Bosch is an affordable luxury brand with prices typically at the top of the market (about $3000-$4000 for an induction range). Bosch appliances get consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. If you're in the market for an induction range, Bosch deserves a closer look.
Bosch induction slide-in ranges come in two models: the 800 Series and the Benchmark. In this review, we'll compare features to help you understand the differences and decide which Bosch induction range best suits your needs.
See Stainless Bosch 800 series induction range at home depot
See the Bosch benchmark induction range at home depot
see the Bosch benchmark induction range at aj madison
see Stainless bosch 800 series induction range at aj madison
Bosch Induction Ranges At a Glance
Benchmark is Bosch's premium line.
The main difference between the two models is that the Benchmark has a FlexInduction zone and the 800 Series does not.
Also, the 800 Series is available in stainless and black stainless, while the Benchmark is available in stainless only.
You'll pay about $700 more for the Flex zone, but it's a very nice feature.
The ovens are almost identical, but the Benchmark has two oven lights instead of one. Both are Star K certified. (Star K is a kosher certification system.) Both have self-cleaning, 4.6 cu. ft. ovens with European convection and an 8 pass broiler system.
Header | Bosch Range 800 Series* #HII8056U (stainless) #HII8046U (black stainless) (about $3,400) | Bosch Range Benchmark* #HIIP056U (about $3800) |
|---|---|---|
Power Boost on All Burners | ||
Auto Chef | ||
FlexInduction Zone with PowerMove technology | ||
Speed Boost | ||
PreciseSelect (direct heat selection on burners) | ||
Countdown timer for all burners | ||
Warming Drawer | ||
Meat Probe | ||
European Convection | ||
Full Extension Telescopic Rack | ||
Self-Cleaning 4.6 Cu. Ft Oven | ||
Recessed 8 Pass Broil Element | ||
Fast Preheat Time | ||
Star K Certified |
* Model numbers may be slightly different on different sites. Older models will have a smaller number (e.g. -046U instead of -056U).
What Is AutoChef®?
AutoChef is Bosch's patented temperature control feature. It holds a burner to a precise temperature. For example, if you set it for 350F, it will remain there no matter what you add to or remove from a pan. There will be some variability, but the range does a remarkable job of keeping the temperature consistent. This is handy for deep frying, or if you want to "set and forget" a cooking job that you know has to happen at a specific temperature for a specific time. Used in conjunction with the burner timer--which automatically shuts the burner off when the time has elapsed--AutoChef is a handy feature.
Here's a 45 second video from Bosch-Canada describing AutoChef:
What Is FlexInduction?
FlexInduction with PowerMove allows the left two burners to be controlled as one large burner or three small ones. When you use the large zone, you control two burners as one. When you use the PowerMove feature, you don't have to change settings because the cooktop does it for you.
For example, if you're pan searing a protein and want to lower the temperature to make a pan sauce, you simply move the skillet to the central zone; if you want to keep dish warm for serving, merely move it to the rear zone.
This 30 second video from Bosch describes how Flex Induction with PowerMove works:
Overall Design
- Stainless and black glass with red LED display (or black stainless for the 800 Series)
- All digital controls
- Oversized oven window
- Overhanging top for custom look
- Designed to fit into any 30-inch space
- Side panels and trim kit available if needed.
Cooktop
- Speed boost on all burners--can boil water in about half the time of conventional electric
- AutoChef holds precision temperature using feedback from pan (800 Series only)
- FlexInduction w/PowerMove (Benchmark only) has zone for oversized cookware or automatically changing temp zones (Hi/Med/Low) for easy switching from cook to hold
- PreciseSelect allows direct setting of burner (no menu to scroll through)
- 17 settings for precise heat control, including Power Boost and Keep Warm
- Overhanging top eliminates cracks for easy cleaning
- Scratch-resistant glass ceramic cooktop with embedded controls stays cool for safety and easy cleanup.
