The Chef CHI944BB is a 90cm, four-zone induction cooktop with a 6.5kW connected load, hardwired connection and a two-year domestic warranty. Its published specifications make it possible to assess fit, electrical requirements and cookware compatibility, but public information does not reveal CHOICE’s test score or findings. This is a specification-based review, not a hands-on performance test.
Chef CHI944BB at a glance
Chef describes the CHI944BB as a “90cm 4 zone induction cooktop.” The black ceramic-glass surface uses touch controls and offers nine power levels. Listed features include PowerBoost, pause, residual-heat indication, auto-off safety and a child lock. Chef Australia’s product page lists a two-year domestic warranty.
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| Specification | Chef CHI944BB |
|---|---|
| Cooktop type | Induction |
| Zones | Four |
| Overall dimensions | 900mm wide × 515mm deep × 51mm high |
| Listed benchtop cutout | 880mm × 490mm |
| Connected load | 6.5kW |
| Connection | Hardwired |
| Warranty | Two years domestic |
Specifications are from Chef’s Australian product page. Confirm dimensions and installation details against the current installation documentation and the actual benchtop before ordering.
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Will it fit your benchtop?
The cooktop’s outer dimensions are 900 × 515mm, while the listed cutout is 880 × 490mm. Those are different measurements: the first describes the appliance; the second describes the opening specified for installation. Measure the existing opening and check the current installation guide rather than assuming a cooktop with the same nominal width will drop in. Cabinet clearances and other site conditions also need to meet the installation requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- CONVENIENT & PORTABLE INDUCTION BURNER: Duxtop induction cooktop offers both temperature and power modes for convenient and efficient cooking. Lightweight, portable induction burner makes handling and storage easy
- BUILT-IN & PORTABLE USE: This induction cooktop can be built-in or countertop, with an elegant design that’s the perfect size for your kitchen. Sleek sensor panel with a built-in LED screen is sensitive to touch, making the stove extremely easy to operate
- Choose from 15 preset power levels (200 to 1800 W) and 15 preset temperature settings (140 °F to 460 °F). With an 83% energy efficiency rating, induction cooker is more efficient than traditional stoves yet provides quick heat-up and faster cooking times
- Safety lock button keeps the cooking and timer settings from being accidentally changed once they have been set or to keeps a child from injuries such as scalding
- EASY TO CLEAN: With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn-on the glass cooktop so it's easy to clean—just wipe with a damp towel
Electrical installation: plan for a hardwired appliance
The CHI944BB has a listed 6.5kW connected load and is hardwired, so it is not a plug-in replacement. Chef recommends contacting a licensed electrician to determine whether the home’s existing electric service can support it. A retailer listing likewise says installation requires a qualified electrician. The load figure alone cannot establish that a particular home or circuit is suitable.
Chef notes that a move from an electric cooktop may be easier if the previous appliance’s rated input was 6.5kW or less, but still advises an electrician to assess the home’s service. Treat that as general guidance, not confirmation that an existing connection can be reused. See Chef’s product information and the retailer listing.
Rank #2
- Ultimate Cooking Flexibility: Empava's 2-burner induction cooktop offers precise temperature control from 120°F to 460°F, accommodating a range of cooking techniques. Whether you're simmering, melting, or keeping food warm, adjust to the perfect heat with ease .
- Tailored Cooking Zones: With 18 temperature levels, customize your cooking with high efficiency and responsiveness. Whether you need quick boiling or gentle heating, this cooktop delivers consistent temperature for gourmet results every time.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Streamline your cooking experience with advanced touch-sensitive controls that include a pause feature, timer, and dedicated settings for melt, keep warm, and simmer. Simple to use and easy to clean, enhancing your kitchen's functionality and style.
- Safety First Design: Keep your family safe with the integrated Child Lock system that prevents accidental activation. The cooktop also features an auto-shutoff safety feature, adding an extra layer of security when cooking.
- Seamless Installation Options: Designed for versatility, the Empava cooktop can be installed as a built-in unit or used as a portable countertop appliance, making it ideal for any kitchen configuration.
Zone ratings and minimum cookware sizes
The four zones have different standard and PowerBoost ratings, and the user manual specifies a minimum pan diameter for each position. Check the base diameter of the cookware you actually use against the relevant zone; induction-compatible pans also need a magnetic base. The manual says the cooktop detects absent, incorrect or undersized cookware, and that zone adaptation to pan dimensions has limits.
| Position | Standard rating | PowerBoost rating | Minimum pan diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left front | 2300W | 3200W | 180mm |
| Left rear | 1400W | 2500W | 125mm |
| Right front | 1400W | 2500W | 125mm |
| Right rear | 1800W | 2800W | 145mm |
Zone ratings and minimum diameters are listed by Chef and in the CHI944BB user manual. PowerBoost ratings are not the same as the standard zone ratings.
Rank #3
- 2 Burner Induction Cooktop With Independent Control: Two cooking zones heat at the same time, each with its own touch controls — boil on one burner while you simmer on the other. A powerful 1800W total output delivers fast, even heating.
- Plug-in Design, Countertop Or Built-in: Comes with a plug and works two ways — place it on the countertop, or drop it into a cut-out for a flush built-in look. Plugs into a standard 120V outlet, no rewiring required.
