Expert review of the AEG IKE64471XB
In short
- With the flexible cooking zones, I also have the option of using elongated and large pans.
- Thanks to the connection to the range hood, cooking odors don't linger.
- With the PowerSlide function, I can easily change the heat setting without having to adjust it.
- Hob2Hood only works in combination with an AEG Hob2Hood extractor hood.
- It's sometimes difficult to find the right cooking zone in 1 go.
First impression
The cooktop looks luxurious and extensive. The stainless steel frame matches the handle of my oven, so the kitchen becomes a whole. The sensor buttons are comfortable to use and the smooth plate is easy to keep clean. I'm most curious about the flexible cooking zones. Can I really heat up such a large surface well?
Flexible cooking zones for oblong pans
The cooktop has 2 FlexiBridge cooking zones. These can be used as 4 separate cooking zones or 2 large cooking zones. That's useful, as it allows me to use my large pans and grill plates. With a simple press of the bridge function icon, I can link the cooking zones. The built-in sensor registers exactly where my pans are, so the complete pan or plate is heated. Bring that couscous salad with grilled vegetables.
Connection with the range hood
When I'm busy cooking, I sometimes forget to turn up the range hood when the cooktop is on the highest setting. With the Hob2Hood function, this is a thing of the past. As soon as I increase the setting, the range hood increases its power as well. That's useful, as I can focus on cooking without worrying about unpleasant odors in my house. The downside is that you do need an AEG range hood with Hob2Hood.
Presetting cooking zones
Turning down the wrong cooking zone. This happens to me more often than I'd like. The PowerSlide function ensures I don't have to adjust the temperature while cooking. I can preset 2 or 3 zones. Is my meat done searing? I can slide it up to the zone which I've set to simmer. Is my friend late for dinner? I can slide it up another zone and the keep-warm function turns on right away.
Fast heating
Almost all the food is done and I just found out I forgot to cook the rice. This is where the PowerBoost function comes in handy. I'm curious how much time this will save me. I place the pan with water on one of the cooking zones and switch on the boost function. My water boils after just a minute. When I heat up soup or sear meat at a high temperature, I notice this is much faster as well.
Many but sometimes unclear cooking settings
With 14 settings, I have plenty of options to choose the right temperature. The sleek design of the sensor buttons appeals to me. But it can be hard initially to click the right temperature. The cooktop goes from setting 10 to setting 14. I'm not sure exactly where I need to press for setting 11, 12, and 13.
Conclusion
The AEG IKE64471XB is a luxurious cooktop with some useful functions. The bridge function gives me the room to use large pans or a grill plate while cooking. The Hob2Hood function ensures the extraction is powerful enough when I use a high setting. Thanks to the PowerSlide function, you can easily switch settings without adjusting anything. That means you don't have to bother with choosing the right setting in the sometimes unclear sensor buttons.
