Top 6 Induction Cooktops
Our rating criteria
These portable cooktops were chosen based on the 6 features we consider the most important for buying decisions and expected use of the product.
- Value for money
- Performance
- Reliability
- Portability
- Size
- Power
To come up with this list, options in the portable induction cooktop category were rated and these met our criteria. Keep reading to find out more.
By the way, this article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
We’ve highlighted what you should know about each product and why the products have been rated as they have.
You mightn’t need all the bells and whistles, but rather confidence in the product you choose to get the job done.
Your decision may be based on excellent product performance over a long period of time or budget.
Whatever your priority, our guide will give you the information to so you can make the best decision for you.
Best Portable Induction Cooktops:
stylish, versatile, useful
To choose the best single burner portable induction cooktop it very much depends on your own criteria and how you plan to cook with it. We have a 3-way tie here, because each product stands out for different reasons.
1. We named the Duxtop 8100MC model top choice simply because priced at under $50 it’s outstanding value for money. (Note: special price at time of review)
2. The NuWave 30242 PIC is recommended because it has a high maximum temperature. If you’re wanting to pan sear meat this is the choice for you.
3. We also included the True Induction double burner to show a different option. These are the 2 big benefits of this model.
- A dual-eye burner opening up extra cooking options
- It can be used either as a portable induction cooktop or easily inset into a countertop.
We thought you’d benefit from checking out what this option offers. Priced under $300 this is a versatile product that we really like.
#1 Duxtop 8100MC 1800-watt portable
- Pick me for a cheap portable induction cooktop. Can't go past this one for price.
One of the most popular single zone induction cookers on the market and for good reason. It meets ‘value on a budget’ criteria perfectly.
It offers 10 levels of power, 140ºF – 460ºF and operates between 200 and 1800 watts. Auto pan detection, over/under voltage warnings, and diagnostic error messaging are also important features.
The compact form factor makes this model extremely portable and easily stored when not in use.
The timer can count down in 1 minute increments from 170 minutes. This is handy for timing your dishes to perfection when entertaining. We also appreciate the keep-warm functionality of this cooktop.
The auto shut-off feature is a plus. However if you’re cooking for a longer than usual period you need to be aware of the unit’s automatic shut off.
This is one of the best-rated induction cooktops on the market. It offers reliable performance over time, excellent, even heating, and is one of the simplest models to use. As such, it rates highly on our list.
Our Rating: 4.2 /5 (based on research viewed from over 3600 customers who have given independent reviews and our ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Compact design
- Heats very quickly
- Clearly marked heat settings
- Easy operation
- Auto shut-off
- Value buy
Cons
- 25lb weight limit on the cooktop
- Auto shut-off feature after 170 mins
- High pitched sound on higher cooking temps. Check out FAQ's for reasons and solutions
#2 NuWave 30242 PIC Gold Precision Induction
- Pick me for pan searing with high temps.
Another single-zone induction cooktop.
The NuWave portable cooktop has 6 pre programmed temperature settings and features a built-in delay and sear features. The auto-off function will turn the unit off after 1 hour, but this can be easily adjusted.
In terms of varying temperature settings you can choose any of the 52 different options that span 100 to 575ºF. This portable induction is capable of reaching high temperatures which is beneficial when you’re searing meats or stir frying.
This model comes with a bonus frying pan. Quality of the pan is reasonable but you may prefer to use your own cookware for better results.
Our Rating: 4.5 /5 (based on research viewed from over 150 customers and our ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Even cooking with no hotspots
- Max temp of 575º F for pan searing
- Maintains steady temperature
- Cleaning the unit is simple
- The operating noise was greatly reduced
Cons
- Temperature controls not 100% accurate
#3 True Induction TI-2B Counter Inset Double Burner Induction Cooktop
- Pick me for a dual burner option
This is a beautiful, highly functional dual-eye cooktop offering excellent functionality. One of the few induction cooktops on the market designed to offer the ultimate in versatility because it can be used both in-counter and as a portable unit.
The unit measures 15 inches x 24 3/8 inches, and offers a solid surface made from Schott-Ceran smooth ceramic glass to resist scratching and chipping.
It has 15-degree incremental temperature adjustments.
You should note that although this is a dual-eye model, the plates use a patented power source technology so there will be a reduction in power if you use both burners at the same time. Meaning that there are 1800 watts of power available to be shared between the 2 burners, ie 50/50, 80/20, 100/0 etc. That doesn’t mean a compromise in functionality, you Just need to manage your cooking requirements and timing.
