Very few of 5% of US homes with induction stoves have portable cooktops. But these lightweight and compact hobs let you simmer, sauté, and stir-fry virtually anywhere—from your tiny apartment kitchen to the great outdoors. No need to lug around bulky gas cylinders or camp stoves. Just plug in, switch on, and you can cook up a fresh hot meal in minutes using the power of magnetic induction.
We tracked down the very best models and put them through their paces to find the top portable induction cooktop that meets the needs of modern foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Product Name |
Price |
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1. |
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop |
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2. |
Breville Induction Cooking System |
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3.  |
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop |
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4.  |
Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop |
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5.  |
Duxtop Professional Induction Cooktop |
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6.  |
Hamilton Beach Single Induction Cooktop |
How We Tested
Breaking down the top portable models revealed differences separating the usual portable cooktops from the truly convenient ones. The winners on our list had the right mix of power, thoughtful design, and rugged build to weather transport challenges.
- We packed units into cars, simulating transport to gatherings
- We set up portables on picnic tables, counters, outdoor surfaces
- Timed rapid boil speeds at min, mid, and max settings
Top 6 Portable Induction Stoves to Cook on the Go
As someone recently discovered that portable induction hobs are a thing, I understand that many people are still in the dark regarding these appliances. And today, I’ve made it my mission to ensure as many individuals as possible know about them.
With that in mind, I’ve reviewed 6 of the best portable induction cooktops below. My overall best is the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop, which is conveniently sized and super energy efficient. Read on to find out why it’s my top pick and discover other appliances similar to it.
1.Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
Today’s top pick is the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop. This product is a conveniently sized hot plate, measuring 11.4″D x 14″W x 2.5″H. One the reasons why I love this product is it’s smaller than many other alternatives and therefore easy to haul from place to place. Additionally, after purchasing this cooktop, you can start using it straight away without tampering with electrical systems and sockets. That is because the appliance uses 110/120 V 15-amp electrical outlets, which is standard in North American Homes.
The other feature that encouraged me to rank the Duxton Portable Induction Cooktop this high on my list is power levels. I tried this item a while back and was impressed by the 20-present temperature and power level setting. The settings range from 100W to 1800W and 100°F to 460°F for power and temperature, respectively.
Pros – What I Like
- This cooktop is small, lightweight, and compact.
- It’s 83% energy efficient.
- It has a sleek, modern interface with touch panels
- You can use its child safety feature to stop your kids from accidentally tampering with the timer and cooking settings.
- The product comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Some people have noticed high-pitched squealing noises while using this cooktop.
- The appliance has a single cooking zone.
2. Breville|PolyScience Commercial Induction Cooking System
Breville’s Control Freak is a true technological marvel. As the name suggests, this induction cooking system is for “control freaks” who like to keep a tight reign over cooking temperatures. With this item, you can set any temperature needed to make sublime delicacies every single time, from 77°F to 482°F.
And you don’t have to worry about the system inadvertently changing anything, even slightly. This appliance has a “through-the-glass-sensor” sensing system that checks surface temperatures 20 times a second, ensuring nothing changes throughout the cooking process. Finally, the Breville|PolyScience cooktop comes with Probe Control™ drives, which enable the appliance to reach and hold desired ingredient temperatures for as long as necessary.
Pros – What I Like
- This cooktop uses advanced tech to monitor the temperature of ingredients.
- It can cook for a long time without overheating, courtesy of the cooker’s patented twin-fan cooling system.
- It’s made of durable stainless steel and crack-resistant ceramic glass.
- The cooker has heat intensity control, so you can adjust heat intensity while maintaining constant, moderate temperatures.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- This appliance is too costly for a cooktop with a single cooking zone.
- It’s primarily designed for restaurants and other commercial settings.
- It comes with one heating element.
3. Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop
When I first heard of the Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, my cuisine connoisseur’s Spidey Sense wouldn’t stop tingling. I’ve tried a couple of Nuwave appliances over the years, and the brand has never failed to impress. True to its reputation, this Nuwave Cooktop wasn’t a letdown. The first thing I loved about its small, compact nature, which made it easy to carry and store.
That’s not all. This cooktop is also made of shatterproof ceramic glass. So, if you accidentally drop the appliance while hauling it, you won’t have to worry about the glass surface shattering into a million pieces. The company also guarantees that the ceramic glass can withstand extreme temperatures without caving in.
Pros – What I Like
- The Nuwave cooktop is designed to facilitate easy portability.
- It allows users to make temperature adjustments on the fly without starting over.
