Forget Traditional Stoves - Meet The Surprising New Battery-Powered Alternative

When most of us picture a range, we think of two types: gas or electric. Both have been staples in kitchens for decades, and recently, induction ranges have become a sleeker, safer option. However, no matter which model you choose, they all have limitations. Gas stoves release emissions into your home, while traditional electric and induction models need a heavy-duty 240-volt outlet and a dedicated breaker — requiring either a three-pronged or four-pronged outlet. This often means costly wiring upgrades for many homeowners. The biggest problem of all is that these appliances become useless during a power outage, making the heart of the kitchen feel less reliable than we'd like. That's where Charlie, a new battery-powered induction range from Copper Home, comes in.

Charlie by Copper Home is a standard-sized range that, instead of relying solely on your home's electrical outlet for power, has a 5-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery inside. It plugs into a standard 120-volt, 15-amp outlet — the same type you use for your toaster. Once charged, the battery provides up to 10 kW of cooking power, enough to run all four burners and the oven at once.

As an induction range, Charlie also offers the benefits of cleaner cooking. Spills don't burn onto the surface because the glass cooktop only heats where the pan touches, making cleanup easier. And anyone who knows how to clean an induction stovetop knows it's much easier than gas or electric ranges. The Charlie brings all of the pros and none of the cons of induction range ovens. It isn't just a new appliance — it's a new take on everyday cooking.

Charlie's appeal goes beyond being the first battery-powered range. It addresses real-world problems. A standard induction range can be efficient, but it usually needs an expensive 240-volt connection. Whereas Charlie avoids this issue by using a standard 120-volt plug that most kitchens already have (it also has built-in overload protection). This is an advantage for those who can't upgrade because of the age of their home or their budget.

Another advantage of an on-board battery is that Charlie will function even during a power outage, as it can cook up to three to five meals on a single charge. This is a great feature for those who live in areas prone to storms or outages. This feature makes it an option for those looking for an off-grid range experience.  Also, the battery used in the Charlie was tested for fail-rate temperatures and passed with flying colors, if you were curious about the safety of a battery and high temperatures.

Performance-wise, Charlie is just as good as the top-of-the-line induction ranges on the market. Its oven is designed specifically for even heating and faster preheating times, comparable to other high-end induction models. Environmental factors also matter. By charging when energy is cheaper and cleaner, Charlie could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower your utility bills. Although the initial cost may be higher than a traditional range, buyers might qualify for a 30% federal tax credit because the unit includes a battery.

Upfront, the biggest drawback to Charlie is the price, a hefty $6000 to $7000, depending on the model you choose. That is significantly higher than most traditional ranges on the market. Even when you're weighing standard induction versus electric ranges, you don't see this kind of gap in cost versus features. While the possibility of a tax credit after purchase can help take some of the sting out of the cost, it's not really going to put that much of a dent.

Weight is another huge factor if you're considering buying the Charlie, literally. It weighs 354 pounds, including the 130-pound battery. This makes installation a bigger issue, especially if you have any stairs before getting to your kitchen. And if you live in an older home, getting it maneuvered into position may pose a problem. Currently, Copper Home only offers delivery and installation in a few major U.S. cities. And it really has us wondering how you clean behind and under this behemoth?

Then there are the drawbacks related to charging and the battery. On a standard home outlet, it takes three to four hours to charge to full capacity. Currently, Charlie's onboard system determines when to charge the battery, which defaults to times when energy is considered clean and inexpensive, according to the Copper Home website. While this might make sense from an environmental standpoint, it leaves homeowners not in control of their own appliance. As for the battery, the company claims that this type of battery has a 15-year lifespan under average use of the appliance. But after about 10 years, you could potentially see a reduction of up to 20% of the battery's capacity. There is also no warranty on the battery past the standard two-year warranty for parts.