food warm such as soups or cooking frozen vegetables with a lid

175 - 195 F for poaching foods, cooking with milk and for thickening sauces

195 - 212 F cooking with boiling water, a lid can be used with no risk of boiling over.

230 - 250 F cooking in a pressure cooker following the manufacturer’s instructions.

340 - 355 F fried pastry, tempura, shrimp, french fries

Frying pan on the CI induction cooktop

Frying Sensor

This sensor can be selected to maintain a specific temperature in a frying pan or skillet.

Place the pan on the desired burner position, tilt the knob to activate the burner then touch the frying sensor icon to activate the burner and choose the power level from the chart below. The pan will begin to heat and once it has reached temperature a signal sounds and the heating up indicator goes out. Now add the oil and the food and the sensor will maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.

Icon of the Frying Sensor function on the CI induction cooktop

Level 1 - very low, reducing sauces, sweating vegetables, frying in butter

Level 2 - low, omelettes, French toast, hash browns

Level 3 - medium-low, pancakes, frying fish, hamburgers or pork chops

Level 4 - medium - high,ground meat, vegetable saute.

Level 5 - high, searing steaks and chicken.

Detailed cooking charts for a variety of foods can be found in the product User Guide.

Icon of the Keep Warm function on the CI induction cooktop

Keep Warm Function

This delicate setting is ideal for keeping cooked foods in a pan warm.

Icon of the Home Connect Confirmation Key on the CI induction cooktop

Home Connect Confirmation Key

Pairing the unit with the Home Connect App allows you to monitor the cooking outside of the kitchen.

Icon of the Short Term Timer function on the CI induction cooktop

Short Term Timer

This timer can be used to set a time of up to 90 minutes. The timer operates independently of the other settings and does not switch off a cooking zone.

Icon of the Stopwatch function on the CI induction cooktop

Stopwatch

The stopwatch or count-up timer displays the time that has elapsed since activating the function.

Close-up view of an owner cleaning the CI induction cooktop glass with hot soapy water

Cleaning Tips

Before cleaning the surface wait until any recently active burners have cooled down, a residual heat indicator will alert you when the burner position has cooled. The surface can be wiped clean with hot soapy water and dried with a soft cloth. A cleaning cream specifically for the induction cooktop can be purchased from the Gaggenau eshop.

Induction & Electric Cooktop Cleaner

Image of chef mixing ingredients in a bowl

Chef’s hints

Visit the Chef’s Hint section for in-depth information for baking and roasting with your Gaggenau ovens and for comprehensive Cooking Guides for the Convection and Combi Steam ovens.