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The Chef CHI944BB is a 90cm, four-zone induction cooktop with a 6.5kW connected load. Its listed cutout is 880 × 490mm, it requires hardwiring, and you need magnetic-base cookware. Chef lists a two-year domestic warranty. The available public review listing from CHOICE confirms the model and some specifications, but does not show its rating or test results—so there is not enough public evidence here to call its cooking performance or reliability good or bad.
What is the Chef CHI944BB?
Chef Australia describes the CHI944BB as a “90cm 4 zone induction cooktop.” It has a black ceramic-glass surface and touch controls. Listed features include PowerBoost, pause, residual-heat indication, automatic shutoff, child lock and nine power levels. See the Chef CHI944BB product page for the manufacturer’s current product information.
Will the CHI944BB fit your benchtop?
Chef lists the cooktop’s overall dimensions as 900mm wide × 515mm deep × 51mm high. The stated benchtop cutout is 880mm wide × 490mm deep. These are product specifications, not a guarantee that the appliance will fit a particular installation: check the current installation documentation and have the actual benchtop, clearances and site conditions assessed before ordering.
What are the cooking zones and pan-size requirements?
The manufacturer’s zone listing and user manual specify four zones with different standard and Boost ratings. The manual also gives a minimum pan diameter for each zone:
#1 Best Overall
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - ChangBERT Induction cooktop offers 9 preset power levels (200-1800W) and 18 preset temperature settings (120-460℉, 20F per level). With an 83% energy efficiency rating, the induction cooker is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves, providing quick heat-up and faster cooking times.
- CONSISTENTLY STABLE HIGH-POWER OUTPUT - Built for constant use, it features continuous-duty circuitry for non-stop cooking. The unique power control technology ensures stable high-power output, reduces the temperature of internal electronics, and facilitates low-noise heat dissipation, providing reliable cooking performance. This dependable performance sets it apart from others.
- LARGE COOKING AREA - Features an expanded magnetic coil design that optimizes the winding structure to enhance the transfer of electromagnetic energy directly to the cookware, significantly improving heating efficiency and ensuring more even heat distribution across the bottom of the cookware.
- NSF CERTIFIED & COMMERCIAL GRADE - UL commercial standard 197, completely ETL & NSF approved. It meets industry durability standards, passing a drop test with an impact of 1.5 ft lbs. Designed for large-volume usage, it is ideal for commercial and professional settings such as restaurants, industrial kitchens, and other catering services.
- EASY TO CONTROL & CLEAN - The control buttons with solid tactile response make operation intuitive and precise.With simple and clear display, the Key-Press-Control Panel provides clear visibility and easy control, even with gloves or wet hands. With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn onto the glass cooktop, making it easy to clean greasy dirt.
| Position | Standard rating | Boost rating | Minimum pan diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left front | 2300W | 3200W | 180mm |
| Left rear | 1400W | 2500W | 125mm |
| Right front | 1400W | 2500W | 125mm |
| Right rear | 1800W | 2800W | 145mm |
These figures are listed specifications, not independent measurements of cooking speed. The cooktop detects cookware; the manual describes an indication when a pan is absent, too small or otherwise incorrect for a zone. Check the base diameter of the pans you plan to use against the relevant zone minimum. The CHI944BB user manual covers zone operation and cookware requirements.
Does it need special cookware?
Yes. Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base, and the base also needs to meet the selected zone’s minimum diameter. A simple magnet check can help identify whether your existing pans have a magnetic base; compare their base diameter with the table above. The manual notes that zones can adapt to cookware dimensions only within limits, so compatibility should not be assumed from a pan’s overall rim size alone.
Rank #2
- PORTABLE INDUCTION BURNER: Duxtop induction cooktop uses 110/120 V 15 amp electrical outlet–standard in all North American homes. ETL listed and built to North American electrical standards. It is lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage
- Choose from 20 preset power levels (100 to 1800 W) and 20 preset temperature level settings (100 °F to 460 °F). With an 83% energy efficiency, induction burner is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves
- DIGITAL LCD SENSOR: Touch control panel: child safety lock keeps the cooking and timer settings from being accidentally changed once they have been set; fast boil button; keep warm button (for 1-30 minutes at 140 °F); up to 10-hour timer button
- Induction stoves rely on cookware to heat, so it’s essential to choose magnetic bottom cookware with a minimum diameter of 5 inches. Auto-pan detection will shut off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware, or the incorrect cookware is detected
- Although induction itself is a noiseless process, there may be high pitched sounds from the cookware due to multiple layers of metals sandwiched together. Please allow the induction cooker to cool down before cleaning
What electrical installation does it require?
The listed connected load is 6.5kW, and the cooktop is hardwired rather than connected with a standard plug. Chef recommends consulting a licensed electrician to determine whether the home’s existing electrical service can support it. A retailer listing likewise specifies installation by a qualified electrician. The 6.5kW figure alone cannot establish whether a particular home or circuit is suitable; get site-specific advice before purchase or installation.