The True Induction has as standard a child lock, as well as several other important safety features.
This dual zone model offers ultimate portability and functionality. ideal as an extra cooktop at home, install in a ‘tiny house’, for RVs, hotel rooms, and even while camping if you like. It’s the cooktop of choice for Winnebago and many other RV manufacturers and it’s easy to see why.
Warranty: Limited 2 year warranty
Our Rating: 3.9/ 5 (based on viewing research of over 80 customer reviews and our ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Versatile: use as portable or build-in model
- Touch pad style buttons
- Easy to use and manipulate
- Safe: built-in overheat and non-pan detection
- Easy to install into a countertop
Cons
- 15 degree incremental temp adj can limit control
- Reduction in power when both burners used at same time
- Noise during operation. Check our FAQ's for possible reasons and solutions
#4 Duxtop 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner 9600LS
- Pick me for a portable induction cooktop under $100 with fast boil. This is particularly suited to small and medium sized pans
The unit shuts off automatically after 1 minute if no cookware is detected.
Keep warm functionality. This is an invaluable feature if your family comes in at different times for meals and for entertaining. Love having these options. Note that the maximum temperature is 460ºF, and there are 20 power levels to choose from.
If speed is of the essence and you want to get on with the cooking process quickly this model will benefit you. There’s a fast boil/boost function. Water boiled very quickly. In fact faster than competing models on the market.
The built-in countdown digital timer will count down from up to 10 hours in 1 minute increments.
If you cook with smaller pans, then this model operates exceptionally well. Particularly with pans 8 inches in diameter or smaller.
Our Rating: 4.5 stars/5 (based on our 6 ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Boils water quickly
- Keep warm function
- Easy-to-press bttons
- Suited to cooking in smaller pans
- Unit cools very quickly after use
Cons
- Uneven heating or hotspot in center of pan
- 2 step process to turn on the unit
- Noise while in operation at higher temp settings. See our FAQ's for tips to reduce the noise
#5 Secure 9100MC 1800-Watt Induction
- Pick me for simple, easy operation
One of the best rated portable induction cooktops on the market. It’s extreme lightweight make it one of the most portable in its class.
It has 15 power levels and uses between 200 and 1,800 watts. It also features 15 different temperature ranges, and can reach 140º-460º F.
Noted that the low maximum temperature may make it impossible to sear meat properly.
The built-in digital timer is a nice addition and it allows you to count down from up to 170 minutes. It also features auto pan detection, over/under voltage warning system, and an error warning message. This is a single zone unit.
Warranty: 1 year
Our Rating: 4.3/ 5 (based on research from more than 2000 reviews and our ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Excellent operation for reasonable price
- Extremely lightweight
- Settings and controls are easy to read
Cons
- Hotspot near centre, can cause uneven cooking
- Difficulty meaining a steady boil
- Low timer volume
- Noise common to most induction.
#6 Electrolux FGIC13P3KS Portable Induction Cooktop
- Choose me for sleek form and small to medium sized pans
One of the sleekest looking single zone induction cooktops on the market. With a lower construction weight than some of the other models this is a highly portable and compact model.
The Electrolux offers easy to use controls and a decently sized cooking zone. However you’ll be limited to small to medium sized pans (under 9 inches in diameter).
Clean up is very easy with a damp cloth or paper towel.
This portable induction cooktop lacks the LCD readout of the other options on our list and has 6 power settings, although it does not get hot enough for a proper sear on meats.
Being limited in power settings and lack of LCD readout means it doen’t offer quite the same performance as other models.
Our rating: 4 /5 (based on feedback viewed and our ranking criteria)
Pros:
- Temperature is easy to control
- Easy cleanup
- Safe to use
- Fast cool down
Cons
- Limited cooking temp selection
- Suits pans under 9"
When you know you’re going to need an extra cooktop, and buying a cheap portable induction cooktop is the solution, you’ll find one of these the perfect choice.
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The Duxtop 9600LS is significantly pricier than our top recommendation, the Duxtop 9100MC, and currently double the price of the 8100MC. It heated fairly evenly in our tests, and it offers a choice of 20 heat settings and 20 temperature settings for fine-tuning. It has a one-touch boil button, a keep-warm setting, and a lock to prevent someone from changing the temperature. However, we don’t think these extras are worth the higher price tag.