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If you want to try induction cooking or just need an extra burner in your kitchen, we have options for the best portable induction cooktops that experts suggest. Both home cooks and professional chefs like these cooktops because they make it easy to add an extra cooking area to a small kitchen or a busy commercial kitchen. Also, they are very movable because they are so light.
After putting highly rated models in different price groups through a series of tests, we chose our top pick, which is a cheap induction burner that most home cooks can use. It does a great job of boiling, browning, and frying, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of cooking tasks. Also, we suggest a great high-tech option that does a great job with sous-vide cooking and tempering, which require a lot of precision. With this choice, it’s almost impossible to not get accurate and consistent results.
Here are our top picks for portable induction burners, along with a description of why we think every cook should think about getting one. We also give more details about how induction cooking works, what kinds of tools can be used with induction, and how we test portable induction cooktops.
Best Portable Induction Cooktops Comparison Table
| Product | Power | Temperature Range | Cooking Modes | Display Type | Cookware Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Polyscience Control Freak | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop | 1800 Watts | 140°F to 450°F | 8 pre-programmed | LED display with touch | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop | 1800 Watts | 100°F to 460°F | 20 pre-programmed | LCD display with touch | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop | 1800 Watts | 140°F to 460°F | 20 pre-programmed | LCD display with touch | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Hamilton Beach 34104 Single Burner 10-inch Black Induction | 1800 Watts | 100°F to 450°F | 6 pre-programmed | LED display with touch | Induction-compatible cookware |
Breville Polyscience Control Freak Temperature Controlled Commercial Induction Cooking System
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 86°F to 482°F (30°C to 250°C) |
| Cooking Modes | 397 pre-programmed modes |
| Timer | Up to 72 hours |
| Display | LCD display with touch controls |
| Cookware Compatibility | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Safety Features | Over-temperature protection, pan detection, small object detection |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 17.4 pounds |
The Control Freak precision induction cooktop is Best Portable Induction Cooktops for sous vide cooking due to its many capabilities. The 72-hour timer allows low-and-slow cooking, the Probe Control mode automatically adjusts settings to reach and maintain a target probe temperature, and this gadget doesn’t overcorrect when a cold ingredient is added. Even without sous vide cooking, the Control Freak won’t overheat.
The first time we used the Control Freak, we imagined our beautiful Italian induction stove and the Anova Precision Oven had a huge, healthy baby gadget. Pastry chefs who temper chocolate and melt butter without browning it can use the interface dial to set the desired temperature from 25°C/77°F to 250°C/482°F and choose a slow, medium, or fast heating rate. The color LCD panel displays the pan’s and selected temperature in real time.
The Good
- Temperature control that is accurate for professional cooking
- Many cooking options that are already set up for different recipes
- High power flow for cooking that is fast and easy
- Large range of temperatures for many cooking choices
- Touch tools that are easy to use
- Long timer settings for long cooking projects
The Bad
- Compared to other small induction cooktops, it is expensive.
- A model that is heavy and large may not be as portable as others.
Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 Watts (per burner) |
| Temperature Range | 140°F to 450°F (60°C to 232°C) |
| Cooking Modes | 8 pre-programmed settings |
| Display | LED display with touch controls |
| Cookware Compatibility | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Safety Features | Auto shut-off, overheat protection |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 23.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 10.6 pounds |
The Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop is a Best Portable Induction Cooktops stove with a sleek design, at least for something its size. It wasn’t as strong as the Duxtop, though, and it took a lot longer to boil water on it. There is also no way to know how the temperature settings relate to the real temperature output.
The numbers on one burner go from 1 to 8 and the numbers on the other burner go from 1 to 5, but there are no other clues. Still, it’s a good choice for temporary or light use when you need an extra burner and don’t care about precision. We wouldn’t mind having this model in a vacation rental as long as we weren’t offered a full-size range.
The Good
- With two burners, you can cook more than one dish at the same time.
- Heating that is strong and effective
- Multiple cooking choices that are already set up for your convenience
- The size and shape make it easy to store and carry.
- The LED screen and touch buttons are easy to use.
The Bad
- Compared to some other types, it has a smaller range of temperatures.
