The invisible induction cooktop for seamless kitchen design

Seen in world-class restaurants across the globe, the TPB tech invisible induction cooktop offers versatile and stylish countertops that are perfectly suited for all kinds of homes. From classic to contemporary, the benchtops can be customised to match any decor, while being durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain – the ideal option for homeowners looking to take their kitchens to the next level. The concept makes cutting, cooking, eating and enjoying the countertop possible at the same time, harmonising culinary enjoyment with entertainment and functionality.

“It’s a game changer,” says Tina Baroutsos, national sales manager at Universal Granite, New Zealand’s exclusive stockists of TPB tech. “The surface can even be used as a dining room table –  you can cook and eat from the same tabletop because it’s easy to maintain.

“It’s compact and self-contained and designed to be installed underneath the surfaces. It’s all in one – you don’t have to go out and choose a different bench top or hob, it comes pre-fabricated as one unit, making it a space-saving solution for anybody considering their options.”

Due to thermal expansion, typical porcelain tile can break with sudden temperature changes. However, TPB tech solves this problem with its patent for the material TPB Top Porzelanik Barcelona – a multilayer material composed of porcelain, aluminium, Bakelite and another layer of aluminium that withstands high temperatures, allowing it to be used as a cooktop. 

“The first layer is the porcelain layer, which can be customised with the different colour options. Underneath this is the aluminium layer. This is what dissipates the heat and prevents breakages,” says Baroutsos. 

This is followed by the layer of Bakelite which has holes in the composition, followed by another layer of aluminium.

TPB tech in New Zealand is available in nine colours, allowing you to choose the best benchtop for your space. There are also custom-made choices with a variety of dimensions, configurations and designs to pick from. The cooktop comes in basic 700mm, 900mm and 1200mm width sizes.

“You can also match the rest of your kitchen using the same porcelain – the porcelain slabs are 3200x1600mm; you can select your benchtop colour and then match your backsplash, scullery bench and any other surfaces with the same colour so that there’s continuity throughout the kitchen,” says Baroutsos.

“The porcelain slabs are 3200x1600mm, so anything within that range of sizing you can then customise. This is all done overseas in Spain and then shipped to us.”

The underbench hobs are available in various sizes and their placement on the bench can also be customised to suit how you cook. 

As well as the sleek aesthetic TPB tech creates in any kitchen, its innovative design also ticks the boxes for energy efficiency, safety, maintenance and more.

• Cooking with TPB tech can reduce energy output by about 50 per cent thanks to its maximum output of 172 watts p/h. 
• TPB tech's integrated induction hobs reduce cooking and frying time by heating the cookware, not the cooktop. “Because of the innovation of the TPB tech pans, it also cools down up to 70 per cent faster than other induction hobs,” says Baroutsos.
• Spilled food burns slower and there are no grates or glass edges to clean.
• The surface allows for easy heat and safety control. Feel safer with less chance of burns since the benchtop does not heat up and the induction field temperature is limited to 80–150ºC.
• Touch-sensitive controls are built into the cooktop’s surface.

TPB tech utilises specially cast aluminium pans with Teflon feet (rises) on the bottom. This provides a gap between the cookware and the surface, reducing the amount of heat that remains on the benchtop after cooking. This has the benefit of preventing food residue from clinging to the bottom of the pan when spilt and allows the surface temperature to remain low, decreasing the risk of burns.

Other types of induction cookware can be used using elevation components, which are available when purchasing TPB tech cooktops.

With a TPB tech unit set up and ready to test with your cookware and ingredients at Universal Granite’s Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch showrooms, it’s easy to experience what using the technology will be like in your home. 

“I encourage people to arrange a time with us to come in and test the product,” says Baroutsos. “Design professionals should also come in and test it. They should also be mindful that the porcelain is available in 12mm and 20mm thicknesses.”

To learn more about TPB tech and discover the colour options unique to New Zealand, get in touch with Universal Granite.

TPB tech is a registered trademark.