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Best Portable Induction Cooktops

Updated May 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop  (9600LS)
Duxtop
Portable Induction Cooktop (9600LS)
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Child Safety
Bottom Line

This cooktop features a speedy Fast Boil button and a lock system for children.

Pros

Boasts 1,800 watts to heat quickly. Temperatures up to 460 degrees. Digital LCD sensor-touch control panel. Child safety lock system. Fast Boil and Keep Warm buttons. Built-in digital timer. Auto-pan detection shuts unit off after 1 minute.

Cons

Top is slick, so keep an eye on your pans. Temperature controls are challenging.

Best Bang for the Buck
NuWave PIC FLEX Precision Induction Cooktop
NuWave
PIC FLEX Precision Induction Cooktop
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Adjustable Wattage
Bottom Line

A compact and easily portable induction cooktop that boasts switchable wattage.

Pros

Wide temperature range from 100 to 500 degrees F can be set in 5-degree increments. Three settings from 600 W to 1300 W for limited power situations like campers and RVS. Offers 100 hours of programmable memory and a delay cook function.

Cons

Has a fan, which can be a little loud.

Aobosi Induction Hob
Aobosi
Induction Hob
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This straightforward induction cooktop has all of the essential functions.

Pros

Lightweight for use outdoors. Gets hot very quickly. Nine different power levels. Ten temperature ranges up to 464 degrees. Built-in timer. Auto shutoff after 3 hours. Good for use with cast iron.

Cons

Only works with magnetic or cast-iron cookware.

iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop
iSiLER
Portable Induction Cooktop
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This clean-looking hotplate has 18 power levels and 17 temperature levels.

Pros

Can easily be stored away. Goes up to 460 degrees with 20-degree jumps. Quick to heat up and also adjusts temperature easily. Surface glass is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Large buttons on the interface.

Cons

Only works with certain kinds of pans.

Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop
Duxtop
LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop
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Safety Features
Bottom Line

This dual-burner induction hot plate has a flexible design and electrical load balancing.

Pros

Flexible double-burner design. The 1800-watt induction cooktop is safe and easy to clean. Digital controls with bright LCD display. Child safety lock secures burners. Designed to avoid electrical overloads.

Cons

Not compatible with some cookware.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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Consumers
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Buying guide for best portable induction cooktops

Induction cooktops have become all the rage in recent years. That’s probably because they heat up more quickly than other types of cooktops, which can not only help you get meals on the table faster but reduce your energy bills, too. If you’re not ready to upgrade to a new stove, a portable induction cooktop is an ideal alternative.

An induction cooktop uses magnetic induction to transfer electric currents that directly heat pots and pans. That allows the burner(s) to heat almost instantly for quick, efficient cooking. The cooktop fits on the countertop and plugs into a standard wall outlet. It’s a perfect option if you want to use induction cooking in your kitchen but don’t want to invest in a full-size cooktop or if you want to cook in a location that doesn’t have a stove, such as an office break room.

With our buying guide, you’ll have all the tips you need to find an excellent portable induction cooktop for your kitchen. We’ve even included some product recommendations if you really want to take all the stress out of shopping.

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Portable induction cooktops can convert up to 90% of their electrical energy to heat, making them an energy-efficient option for your kitchen.

Key considerations

Size

When you’re shopping for a portable induction cooktop, size is a crucial factor. You want to be sure that the cooktop will fit on your countertop or other work surface and that it’s compact enough to be easy to move. Most of these cooktops measure 11 to 14 inches long and 14 to 24 inches wide. Keep in mind that a larger portable induction cooktop may be bulkier to carry, but most of them offer more cooking zones.

Cooking zones

  • Number: Most portable induction cooktops have a single cooking zone, or “burner,” which allows you to place one pot or pan on the cooktop at a time. However, you can find some portable models that have two cooking zones, so you’re able to cook with two pots or pans at once. A two-zone cooktop is larger and requires more countertop space, but it allows you to prepare a meal more quickly.

