Not having enough space to cook is frustrating. Maybe your kitchen is being renovated, you want to take the RV out, or you just need an extra stove for making big meals.
Well, portable induction cooktops are a great solution! They’re small and light enough to be practical just about anywhere. And induction burners are energy-efficient and will help food to cook evenly. Plus, they heat the pan rather than the stove, so it’s super safe.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite ones on the market, so you can find the best portable induction cooktop for your needs.
Our Top Picks
HomeKitchenLand earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Portable Induction Cooktops of 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Duxtop 1800W Induction Cooktop |
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 | Best Budget iSiLER Portable Induction |
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 | Best for Small Spaces Max Burton Induction Cooktop |
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 | Best double burners NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop |
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 | Best for travel NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop |
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 | Best Commercial-Grade Duxtop Professional Portable Cooktop |
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Are Portable Induction Cooktops Any Good?
Yes. Portable induction cooktops are small, lightweight, and inexpensive. And you can use them anywhere with an electrical outlet. This makes them a good option to have in your RV, dorm room, or to take on holiday(1).
In fact, many people choose to use them as an extra stove in their kitchen because they’re so easy to use. Induction stovetops work using magnets to heat up the pan, rather than getting hot themselves. This provides overheating protection and means they’re safe to use in small spaces.
The best portable induction cooktop will have a wide range of power levels to control heat. So you can cook just about anything with one. You can even use it to keep food warm on a buffet.
You’ll find them easy to clean due to their small, smooth surface. And you can pick them up to get any food from around the edges. Then, it’s easy to store them when you’re finished because they don’t take up much space.
They only need a standard electrical outlet, so you won’t need any complex installation. You can just plugin and get cooking! Make sure you use compatible cookware, which we’ll look at later.
Read Also:
- The Pros And Cons Of Buying An Induction Stove Or Cooktop
- Induction Cooktop Vs Gas: Which Is Right For You?
- The 6 Best Induction Cookware in 2023
How to Choose A Portable Induction Cooktop
Let’s look in a bit more detail at some of the features to consider.
The Number of Burners
First, choose an induction cooktop that’s the right size for you. They come with one or two burners, depending on what you need.
If you’re tight on space, a single burner could be good. But if you want to cook large quantities, or are arranging a party, then a double burner will make it easier.
Diameter of the Burners
Make sure you check the diameter of the burners and see if your pans will fit. You want the base of your pan to be at least as wide as the smallest circle on the heating surface. Otherwise, the induction element won’t detect your pan, so it won’t heat up.
On the other hand, if your pans are too wide, they’ll hang over the heated section and won’t heat up evenly.
For example, this NuWave induction cooktop recommends a max pan size of 10.3 inches.
Dimensions
The dimensions will be different for each model, so factor in how much space you have. Single burners take up the least space and are good for small kitchens and traveling.
If you’re thinking of getting a double burner, there can still be a big difference in dimensions.
This Duxtop double burner is 4 x 17.1 x 25 inches. But this Nutrichef double burner is smaller at 2.64 x 14.18 x 23.63 inches.
You should choose carefully to make sure your induction cooktop will fit where you want it to.
Weight
Weight is important with portable induction cooktops because it needs to be light enough to carry around. If you’re taking it camping or traveling, you want it to be light enough to pack away in a bag.
An induction cooktop with one burner will weigh a lot less than double burners.
For example, this single burner Duxtop model weighs 6.47 pounds, but the double burner Duxtop model is 14.51 pounds.
General Features
Portable induction cookers come with all sorts of features, so think about your cooking needs when looking at them.
Some will have a built-in timer to set the cooking time, or it might have a delay function to start the cooking process later.
You should also take note of the increments in the wattage and temperature settings. Some will have a wider range to choose from, which makes precision cooking more manageable. Others may only have a small fixed choice, and this limits your options.
Safety Features
Check the safety features of various induction cooktops. Some will have more than others, depending on the models:
- You can get them with auto pan detection, where it shuts the unit down if no cookware is detected.
