Induction cooktops outperform gas and radiant-electric options in almost every way: they’re more precise at low temps, heat up faster, stay cooler and cleaner, and are more affordable than ever. However, their need for a 240-volt outlet makes installation costly and impractical for many households, especially in older homes or apartments.
To solve this, startups like Copper and Impulse Labs are developing battery-assisted induction ranges that plug into standard outlets. The first of these, the $6,000 Copper Charlie stove, launched in late 2024, offering a promising solution to this barrier.
Copper Home Charlie
A full-size induction range that plugs in anywhere
The only battery-assisted induction range, this sleek 30-inch model runs on a 120-volt outlet, is powerful, stylish, and enjoyable to use—but it’s pricey, and both the technology and company are still new.
How the Charlie works
The 30-inch Charlie range features a rechargeable LFP battery, similar to those in modern electric cars like Tesla, stored where traditional ranges have a storage drawer, according to Copper CEO Sam Calisch.
The Charlie range’s LFP battery charges throughout the day, even during use, storing power to match a 240-volt stove’s performance. It supports typical all-day cooking and, during power outages, can cook 3–4 family meals, with a display panel showing battery levels if they drop below 30%.
How I tested
I tested the Charlie range by simmering marinara sauce for low-temp consistency, searing proteins for high heat, boiling 10 cups of water to assess speed and even heating, and using multiple elements to evaluate performance under heavy loads.
The Charlie has lots of other nice features, too
The Charlie range isn’t just about the battery; it’s also much quieter than typical induction cooktops. Unlike others, it doesn’t hum when using tri-ply cookware. This is because its battery provides direct current (DC), avoiding the vibrations and noise caused by alternating current (AC) from outlets.
The Charlie range features sturdy, easy-to-use knobs instead of a touchscreen, a preference for many cooks. It comes in three stylish finishes—stainless steel, bright blue, and white—with an optional $400 upgrade to black-walnut handles and knobs for a distinctive, grippy, fingerprint-resistant touch. Thoughtfully designed with input from chef Samin Nosrat, its stainless steel lip extends over the knobs for protection and extra workspace.
The Charlie range features a clear, modern display for oven and cooktop settings, with a red LED strip on each element indicating heat level. It offers 21 heat settings per element for precise cooking. The symmetrical cooktop, with evenly spaced elements in a familiar grid layout, avoids the crowding common in other induction designs.
The Charlie’s 7.9-inch induction elements fit most cookware, automatically adjusting to smaller pans, though heat may drop slightly at the edges of pans over 8 inches, especially tri-ply ones. It’s Wi-Fi–enabled for automatic firmware updates, potentially adding features like air-fry mode. The battery charges during off-peak electricity hours automatically, without requiring user setup.