The SpeedBoost feature sends extra power to a burner for ten minutes (great for boiling water), then reverts to the High ("9") setting. The Keep Warm is great for gently melting butter and chocolate, and for keeping finished dishes warm before serving.
Oven and Warming Drawer
The 4.6 cubic foot oven pretty much has it all, including a built-in meat thermometer. Add in a powerful broiler, multiple-rack baking, and an additional warming drawer below the main oven, and you've got a lot of options for perfect baking and entertaining. Features include:
- 4.6 cu. ft. capacity
- 3 heating elements: top, bottom (under the oven floor), and around the convection fan
- Fast preheat time
- Self-cleaning
- Telescopic rack
- Recessed 8 pass broil element with convection capability
- 11 Cooking Modes including Sabbath Mode
- European convection that cooks food more evenly in up to 30% less time
- Automatic convection conversion option
- Multiple rack convection baking mode
- 3 racks included with oven
- Meat probe that switches off oven when internal temp is reached
- Convection temperature conversion--you can manually change the temp if results are consistently too light or too dark
- Soft-close, removable oven door
- Two timers: oven timer and kitchen timer
- Auto shutoff on oven timer
- Warming Drawer with separate settings, large enough for 2 9x13-in. pans.
4.6 cu. ft. is on the small side (anything under 5 cu. ft. is considered smallish), but the oven is large enough to hold a large turkey or an 18"x13" baking sheet, which makes it functional for most needs. The smaller size is also going to have a faster preheat time (made even faster by the fast preheat mode).
Safety
- Panel locks on cooktop and oven control panels to prevent inadvertent changes
- Auto shutoff on cooktop (from 1-10 hrs, depending on heat setting)
- Auto shutoff on oven after 24 hrs (or 74 hrs in Sabbath Mode)
- Star-K certified.
Bosch 800 Series Induction Range Cooktop
Here's a look at the Bosch 800 Series slide-in induction range cooktop (courtesy of Bosch-home.com):
Burner Arrangement
As you can see in the photo above, the burners are arranged in a sort of collapsed square, with the largest burner in the center/back. This is for easy pan placement, and it leaves lots of room for handles off to the sides.
Because the burners form a square, there's no guessing which element on the control panel belongs to which burner (which can sometimes be a problem on cooktops with electronic control panels).
The cooktop controls are at the front of the cooktop, underneath the glass. See "Cooktop Controls" below for more about control panel.
What Is SpeedBoost?
SpeedBoost is Bosch's power boost feature that sends extra power to one or two burners for a short amount of time (usually ten minutes or less). On SpeedBoost, a burner will operate at a higher wattage. This is an excellent feature for boiling water or other cooking tasks which you want to do as quickly as possible.
Here's a short video (45 seconds) demonstrating how Speed Boost works:
Because Speed Boost pulls wattage from another burner, you can only operate it on two burners at a time. While in operation, the other burners won't be able to run at full capacity (but will still heat incredibly fast).
When Speed Boost reverts to normal, full power will be available to all the burners.
Speed Boost is so fast, it can require a learning curve to use. For example, never walk away from a pan set to Speed Boost, and don't think you have to time to chop an onion while the oil heats in the pan--you don't. Induction heating is that fast.
For specific wattage available to the burners on Speed Boost and regular heating modes, see the Specifications section below.
Cooktop Controls
From the User Manual:
The Bosch 800 Series induction range cooktop is easy to use. You press On/Off, select a burner, and press a number (1-9, with half steps included) to adjust the setting.
You can also set the timer for each burner and set Panel Lock, Speed Boost, or use the kitchen timer. Just press any setting to select it.
Indicator lights tell you which burners are on and also light up for the other functions in operation (burner timer, kitchen timer, Speed Boost, Panel Lock).
Turning an induction burner off isn't necessary as it will shut off by itself after 60 seconds if no pot is detected.
