Why do so many induction cooktops have low power settings that cycle on and off?

Most affordable portable induction units don't deliver true continuous low power; instead they pulse the full coil on and off to average out a lower heat level. This can cause uneven simmering and is a common complaint in this category. Units marketed on 'precise temperature control' with many discrete settings aim to reduce this, but few in this pool had independent testing to verify how well they manage it.