- This cooktop supports 45 precise temperatures, meaning you can do anything with it, from warming delicate sauces to grilling a fantastic steak.
- The cooker’s heating element is closer to the cookware, guaranteeing faster, even cooking.
- It comes with automatic shutoff and doesn’t start without sensing compatible cookware.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Users have reported constant error messages flashing when using the cooktop.
4. Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop
One thing makes the Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Cooktop different from the products I’ve reviewed before. And that one outstanding thing is this cooker has 2 heating elements. That means, with it, you can prepare two meals simultaneously. Moreover, the cooktop has 8 settings and 5 settings on the left and right burner, respectively. Each heating zone also has a 150-minute timer and an ON/OFF switch.
Not to forget, this cooktop has safety features. Suppose you remove cookware from a heating zone and forget to switch the appliance off. In that case, the cooktop will shut off automatically after 30 seconds. So, you don’t have to worry about inadvertently leaving the burners on and wasting electrical energy.
Pros – What I Like
- Unlike other cooktops, this appliance has 2 heating zones.
- Each burner has dedicated heat settings and a time.
- It uses bright LED displays, making it ideal even for visually impaired people.
- The cooker has an automatic shut-off feature.
- It’s easy to use and clean.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Some users say the appliance’s timer doesn’t alert someone when cooking time is up.
- Some have reported that their burners stopped working a few days after buying the cooktop.
5. Duxtop Professional Portable Induction Cooktop
If you’re searching for a commercial range cooker for your professional kitchen, look no further than Duxtop’s professional portable induction cooktop. I recommend this product because it’s built according to North American electrical standards and uses 120V 15-amp outlets, which are common in many settings in the US. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact, meaning you can move it from one place to another whenever the need arises and don’t have to worry about the appliance eating up too much storage space.
Like other Duxtop portable cooktops, this appliance has 20 preset temperature and 20 preset power level settings. They range from 100-1800W and 100-460°F respectively. Not to mention, this induction cooktop has a touch panel equipped with a bright, easy-to-view LCD screen.
Pros – What I Like
- This product is easy to move, handle, and store.
- Its LCD screen display facilitates easy viewing even from a distance.
- It’s equipped with a 7-blade fan for rapid heat dissipation.
- The touch panel is easy to operate and sensitive to touch.
- It has a wide temperature range and power settings.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- The cooktop has a single cooking zone.
- It’s primarily designed for commercial settings.
6. Hamilton Beach Portable Single Induction Cooktop
With dimensions of 11.02″D x 14.17″W x 2.52″H, the Hamilton Beach Induction Cooktop is one of the most portable cooking appliances today. That is why I couldn’t leave it out. Plus, it’s designed to help the user boil water or cook food up to 40X faster than a conventional stove or smooth top range. If you are always pressed for time and can’t afford to spend extended periods waiting for meals to be ready, this is an ideal cooking system for you.
This item is also on my list because it allows users to do whatever they want. While using it, you can choose a heat level that matches your cooking needs, from 1-10. Or, if necessary, you can set an exact temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The appliance supports temperature settings ranging from 180-450°F (82-232°C).
Pros – What I Like
- This cooktop is ideal for fast meal preparation.
- It can boil water for pasta, hot beverages, etc., within 7 minutes.
- It can accommodate most cookware sizes, from 4” pans to 10” stockpots.
- The appliance comes with a magnet for testing cookware for induction-readiness.
- The cooktop’s surface is smooth and easy to clean.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- The cooker has a single heating coil.
- Some have complained about the cooker’s inability to cook or simmer on low.
Other Top Portable Induction Hobs – Honorable Mentions
I have gone out of my way to test and recommend the above portable induction stoves. But during my research, I also came across a few more that I’d love to try soon, and are worth your consideration. Check them out:
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Why Buy a Portable Induction Hob?
Induction Cooktop Surging Popularity Facts and Statistics Infographic
After reviewing the list of portable cooktops and what they offer, you may wonder if buying one of these appliances is wise. And that’s justified. After all, induction cookers are a significant investment. Before purchasing any cooktop, you must consider the pros and cons.
That said, I highly encourage you to purchase a portable induction hob for one main reason: portability. If you are one of those people who are always on the move, a portable induction stovetop can do you a world of good. That is because this appliance is small and easy to carry. It can also fit in a compact passenger car or an RV.
Portable induction hobs are also ideal for students living in cramped dorms. In the US, 20% of varsity students live in on-campus dorms. And most dormitories are shared rooms that lack basic kitchen amenities like cookers. A student living in such conditions can easily take a portable induction cooktop with you and use it to prepare meals without fretting over available space.