Bosch Benchmark Induction Range Cooktop
Here's a look at the Bosch Benchmark slide-in induction range cooktop (courtesy of Bosch-home.com):
Burner Arrangement
The Flex zone is on the left and can be used as two normal burners, one large burner, or three "PowerMove" burners. The two burners to the right function like regular burners. All the burner zones have Speed Boost, although only two (one from each side at a time) can be operated at the same time.
What Is SpeedBoost?
SpeedBoost is Bosch's power boost feature that sends extra power to a burner for ten minutes. See the section above for an overview of how SpeedBoost works.
Benchmark Cooktop Controls
From the user manual:
The Bosch Benchmark Induction Range cooktop is easy to use. You press On/Off, select a burner, and press a number in the line below (1-9, with half steps included) to adjust the setting. There are 17 total heat settings.
You can also set the timer for each burner and set Panel Lock, Speed Boost, Keep Warm, or use the kitchen timer by selecting and setting it.
To use the FlexZone or PowerMove, just select it. To turn either of them off, select again.
Indicator lights tell you which burners are on and also light up for the other functions in operation (burner timer, kitchen timer, Speed Boost, Panel Lock).
Turning an induction burner off isn't necessary as it will shut off by itself after 60 seconds if no pot is detected. But if you want to, you can press zero or On/Off to deactivate the entire cooktop.
Bosch 800 Series/Benchmark Induction Range Oven
The oven controls are on the front of the stove and are the same for both models:
The slightly angled panel makes the controls both easy to operate and easy to see from several feet away. It's a bit of a tradeoff--It could be more angled to see from above and less angled to see from a distance. Overall, it's a functional design.
For a close-up look at the oven control panel, see "Oven Controls" below.
Cooking Modes
The Bosch induction range has 11 cooking modes: Bake, convection bake, convection multi-rack, pizza, roast, convection roast, broil, convection broil, proof, warm, and Sabbath mode. These modes make it easy to get excellent results whether you're warming up leftovers or making multiple sheets of cookies.
The user manual explains what each mode is for and how to use it.
Convection Settings
You can use convection with baking, roasting, and broiling on the Bosch range. Additionally, you can manually convert the oven temperature if the results you're getting are too light or too dark.
Warming Drawer
The warming drawer, below the main oven, is ideal for keeping food or plates warm before serving. It is large enough for two 9x13 pans or four dinner plates. Separate settings make it easy to use.
Oven Controls
At first glance, the oven control panel for the Bosch range looks complicated, but it really isn't. It has a large display panel in the center that's easy to read, one-touch mode selection buttons, and a numeric keypad for setting times and temperatures.
From the User Manual (for both models, even though it says 800 Series):
To use the oven, you simply select a mode, then set the temperature with the numeric keypad. Once running, the setting will show in the display.
For example, if you want to use the Bake mode, press Bake, then select a temp using the number pad and press Enter. The oven immediately starts heating in Bake mode.
Some modes don't require a temperature setting. To use the warming drawer, for example, simply press the Warming Drawer button. The default setting is Medium ("Med"). To change (to Low or High), press the button until you reach the setting you want. Press Enter to turn it on.
You can also use the oven control panel to set the kitchen timer, the oven timer, and the panel lock.
The User Manual has detailed information on each mode, and also on how to customize the settings for your preferences (indicator beeps, display preferences, panel lock, etc.).
see the bosch benchmark induction range at home depot
see the bosch 800 series induction range at home depot
see the bosch benchmark induction range at aj madison
see the bosch 800 series induction range at aj Madison
see bosch black stainless 800 series induction range at aj madison
Bosch 800 Series/Benchmark Induction Range Electrical and Installation Requirements
IMPORTANT: The electrical and installation requirements are the same for both the 800 Series and Benchmark Bosch Slide-In Induction Ranges.
This diagram shows installation requirements:
And here's what the range looks like installed:
Replacing a Freestanding Stove With The Bosch Slide-In
Bosch designed all of its new slide-in ranges to fit into any existing 30-inch space. No special customization should be required.
