Two Months With Beyond Appliances Solaria Smart Glass Cooktop: Is It Worth The Upgrade?

My old cooktop had seen better days. Ever since I converted our LPG stove to PNG, the ignition became temperamental, the burners uneven, and every meal felt like a small battle. So, when I decided to upgrade, I wanted something that wasn't just functional but genuinely made cooking easier and safer. Our checklist was clear: PNG compatibility, four burners so I could cook breakfast and lunch simultaneously on busy mornings, a black glass top, auto ignition because I hate hunting for a lighter every time, and all under ₹15,000. After a fair bit of research and a few recommendations, I landed on the Beyond Appliances Solaria Premium 4 Burner Smart Glass Cooktop on Amazon. It promised smart features, safety mechanisms, and a design that looked like it belonged in a glossy kitchen magazine. But did it live up to the hype? Here's what two months of daily use taught me.

A smart timer adds convenience for busy households.
Photo Credit: Amazon

The Buying Decision

I wasn't looking for bells and whistles for the sake of it. What mattered was reliability, ease of use, safety and sticking to our budget. Solaria ticked those boxes on paper: auto ignition, digital timer, flame failure device, and full brass burners. The idea of a cooktop that could switch off the gas automatically when the timer ran out sounded almost futuristic. Add to that the promise of 70% thermal efficiency and ISI certification, and it seemed like a solid choice.

I also compared it with a few other models in the same price bracket, but most lacked either the timer or the flame failure device. Those two features were non-negotiable for me, given how often I multitask in the kitchen amidst my online meetings.

Also Read: Top 5 Four-Burner Automatic Cooktops Under ₹15,000 For Stylish And Efficient Indian Kitchens.

Unboxing And Installation

When the big and heavy box arrived days after ordering. The first thing that struck us was how sleek it looked. The 8mm toughened glass top gleamed under the kitchen lights, and the steel supports felt reassuringly sturdy. It looked like something you'd see in a modern show kitchen. But here's something you need to know before buying: it's broader than most standard cooktops. In our case, it fit the slab, but then it does not leave the space to chop last-minute garlic and chillis for tadka. There was no extra counter space left on either side (horizontally), which might be a deal-breaker for smaller kitchens. If you're considering this model, measure your slab twice before you order.

Installation was smooth, and the auto ignition worked perfectly from day one. No more fumbling with matchsticks or lighters, a small convenience that quickly becomes indispensable. The technician also explained how to switch between LPG and PNG, which is handy if you plan to change fuel types later.

Living With Solaria: Two Months Later

Auto ignition makes cooking faster and hassle-free.
Photo Credit: Amazon

The honeymoon phase lasted well beyond the first week. Cooking on Solaria feels effortless. The full brass burners deliver consistent heat, and the 5D flame technology ensures even cooking. Whether it was a slow-simmered curry or a quick stir-fry, the results were spot-on. I even noticed a slight dip in gas consumption, which backs up the brand's claim of better thermal efficiency.

The smart timer turned out to be a feature I never asked for, but it made my life easier than ever. Set the time, start cooking, and walk away. The hob switches off automatically when the timer runs out. For busy mornings or multitasking evenings, this feature is worth its weight in gold. It's not complicated to use, though it does take a day or two to get the hang of it. I used it for boiling pasta and even slow-cooking black gram, and it worked flawlessly every time.

Safety-wise, the Flame Failure Device (FFD) is reassuring. I tested it by simulating a flame-out scenario, and the gas supply cut off instantly. It's one of those features you hope never to need, but you're glad it's there. Combined with the ISI certification, it gives you confidence that the product meets stringent safety standards.

Cleaning is easy thanks to the spill tray and smooth glass surface. A quick wipe-down keeps it looking pristine, though fingerprints do show up on the glossy finish. If you're particular about aesthetics, keep a microfibre cloth handy. The steel supports are also easy to remove and clean, which is a blessing after a heavy cooking session.

I also appreciated the spacious design during busy morning cooking marathons. Four burners running simultaneously without pans clashing is a luxury I didn't know I needed. It made preparing elaborate meals far less stressful.

The Good Stuff

Toughened glass enhances durability and style.
Photo Credit: Amazon

• Auto Ignition: Works flawlessly every time.
• Smart Timer: Truly useful, not just a gimmick.
• Safety Features: FFD adds peace of mind.
• Build Quality: Toughened glass and sturdy supports inspire confidence.
• Spacious Design: Four burners without pans clashing.
• Fuel Flexibility: LPG and PNG compatibility is a plus.

The Annoying Bit

The size. It's great for cooking multiple dishes at once, but if your kitchen slab is on the smaller side, you might struggle. Also, while the timer is brilliant, it's a feature you'll need to learn to use properly. Another minor gripe: the glossy glass, while beautiful, does demand regular cleaning to keep it looking showroom-fresh.

After two months, the Beyond Appliances Solaria Premium 4 Burner Smart Glass Cooktop feels like a worthy upgrade. It combines style, safety, and smart functionality in a way that genuinely improves the cooking experience. If you have the counter space to accommodate its generous dimensions, this is an excellent investment for anyone who values convenience and performance. I would recommend it for families, avid home cooks, and anyone who wants a modern kitchen upgrade.

Top Beyond Appliances Cooktops And Hobtops Worth Your Attention

1. Beyond Appliances Auriga 4 Burner Smart Glass Gas Stove 

2. Beyond Appliances Zyra 4 Burner Smart Glass Hobtop Gas Stove

3. Beyond Appliances Altair 4 Burner Smart Glass Hobtop Gas Stove

4. Beyond Appliances Dorado 4 Burner Smart Glass Hobtop Gas Stove 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a smart glass cooktop, and how does it differ from a regular gas stove?

A smart glass cooktop combines modern design with features such as auto ignition, digital timers, and safety devices, providing a more convenient cooking experience.

2. Is a cooktop with a flame failure device safer than traditional models?

Yes, it automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents.

3. Do toughened glass cooktops crack easily under high heat?

Quality toughened glass is designed to withstand high temperatures and daily cooking, provided it's used as per guidelines.

4. Can I use LPG and PNG on the same cooktop?

Many modern cooktops are dual-fuel compatible, allowing you to switch between LPG and PNG with minimal adjustments.

5. Does a digital timer on a cooktop really help?

Absolutely. It lets you set cooking time and automatically turns off the gas, preventing overcooking and saving energy.