Looking for a Bajaj induction cooktop, or simply trying to understand if induction is right for your Indian kitchen? This isn’t a spec sheet. This is a hands-on, comparative review where we’ve cooked daily meals on the Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 and put it head-to-head against models from Prestige and Havells. We’ll break down real heating speed, noise, safety, and long-term value to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Verdict: The Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 is a strong, value-focused workhorse. It excels in fast heating and basic durability but lags behind competitors in noise control and advanced features. It’s best for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize raw heating power over a refined cooking experience.

---

Part 1: Hands-On Testing – The Daily Cooking Experience

We used the Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 (a popular 2000W model) as a primary cooking appliance for two weeks, focusing on typical Indian cooking tasks.

1. Heating Speed & Power (The Biggest Strength):

• Test: Boiling 1 liter of water from room temperature.

• Result: 3 minutes 45 seconds on the highest setting (Power 10, 2000W). This is impressively fast and on par with, or slightly faster than, most gas burners.

• Real Cooking Insight: It shines for tasks requiring quick, high heat—bringing dal to a boil, deep frying puris, or making a tadka. The power is immediate and feels more direct than coil-based electric stoves.

2. Noise Levels (The Notable Weakness):

• The Fan Noise: All induction cooktops have an internal cooling fan. On the Bajaj, this fan is noticeably louder than on the tested Prestige (PIC 20.0) and Havells (InstaCook) models, especially at high power for extended periods (over 10 minutes).

• The Humming Sound: With compatible cookware (a flat-bottomed stainless steel kadai), there’s a constant low electrical hum during operation. This is normal for induction but was slightly more pronounced here.

• Verdict: If you have an open kitchen or are sensitive to ambient noise, this is a significant factor to consider. It’s not disruptive for short tasks but can be annoying during long, slow cooking sessions.

3. Safety & Usability Features (Solid but Basic):

• Auto Shut-off: Works reliably after 10 seconds if no compatible cookware is detected, and after a few hours of continuous operation (a standard safety feature).

• Child Lock: Simple to activate (hold the power button). Effective.

• The “Cool-to-Touch” Claim: Mostly true, but with a caveat. The glass surface cools down much faster than an electric coil, but the area directly under the pot retains residual heat from the pot itself for several minutes. You can touch the surrounding glass, but never assume the entire surface is instantly cool.

• Missing Feature: It lacks a residual heat indicator light (found on many Prestige and Havells models), which is a helpful visual cue that a zone is still hot from previous use.

---

Part 2: Brand Showdown: Bajaj vs. Prestige vs. Havells

Where does Bajaj stand in the market? This comparison clarifies the trade-offs.

The Core Trade-Off: You are often choosing between Bajaj’s raw power-per-rupee and the refined user experience (quieter, more features) of Prestige or Havells for a higher price.

---

Part 3: Long-Term Considerations: Durability & True Power Cost

Durability & Warranty:

• Glass Surface: The ceramic glass is scratch-resistant but not indestructible. Avoid sliding pots, dropping heavy utensils, or using abrasive cleaners. Bajaj’s glass is of standard quality; Prestige often markets “German Schott Ceran” glass for higher durability.

• Internal Electronics: The primary long-term risk is fan failure or electronic board issues. Bajaj offers a standard 2-year warranty (check model). Prestige and Havells sometimes offer extended warranties (up to 5 years on the glass), which is a major plus.

• Verdict: With careful use (no impacts, gentle cleaning), a Bajaj cooktop should last 5+ years. The lack of moving parts (compared to gas) aids longevity.

Actual Power Consumption & Cost:

• The Myth of “High Electricity Bill”: Induction is extremely efficient (80-90% of energy heats the pot, vs. 40-55% for gas). It uses more power (Watts) but far less energy (units) for the same task.

• Real-World Calculation:

  • Let’s say you use a 2000W Bajaj cooktop on full power for 1 hour total per day.

  • Units consumed: 2000W = 2 kW. 2 kW * 1 hour = 2 units per day.

  • Monthly Cost (at ₹8/unit): 2 units * 30 days * ₹8 = ₹480 per month.

  • Reality Check: You rarely use full power for a full hour. Simmering uses 500-1000W. Actual monthly cost for moderate cooking is likely ₹200 – ₹350, which is often less than or comparable to a gas cylinder, especially with rising LPG prices.

---

Part 4: Final Recommendation & Who Should Buy It

✅ Buy the Bajaj Induction Cooktop IF:

1. Your primary goal is to save on upfront cost without sacrificing heating speed.

2. You have a separate kitchen or aren’t bothered by fan noise.

3. You need a powerful, secondary cooking appliance for quick tasks or as a gas backup.

4. You are a first-time induction buyer wanting to try the technology with minimal investment.

❌ Consider Prestige or Havells INSTEAD IF:

1. Your kitchen is part of your living area and noise is a major concern.

2. You want convenience features like auto-cook presets for rice or curry.

3. You value long-term warranty coverage and perceived build quality.

4. Your daily cooking involves long simmering sessions where quieter operation improves comfort.

The Bottom Line: The Bajaj induction cooktop is the practical, no-frills champion of budget performance. It proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get the core benefits of induction cooking—speed, efficiency, and safety. However, spending ₹1,000-₹2,000 more on a Prestige or Havells model buys you a significantly more pleasant and feature-rich daily user experience. Choose based on your priority: maximum power on a budget or a refined kitchen appliance.