- They may also have a locking function to stop you from accidentally pressing any buttons. This one is especially important to consider if you have children.
Noise
Look into what noises your portable induction cooktop will make. Some of the control pads will beep when pressed, or it might beep when it switches off. All induction cookers use a fan to dissipate heat, and some will be louder than others.
Some units can also make squealing noises when in use. It can sound like high-pitched vibrations of metal on metal, which people don’t always like.
This Rosewill induction cooktop is an example of one that’s noted for being loud when in use.
Budget
It’s important to consider your budget. Even though most portable induction cooktops are inexpensive, there can still be a big difference in prices.
For example, this Duxtop induction stove is around $60, but another Duxtop model costs almost double at $115.
The more features it has, the more expensive it will be. So work out what you need and what your budget can stretch to.
Warranty
You should check the warranty that’s offered with various portable induction cooktops. Different brands will have different warranty terms.
It’s useful to have one in case your product is faulty and needs replacing. They usually cover things like defects in the material or workmanship but don’t tend to cover wear and tear. And if you don’t use it as per the instructions, the warranty will be voided.
For example, Duxtop offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
It’s worth checking the website or contacting the manufacturer directly for details about the warranty.
Brands
Finally, there are loads of brands to choose from for portable induction cooktops. Each one will offer something different, so it’s worth knowing a bit about them.
Duxtop
You might know Duxtop either by this name or Secura, as they trade under both brands. They specialize in high-quality small appliances that are both environmentally friendly and affordable.
Their products have comprehensive warranties, and they’re also known for good customer service.
This portable induction cooktop is an example of a Duxtop product.
Ikea
Ikea is a Swedish brand that focuses on all things for the home at affordable prices. Their first store opened in 1958 in Sweden and they now have 459 stores around the world.
You may know them best for their extensive flatpack furniture options, but they also have a great range of small household appliances.
Here’s an example of an Ikea Portable induction cooktop.
Electrolux
Electrolux has been around for more than 100 years, so they know a thing or two about home appliances! They specialize in sustainable household products.
They also sell under the brands AEG and Frigidaire across the globe.
Here’s an example of an Electrolux portable induction cooktop.
The Best Portable Induction Cooktops Of 2023
We’ve spent hours researching the best portable induction cooktops for a range of needs. We’ve looked at real user reviews, technical info, and expert advice to save you the hassle.
Our list will help you to choose the best induction cooktop for you. So get ready to cook up a storm wherever you want!
6. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop (9100MC/BT-M20B)
Simple yet stylish, this single burner is a great compact cooktop. The digital control panel and LED display make it super easy to use. And with 15 preset temperature options, there’s something to suit every meal.
The auto pan detection means you’ll never leave the stove on by accident again. So it’s safe to use anywhere, from dorms to camping trips in the RV.
And when you’ve finished cooking your meal, the glass surface is simple to clean. Food doesn’t burn on, so it’s easy to wipe down with a damp cloth.
This portable induction cooktop is sure to bring delicious food to any occasion.
What We Like
Perfect Heat Control
Users love how easy it is to control the temperature levels on this single burner cooktop. In fact, they choose to use this over their main stove because it makes delicate cooking a breeze.
Long Power Cord
The power cord on this portable cooktop is much longer than others. It’s useful if you don’t have many power outlets and want some cooking room further away.
Lightweight
You want your portable induction cooktop to be easy to move around, and this one is. It’s lightweight enough that you can take it wherever you want without much faff.
What We Don’t Like
Noisy Fan
Portable induction cooktops need a fan to circulate hot air away from them. The fan on this one can be a bit noisy. It’s annoying if you want to chat or watch TV while you’re cooking.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.98 pounds |
| Material | Glass |
| Burner type | Induction |
| Number of burners | 1 |
| Cookware base diameter | Minimum 5 inches |
| Wattage Range | 200-1800W |
| Voltage | 120V |
2. iSiLER Portable Induction
A purse-friendly portable induction cooktop that still makes cooking effortless. The smooth glass surface is wear-resistant and simple to clean. It won’t take much upkeep and will help keep your cooktop looking like new.
