For on-the-go cooking or to expand your current kitchen cookware setup, a portable induction cooktop gives you one or two additional burners to cook on. Convenient for traveling and handy for entertaining guests, a portable induction cooktop eliminates the dangers of an open flame, and reduces energy output. Because of its size and nontraditional heating element, the portable induction cooktop benefits small areas of living, such as dorm rooms, studio apartments, and RVs.
We researched dozens of portable induction cooktops to find the best ones on Amazon. We looked at single and double burners, power levels, temperature settings, and the diameter of cooking space. We considered the cooktop’s ability to create multiple types of dishes.
We chose the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch as the best portable induction cooktop overall because it offers just about anything you need in a portable induction cooktop, including multiple settings for power capacity and cooking temperature.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Portable Induction Cooktops
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Portable Induction Cooktop Overall | Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch | 4.4 |
| Best Double Portable Induction Cooktop | NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop w/ Kids Safety Lock | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Portable Induction Cooktop | Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner | 4.2 |
| Best Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer | SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer | 4.5 |
| Best Portable Induction Cooktop with Multiple Cooking Modes | Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER Sensor Touch Induction Cooker | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Portable Induction Cooktop Overall: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch
Enhance your culinary skills in the kitchen with the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch. This cooktop offers you the option of cooking delicate sauces over a low power heat to avoid scorching, but also the ability to boil water in a matter of minutes with the high power heat, up to 1800 watts.
Using a standard North American outlet, the cooktop is lightweight and easy to take on-the-go. Convenient for camping, compact for dorm rooms, and handy as an extra burner in your kitchen, the induction cooktop delivers a wide range of cooking temperatures, up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. Saute, brown, and fry your food to experiment with a myriad of cooking styles.
The Duxtop induction cooktop is available in black or silver and features a sensor touchpad with different controls, such as the keep-warm setting, menu and power button, and a timer. The timer allows you to set the induction cooktop to stay on for up to 10 hours. And the keep-warm setting keeps the cooktop at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes.
The cooktop has a safety factor – the unit automatically shuts off after 60 seconds if it senses either the wrong type of cookware or no cookware at all. Another safety feature includes the lock button, which locks all buttons except the power switch so the temperature and timer can not be changed once they have been set. The all-glass top unit is compatible with magnetic cookware that has a diameter of at least 5 inches.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch Key Features:
- Uses standard North American outlet
- 20 preset power settings
- 20 preset temperature settings
- Sensor touch button panel
- Child safety lock
- Up to a 10-hour timer
- Warm setting up to 30 minutes
- Automatically detects pan
Best Double Portable Induction Cooktop: NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop w/ Kids Safety Lock
When just one burner won’t cut it, and you’re looking for the ability to cook more than one thing at a time on your portable induction cooktop, check out the NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop w/ Kids Safety Lock. It’s our top choice for the best double portable induction cooktop on Amazon. With two burners, this double cooktop fits magnetic pans with diameters measuring roughly 5 to 10 inches. Large enough to fit two decent pans, but small enough to travel with, this cooktop is helpful when camping or you have extra company in town.
The NutriChef cooktop has a ceramic tempered glass top and is safe for use on your table or countertop. Cook two dishes at the same time – each burner features its own sensor touch control panel so you can boil water and saute veggies independently. Choose from preset cooking methods, such as fry, steam, and boil. Set the timer for up to 4 hours, or switch a burner to the warm setting when you’re done cooking. This double induction cooktop also offers a lock feature to lock all buttons except the power function.
NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop w/ Kids Safety Lock Key Features:
- Multiple cooking options
- Automatic warm setting
- Child safety lock
- For pots roughly 5 to 10 inches in diameter
- Timer setting up to 4 hours
- Ceramic tempered glass top
- Sensor touch control pad
Best Budget Portable Induction Cooktop: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Induction cooking equipment has come down in price over the years but is still considered to be on the pricier end. So if you’re looking to save a few bucks but want to give induction cooking a try, consider the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner. It’s our budget portable induction cooktop pick. Featuring 10 different temperature settings, from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, and 10 different power settings from 200 to 1800 watts, you can boil, saute, simmer, steam, or gently warm your food.
Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, the Duxtop induction cooktop can be used on the road or in your home. The portable cooktop has a glass surface with a control panel that includes a digital timer for up to 170 minutes. The unit also includes an error and voltage warning system. A bonus safety feature triggers the automatic shut off of the unit if it doesn’t detect a pan after 60 seconds. This cooktop is compatible with pans that have a diameter of at least 5 inches. Be sure to use magnetic cookware.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner Key Features:
- Available in gold or silver
- Timer setting up to 170 minutes
- Uses standard North American outlet
- 10 power levels up to 1800 watts
- 10 preset temperature settings up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Automatically detects pan
Best Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer: SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer
A timer can be an invaluable item to use while you’re cooking. So if you’re cooking on a portable induction cooktop, especially if you’re out in the woods, a timer is helpful to have on hand. To use a portable cooktop that has a timer, consider the SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer. It’s our pick for the best portable induction cooktop with timer because you can set the unit to cook for up to 5 hours. Make a pot of soup or slow cook some chicken, and don’t worry about standing over it until it’s done. Also, the timer can be set in 1-minute increments for more precision cooking.
Use the multiple temperature and power settings to simmer, boil, saute, or fry your meals. Choose power from 15 different levels, from 100 to 1800 watts, and 15 different temperature settings, from 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. Whip up a variety of meals with confidence, whether you’re in your home, out on the camping trail, or having an outdoor picnic.
The Sunavo induction cooktop features a sensor touch control pad that includes a child safety lock. The unit is compatible with magnetic pans that have a diameter of 4 to 8 inches.
SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop with Timer Key Features:
- Timer option up to 5 hours
- Power ranges from 100 to 1800 watts
- 15 temperature settings
- Automatically detects pan
- Cooktop surface doesn’t overheat
- Child safety lock
Best Portable Induction Cooktop with Multiple Cooking Modes: Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER Sensor Touch Induction Cooker
Cooking on a portable single burner cooktop shouldn’t limit what you can cook for dinner. Most induction burners offer the capability of cooking in a variety of styles. The best portable induction cooktop with multiple cooking modes is the Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER Sensor Touch Induction Cooker because it delivers a wide range of settings so you can cook with more precision. The cooktop has 18 power levels and 17 preset temperature settings, allowing you to steam, saute, fry, pan sear, boil, and more.
The iSiLER induction cooktop lets you slow cook, simmer, and braise without having to keep an eye on the clock. Just set the timer for up to 180 minutes. Suitable for magnetic pans with a diameter between 4 and 8 inches, this unit has a touch-button panel that includes a child safety lock. Lock all of the buttons, except the power function, so the temperature and power levels can’t change once they’re set. The unit also features rounded edges for safety, and the glass surface is easy to clean and maintain.
Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER Sensor Touch Induction Cooker Key Features:
- 18 power levels up to 1800 watts
- 17 preset temperatures up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Suitable for pans roughly 4 to 8 inches in diameter
- Child safety lock
- Timer setting up to 3 hours
- Glass surface top
Who Should Buy a Portable Induction Cooktop
A portable induction cooktop serves a variety of needs, and it uses less energy than a portable electric cooktop. And because there isn’t any flame, it’s safer than the typical propane camping cooktop. This method of cooking results in more accurate and consistent temperatures, leading to precision cooking. Because heat is coming directly from the pot itself, food cooks much quicker and there’s less energy output. Whether you’re in the market for a cooktop while on the road in your RV or you need the extra burner in your kitchen, an induction cooktop can save you time and money.
Important Features to Consider
A portable induction cooktop should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a portable induction cooktop:
- Single or double burner. Consider if you want a single burner cooktop or a double burner cooktop. Portable induction cooktops are available in both styles and offer many of the same options. Single burners hold only one cooking pot at a time, with an average diameter of about 8 inches. Most units have a power capacity up to 1800 watts. Double burners hold two cooking pots, allowing you to cook two things at once. Some models offer identical diameters, while other models feature one large and one small cooking area. Double burner induction cooktops typically feature independent control panels. However, the power output may be shared among the burners. Double burners are slightly larger overall, but just as portable as the single burner.
- Power level and temperature setting. The majority of portable induction cooktops offer a range of cooking levels – so you can boil, simmer, or saute – but others go a bit further and offer a wide range of power and temperature levels to let your inner chef fly. These models allow you to practice a host of cooking styles so you can get creative with your dishes. Lower power levels are suitable for different amp requirements and various cooking methods. Higher power levels and temperature settings let you boil water much faster than a traditional stove.
