Equator Design 36" Electric Hybrid CERAMIC-INDUCTION 5 Burner Cooktop 220V

I installed the Equator cooktop two days ago. I'm enjoying the easy cleanup and the simple knob-less design. Priced at only $400, Aug-2024. At the time of purchase there were zero reviews on it, which was worrisome. But I am pleased to say it looks and works good.I selected this cooktop because it was an exact fit in the existing cutout on our countertop. And the hybrid burners were a plus (2 resistive ceramic elements, 3 magnetic induction elements). The ceramic burners are bridgeable and that was a desirable feature too. Plus the low price made this a choice I had to try out.This appliance is my first Induction cooktop. I heard stories that some cookware will make a lot of noise, such as buzzing sounds. But my induction compatible cookware is quiet, I can barely hear anything, even when power boost (max heat setting) is being used.Installation was easy, especially since my Quartz countertop cutout was already the correct size. The cooktop comes with a pre-wired pigtail that is housed in a 1/2" flexible metal conduit (FMC). It was long enough to reach the electrical box inside the kitchen's base cabinet. To connect it I purchased a mating 90 degree flex connector and steel wall plate, only $6 total at the local big box hardware store.My only installation complaint is that at the cooktop's four corners, there were noticeable gaps between it and the counter. It's because there's a wrap-around steel flange on the underside that does not go all the way to the corners. This creates a space big enough for spills to get into. I solved it by adding short lengths of 3/8" wide x 3/16" thick rubber weatherstrip tape at the corners. Looks fantastic now; no gap and sufficiently sealed around the perimeter to block spills from falling in.I will report back if problems appear. But for now I am a satisfied user.

1st Stovetop arrived broken. Retuned it, my money was refunded. Ordered another one. The second one never arrived. They said a problem happened with shipper. My money was refunded again.I bought the same unit from Home Depot for $100 more. Had it shipped to Store and picked up there. It works and looks great. I love it.

Everything seems to work OK as long as you don’t mind the burning plastic smell that’s admitted because of the heat that is transferred through the bottom out the plastic fan blades and screens. Whoever thought of this should be reprimanded and forced to use this in their own kitchen as they cook and breath in the plastic!I mean Geez Louise they could’ve spent a little extra and made it out of thin steel. I will be removing this from ours and placing stainless steel screen protectors and if needed fan blades as soon as I can! I’m sure it’s not healthy breathing in heated plastic particles. Other than that and the first one we got was in pieces so we had to wait even longer. Would not buy again unless they are built better.