This Sleek Battery-Powered Range Converted Me to Induction for Life

It can turn on even when the power’s out.
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When I first moved into my Hudson Valley Victorian six years ago, I wasn’t thrilled with having a gas range in the kitchen. The thought of gas leaks made me anxious, I hated that I was using even more fossil fuels, and they are so difficult to clean. But, I had been told by everyone I know that gas was the gold standard to cook with: better control, better heat, better food. I also didn’t have it in my budget to rework the electrical in my new house, or purchase a different range, so I kept it and moved on. 

Flash forward to this past winter, when my husband and I were discussing updates we wanted to do to the kitchen. Nothing crazy—backsplash, paint, hardware. But then we turned to the topic of, you guessed it, the oven. We’ve both grown to loathe it over the years, and not just because of the safety part, but the actual functionality. I’d never been able to master the temperature, it made our kitchen so hot that I limited cooking and baking in the summer months, and it’s tedious to clean. Not to mention, the appliance was already dated—a total eyesore. It was time to make the swap. 

We were drawn to induction ranges for several reasons: they’re easier to clean, temperature control is more precise, and they’re more energy efficient than a standard electric stove. During our search, we came upon the Charlie, Copper Home’s flagship product and first range to use a battery/electricity hybrid model. I knew I wanted to test one out to see what it was all about.

Charlie Induction Range

Copper Home

Charlie Induction Range, Stainless Steel

$5,999
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Copper Home

Charlie Induction Range, Azurite Blue

$6,899
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Copper Home

Charlie Induction Range, Sea Salt White

$6,899
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The Fresh Design

Charlie caught my eye immediately, thanks to wood accents and a soft serif font display. It’s a standout in the sea of cold, techy appliances—the overall vibe is classic and warm, yet modern. Charlie comes in three different colorways, including azurite blue, which offers character without being distracting; sea salt white, a warm modern take on the hue; and stainless steel, which blends seamlessly with other appliances. (There’s more on the horizon, from new colorways and special edition knobs to different sizing.)

I opted for the stainless steel to match my other appliances and also upgraded to the California Black Walnut knobs and handle (made from sustainably-sourced wood) which are a near-match for my butcher block countertops. I love that the burners and oven are still controlled by knobs, unlike many newer high-end appliances that rely on large display screens that can be difficult to navigate and quite messy while cooking, resulting in a user-friendly design with a little learning curve. When I spoke with Mitch Heinrich, Principle Designer at Copper, he put it this way: “People cook with their families and not with their phones.”

The Easy-as-Pie Install

The main question I had about converting from gas to electric was what the electrical requirements were. I had read that I would need to install a 240-volt outlet, which would require an electrician coming in and updating our electrical system. But this is where Charlie really stands out. Since the appliance is battery-assisted, it can use a standard outlet—no updates required—and still run just as effectively as a stove plugged into a 240-volt outlet. All I had to do was get the gas line capped and recess our existing outlet a bit so the range could slide in flush against the wall. 

Once it arrived, installation was super quick (average shipping timeline on the stainless steel model is four weeks). The team slid it in, hooked it up, and, after boiling a large pot of water to test that it worked and get us familiar with the functionality, we were on our way. 

The Powerhouse Functionality

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I’ve now lived in homes with gas, radiant electric, and induction electric ranges, and I can confidently say that cooking on induction has been the best by far. I’ve made succulent roast chicken, red sauce, cookies, and even peony syrup and it has all turned out beautifully. The temperature control is way better than the previous cooktops I’ve used, too, and keeps my kitchen much cooler while using. I was able to simmer and reduce the syrup without any concerns of burning; my previous gas range would overcook everything, even on the lowest setting. My cookies were all baked evenly, and the chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Another great feature: the turbo preheat. I timed it and it took 7 minutes and 23 seconds to preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  

The most innovative part? Charlie’s lithium ion battery—the same type used in high-end electric cars like Rivian—charges and stores energy to support the range while it cooks. The idea behind incorporating a battery, Heinrich told me, was to reduce carbon emissions and cap gas lines. It pulls power during non-peak hours so you save money and reduce the strain on the electric grid, and if the lights go down, the reserve can kick in and you can keep cooking for approximately three to four meals. For someone like me who experiences power outages fairly often during winter and summer storms, this was a huge draw.

My only snafu was around pots and pans; not all are created equal in the eyes of induction (aluminum, ceramic, and fully copper is not welcome). I learned the hard way when I tried to use a ceramic-coated saucepan and got an error message. This was clearly my bad as it’s one of the first things mentioned in the manual, and it applies to all induction cooktops, not just Charlie. Luckily, most of my cookware is compatible, but this is an important consideration when making the switch. Induction-compatible cookware must be magnetic on the bottom, so the best way to test if yours will work is to pop a magnet on it and see if it sticks. 

The Mid-Tier Price

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Starting at $5,999, the Charlie comes in at a higher price point than entry-level models from brands like LG and Frigidaire. But prices for induction ranges run the gamut, and some luxury brands like Viking or Bertazzoni go for upwards of $12,00. It may not be the right choice for outfitting a rental, but it’s all about your priorities. I didn’t have costly contractor and electrician bills for installation since it doesn’t require a specific outlet, and I was looking for the upgrade in style, performance, and innovation. It’s also the only product on the market that is battery-supported, so it will save me money on my electric bill since the backup charges in off-hours.

The Main Takeaways

Overall, I love the Charlie range. I’m a sucker for design, and I can’t get over all of the thoughtful details and charming silhouette. More than that, though, is how much I enjoy cooking on it. I feel more confident now that I can control the temperature and know my oven is baking evenly, and I feel so much better without any gas in my home. Yes, the glass top can get messy and shows dust, but it’s so easy to wipe down, and the sleek lines blend smoothly into my countertops compared to my former gas range. We’ve already agreed that if we ever move, we’re taking Charlie with us to our next house.

How I’ve Outfitted My Charlie

Made In

CeramiClad Non Stick Frying Pan Set

$447 $359
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Hawkins New York

Essential Footed Bowls

$150
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Williams Sonoma

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven

$445
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Food52

Holcomb Dripless Stainless-Steel Oil Can

$80
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Brit Ashcraft

Design Director

Brit Ashcraft is an award-winning creative director and graphic designer. She joined Domino in 2019, where she oversees all things design. She has over twelve years of experience working in branding, design, and marketing specializing in interiors, lifestyle, and real estate.


Belle Morizio Avatar

Belle Morizio

Staff Photographer & Assoc. Photo Editor

Belle is the in-house photographer and associate photo editor for Domino, capturing everything from home tours to gift guides, plus the occasional how-to project. She joined the photo team as an intern in 2018 and was brought on full time in January 2021.


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