Many chefs prefer induction cooking but even individuals who cook or heat food regularly benefit from the best portable induction cooktop products. These cooktops are modern and easy to operate, and they represent a useful addition to every kitchen. The main reason why most people chose to buy induction cooktops is the fact that they love the appliances’ contemporary design. They usually have a black ceramic glass covering and come with touch control panels.
More than that, research shows that these appliances are safer than gas stoves thanks to their incorporated sensors and safety features. Whether you need an extra burner or do not have enough room for a full-sized stovetop, anyone can use this product in their kitchen. If you do not know what kind of induction cooktop to buy, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best portable induction cooktop models. This list will help you to find one that best suits your needs.
The Benefits of a Magnetic Field Range
It is important to know that a portable induction cooktop is different from a hot plate. While a hot plate does allow you to heat and cook food practically anywhere, not all hot plates use induction cooktop technology. This technology uses electromagnetic induction, which creates a magnetic field that interacts with your pots and pans. Granted, you have to have induction-ready cookware for the process to work. For best results, you will need either steel or cast-iron pots and pans. Any other magnetic material will work as well. Essentially, the magnetic field allows your pots to generate heat themselves, unlike traditional stoves where its hot surface warms the pot.
This kind of cooking allows you to cook, boil, or fry food much faster than a traditional gas or electric stovetop. In fact, in some instances, you can boil water in almost half the time. An induction cooktop also lets you set specific temperatures, which is crucial for frying or making candies. It does all of this all while keeping your kitchen cooler because these kinds of cooktops are much more energy efficient. If you have kids to care for or distractions at home, the best portable induction cooktop models have safety features that prevent overheating and even include an automatic shutoff. Last, of all, these cooktops are extremely easy to clean. At most, you only need a non-abrasive sponge and mild soap, but you can usually get away with using a damp paper towel. Just make sure you give the surface plenty of time to cool down before you clean it.
The Disadvantages of Induction Cooking
The benefits of the best induction cooktop machines highly outweigh the drawbacks. However, there are some drawbacks that you should consider before making a purchase.
For one, you need induction ready cookware. Many people do not like this because they think that they need to buy all new pots and pans. This is not always the case. If you have magnetic cookware, you can use those on your cooktop. To check this, all you have to do is hold a magnet to your pot, and if it sticks, it is induction ready. If none of your pans are magnetic, then you will need new ones to use on the cooktop.
Perhaps the most important disadvantage has to do with the electromagnetic field. If you have a pacemaker, this field can disrupt its function, which can seriously damage your health. Devices that use radio waves (televisions, cell phones, radios) can interfere with the magnetic field as well, so it is best to not use them around your cooktop. Also, if you need to use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of your food, you will need to shut off the cooktop to receive an accurate reading.
While the use of this field can cause some complications with your cooking, you can learn quickly. Once you have mastered induction cooking, it may be hard for you to go back to a traditional stovetop.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Induction Cooktop?
Almost all induction cooktops seem the same at first glance. However, if you take a closer look, you will observe that some of them have more options and controls than others. Also, some of them are more powerful than others and use better, more durable materials. When looking to buy an induction cooker, there are several aspects of each model that you should not ignore.
Here’s what you should look for:
Temperature Levels and Increments
Depending on what you plan to use your portable induction cooktop for, you should consider its temperature levels and increments. Some cooktops only have 6 temperature levels, whereas others have up to 15 levels. The increment between each level can also make a big difference. You will want to make sure that the cooktop covers all of the temperatures you need when cooking.
Power and Power Settings
The best cooktops have a large power output, making it great for any type of cooking you want to try. However, you do not need a massive amount of power to make great food.
Timer Settings
Just like on a regular stovetop, having a timer can be a lifesaver. It can help you be more precise in your cooking as you master a new recipe. However, it is not always a dealbreaker for some if they do not have one.
Presence of a Display
Having a digital display is a great way to see all the information on your cooktop in one place. It can even show you any errors the device is experiencing and how to fix it.
Large Enough Diameter for Your Pans and Pots
Depending on the size of your cookware, the diameter of the cooktop could cause a problem. Using a pot that is too wide for the cooktop can prevent the entire pan from heating up, which then makes cooking tricky. Try to find one that already fits your pans so you do not have to buy new ones.
Meant for Home Use or Commercial Use
Some companies design their products to be purely for home or commercial use. In order to find the best portable induction cooktop for you, pay attention to this aspect.
Safety Features
Having these kinds of features is great, especially if you have kids. Some safety features include a child lock and an automatic shut off when activity stops. This will keep everyone from accidental burns or changing settings on the cooktop without your supervision.