With large touch controls on the control panel, you’ll be able to set the power and temperature with ease. And the temperature ranges all the way from 140F to 460F. So it can be used for simmering boiling water on low heats, or searing meats on high.
And the 3-hour timer is a handy feature to help keep your food warm without you having to watch the pot all the time.
What We Like
It Gets Hot Fast
This 1800W portable induction cooktop will heat your pans and food in a flash. You can boil water faster than an electric burner. Just remember that good cookware will also help with this.
It Comes With a Magnetic Sticker
Because this is an induction burner, you’ll need to use induction-compatible cookware. This portable stove comes with a magnetic sticker so you can test your cookware!
Hold it to the bottom of the pan and if it sticks, your pan should work with induction stovetops.
Useful Safety Features
There’s a child safety lock on this portable induction cooktop. And the surface underneath the burner doesn’t get hot so it’s safe to use anywhere, even on a wooden table.
What We Don’t Like
Can be Tricky to Control Temperature
Even though there’s a range of preset temperatures, this controls the coil heat and not the cooking temperature. It might take a bit of practice to get used to the heat settings.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 14.2 x 2.2 inches |
| Weight | 5.73 pounds |
| Material | Glass |
| Burner type | Induction |
| Number of burners | 1 |
| Cookware base diameter | 3.9 to 8.6 inches |
| Wattage Range | 100-1800W |
| Voltage | 120V |
3. Max Burton #6450 Induction Cooktop Counter Top
You need a compact induction stove if you’re tight on space. This Max Burton portable induction cooktop is small enough for the tightest space. It might be for dorm rooms, an RV, or some extra cooking space in your kitchen.
The induction burner doesn’t use an open flame, so it won’t heat up the surrounding air in the room.
And the one-touch simmer and boil options make it easy to get the heat right without any hassle. You won’t need to keep adjusting the temperature settings!
But it still has a wide range of heat options to help with precise temperature control. So you can cook up your favorite foods wherever you are.
What We Like
Good for Big Pots
Although it’s a space-saver induction cooktop, it can still handle the weight of big, full pots. And the glass cooking surface extends all the way to the edge so there’s no exposed plastic to catch on hot pans.
Precise Temperature Control
The temperature control is accurate on this induction cooktop. Whether you want to boil water or melt chocolate for candy, the different power levels will help to prevent overheating and burning.
Easy to Store
Storage is easy for this portable induction cooktop. It’s small and lightweight, so it can be put away in a cupboard without taking up loads of room.
What We Don’t Like
Sensitive Controls
Even with the child safety lock feature, it’s still easy to accidentally change the controls. The touch buttons are sensitive, so keep an eye that you don’t turn the heat up without realizing.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 12.75 x 11.55 x 2.55 inches |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Material | Glass |
| Burner type | Induction |
| Number of burners | 1 |
| Cookware base diameter | 4.5 to 9.75 inches |
| Wattage Range | 500-1800W |
| Voltage | 120V |
4. NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop
Sometimes you just need space for more pans. This is the best portable induction cooktop with a double burner, so you can have all the cooking power you want.
The crystal plate surface has two round burners. It’s perfect for larger pots and pans because the hot plate base is wider.
There are multiple cooking modes to make it simple to control each of the electric burners separately. The pre-set options mean you choose between fry, steam, and water with one touch of the digital display.
It’s a great energy efficient 1800w portable induction cooktop for when you need to feed a crowd.
What We Like
Efficient Cooking
Induction cooking uses a magnetic field to heat up your cooking vessel, so it’s energy efficient. If you haven’t used an induction stovetop before you’ll be surprised at how much less energy it uses than gas burners.