- Added functions. Portable induction cooktops are available with a bunch of different features. Consider what else you might want the cooktop to do or have. For instance, some models have a safety lock option. Certain induction cooktops have preset, one-touch cooking buttons, and others feature a keep-warm setting. Many offer the convenience of a timer, but the minute or hour limit varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a portable induction cooktop and how does it work?
A portable induction cooktop is a small kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic energy to cook food. This method of cooking generates heat via an electromagnetic field. That field induces non-thermal heat conduction, so the unit directly warms the cooking pot, which in turn quickly cooks the food. Gas and electric cooktops create an outward heat source, which adds the step of transferring heat from a heating element to the pot, before cooking the food.
Using a standard electrical outlet, a current passes through a coiled wire in the induction cooktop to create an alternating electric current, which goes through the proper cookware – cast iron or stainless steel – to heat the pot. Only induction-friendly cookware works with portable induction cooktops. Any pan you use must contain a ferromagnetic metal in order for it to react to the magnetic field, and thus induce a current.
Are portable induction cooktops energy efficient?
Induction cooking uses 10 percent less energy than electric cooking and 50 percent less than gas cooking. But not only do portable induction cooktops produce more efficient energy, but they also cook foods faster than gas or electric. Induction cooktops can boil water in half the time as a gas cooktop.
What is the advantage of induction cooking?
Induction cooking has many advantages over electric or gas. As previously stated, induction cooking uses less energy and is more time-efficient than cooking via electricity or gas. Meal prep and cook time are cut down significantly. Induction heating translates to more precise and consistent temperatures, which ensures more even cooking. Other advantages include an easy-to-maintain surface. Because induction heats the pot and not the surface, spilled foods don’t burn to the top.
How long do portable induction cooktops last?
Portable induction cooktops naturally have longer lives than their electric or gas counterparts. Due to the gentle heating nature of the magnetic field, induction cooktop units are less likely to become damaged the way traditional heating elements do. Depending on the type of induction cooktop you have purchased, the life span varies. A cooktop that features thicker glass will last longer. Higher power capability also lengthens the life span of an induction cooktop.
Other Portable Induction Cooktops We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other portable induction cooktops. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best portable induction cooktops list, they’re the best of the rest, and are still great options for cooking with induction heat. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Portable Induction Cooktops For Multiple Cooking Styles
- Double Burner Portable Induction Cooktops
- Budget Portable Induction Cooktops
- Other Portable Induction Cooktops
Portable Induction Cooktops For Multiple Cooking Styles
duxtop 8310 Portable Induction Cooktop
A portable induction cooktop that delivers 20 different power levels, up to 1800 watts, and 20 different temperature settings, up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- Timer setting up to 170 minutes
- Sensor touch control pad with child safety lock
- Automatically shuts off after 60 seconds if no pan is detected
Cost: $50
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop 9100MC
The Duxtop induction cooktop features an angled control panel that includes a timer and LED digital display. The unit is compatible with magnetic pans that have at least a 5-inch diameter.
Key Features:
- 15 preset power levels from 200 to 1800 watts
- 15 preset temperature settings from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Automatic shut off when no pan is detected
Cost: $72
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Burner 8500ST
A portable cooktop using induction heat that features a timer setting of up to 170 minutes. The unit is compatible with magnetic pans that have at least a 5-inch diameter.
Key Features:
- 15 power levels from 200 to 1800 watts
- 15 preset temperature settings from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Automatically shuts off after 60 seconds of detecting no pan
Cost: $72
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop, High End Full Glass with Sensor Touch
This portable induction cooktop has a glass surface with a sensor touch control panel. The unit is compatible with magnetic pans that have at least a 5-inch diameter.
Key Features:
- 20 preset power levels up to 1800 watts
- 20 preset temperature settings up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Timer option up to 170 minutes
Cost: $90
EurKitchen Safe and Powerful Portable Induction Cooktop Burner w/Cloth Bag
An induction cooktop that fits magnetic pans with a diameter up to about 8 inches. The surface appears sleek with a black crystal top and sensor touch control panel.
Key Features:
- 17 power levels from 200 to 1800 watts
- 18 temperature settings from 120 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Timer option up to 3 hours
Cost: $78
Portable Induction Cooktop, Induction Hot Plate with LCD Sensor Touch
Choose from 20 different power levels and 15 temperature settings to cook atop this portable induction cooktop.