- Some people may find that the touch functions don’t work as well.
Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 100°F to 460°F (37°C to 238°C) |
| Cooking Modes | 20 pre-programmed settings |
| Display | LCD display with touch controls |
| Cookware Compatibility | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Safety Features | Auto shut-off, diagnostic error message system |
| Dimensions | 14 x 11.4 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.3 pounds |
The Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop is our Best Portable Induction Cooktops. It is the best model to get you started with this less common way of cooking. It has 1800 watts of power and 20 pre-set temperature levels, running from 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a modest price, it has a lot of features, such as an LCD sensor that is easy to read, a “keep warm” setting, a “quick boil” button, auto shut-off, a child safety lock, and warning systems for both high and low voltage. You can even buy magnetized cookware by the brand so that you can use the stove right away. The line includes a saucepan, frying pan, and stockpot. Note that whistling sounds are common and nothing to worry about.
The Good
- Wide temperature range for versatile cooking choices
- Multiple cooking choices that are already set up for your convenience
- For easy travel, the design is light and portable.
- Clear LCD screen and touch buttons that work
- System for figuring out what’s wrong based on error messages
The Bad
- Some people may be able to hear the noise from the fan.
- Compared to higher-end models, it doesn’t have as much power.
Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 Watts (per burner) |
| Temperature Range | 140°F to 460°F (60°C to 238°C) |
| Cooking Modes | 20 pre-programmed settings |
| Display | LCD display with touch controls |
| Cookware Compatibility | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Safety Features | Auto shut-off, diagnostic error message system |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 23.6 x 15.1 inches |
| Weight | 14.96 pounds |
When one burner isn’t enough, we like this double induction cooktop because it has two burners but doesn’t take up too much counter room. You can cook meat on one side while sautéing veggies on the other. This makes it easy to make full meals quickly.
Each side has its own control system, so the settings and sensor displays are clear. There are 20 power levels up to 1800 watts, 20 temperature settings up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, and eight cooking modes, such as frying eggs, heating milk, and boiling water. Also, it has the same features as other Duxtop models, like a kid safety lock, a voltage warning system, and a surface that is easy to clean.
The Good
- Dual burners give you more options for cooking.
- Wide range of temperatures for different cooking needs
- Multiple cooking choices that are already set up to make it easy to use
- LCD screen with useful information and easy-to-use touch buttons
- System for figuring out what’s wrong based on error messages
The Bad
- Compared to single-burner types, they are bigger and heavier.
- Some people may find that the heat isn’t spread evenly.
Hamilton Beach 34104 Single Burner 10-inch Black Induction Cooktop
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 100°F to 450°F (37°C to 232°C) |
| Cooking Modes | 6 pre-programmed settings |
| Display | LED display with touch controls |
| Cookware Compatibility | Induction-compatible cookware |
| Safety Features | Auto shut-off, overheat protection |
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 12.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
During the evaluation process, this burner performed exceptionally well in many of the same categories as the winner, the Duxtop 9100MC, and was a close second overall. It did an excellent job of maintaining the cooking temperature during each and every activity, and it had 12 distinct temperature ranges that could be set in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
HEATS UP TO 40% FASTER (as compared to a conventional smooth top range or stove): With an induction cooktop, you won’t waste as much time preparing meals because food will heat up more quickly, and you’ll be able to get more done in the same amount of time.
The Good
- For portability, the form is small and light.
- LED screen and touch buttons that are easy to use
- Good power flow for cooking that works well
- A cheap choice for those on a tight budget
- For more safety, overheat defense is built in
The Bad
- Compared to some other types, it has a smaller range of temperatures.
- Some people may find that the touch functions don’t work as well.
FAQs
Yes, portable induction cooktops are great for cooking outside or in small homes. They are small, light, and easy to move, which makes them great for places with little table space or for camping, RVs, or college dorm rooms.
Most portable induction cooktops work with normal 120V or 240V outlets found in most homes. But it’s important to make sure you know how much power the type you choose needs.
Some compact induction cooktops are made to be used together, which gives you a bigger area to cook on. Not all models, though, have this function, so it’s important to look at the product details before trying to connect more than one cooktop.