This is an incredible bargain compared to high-end name-brand. It works almost as well (read on) at a small fraction of the price.
At first glance, there appear to be only 9 power levels, not 17. The instruction manual is rather cryptic, saying press a number twice, and again to return to the previous level. What it means is that there are two power levels associated with each number. A decimal point is displayed next to the number to indicate you are getting the higher-level power for that same number. (Meaning "1", and "1.5", and so on.) It toggles back and forth between Low and High for each number as you press the number repeatedly.
With my cookware, I have found that level 1 will raise water to 148 degrees, level 1.5 gets to 170, but perversely, when the water is already 210 (level 2), I can turn it down to 1.5 and the water stays at 210. Possibly an artifact of the conductivity in my specific pans. When the pan is hot, it takes less power to keep it hot. So don't count on my temperatures for your pans. Do run your own tests before cooking that lobster in butter.
This cooker also uses cyclic energy bursts to achieve lower heat levels, which is less compatible with some foods than the more expensive cookers. For example, level 1 turns the power on for a few seconds, then off for a few more seconds, repeat. Depending on the specific pan used, the surface temperature of the pan may vary more or less widely during these power boosts. So you can't melt chocolate directly on the pan because it will get too hot during the ON cycle, You have to use a water bath, or some other damping mechanism. That said, it works adequately, and for the price, you can adjust your cooking style to adapt. (or you can spend five or six times as much and get a high-end name-brand.)
If this is your first Induction cooker, be aware that the top-of-the-line induction cookers are easier to cook on, and do a better job than radiant electric or gas. I still like it better than my gas stove, and it's so easy to clean compared to either gas or electric radiant--the surface never gets hotter than the bottom of the pan, and doesn't stay hot very long. Virtually no chance of a fire with induction cookers. This one is far more powerful than the 120 v 2-burner units you may be comparing. This one is a smart, economical choice; only less than perfect at lower temperatures.
Susan Cox
glenayre