Stoves are disappearing on the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, no less than to the bare eye. A brand new range idea from SKS, dubbed the “Hidden Induction Range,” debuted right here at KBIS in Orlando, Florida, and transforms an on a regular basis stone countertop into a totally useful induction cooktop.
We noticed the stovetop in motion. Effectively, type of. The pot of water sitting atop the counter gave the impression to be boiling with a gentle move of steam rising from inside — no signal of an precise stovetop. Additional inspection revealed that the range wasn’t on and the steam was being produced by a small system sitting contained in the pot.
You virtually received us, SKS. Nonetheless, we’ve got questions…
This hidden induction range idea, unveiled at KBIS 2026, turns an bizarre countertop right into a stovetop.
How will it work?
Somewhat merely. Induction heating parts are put in underneath the countertop floor so you possibly can boil, simmer and sauté proper there. Warmth is transferred by way of the countertop floor and to the cookware above. Dials are mounted on the entrance of the unit, permitting management. It is stunning, leaving clear strains throughout the counter and including worthwhile countertop prep area. It additionally seems to be like it will be a dream to scrub. However how might one thing so inconspicuous and so scorching not trigger untold quantities of third-degree burns?
The apparent security query
There are apparent security questions and issues a few product like this one.
The idea, as cool as it’s, raised eyebrows but in addition some severe security issues. Michael Magmani, the model’s director of product technique, was giving the pitch to the media and conference friends, explaining how this fascinating idea range works in follow.
In response to Magmani, the distinctive options of induction heating allow this idea to work successfully with out turning into a burn hazard. Induction transfers warmth on to the cookware, to not the cooktop floor. “There’s often a little bit of residual warmth,” he explains, “however not something near a standard glass high or the cast-iron grates that hover over gasoline burners. Induction warmth additionally cools down a lot quicker than different varieties.”
One other burning (sorry) query we had was how the range communicates whether or not the warmth is on. Small indicator lights on the countertop are supposed to present when a burner is on or scorching, although they weren’t working after we noticed the range on the showroom ground. Reps from the model had the boiling pot nicely guarded, and friends have been requested to not get too shut.
The kind of countertop used is essential
The kind of countertop materials used is essential for the idea range to operate.
There are cautious issues to be made concerning the countertop materials. In response to Magmani, who walked us by way of the first-of-its-kind stovetop, “Ceramic porcelain makes probably the most sense for a number of causes, together with correct conduction, materials density and the truth that it is one of many extra scratch-resistant countertop surfaces.”
It is also nonporous, so in idea it will possibly higher stand up to the inevitable hot-food spills and fixed cleansing.
Whereas the promise of a hidden cooktop is compelling, it leaves us with some unanswered questions, and we weren’t allowed close to the “burner” throughout the second tour of the sales space. Technicians have been busy fixing an issue beneath, although the specifics of the difficulty have been unclear.
For now, the hidden induction cooktop remains to be in idea, with solely a sneaky smoke-and-mirrors model obtainable to see on the KBIS showroom ground. The stovetop is probably going a number of years from coming to market, Magmani advised us, however SKS engineers and product groups are “full-steam forward.”