It’s Well-Built
Reviewers love the build quality of this portable induction cooktop. It’s well-built and feels sturdy to use. It also looks great at the same time!
Great for Cooking Outside
Even though it has a double burner, it’s still small and lightweight enough to carry outside. It’s useful if you want to make dishes with strong smells. And if you take it camping it won’t use up all the propane!
What We Don’t Like
Both Burners Can’t be on High
The downside to double burners is they can’t both be on high because this will exceed the 1800W limit. So if you have one side on the hottest heat setting, the other will only get to around 200F.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 14.18 x 23.63 x 2.64 inches |
| Weight | 12.35 pounds |
| Material | Tempered ceramic glass |
| Burner type | Sealed Induction |
| Number of burners | 2 |
| Cookware base diameter | 4.5 to 10 inches |
| Wattage Range | Up to 1800W |
| Voltage | 120V |
5. NuWave PIC FLEX Precision Induction Cooktop
This lightweight portable induction cooktop may be small, but it’s still mighty. The rounded edges make it one of the smallest and lightest on our list, so it’s great for tucking away in an RV or backpack.
But don’t let the size fool you. The power settings go up to 500F, which is one of the highest temperatures for a portable induction burner. You’ll have boiling water in 90 seconds!
The cooking temperatures can be changed to suit whatever you’re cooking. They go as low as 100F in 10-degrees Fahrenheit increments.
It also has 100 hours of memory, so you can program the cooking times and settings for your favorite dishes. It gives you more time to enjoy your travels.
What We Like
Quick to Cool
The induction surface is quick to cool down when you’ve finished cooking. There may be some residual heat from having a hot pan sitting on it, but it’s much cooler and safer than a gas burner.
Great for Delicate Sauces
The gradual increments of the temperature controls ensure you have precise heat control. And it goes down to as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s easy to gently simmer delicate sauces.
It’s Durable
Many reviewers found they use their induction stovetop every day because it’s so good for cooking. Even with regular use, it still looks great and works just as well as the day they unboxed it.
What We Don’t Like
Buttons Wear Off
People have found using this induction cooktop often can cause the print on the control buttons to wear off. It won’t affect how the stove works, but it can be hard to see what each button does.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 11.95 x 10.25 x 2.35 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Material | Ceramic glass |
| Burner type | Induction |
| Number of burners | 1 |
| Cookware base diameter | 5 to 10.3 inches |
| Wattage Range | 600-1300W |
| Voltage | 120V |
1. Duxtop Professional Portable Induction Cooktop (P961LS/BT-C35-D)
Every chef needs reliable temperature control. Otherwise, your food could burn, or worse, not cook through.
This stainless steel induction cooktop has a whopping 20 power levels and another 20 temperature settings. And the large LED display is angled so it’s easy to see and control what you’re doing for perfect dishes every time.
The cooktop surface can support up to 65 pounds, so it’s a good option if you need to make large quantities of food. And it’s portable, so you can store it out of the way when you’re not using it.
This is a great option for the serious home chef, or even a commercial kitchen looking for more space.
What We Like
It’s Heavy Duty
The sturdy stainless steel construction makes this a heavy-duty cooktop. Domestic versions tend to use plastic and aren’t as tough. This one can handle continued use in commercial kitchens without any problems.
Stays Cool to Touch
Even with pots simmering for 10 hours a day, this portable induction cooktop stays cool to the touch. It makes it safer to use, and it won’t heat up the air in an already hot kitchen.
Long Timer
The built in timer can be set to 10 hours. It’s way longer than the timer you get on most portable induction cooktops. This means you can gently simmer your food for longer without it turning off.