Choose the Best Features for You
These are the basic factors that should influence your decision in the process of buying the best portable induction cooktop model. However, some aspects matter more to some buyers. The case’s material, for example, is sometimes just not good enough if made from plastic. Most individuals prefer to have their cooktop surrounded by stainless steel. Some people may want a double burner induction cooktop to give them more burners, while others may only want a single burner that does not need much space. Another consideration is if you have children. You might want to have a child lock function for safety purposes, as well as acoustic signals whenever the cooker shuts off or the cooking time ends. Whatever it is that you need, you can find the best portable induction cooktop for you.
Top Portable Induction Cooktop Reviews
When it comes to buying the best portable cooktop model for you and your family, the options are seemingly endless. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the top models and brands to make the research process easier for you. Each of these cooktops is a high-quality product that you can use to cook delicious food for years. Be sure to consider each of these and their features to help you pick the right one for you.
1. DUXTOP 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop
This induction cooktop has an affordable price, a sleek design, and touch controls that are easy to work with. It has a single burner, which makes this model quite powerful. (Double burner models split the wattage between the two when both are functioning.) It is entirely black and visually pleasant. Buyers will get a cooker that can use up to 1800 watts, has 15 temperature levels, has temperature settings between 140 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an auto-pan detection feature, as well as a timer that ranges between 1 and 170 minutes. This single burner induction cooktop is lightweight, portable, and compatible with induction-ready cookware. Its surface is ceramic glass, and it is suitable for home use.
While this cooktop several great features, there are a couple of downsides. For one, its manufacturer covers it for one year only. Some people would prefer a longer warranty, but this is not an issue for everyone. Secondly, it does not have a child lock function, which can be dangerous for those with small children.
What’s to like:
- Medium-priced
- Lovely design
- 15 power and temperature levels
- Easy to use the timer setting
- Digital display and an error system that can help diagnose the issues
- Suitable for home use
What’s not to like:
- No child lock functions
- Only covered for 1 year
2. DUXTOP 8100MC Portable Induction Cooktop
This is a cheaper version of the previous manufacturer’s portable induction cooktop model. Although it comes at a cheaper price, this single burner cooktop offers its buyers 1800 watts of power, an elegant design, and an easy-to-use control panel. It has 10 temperature levels and 10 power levels, which is simple enough for anyone to use and powerful enough to heat, boil, and cook your food to perfection. The temperature settings range from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, and it shuts off automatically if it does not detect activity for 60 seconds. The manufacturer has equipped it with a tiny screen that displays any errors should something go wrong. For many users, the most common errors have to do with incompatible cookware or an incorrect voltage.
The main issue with this cooktop is that the temperature regulation can be difficult to work with when you need constant high heat. It also does not have a child lock function, which many people see as part of the must-have safety features.
What’s to like:
- Affordable
- Nice design
- ETL approved
- Easy to clean
- 10 temperature and power levels
- 1800 watts of power
- Easy to use touch controls
What’s not to like:
- Difficult temperature regulation if you need to cook on constant high temperatures
No child lock functions
3. Nuwave Precision Cooktop
This is a portable induction cooktop with an unusual, round design. It is entirely black and features a tiny display that shows the power, temperature, cooking time, and potential errors. It is energy efficient, saving about 70 percent of the energy traditional gas and electric stoves use, which is why eco-enthusiasts are delighted to use this product. Its price is affordable and seems worthy of your attention if you are looking for a fast induction cooker. It is a single-element cooker that heats up and cooks your food fast. To keep the product simple, it has six temperature levels that you can adjust by 10 degrees Fahrenheit in increments, and it is straightforward to clean thanks to its glass surface.
Some people may have a problem with fewer temperature levels on this portable induction cooktop. However, this cooker is perfect for those who do not need much and want to be able to cook quickly. Being able to adjust the temperature by degrees is a great feature that makes up for the fewer levels.
What’s to like:
- Affordable
- The material around the element remains cool
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to clean
- Nice design
- Heats up fast
What’s not to like:
- Only has 6 temperature levels
4. Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt
If you are looking for a high-quality induction cooking with one of the best portable induction cooktop models on the market, this is one of the products that will suit your needs best. With up to 1800 watts of power, touch controls, and a digital display, buyers will enjoy the cooking experience more and more every time. This product has a stainless steel case and a glass ceramic surface. The manufacturer designed this device to shut-off if the cookware is incompatible or if the temperature has reached the highest level, to prevent overheating. It has a 180 minute-timer, 10 power levels, and 10 temperature levels. Even more good news is that you can use this cooker both at home and in commercial spaces.