However, they do offer a trim package if modifications are necessary. (Note: It's about $200.) Bosch also offers side panels if you're installing the stove where it will have exposed sides. Consult the manufacturer (Bosch-home.com) for details.
Here's a short video from Bosch on installing their slide-in range:
Electrical Requirements
Electrical requirements should be the same as for your current electric stove: a 240V/40amp hookup. For more details, read the Specifications section below.
The power cord (standard 240V plug-in) is sold separately. Be sure to buy the right plug for your kitchen.
Bosch 800 Series/Benchmark Induction Range Specifications
Design (Both Models)
Color: Stainless Steel/black glass or Black stainless steel/black glass (800 Series only)
Digital Display: Red and white
Cooktop: Glass-ceramic, black.
Installation/Electrical Specs (Both Models)
Dimensions
The Bosch Slide-in Induction stove will fit any existing freestanding or slide-in space without modifications.
Width: 31.5 in.
Depth: 28.875 in.
Height: 36.5 in.
Weight (Gross/Net): 248 lb/226 lb.
Power
Total Power Output (W): 13200
Electrical Hookup Required: 240V/40 amps (standard electrical stove hookup)
Power supply sold separately.
Cooktop Specs (800 Series)
4 burners:
Front Left: 2200W
Rear Left: 3700W
Front Right: 2200W
Rear Right: 3700W
Note: SpeedBoost is only usable on two burners at a time.
Timer: All burners have timer function.
Cooktop Specs (Benchmark)
4 burners:
Front Left: 3600W
Rear Left: 3600W
Front Right: 2200W
Rear Right: 3700W
Note: SpeedBoost is only usable on two burners at a time.
Timer: All burners have timer function.
Oven Specs (800 Series and Benchmark)
IMPORTANT: The oven specifications are almost identical for both models, except the Benchmark has two oven lights, while the 800 Series does not has only one oven light.
Oven Capacity: 4.6 Cu. Ft.
Oven Temp Range: 100F - 450F
Oven Modes: Bake, convection bake, convection multi-rack, pizza, roast, convection roast, broil, convection broil, proof, warm, Sabbath.
Convection: Yes, for baking, roasting, and broiler modes
Broiler: 3800W, 8-pass, top-located, with/without convection, 2 settings (high and low)
Broiler Pan: Not included
Meat Probe: Turns off oven when pre-set temp is reached
Racks: 1
Self-Cleaning: Yes
Removable Door: Yes
Sabbath Mode: Yes.
Star K Certification: Yes (both models).
The user manuals for these ranges explain in detail how to use the different oven modes.
Warranty
One year manufacturer warranty for one year from date of purchase.
Are Bosch Packages Available?
Yes. See Bosch packages at AJ Madison. Bosch range
Drawbacks of Bosch 800 Series and Benchmark Induction Ranges
Overall, we really like Bosch induction stoves, especially the Benchmark with its FlexInduction feature, and this is our number one pick for a 30-inch induction range. But no stove is perfect, and neither are these. Here are a few of the things we don't like about these ranges:
- The oven controls are on the front of the stove. The panel is angled, but it's still fairly vertical. This makes them harder to see close up (although easy to see from across the kitchen). You can also change settings inadvertently by leaning up against it if you don't use the panel lock (though we believe this issue has been fixed by Bosch).
- The digital controls can be hard to use if the cooktop or your fingers are wet.
- The oven, at 4.6 cu. ft., is smallish.
- Expensive: these ranges, especially the Benchmark, are at the top of the affordable luxury market, even for induction.
- Some people complain about too many beeps if the settings aren't locked.
Recommendation
If you're considering an induction range (and you should be if you have only an electrical hookup and no gas option), Bosch induction ranges are a good choice. Bosch offers a ton of features that are worth having without a lot of bells and whistles that won't do much for you.