Moreover, people who are not students but live in small apartments can benefit immensely from the compact nature of portable induction cooktops. Conventional appliances like gas stoves consume significant floor space, making them unsuitable for smaller dwellings. But you can place a portable cooktop on an existing countertop when preparing meals and stash it in a cabinet once you’re done.
How Much Power Does a Portable Induction Cooktop Use?
My Duxtop portable cooktop consumes approximately 1800W (1.8kW) per hour. But not all appliances have the same consumption as mine. Depending on the cooktop you use and its rated power consumption, it may use anywhere from 1000W per hour (1kWh) to 3000W per hour (3kWh). Check your cooktop’s label for the exact wattage.
Besides rated wattage, other factors may determine the amount of power that your cooktop consumes, including:
- Cooking Duration: the longer you use an induction cooktop to prepare meals, the more its power consumption. If your appliance is rated 1kWh and you use it for an hour, it’ll only consume around 1 kilowatt of electricity. But the consumption will spike to 5 kilowatts if you use it for 5 hours.
- Cookware Material: Pots and pans made from induction-ready materials like stainless steel and cast iron are extremely energy efficient. However, items made of non-induction materials like copper will likely increase energy consumption because they have less magnetic content.
How To Choose the Best Induction Cooktop – Buying Guide
Portable induction cooktops come in a variety of brands and sizes. The items I’ve mentioned here are just a few. So, how do you pick the right appliance for your kitchen? Simple. Besides portability, consider the following factors:
1. Power Rate
Considering an induction hob’s power rate is vital for several reasons. First, it determines the cooking time. The higher an appliance’s power rating, the faster it can cook, and vice versa. This aspect also influences power consumption. If you want to cut energy bills in your home or restaurant, you’ll be safer with a cooktop with lower wattage. But be careful. Lower wattage in induction cooktops translates to less heating power.
2. Safety Features
The best induction cooktops have automatic shut off. This feature enables them to turn off automatically whenever no cookware is detected. They also come with a child safety lock, which prevents young children from accidentally turning on the heating zones or tampering with preferred settings.
3. Pan Size
You should carefully compare an induction hob’s cooking zone and the size of your cookware before buying the appliance. That is crucial, especially where cookers with one heating zone are involved. Otherwise, if you choose a cooktop with a heating element significantly larger than your cookware, it might fail to detect a pot or pan and make cooking a nightmare. On the other hand, a cooktop with a small cooking zone will struggle to heat larger cookware.
4. Number of Cooking Zones
If you like cutting meal preparation time by cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, you’ll be better off with a cooktop with at least 2 cooking zones. But if you have all the time in the world and don’t mind cooking one meal at a time, going with an induction cooker with a single heating element won’t do you any harm.
Final Thoughts
Owning a portable induction cooktop comes with its fair share of perks. For starters, you can move with such an appliance from place to place with relative ease. That makes it an enticing solution for digital nomads, RV owners, and other individuals who’ve turned constant roaming into a lifestyle. Also, portable cooktops are small and compact, which makes them easy to store in cramped apartments.
Would you like to acquire a small, compact, portable induction cooker? Well, I’ve listed a few such products here. Pick one that suits your needs and preferences. And while doing so, consider factors like wattage and the number of cooking zones.
Common Questions.
What are the benefits of using a portable induction cooktop?
Benefits include very fast heating, easy temperature control, cool-touch surfaces, energy efficiency, portability, and safety since it doesn’t use open flames or get as hot as conventional stoves. Induction only heats the cookware itself.
What types of cookware work with portable induction cooktops?
You need ferromagnetic cookware made of cast iron or stainless steel. The cookware must have iron in its base to get induced by the magnetic field. Non-compatible pots include copper, glass, aluminum, and some non-magnetic stainless steel.
How do you determine the right wattage when buying a portable induction cooker?
Consider how many burners you need and how quickly you want water and food to heat up. Entry-level models go up to 5,500 watts for one burner, while full stove replacements can be 10,000+ watts with multiple burners.
What safety features should I look for in a portable induction cooktop?
Key safety features are auto shut-off if no cookware is detected, child lock functionality, residual heat indicators, overheating protection, and exterior cool-touch surfaces.
How can I get the most out of my new portable induction cooker?
Use appropriately-sized cookware that maximizes surface contact, go for flat-bottom pans instead of warped ones, match the burner size to pan size, keep the cooktop and cookware clean, and don’t slide pans around while cooking.
