Stoves are disappearing on the Kitchen and Bathtub Trade Present, at the very least 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 completely purposeful induction cooktop.
We noticed the stovetop in motion. Nicely, form of. The pot of water sitting atop the counter gave the impression to be boiling with a gradual movement 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 gadget sitting contained in the pot.
You virtually received us, SKS. Nonetheless, we’ve questions…
This hidden induction range idea, unveiled at KBIS 2026, turns an atypical countertop right into a stovetop.
How will it work?
Reasonably merely. Induction heating components are put in underneath the countertop floor so you’ll be able to boil, simmer and sauté proper there. Warmth is transferred via the countertop floor and to the cookware above. Dials are mounted on the entrance of the unit, permitting management. It is stunning, leaving clear traces throughout the counter and including worthwhile countertop prep house. It additionally seems like it will be a dream to scrub. However how might one thing so inconspicuous and so sizzling not trigger untold quantities of third-degree burns?
The apparent security query
There are apparent security questions and considerations a couple of product like this one.
The idea, as cool as it’s, raised eyebrows but in addition some severe security considerations. Michael Magmani, the model’s director of product technique, was giving the pitch to the media and conference visitors, explaining how this fascinating idea range works in observe.
In keeping with Magmani, the distinctive options of induction heating allow this idea to work successfully with out changing into a burn hazard. Induction transfers warmth on to the cookware, to not the cooktop floor. “There’s normally a little bit of residual warmth,” he explains, “however not something near a conventional glass high or the cast-iron grates that hover over gasoline burners. Induction warmth additionally cools down a lot sooner than different types.”
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 sizzling, although they weren’t working once we noticed the range on the showroom flooring. Reps from the model had the boiling pot nicely guarded, and visitors 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 relating to the countertop materials. In keeping with Magmani, who walked us via the first-of-its-kind stovetop, “Ceramic porcelain makes essentially 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 concept it may 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 under, although the specifics of the problem have been unclear.
For now, the hidden induction cooktop continues to be in idea, with solely a sneaky smoke-and-mirrors model obtainable to see on the KBIS showroom flooring. The stovetop is probably going a couple of years from coming to market, Magmani informed us, however SKS engineers and product groups are “full-steam forward.”