What We Don’t Like
Large Pans Don’t Heat as Evenly
If you want to use large pans it seems they are tricky to heat as evenly as small pans. The copper coils for the heating element are in the center of the cooktop. So this means the middle heats up faster than the edges.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 16. 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 13.77 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Burner type | Induction |
| Number of burners | 1 |
| Cookware base diameter | Minimum 5 inches |
| Wattage Range | 100-1800W |
| Voltage | 120V |
Portable Induction Cooktop Comparison Chart
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Material | Burner type | Number of burners | Cookware base diameter | Wattage Range | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duxtop 1800W Induction Cooktop | 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 inches | 6.98 pounds | Glass | Induction | 1 | Minimum 5 inches | 200-1800W | 120V |
| iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop | 11.6 x 14.2 x 2.2 inches | 5.73 pounds | Glass | Induction | 1 | 3.9 to 8.6 inches | 100-1800W | 120V |
| Max Burton Induction Cooktop | 12.75 x 11.55 x 2.55 inches | 6 pounds | Glass | Radiant induction | 1 | 4.5 to 9.75 inches | 500-1800W | 120V |
| NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop | 14.18 x 23.63 x 2.64 inches | 12.35 pounds | Tempered ceramic glass | Sealed induction | 2 | 4.5 to 10 inches | Up to 1800W | 120V |
| NuWave Flex Induction Cooktop | 11.95 x 10.25 x 2.35 inches | 4.5 pounds | Ceramic glass | induction | 1 | 5 to 10.3 inches | 600-1300W | 120V |
| Duxtop Professional Induction Cooktop | 12.9 x 16. 5 x 4 inches | 13.77 pounds | Stainless steel | induction | 1 | Minimum 5 inches | 100-1800W | 120V |
Jump to the Full Portable Induction Cooktop Reviews
Portable Induction Cooktop FAQs
What else there is to know about portable induction cooktops.
Do Portable Induction Cooktops Use a Lot of Electricity?
It depends on how much you use your induction cooktop.
- If you use it for a long period on the maximum wattage, it will use a lot of electricity.
- If you don’t use it as much or use a lower wattage, it will use less.
But a portable induction cooktop is a small kitchen appliance and they tend to have a max of 1800W. This is still way lower than a built-in induction cooktop, which can use as much as 3700W. So a portable cooktop uses less electricity than a built-in one.
What Cookware is Compatible With Portable Induction Burners?
You need to use induction cookware with an induction burner. The general rule is that if a magnet sticks to the bottom, it’s a compatible pot.
Cast iron is a good choice and stainless steel pots and pans with a magnetic bottom are also popular. Check to see if cookware is induction compatible before you buy it.
Aluminum, glass, ceramic, and copper cookware aren’t generally suitable to use on an induction stove.
Can I Use a Portable Induction Cooktop if I Have a Pacemaker?
This depends on your pacemaker. Induction cooktops work using magnets, and voltage can leak from the process, so it could affect a pacemaker. There are certain safety measures you can put in place, like standing at least 35cm away from the pot(2).
To be on the safe side, it’s recommended to consult your doctor before using an induction cooktop.
The same process can also damage the motor in insulin pumps, so you should also seek advice if you use one(3).
Do Induction Burners Get Hot?
No, they don’t. Unlike conventional gas ranges, induction cooktops don’t use an open flame. This means the cooking surface itself doesn’t get hot.
Instead, they use a magnetic field that detects cookware and heats it directly. And the heating element will stop the heat supply as soon as you remove the pan. There may be a little residual heat from the hot pan, but the cooktop surface will always stay cool to touch.
Gas or electric stoves take much longer to cool down, so induction burners are safer in this way.
What it Boils Down to
The best portable induction cooktop will give you that extra cooking space you need. It might be for a taste of home away from home or wanting to cook up a feast for a party.
Either way, you can enjoy induction cooking anywhere with a good portable cooktop. Make sure you choose one that’s lightweight and easy to carry if you want to take it camping. Or opt for a double burner for more cooking options.
Whatever you choose, just make sure you have the right pots and pans for induction cooking!
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below.
About the Author
Since always, I am passionate about food; I enjoy writing and want to share my passion and offer quality articles to my readers. On Homekitchenland, I like to research, review, and compare kitchen appliances, write product reviews, and develop recipes.
