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The Duxtop 9100MC Portable Induction Cooktop is an affordable, versatile 1800 Watt cooktop with basic features. It has an extensive range of power and temperature levels, safety features, and a digital display.
Duxtop is well-known for its high-quality, feature-packed cooktops and kitchen appliances. The 9100MC is an affordable, compact, low-tech unit with good value.
Duxtop 9100MC Features
The Duxtop 9100MC has 11.4"x14"x2.5" dimensions and weighs 5 lbs. 12 oz. (per user manual), making it easy to carry and store. This portable cooktop operates using a 110/120V electrical outlet. It's better if you run this unit on a 20 amp breaker.
The housing unit is made of plastic, while the cooking surface is glass/ceramic. This makes it easy to clean. The dimensions of the glass plate are approximately 10.75"x10.75". The air inlet is in the back of the unit.
The display panel is simple to operate as it only has six buttons (heating, temperature, timer, + and - to control the temperature and power and on/off).
The buttons are not sensor touch - you must push them down. This unit has a large LED that is easy to read.
There are 15 power level settings. The power level begins from 200 Watts and goes up to 1800 Watts. The 9100MC has fifteen temperature settings with a range of 140ºF to 460ºF. The settings are adjusted using the plus and minus buttons.
The digital count-down timer has a wide time setting range of one minute to one hundred seventy minutes.
The cooking zone requires the bottom diameter of the pot or pan to be at least 4 inches. Although the large cooking zone is 8 inches in diameter, it won't cook well if food is outside about 6.5 inches.
There is an internal cooling fan to help protect the internal components, such as electronics and burners, from being exposed to too much heat.
The 9100MC has essential safety features. The one that appeals to most people is that the unit automatically shuts down if the cooking surface is above 460°F. This situation occurs more often than not if you use the Power Mode. If this happens, switch to the Temperature Mode.
What We Like About the Duxtop 9100MC
The Duxtop 9100MC is a single burner induction cooktop that is straightforward. You don't have to be tech-savvy to use it.
The buttons are large, and the LED is easily read. There are lined up in a convenient and efficient manner.
We like the design of this unit better than a tablet-style cooktop. The cooking surface is flat, and the front panel with the controls is angled from the cooking zone. This design is preferable because a pan's edges are less likely to touch the control panel and overheat the electronics.
The cooking vessel is easily centered if you use the two placement guides.
The fifteen temperature and power levels allow you to prepare a vast array of dishes using this single burner induction cooktop. For example, you can simmer stock or boil water for pasta. You must choose the heat or temperature function and adjust the settle using the + and - buttons.
It has a wide temperature range from 140º to 460ºF help ensure steady cooking from a slow simmer to moderately high heat cooking.
This unit provides better heat control where it is most needed - at the lower end of the spectrum. The fifteen power levels (200-1800 watts) shown are increments of .5 from 1 to 6, then 7, 8, 9, and 10.
The 170 minute timer affords you the convenience of cooking broths, stocks, soups, and other dishes that require slow cooking. An advantage of this feature is that the heat or temperature selected remains constant during the time period.
Induction cooktops in this price range usually only have a one-year warranty. Duxtop offers a two-year warranty on the Duxtop 9100MC.
The 9100MC has an auto-pan detection system. The unit will shut down automatically after one minute if it does not detect cookware or if cookware that is not induction compatible is placed in the cooking zone.
The auto-pan detection delay of 60 seconds is enough time to lift the pan from the cooking surface to add more ingredients. You have enough time to do that and place it back on the cooktop without the unit shutting off.
Another safety feature is the unit will beep and shut off when time has expired. If you don't use the timer, the device will shut down after 120 minutes (the fan will continue to run for a minute or so) for safety reasons.
Although this can be a drawback if you want to have a dish simmer for more than two hours, this is an advantage overall. It is easy to get distracted - especially if you multi-task or have other household members who need assistance.
Another safety protection feature is a built-in low and high voltage warning system that sets off an audible alert to prevent further damage or fire risk. The unit will shut down after one minute.
Duxtop offers good customer service along with this cooktop's many features.
We have written Duxtop customer service, using the contact form on the duxtop dot com website several times, and always received a prompt reply. On a couple of occasions, they did not answer the initial question. We replied and obtained an acceptable answer.
What is Not Ideal
While the buttons are large, they are push buttons rather than touch sensor buttons. At this price point, it is not surprising the unit is encased in plastic instead of stainless steel. The downside is they are prone to wear and tear.
The 9100MC is not equipped with a settings lock, sometimes called the child lock.
The biggest issue with this unit is the temperatures on the LED are not accurate. The problem stems from the temperature sensors. To some extent, this is problematic for all portable induction cooktops.
The temperature sensor is underneath the glass-ceramic plate. It takes time for the cooktop to heat up, so the sensor does not immediately measure the temperature of the ingredients in the cooking vessel.