We love its looks and really like the more expensive Benchmark option with the FlexInduction cooking zone--it doesn't get much more functional than that.
see the bosch benchmark induction range at home depot
SEE THE BOSCH 800 SERIES INDUCTION RANGE AT HOME DEPOT
see the bosch benchmark induction range at aj Madison
see the bosch 800 series induction range at aj madison
see bosch black stainless 800 series induction range at aj madison
Why Choose Induction Cooking?
This Bosch induction range review wouldn't be complete without a section on how induction cooking works...
Essentially, induction cooking is a magnetic process: each burner has a powerful magnet that only heats when in contact with another magnetic metal--this is why you need special induction-compatible cookware for use with an induction cooktop.
The electromagnet inside an induction burner.
Induction is more precise than both gas and conventional electric cooking. It boils water in about half the time of conventional electric cooktops. It also has very precise low temperature control and lightning-fast response time--faster even than gas cooktops.
Induction is also safer than both gas and conventional electric cooktops. Induction cooktops stay relatively cool (remember, only the pan gets hot), so they are much safer to work with. They also don't give off any dangerous fumes like gas flames do, keeping your kitchen safer (and also cleaner and cooler).
Also because of the cool surface, induction cooktops are easy to clean--no cooked on goop. Furthermore, and also because of the cool cooking surface, you can even cover the cooktop with newspaper or paper towels to soak up grease splatter, as shown in this short video (yep--while you're cooking):
What to Know Before You Buy
Even if you're primarily interested in the Bosch induction cooktop review, you still have to consider several things in order to buy wisely. To get the best induction stove for your needs, consider these things:
- Design--is this stove easy to use? Is this a stove you can love?
- Cooktop and oven features--know what's right for you. Does this stove fit my needs and cooking style? Some important considerations are burner power and layout, how the controls work, oven size, broiler power, safety features, and extras like convection, self-cleaning, and power boost. (Note: This Bosch has it all.)
- Electrical and Installation Requirements--understand what's involved in installing this stove in your kitchen. If you're not familiar with appliance installations, it's well worth the money to pay a professional installer.
What Is a Slide-In Range?
There are two types of ranges: freestanding and slide-in. The freestanding is finished on all sides, thus the name: it can stand on its own without countertop on both sides.
Freestanding stoves usually have controls in the back, are taller, and slightly deeper than slide-ins.
Slide-Ins have controls in the front and an overhanging cooktop for a more custom look.
The slide-in is meant to fit in a space between counters. It often does not have finished sides (although many brands do, or sell them as a separate kit for an additional cost).
Both types of stoves have approximately the same measurements. A 30-inch freestanding stove is interchangeable with a 30-inch slide-in stove. However, freestanding stoves usually have the controls on the back and are a couple of inches deeper than slide-ins, so sometimes extra trim is required if replacing a freestanding stove with a slide-in.
The Bosch range slide-ins are designed to fit in any 30-inch space without modification. They're as deep as freestanding stoves and don't typically require extra trim. However, this Bosch slide-in induction stove has a trim package available if needed. It also has side panels available so you can install it as a freestanding stove with exposed sides.
For more information, contact the manufacturer (Bosch-home.com).
see the Bosch Benchmark induction range at home depot
SEE THE BOSCH 800 SERIES INDUCTION RANGE AT HOME DEPOT
see bosch benchmark induction range at aj madison
see bosch stainless 800 series induction range at aj madison
see bosch black stainless 800 series induction range at aj madison
Final Thoughts on Bosch Induction Ranges
The Bosch slide-in induction range is a great stove with great looks, powerful features, and a well thought out design. It's made in the USA, which is another plus. It's at the very top of the affordable luxury category price, so a little pricey, even for induction. We prefer the Benchmark model with the FlexInduction burner, but it's about $700 more than the 800 Series.
Overall, the Bosch induction ranges get good reviews, with an average of about 4.7 out of 5 stars. There are some complaints about controls being hard to use when the cooktop or your fingers are wet, which is pretty normal for digital controls. Some people also dislike the burner layout. Other than, both the 800 Series and the Benchmark get great ratings from most customers.
