iBELL 20YO 2000W Induction Cooktop Review: Companion for LPG stoves?

Pros & Cons

Detailed Review

First Impressions

When the iBELL 20YO arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how compact and lightweight it felt. The black crystal glass surface looks pretty sleek for this price point, and honestly, it doesn’t scream “budget product” like some competitors do. The packaging was decent with proper thermocol protection, which matters if you’re ordering online during monsoon season.

How I Tested This

I used this cooktop for three weeks straight in my Pune apartment, replacing my regular gas stove for most meals. Here’s what I put it through: daily chai (at least 4 cups), pressure cooking dal and rajma, making rotis on a tawa, frying pakoras during evening rain, and boiling pasta for the kids. I specifically tested it during a power fluctuation evening to check the auto shut-off feature, and yes, it works.

Performance

The 2000W power is genuinely sufficient for a typical Indian household. Water boils faster than my 3-burner gas stove, which was a nice surprise. The preset cooking modes are hit or miss though. The “Dosa” mode works great, but the “Roti” setting runs too hot initially. I ended up using manual temperature control most of the time.

The touch panel is responsive but not as smooth as my cousin’s Prestige model. Sometimes you need to press twice, especially with wet fingers. The display is clear and readable even in bright kitchen light.

One thing that annoyed me initially – the beeping sound every time you touch a button. There’s no way to turn it off, and it gets on your nerves during early morning cooking when everyone’s sleeping.

Build Quality Concerns

The crystal glass surface scratched slightly after using my heavy cast iron kadai. If you’re using induction-compatible cookware with rough bottoms, be careful. The rubber feet underneath are good quality though, no slipping on my granite countertop.

Value for Money

At under ₹2,500, this is a solid backup cooktop or a primary option for PG rooms and small kitchens. Amazon reviews mention some units dying after 8-10 months, but the 1+1 year warranty (1 year standard + 1 year extended on registration) gives some peace of mind. I checked Flipkart reviews too – similar mixed feedback about long-term durability.

The power cord is a decent length, about 1.5 meters, which worked fine for my kitchen setup. Energy consumption felt lower than my expectations based on the electricity bill comparison.

Score Breakdown

Key Specifications

Our Verdict