While you can use this magnetic field range in a variety of places, the diameter of the element is quite small. This means that in order to cook your food well, you need small induction-ready cookware (meaning iron or steel). This is because a bigger pan will not work with the electromagnetic field if it is not touching the element. However, this is only an issue if you plan on cooking for multiple people with just this cooktop. You should not have an issue with the element if you are just cooking for yourself.
What’s to like:
- Medium-priced
- Suitable for home and commercial us
- 10 power and temperature levels
- Made of durable materials
- Up to 180 minutes on the timer
- Safety features
What’s not to like:
- Tiny element diameter
5. DUXTOP UltraThin Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop
This is one of the sleekest and best portable induction cooktops models from Secura. At a moderate price, buyers get an ultra-thin cooker that is designed well extremely lightweight, and suitable for home use. Unlike most induction cookers, this one has 15 power levels and 15 temperature levels. Also, it can go up to 170 minutes on the timer, and it has a tiny screen that displays any potential errors. It is easy to adjust the timer, temperature, and power using the + and – buttons, and you don’t have to worry about burning the food because it shuts off when it reaches the temperature you’ve set.
This single burner induction cooktop does not have a child lock function, which may be a safety hazard for those with small children. If you choose this product anyway, just be sure that you cook out of reach of the kids and supervise them. This cooktop also only has a one-year warranty, so you will need to consider that as well.
What’s to like:
- Ultra-thin
- Made entirely of glass
- 15 power and temperature levels
- Up to 170 minutes on the timer
- The low and high voltage warning system
- Six-foot-long electric cord
What’s not to like:
- Only has a one-year warranty
- No child lock functions
6. Rosewill RHAI-13001 1800W Induction Cooktop
If you’ve never considered buying an induction cooktop because you do not have any compatible cookware, this product is designed for you. Rosewill’s cooktop has a single burner, is charming and elegant, and comes with a stainless steel pot that is induction-ready. Forget buying a new iron, steel, or other magnetic pots and pans. The included pan will help you to get used to induction cooking before you spend more money on it. This is an affordable product that comes with a polished crystal surface and a large display. It has digital sustainability, a three-hour timer, and eight temperature settings. Also, it is lightweight and easy to transport.
While many of the best portable induction cooktop models have 10 or more power levels, this one only has eight of them. It also does not seem very sturdy, but it is a great product to introduce yourself to cooking with an electromagnetic field. Once you learn more about it and are comfortable, you can stray from your gas and electric cooktop to a better induction one.
What’s to like:
- Includes an induction-ready pot
- Crystal surface
- Digital controls
- Large display
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
What’s not to like:
- Only eight power levels
- Not very sturdy
7. Ivation 1800 Watt Portable Induction Cooktop
The best portable induction cooktop models are programmable, inexpensive, and safe. That is exactly what you need if you are looking for more reliable, quicker ways to cook and multitask in the kitchen. This single-burner cooker from Ivation comes with 10 power and temperature levels, 180 minutes on its timer, and a child lock function. It detects compatible and incompatible cookware using its internal sensors, and it automatically turns off when it does not detects activity for 30 seconds.
There are only a couple of things customers do not always like about this product. One is that the base is plastic, meaning that the product may not be as high quality and durable. The other potential problem is that the element that produces the magnetic field is very small. This will prevent you from using larger pans while you cook, boil, and heat food in the kitchen.
What’s to like:
- Stylish design
- Inexpensive
- Digital controls and display
- Child lock function
- 10 power and temperature levels
- 180 minutes on the timer
What’s not to like:
- Plastic base
- Tiny element
8. Max Burton 6400 Digital Induction Cooktop
This induction cooktop is more expensive than the previously reviewed cooktops, but it has plenty of advantages. First of all, its design is gorgeous and has a black, durable glass covering. It has unique functions that allow users to simmer and boil water and liquids with the press of a button. Also, it has a timer that you can program up to 180 minutes. It has 10 power levels and 15 temperature levels in degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large LCD display and digital controls that are easy to comprehend and use. It is easy to clean the glass surface using a wet cloth or special sprays.
Really, the only disadvantage of this portable induction cooktop is the price. However, you get a great, high-quality product in return.
What’s to like:
- Unique functions
- Visually appealing design
- 10 power settings
- 15 temperature levels
- 180 minutes on the timer
- Covered in glass
What’s not to like:
- More expensive
9. DUXTOP Portable Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop
This is a sleek, stylish induction cooktop that comes at an average price and is suitable for both home and commercial use. It is entirely black and covered in ceramic glass with easy to use digital controls. It is lightweight and portable, but this is only a small portion of why this product may be the best portable induction cooktop for you and your family. Another great thing about it is that it has child lock functions that can prevent the children from modifying the settings. From a technical perspective, this electric induction cooktop comes with powerful specs. It uses up to 1800 watts, contains 10 temperature and power levels, uses a 170-minute timer, and detects your pan for you. It even shuts off immediately after 30 seconds if it does not detect any activity.