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Chef says a move from an electric cooktop may be easier where the existing appliance’s rated input is 6.5kW or less, but still advises an electrician to assess the home’s service. Treat that as general guidance, not approval for a specific installation.
Rank #3
- [20 POWER & TEMPERATURE LEVELS] Experience the epitome of control with 20 adjustable power levels, from a gentle 90W to a robust 1800W, and 20 precise temperature settings ranging from a delicate 120°F to a searing 465°F. With this level of precision, achieving culinary perfection is no longer a challenge. The portable induction cooktop allows you to cook more quickly and doesn’t use as much energy as other cooktops.
- [EFFICIENT INDUCTION COOKTOP] The 1800W induction burner provides outstanding performance with its impressive power capacity, allowing for rapid heating compared to traditional cooktops. This not only accelerates meal preparation but also contributes to lower energy consumption, resulting in cost savings on your utility bills. Its portability makes it an excellent option for cooking in places without a standard stove, such as an office break room.
- [HANDY PRESET MENU] The induction stove is designed for effortless cooking, featuring a smart responsive touchscreen interface and 4 preset cooking functions for boiling water, hot pot, stew, and heat preservation. This induction cooker seamlessly combines convenience and speed, elevating your cooking experience with its exceptional features and user-friendly design.
- [CONVENIENT INDUCTION STOVE]The induction burner has been carefully crafted with your safety and convenience as the top priority. It includes a safety lock function to prevent accidental touch and a waste heat reminder to minimize the risk of burns, providing you with peace of mind. Moreover, its timer function allows you to effectively oversee your cooking process, guaranteeing the optimal quality of your culinary creations.
- [PORTABLE INDUCTION BURNER]The induction cooktop is thoughtfully engineered to accommodate from 4" to 10" pans with magnetic bottoms and is optimized for use in 110 to 120V environments, meeting the standards of North American households. The sleek black ceramic glass panel not only exudes sophistication but also ensures durability and effortless cleaning. Measuring 13.8"*11.0"*1.8", this induction cooker is lightweight and only 5.5 pounds, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen.
What do the review sources establish?
CHOICE has a public Chef CHI944BB review listing. It identifies the review as tested in “2023 or earlier” and displays specifications including four zones, 90cm width, 6.5kW maximum capacity and an 88 × 49cm installation opening. Its public page does not reveal the Expert Rating, underlying test results, pros and cons, reliability information or satisfaction findings. The page also displays a $1,999 price; that is the price shown on that page, not confirmation of a current offer.
Those public details do not show whether the cooktop performs well in independent testing, how it compares with alternatives, or how reliable it is. No hands-on cooking or installation test is available to support those conclusions.
Rank #4
- FLEXIBLE & SPACE-SAVING: This versatile portable induction stovetop allows you to cook meals without a full range, making it the perfect solution for RVs, cabins, studio apartments, and other small spaces where a full kitchen isn't available.
- VERSATILE COOKING: With 8 power levels (300-1800 watts) and temperature range 160-440°F (71-226°C), this cooktop accommodates a wide range of cooking methods: simmering, keeping warm, reheating, pan frying, stir frying, boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling. Ideal for continuous heating but not recommended for slow or low temperature cooking.
- SMART CONTROL: Convenient pre-set cooking modes and a 3-hour timer make meal planning and execution effortless. The user-friendly LED display features intuitive cooking function controls for seamless meal preparation.
- SAFE OPERATION: Advanced safety features include a child lock, auto-pause function, overheat protection, and voltage warning system.
- EASY MAINTENANCE: The tempered glass surface is durable and allows for effortless cleaning after use.
What other features are worth noting?
The product page lists pause, residual-heat indication, automatic shutoff, child lock, PowerBoost and nine power levels. The manual also describes Hob2Hood manual mode, which requires pairing with a compatible rangehood within the Electrolux group of brands. It is a compatibility-dependent option; it does not mean a rangehood is included.
Is the Chef CHI944BB available in Australia?
The manufacturer has a live product page, but that does not confirm stock. One retailer listing examined by the source material marked the model “Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.” That status applies to that retailer listing, not necessarily to other sellers or the Australian market as a whole. Check availability, delivery coverage, price and warranty terms with the seller before committing.
Quick Recap
Who should consider the CHI944BB?
- It may suit your shortlist if you want a 90cm, four-zone induction cooktop and your benchtop can accommodate its stated cutout.
- Check first that you have magnetic-base cookware in suitable sizes, and obtain an electrician’s assessment of the hardwired 6.5kW installation.
- Do not buy on an assumed review verdict: the public CHOICE listing does not disclose its score or findings, and the available evidence does not establish comparative performance or reliability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