The temperature shown on the LCD may be higher than the temperature of the ingredients in the cookware.
To compensate for this temperature inaccuracy, use the power mode first. Stir the contents of the pan for a little while to give the sensor time to catch up with the food in the pan. You can continue using the power mode or switch to the temperature mode.
The cooking surface is only large enough to hold a pan with a diameter of between five and eight inches (six inches or less if using cast iron). So, if you want to use a large pot, this unit will not work.
Another common complaint is the fan is noisy. Although you will hear the fan on all portable induction cooktops, this one is said to be pretty loud.
Additional Model Available
Duxtop manufactures another induction cooktop, the Duxtop 9120MC, with the same features as the Duxtop 9100MC.
The 9100MC has silver lettering and borders, while the 9120 has gold lettering and borders.
Is the Duxtop 9100MC Worth Buying?
The Duxtop 9100MC is a good option for someone who wants a basic, easy-to-use, affordable induction cooktop. It has plenty of power and temperature settings, a timer, and safety features.
If you have an electric or gas stove and don't want to switch to induction cooking entirely, this unit can be used to prepare quick meals or boil water for pasta. It can also be used as a warming plate to warm food during a home-cooked meal.
Suppose you are short on kitchen space, living in temporary quarters, or renting an apartment that doesn't have a stove. In that case, you can use this cooktop to prepare quick and healthy meals.
The Duxtop 9100MC is a portable unit that is compact and lightweight enough to be easily transported. It can be used while camping or in your recreational vehicle, cabin, boat, or camper van.
You'll want to ensure the 120V electrical outlet is nearby as the power cord is 5 ft long (per Duxtop customer service). The cord has a 2-prong plug.
If the environment isn't wet, it can be used outdoors, on a camping trip, or in your backyard.
How to Use the Duxtop 9100MC
- Ensure the unit is on a flat, non-metal surface with four inches of space around the cooktop for ventilation.
- Plug the unit into the wall outlet.
- Place the cookware and ingredients in the center of the cooking zone. Make sure you have everything you need as the food cooks quickly.
- Press the on/off button, and the default setting of 5 in the Power mode appears.
- If necessary, adjust the setting. If you want to switch to the temperature mode, press that button and change the setting using the + and - buttons.
- After you are finished cooking your food, turn the cooktop off. The fan will run for a minute or so. Once the fan stops running, unplug the unit.
- When the cooktop surface is cool, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Put a mild detergent on the wet cloth, and wipe the unit.
Final Thoughts
The Duxtop 9100MC is a quick-heating, affordable, portable induction cooktop with the necessary features. With the right cookware, you will have water rapidly boiling in under three minutes. Heat is spread evenly across the cooking surface.
The design features a beveled control panel and a durable glass ceramic surface. It cooks well, is easy to clean, and will look great on your counter.
Alternative
The Duxtop 9600LS Single Burner Induction Cooktop is a step up from the Duxtop 9100MC. It has additional power and temperature levels, a child lock, and a one-touch boil and simmer. The 9600LS has touch buttons instead of push buttons found on the 9100MC.
Here is a quick comparison table of the two models.
Feature | Duxtop 9600LS | Duxtop 9100MC |
|---|---|---|
Power Levels | 20 | 15 |
Power Range | 100-1800W | 200-1800W |
Temp Settings | 20 | 15 |
Temp Range | 100°-460°F | 140°-460°F |
Function Lock | Yes | No |
Controls | Touch sensor | Push Buttons |
Weight | 5.75 | 5.75 |
Size (in.) | 14x11.4x2.5 | 14x11.4x2.5 |
My Recommendation
I use this induction cooktop and would recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Duxtop 9100MC
Below are some of the most commonly-asked questions about the Duxtop 9100MC.
Should I use heating (power) or temperature mode to boil water?
Duxtop recommends using the Power mode for boiling water and for recipes where a specific temperature is not required.
Which heating mode should I use for frying or browning foods?
The Temperature mode is recommended for frying or browning foods. If overheating is detected, you can switch to the Power mode.
What does it mean when the LED shows an E with a number?
This unit has a diagnostic error message system, as with most induction cooktops. If there is a problem with the unit functioning, an error code will appear in the LED display.
The user manual provided with the unit has a list of error codes, the problem, and steps for the solution.
Is the Duxtop 9100MC ETL approved?
Yes, the Duxtop 9100MC is ETL approved.
How do I know if my stainless steel pan will work?
Place a kitchen magnet on the bottom of the pan to determine if your stainless steel plan will work. If the magnet firmly sticks, then the pan is induction friendly.
If my pan is induction compatible but still won't work, what could be the problem?
If the cookware is induction compatible but still doesn't work on the cooktop, check to see if the bottom of the pan is clean and flat. Also, ensure the pan's base diameter is at least four inches.