  • Size: For a portable induction cooktop to be useful, it must accommodate the pots and pans you use most often. If the pot is too large for the cooking zones on the cooktop, it won’t heat properly. Check each cooktop’s product specifications to determine the size of the cooking zone and verify that the pots you plan to use on it will fit.

Portable induction cooktop features

Temperatures

To make sure that you’re able to cook a wide range of recipes, it’s important to choose a portable induction cooktop with a variety of temperature settings. Instead of basic low, medium, and high, many portable induction cooktops allow you to see a specific temperature for more precise cooking. Most models offer a temperature range of 100°F to 475°F. However, some models simply offer from 6 to 20 numbered heat levels from low to high heat, so you can’t precisely set the cooking temperature.

Digital display/controls

Some portable induction cooktops are controlled manually with dials or knobs. Many high-end models offer digital controls with an LCD display for the most user-friendly operation. Many cooktops with digital controls provide a built-in timer, too.

Preset functions

For fuss-free cooking, choose a portable induction cooktop with preset cooking functions. These typically cover the basic cooking tasks, such as boiling, browning, or frying, and take the guesswork out of choosing the right temperature for the most efficient cooking.

Automatic functions

  • Pan detection: For safety reasons, many portable induction cooktops have an automatic pan detection feature. If there isn’t a pan on the cooktop, the appliance automatically turns itself off, so you never have to worry about starting a fire or wasting electricity.

  • Shutoff: Some portable induction cooktops automatically turn off when the maximum temperature is reached to prevent pots from burning or boiling over.

Safety lock

If you have small children in your home, it’s a good idea to choose a portable induction cooktop with a safety lock. When the lock is engaged, children can’t turn the cooktop on and risk injury.

Portable induction cooktop prices

Portable induction cooktops vary in price based on the number of cooking zones and the special features included. Most models range from $40 to $260.

Inexpensive: The most affordable cooktops have a single cooking zone. They may or may not have digital controls, but they don’t offer many special features. These typically cost between $40 and $75.

Mid-range: These cooktops usually have a single cooking zone and digital controls. They usually offer a variety of special features, such as automatic pan detection and shutoff and a safety lock. These typically range from $75 to $127.

Expensive: The most expensive cooktops have two cooking zones and digital controls. They offer a variety of special features, such as automatic pan detection and shutoff and a safety lock. These typically cost between $127 and $260.

Tips

  • Use steel or iron cookware. Because portable induction cooktops utilize magnetic induction to heat up, you must use pots and pans made of magnetic materials on them. Cast iron and some stainless steel cookware are good options, but glass, copper, and aluminum are not. If you’re not sure whether a pot or pan would work with your portable induction cooktop, hold a magnet against the bottom of the cookware. If the magnet sticks to the cookware, you can use it on your cooktop.

  • Monitor cooking times. A portable induction cooktop tends to cook more quickly than traditional cooktops, so you might need to reduce your cooking time for some recipes.

  • Clean your cooktop carefully. Always turn off your cooktop before cleaning it. Clean up spills as soon as possible. Baked on messes are more difficult to remove. Make sure to use a product specifically meant for cleaning induction cooktops to prevent damage.

  • Take care using the cooktop. The surface of a portable induction cooktop can crack, so be careful when handling heavy objects over it.
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On average, it takes 25% to 50% less time to heat food on an induction cooktop.

FAQ

Q. Is a portable induction cooktop safe to use?

A. If used properly, a portable induction cooktop is perfectly safe to use. It uses electricity like many household appliances, so it’s a potential fire hazard if left on or unattended. Always keep an eye on your cooktop when you’re heating food, and don’t leave the appliance on after you’ve removed the pot or pan.

Q. Does a portable induction cooktop use a lot of energy?

A. A portable induction cooktop doesn’t use as much energy as other portable cooking appliances like a hot plate, toaster oven, or indoor grill. That’s because they’re able to cook more quickly than other appliances, so you don’t need to leave the cooktop on for as long as you might with other appliances.

Q. Can I use a portable induction cooktop on camping trips?

A. You can bring a portable induction cooktop with you on camping trips as long as you’re visiting a campsite that has electricity or you have a portable generator. The cooktop must be plugged into a standard outlet for operation.