While this energy efficient, precision induction cooktop has many great features, it is more expensive than some models that offer the same ones. The fan can also be a bit noisy, but that is up to personal preference.
What’s to like:
- Compact and elegant
- Ceramic glass covering
- 10 temperature and power levels
- Child lock function
- Warning system for low and high voltage
- Easy to clean and maintain
What’s not to like:
- Slightly more expensive than similar products
- Fan makes some noise
10. DUXTOP Portable Induction Cooktop 7100MC
This portable induction cooktop is an inexpensive, nicely designed product that is suitable for those who like matte surfaces in favor of the shiny glass that is usually seen on such appliances. Just like most such products, this too comes with a digital control panel and adjustable temperature and power settings in degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 170-minute timer, 10 power and temperature levels, and a maximum power of 1300 watts. It is lightweight and easy to use and store, and it has a warning system that helps the user troubleshoot easily. The only potential safety hazard is the fact that this product does not have a child lock function.
What’s to like:
- Inexpensive
- Matte
- 170-minute timer
- 10 temperature and power levels
- Shuts off if it does not detect cookware
- Digital controls
What’s not to like:
- No child lock function
How to Clean Your Cooktop
Once you have started cooking with induction cooktop technology, you then need to learn how to clean it properly. The easiest way to take care of the best portable induction cooktop models is to clean them after each use. This prevents their glass top from staining or discoloring. After you are done using the cooktop, unplug it and wait for it to cool completely. Once it is cool, you can then proceed to clean it. Obviously, never submerge the entire cooktop in water because it can harm both you and the product.
As we briefly mentioned before, you will most likely only need a non-abrasive sponge (or a paper towel) and water. For messes that are more difficult to remove, a mild soap should do the trick. Wash in circular motions until removing all of the mess and residue. Harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges can damage the surface, so stay away from those. Once you are done, be sure to let the cooktop dry completely before you use it again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Induction Cooktops
Though we have presented a lot of information about the best portable induction cooktop models on the market, you may still have some questions. There is a learning curve with this kind of cooking, but you can take all the time you need to learn about it. The following is a handful of frequently asked questions that others have asked.
What techniques do I need to learn to use a portable induction cooktop?
In reality, you do not need to learn any new techniques to use an induction cooktop. This is because this cooktop just supplies a different heat source than other stovetops and hot plates. However, these kinds of cooktops do heat your pan much faster than their competition, which makes it easy to overcook or burn your food. You can teach yourself how to effectively use these cooktops by practicing cheap meals on them. This way, you can see how fast the pan heats up and how quickly it cooks each meal.
Some people say these cooktops are noisy. Why is this the case?
The main source of noise from a portable induction cooktop is its fan. This can make noise as it rotates and propels the hot air away from the device, but the fans hardly make much noise because they are more energy efficient and do not waste heat. More often than not, the humming or buzzing you may hear is coming from the cookware. The energy can rattle the pan if it is not welded properly or is of lower quality, resulting in parts of the pan vibrating against itself. High-quality cookware will likely fix the issue.
Can I use an adapter if I do not have induction ready cookware?
If you do not have the proper cookware for your induction cooktop, you can use an induction disk as an adapter. Unfortunately, using one defeats the purpose of induction cooking because the disk then acts as a traditional stovetop burner. The disk will heat up and then heat your pan, which will result in slower cook times. Induction disks can be quite expensive as well, so you are better off buying the right pots and pans instead.
Can I use a commercial model at home?
Technically, you can use a commercial model at home. These models are usually bigger than the home-use ones so you can cook more food at once and for longer periods of time. However, because of their size, it may be difficult to fit them in your kitchen. Some areas also do not permit the use of commercial products like these, so do your research before you buy a commercial cooktop. In most cases, a residential portable induction cooktop will do the job just as well.
Final Thoughts on the Best Portable Induction Cooktop Reviews
It’s easy to cook, fry, and boil food to create fast and delicious meals when you have the right electric appliances at your disposal. As we previously emphasized, you can only use induction cooktops with induction-ready cookware, and it is important that their bottoms touch the element’s surface. This means that once you have decided that you need an induction cooker, you also need to buy compatible cookware. Some products include a pot or two, but some include none. The best portable induction cooktop models are those that offer advanced temperature control and have intuitive functions. Depending on your budget and preferences, you should buy the products that will allow you to cook everything you want without having safety concerns.
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