Not too long ago we did an article on building with premium appliances. At the heart of that kitchen were the Bosch B21CL81SNS French Door refrigerator and the new HIIP054U Bosch Induction Range. When it comes to ovens, having a clean top surface really cuts down on cleaning time. For an even bigger step into the future, however, induction technology will literally change the way you cook. An appliance like the 30″ Bosch induction range (HIIP054U) features a smooth black glass top that really adds a polished look to any kitchen. Since installing the Bosch HIIP054U induction range we’ve also found it to be a conversation piece. Everyone asks about it and wants to see a demonstration of just how it works.
I’ve found that my foodie friends really appreciate how quickly it heats up. The convection oven, while not as futuristic, also impresses. If you’ve watched even a few minutes of the Food Network channel, you’ve likely seen an induction range top in action. As far as upgrades go, induction technology raises the bar in any modern kitchen.
Bosch Induction Range Features
Several Bosch induction range SKUs exist on the market, but we reviewed the Bosch HIIP054U induction range and found it to have every one of the latest features you might expect to find in an advanced range save the new FlexInduction® mode which combines two stovetop cooking zones into a single continuous surface. That feature exists on the Bosch HIIP055U induction range which came out earlier this year. Like the Bosch condensation dryer, this range remains a very sophisticated home appliance.
The Bosch induction range is a slide-in model that will easily replace or fit into any 30-inch freestanding range cutout. The 4 stovetop burners operate at equivalents of 2200 W, 1400 W, 2400 W, and 1400 W (higher wattage is available in “boost” mode). The induction “burners” fall in at 9-, 6-, 11-, and 6-inches respectively. The oven can bake at 2400 W, broil at 3800 W, and the convection oven operates at an energy-efficient 2000 W. No matter how you slice it, power is available when you need it. Convection cooking, however, doesn’t just save you time—it lowers your energy consumption during use.
The range’s mechanical features, however, deliver just as much. The Bosch HIIP054U induction range uses dampened hinges, so the QuietClose door shuts without a noise. Having come from a “slammable” GE stove, this is a welcome improvement. Inside, we love the telescoping rack that comes all the way out and makes for easy insertion and removal of large trays and dishes. Remember that “warming drawer” you usually keep pots and pans in? Don’t. This one actually works, and it will keep your food ready until it’s time to serve it to guests.
Bosch HIIP054U Detailed Features & Specs
- Touch Controls (oven and stovetop)
- 11 Specialized Cooking Modes
- Genuine European Convection
- Temperature Conversion for Convection Cooking
- Meat Probe
- Fast Preheat
- Two LED Oven Lights
- Kitchen Timer
- Extra Large Door Window
- Temperature range: 100° – 450° F
- Capacity: 4.6 Cu Ft.
- Recessed 8 Pass Broil Element
- Material: Stainless steel
- Included accessories: 2 x oven racks /upper, 1 x telescopic rack, 1 x temperature probe /upper
- Power: 40 A, 240/208 V
Using the Bosch Induction Range
We enjoyed using the quick induction cooking that boiled water faster, sauteed more quickly, and more evenly simmered everything from eggs to sauces. Inside, the convection cooking facilitated nice, even heating for anything from cookies to casseroles. My wife’s rib recipe continued to impress when cooked using the convection oven mode. The included temperature probe is a nice touch for roasts, and the dual lighting and clear door windows show why Bosch remains a premium appliance brand.
Overall, the controls proved easy to use, with the top controls offering a slightly delayed response. That keeps you from accidentally turning on a burner prematurely. The surface also has alarms built in to let you know when the range is “uncomfortable” having something on top that might conduct electricity. We couldn’t find this documented in the user manual, but it happened so consistently, the stove eventually “trained” us in our placement of stovetop items.
Conclusion
From spaghetti to eggs & bacon, we used the Bosch HIIP054U for over a month to see what it could do. In the end, we came to appreciate the quick and efficient cooking as well as the sophisticated styling. We used the entire stove, including each induction burner as we entertained for guests and even a weekly evening church meeting. For both casual prep and near-production-level cooking, it held up very well and produced very consistent (and yummy) results. At around $3,100, this Bosch induction range comes with a hefty price, but not so much as to steer away those who want the best or who intend to spend quality time in the kitchen. In the end, the Bosch HIIP054U is a tool—but one that you should get many delicious years out of!
For more information, check out the Bosch Home Appliances website.