Key Features:
- Compatible with magnetic pans that have a diameter up to 10 inches
- Timer setting up to 180 minutes
- Child safety lock
Cost: $40
Sandoo Induction Cooktop, Portable Electric Burner Stove
With 15 power levels, up to 1800 watts, and 15 temperature settings, up to 465 degrees Fahrenheit, the Sandoo induction cooktop features a timer up to 180 minutes.
Key Features:
- Angled control panel
- Uses magnetic cookware with a diameter between 5 and 10 inches
- Automatically shuts off after 2 hours of no activity
Cost: $46
SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop, Sensor Touch Multifunction Burner
The Sunavo portable induction cooktop features preset cooking methods. The unit automatically shuts off if it doesn’t detect a pan in 30 seconds.
Key Features:
- 15 power levels up to 1800 watts
- 15 temperature settings up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Timer option up to 300 minutes
Double Burner Portable Induction Cooktops
Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop
A double induction burner cooktop that offers individual burners so you can cook two different style dishes at one time. Each side has a timer option of up to 150 minutes.
Key Features:
- 8 heat settings on the left burner
- 5 heat settings on the right burner
- Automatic shut off after 30 seconds
Cost: $60
Evergreen Home Double Digital Induction cooker Cooktop
The Evergreen dual burner induction cooktop features independent controls, so you can cook two dishes at once using different methods of cooking.
Key Features:
- 15 temperature settings from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit
- Timer option up to 4 hours
- Child safety lock
Cost: $170
True Induction Mini Duo MD-2B Portable Double Burner Induction Cooktop
For cooking multiple dishes on a portable induction cooktop, True Induction offers two independent burners with a power level up to 1800 watts.
Key Features:
- Uses standard North American outlet
- Diameter between 4 and 8 inches
- 2-year limited warranty
Budget Portable Induction Cooktops
AmazonBasics Portable Induction Cooktop Burner
The AmazonBasics induction cooktop has an LED display on a glass panel top.
Key Features:
- Power levels from 200 to 1800 watts
- Timer option up to 3 hours
- Alert warning systems
Cost: $49
Cosmo Portable Electric Induction Cooktop
Suitable for magnetic pans with up to a 10.5-inch diameter, this cooktop features 9 power levels between 200 and 1800 watts.
Key Features:
- 10 temperature settings up to 465 degrees Fahrenheit
- Child safety lock and automatic shut off function
- Timer setting up to 3 hours
Cost: $61
Portable Touch Induction Cooktop with LED Touch Screen
A portable induction cooktop that offers 9 power levels between 150 and 1800 watts. Choose a temperature that ranges from 140 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit for a variety of cooking styles.
Key Features:
- Suitable for magnetic pans with a diameter between about 4 and 8 inches
- Timer setting up to 180 minutes
- Sensor touch control panel on glass surface
Cost: $46
Rosewill Induction Cooker Cooktop
This induction cooktop features a touch control panel that has a child safety lock and overheat protection. Also included as part of the deal is a 3.5-quart stainless steel pot.
Key Features:
- Timer setting up to 3 hours
- 8 power level settings from 300 to 1800 watts
- 8 temperature settings from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Cost: $60
Rosewill Induction Cooker, 5 Pre-Programmed Induction Cooktop
Featuring preprogrammed settings, such as fry, hot pot, warm milk, and soup, this induction cooktop has multiple temperature settings from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- 8 power levels from 300 to 1800 watts
- Timer setting up to 3 hours
- Crystal plate surface
Other Portable Induction Cooktops
Max Burton 6450 Digital LCD Induction Cooktop
Customize your cooking with temperature settings from 100 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep tabs on your meals with the digital timer, which counts up to 180 minutes.
Key Features:
- Preset cooking methods
- Child safety lock
- Automatic shut off function
Cost: $89
NuWave PIC Gold Portable Induction Cooktop
The NuWave cooktop has power up to 1500 watts and offers the option of temperatures from 100 to 575 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- 100-hour timer with delay option
- Automatic shut off function
- Cooking area is roughly 8 inches in diameter
Cost: $123
Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
An induction cooktop that has up to 22 power levels, for a maximum power of 2200 watts.
Key Features:
- Voltage safety system
- Compatible with magnetic 7 to 10-inch diameter pans
- Includes timer option
Cost: $80
Salton Portable Induction Cooktop
An induction cooktop with power levels from 300 to 1800 watts.
Key Features:
- Timer option up to 3 hours
- 8 temperature settings from 140 to 465 degrees Fahrenheit
- Automatic shut off function
Cost: $80