Thanks for reading!
If you found this article helpful, please share:
I think you are using old photographs for your Benchmark Model (HIIP056). I own both the HIIP055 and the HIIP056. There is a significant difference in the front fascia piece between the two models.
Thanks Sandy. No doubt this article is due for an update!
Do you know the distance from the countertop to the bottom of the oven door handle? (We have a drawer that may run into it.
Sorry, we no longer have access to this range for testing. I suggest you get on the website of a nationwide appliance dealer like AJ Madison and get on the chat with an expert. They’ll want to sell you a stove, so they’ll get the answer for you. 🙂
Fantastic article, finally the right amount of detail and clearing up the lock problem on the front of the range… ordering mine now instead of the GE Cafe which seems to have too many poor reviews floating around it regarding its performance/warranty problems.
Thanks for the feedback! We’re so glad it was helpful!
There are not enough expletives to describe how I feel about this stove. The controls are way too sensitive – turning off the burners (and the timer!) when your sleeve glances over the top. Imagine having five items on the range top at various levels, and they all turn off at once. The people who designed this stove do not cook themselves.
Then there is the issue of the window getting filthy between the layers of glass, with the only way to clean it being to dismantle the whole front end.
This is the most expensive and the worst stove I have ever had.
Thanks for your input, Alma. Comments like yours are important for letting people know that not everyone had a positive experience with this range. I think Bosch fixed the sensitivity issue with the lock function to keep controls from inadvertently changing.
Front-control (slide-in) ranges often have problems like this. Maybe the Bosch is more sensitive than most but we didn’t notice it to be in testing. If you have an older model from before the fix, then there’s probably not anything you can do about it.
I have the same complaint about the sensitive controls I have not heard of a lock function to help with this can you explain where and how it works
Hi Darlene, If you have an older Bosch, you may not have the lock feature. If you have a newer one, then you should have it. (Sorry, we’re not sure when this was added.) You can start by checking your owner manual, and if that isn’t helpful, try calling the dealer you bought the range from. They should have this information. If your dealer can’t help you, then call one of the larger dealers that sell Bosch like AJ Madison. You should find somebody who has this information.
Sorry we couldn’t be of more help. Best of luck to you. –Melanie
I agree – my wife has issues with the oven turning off when someone goes near the panel.
Maybe this is a change since this was written My understanding is that the 800 does not have a telescoping oven rack, but Benchmark does. It is available as an extra for about $280. I would never have use for the Benchmark large flex-zone as a single zone, but would like if it could accommodate 3 small pans. From the text it almost seems like the left side is the equivalent of 3 or 4 zones. Yet the illustration looks like just 2 zones, with no heating between them???
Hi Patrick, This review is a couple of years old and we no longer have access to this range for testing, so I apologize but I can’t answer your question with any certainty. My suggestion is to look for YouTube videos on this model, or else call an appliance dealer and ask for this information; we have had good luck dealing with AJ Madison. https://www.ajmadison.com/
I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help.
My wife wants to send our 800 induction range back. She keeps hitting the front panel and turning off the oven which is very annoying. The cooktop controls are strange as is the arrangement of burners. If she could snap her fingers and make it disappear, she would do that. Sadly, we needed a slide-in range and it's one of the few with an overlapping top.
How does GE profile PHS930YPFS compare to
Bosch benchmark HIIP057U?
I am getting GE profile PHS930YPFS for about $3000 where as Bosch Benchmark HIIP057U is for $4100.
Thanks!
Hi SJ, I think you’ll be happy with the GE Profile. The things that stand out on the plus side is that it has a larger oven than the Bosch and the really cool finger swipe controls. They both have about the same burner power and they both have a bridge/sync burner feature, which is cool. Other than that, appliances are really a personal thing (quality being equal), but you picked the GE for a reason, right? Please be sure to buy an extended warranty, no matter what range you buy!
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