Empava Appliances Review
The 36″ Empava Electric Induction Cooktop
It boils water so quickly I keep getting surprised.
Our reviewerA Fast, Precise Cooktop That Was Easy to Install
Empava makes a wide range of kitchen appliances, and we set out to test the 36-inch Induction Cooktop specifically. After a month of regular use, it's become one of our favorite upgrades in the kitchen.
The center element runs up to 3,000W across an 11-inch zone, with four additional 7.48-inch burners rated up to 2,000W each. In practice, that center burner is noticeably stronger than the rest, gives more room for larger pans, and boils water fast enough that it still catches us off guard.
The built-in digital timer, adjustable up to 99 minutes per zone, turned out to be one of the most useful features. We used it to dial in the exact timing for soft-boiled eggs, and once we found the setting, the cooktop shuts that zone off automatically — no matter how long we're away, the eggs never overcook.
Installation was a bigger worry than it needed to be. The cooktop is built slightly smaller than a standard 36-inch cutout, so it dropped into our existing space without any cutting or countertop work. The touch controls respond to a light touch rather than pressure, and the Vitro-glass surface has been easy to keep clean so far.
We gave it a 9.8, though with the caveat that we've only had it a month — durability is the one thing we can't speak to yet.
Why We Love It
- Heats faster
- Precise temperature control
- More energy efficient
- Maintains a cool cooking surface
- Safer way to cook
Considerations
- Slightly more expensive
- Requires specific cookware
Our Hands-On Review
Installation had us nervous going in, but it wasn't bad — Empava designed this cooktop to sit just slightly smaller than a standard 36-inch top, so it dropped into our existing cutout without any cutting or countertop work.
The center burner is the standout: it runs stronger than the rest and has more room around it, which makes it easy to use larger pans, and it boils water fast enough that we're still surprised by it. It's also been easy to clean so far, which we credit to the Vitro-glass top.
The Egg Test
We used the built-in timer to nail soft-boiled eggs — set it for 3 minutes and walk away; the cooktop shuts that zone off automatically, so the eggs come out perfect whether we're back in 3 minutes or 10.
We Recommend This To Readers Who:
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Want faster, more precise cooking
Induction heats faster and gives more precise temperature control than a regular electric cooktop.
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Are replacing an existing 36" cooktop
It's built slightly smaller than a standard 36-inch cutout, so it drops in without cutting your countertop.
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Care about easy cleanup
The Vitro-glass surface resists stains and heat discoloration and has wiped clean easily.
About the Empava 36" Induction Cooktop
A closer look at the cooktop's build and controls, per Empava's own specs.
Center Element
An 11-inch center element powered up to 3,000W for faster boiling and larger pans.
Digital Timer
A built-in digital display timer (up to 99 minutes) that can automatically shut off individual cooking zones.
Vitro-Glass Surface
A flush, stain- and heat discoloration-resistant glass surface compatible with most stainless steel and cast-iron cookware.
The Bottom Line
After a month of daily use, the Empava 36" Induction Cooktop earns a 9.8 from us — fast, precise and easy to live with, though we're still watching how it holds up long-term.