- Multiple Safety Protections: Child lock prevents accidental activation. If no pan is detected — or a pan is removed — the cooktop alerts you and cuts power, stopping heating immediately and switching off after 1 minute. Over-temperature protection and auto shut-off add extra peace of mind.
- 9 Power Levels Plus Boost, Timer And Keep Warm: Choose from 9 precise heat levels plus a one-touch Power Boost for rapid high heat. Set the timer, keep dishes warm, or press Pause. Touch controls and a digital display keep every setting clear.
- Smooth Glass Surface, Easy To Clean: The smooth glass cooktop wipes clean with a damp cloth — no exposed burners or coils for food to get stuck in.
Controls, safety and rangehood compatibility
Chef lists pause, residual-heat indication, auto-off safety and child lock alongside nine power levels and PowerBoost. The manual also describes Hob2Hood manual mode, which requires pairing with a compatible rangehood from the Electrolux group of brands. The cooktop listing does not establish that a rangehood is included; treat Hob2Hood as a compatibility-dependent option and check the rangehood’s specifications.
What the available review evidence says
CHOICE has a product-specific Chef CHI944BB review listing. Its public page says “Year tested? 2023 or earlier” and shows specifications including four zones, 90cm width, 6.5kW maximum capacity and an 88 × 49cm installation opening. The page displays a $1,999 price; that is the price shown on the page, not a verified current offer.
Rank #4
- Powerful Function:Electric cooktop 30 inch has 9 power levels. Choose the power level according to the food you are cooking. The electric cooktop has "Boost" function, it can heat the area with greater power for 5 minutes, so you can enjoy more powerful and faster cooking.
- Drop-in Induction Cooker:This induction cooktop 240v build-in effectively save counter space, and its glass easy to clean. Before you install the glass electric stove, make sure the heat-resistant work surface is square and level, our product size (LxWxH): 30.00" x 21.02" x 2.17", cut out size(LxW): 28.82~29.21"x19.29~19.69". And the thickness of the work surface is at least 2".
- [Well Thought Out Design]:Our design has four burners in a cross pattern, which allows you to use different sizes of cooking utensils at the same time. And the four burners' power ranges are different,2*2000W (with BOOST)+2*2700W (with BOOST)+1*3200W (with BOOST). This electric cooktop makes your cooking much more efficient, especially at everyday use, and is really both Efficient and beautiful.
- [Safety Design]:Child Safety lock prevents accidental switching on by children, ensuring peace of mind while cooking.AUTO-OFF Function automatically shuts off the device when it detects overheating, providing a safer and more reliable cooking experience. It is also equipped with overflow protection, give you more peace of mind during cooking!You can cook with multiple burners at the same time，Makes everyday cooking easier.
- [Easy to Clean]:This 5 burners glass electric cooktop, surface allows for a wipe clean. You can easily clean it with a cloth or paper towel with detergent or even just a wet rag. The 30 inch induction stove is made of high-quality glass, you can touch the controls without any pressure. No afraid of scratches.
CHOICE’s Expert Rating and underlying test results are member-only on that public page, so it does not establish whether the cooktop performed well or poorly. The available information also does not support claims about comparative speed, reliability or owner satisfaction. A retailer listing examined for this model says it is unavailable there; that is a retailer-specific status, not proof of general discontinuation or nationwide unavailability. Check current stock and price with sellers before relying on either.
Who should consider the CHI944BB?
It may suit someone seeking a 90cm induction cooktop whose benchtop opening, electrical service and cookware can all be confirmed as compatible. The key decision points are practical rather than performance rankings: fit the specified cutout, have an electrician assess the hardwired 6.5kW load, and check that the pans you use meet the zone minimums. Publicly visible test information is insufficient to make a data-backed comparison with other cooktops.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible Magnetic Cookware：GTKZW 110v electric cooktop two burners built-in works with magnetic induction cookware which the iron content is more than 30% like cast iron, iron, steel, and enameled iron cookware; Suitable for magnetic cookware within 6-11 inch. If no cookware is detected in 30 seconds, the induction burner will turn off automatically.
- Multiple Power and Temperature Levels ：GTKZW induction cooktop 2 burners 110v has 9 levels of power and temperature rang from 176℉ to 464℉(80°C-240°C), for precision to switch into different level from low simmer to high fry. The digital sensor touch screen is made of black crystal material, which is scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, high temperature resistant and easy to clean after cooking.
- Timer and Overheating Function：GTKZW 2 burners induction burner 110v has set up child safe lock, timer, and overheat protection, round edges with no sharp corners. CE and FCC Approved. Safe and user-friendly. Set timer from 1 minute and up to 120 minutes long.We are committed to providing customers with reliable and high-quality products.
- Built-in Induction Cooktop Burner ：GTKZW portable induction cooktop 12 inch can be built-in or free standing. Easy to install. The featuring smooth surface and built in design save valuable countertop space. Comes with iron anti-rust bottom shell and high quality cooling fan, our electric stove dual burner offers you a low noise kitchen and efficient heat dissipation to increase lifetime.
- Dual Heating Zones：GTKZW double induction cooktop 120v with two independent heating areas and independent LED display,The power is 1200W+1100W(P1-P9).It can cook 2 dishes delicious food at the same time quickly,saving a lot of time.
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