Best portable induction cooktop | Top 8 reviewed + buying tips

We may earn a commission on qualified purchases made through one of our links. Learn more

Portable induction cookers have brought a new lifestyle to cooking activities.

If you’re looking for the best one, most experts and users would recommend this Duxtop LCD 9600LS portable induction cooktop. It’s so energy efficient that it’s often also used for off-the-grid households and camping!

Best Portable Induction Cooktop

Here’s The Hands on Channel using one:

However, this option might not be suitable for some people because each person may have different needs and expectations. To understand which portable induction cooktop is best for you, let’s have a thorough discussion about it.

Let’s look at them in a quick overview, and after that, I’ll discuss each of them some more.

Induction cooktopImages
Overall best: Duxtop 9600 LSOverall best: Duxtop 9600 LS

 

(view more images)

Most power: NuWave PIC Pro (1,800w)Most power: NuWave PIC Pro (1800w)

 

(view more images)

Best cheap portable induction cooktop: Rosewill RHAI-13001Best cheap portable induction cooktop: Rosewill RHAI-13001

 

(view more images)

Best value for money: Duxtop 8100MCBest value for money: Duxtop 8100MC

 

(view more images)

Best for travelers and campers: Max Burton 6450Best for Travellers and Campers: Max Burton 6450

 

(view more images)

Best portable induction cooktop pan set: NuWave FlexBest portable induction cooktop pan set: NuWave Flex

 

(view more images)

Affordable induction cooktop with double burners: NutriChefAffordable induction cooktop with Double Burners: NutriChef

 

(view more images)

Best induction cooktop with 2 burners: Cuisinart ICT-60Best induction cooktop with 2 burners: Cuisinart ICT 60

 

(view more images)

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

1. Overall best: Duxtop 9600 LS

Duxtop 9600 LS offers an optimal balance between price and features. It has 20 power levels ranging from 100 to 1,800 watts.

The temperature setting is available in 20 levels, ranging from 140 F to 460 F. You’ll have much more control while cooking.

The energy efficiency of this cooktop is 83%.

Overall best: Duxtop 9600 LS

(view more images)

A timer of up to 10 hours makes it possible for slow-cooking without you having to waste your time rechecking the stove. Duxtop 9600LS comes with an 8-inch coil, which is ideal for most cookware.

If you’re looking for more power with lesser size and energy consumption, then this is the obvious choice for you. It only consumes about 15 amps of electricity and operates on 120 volts of capacity.

This induction cooktop is designed with the user in mind. It’s been reviewed to be compatible with all types of induction cookware used on it; be it enamel, cast iron, steel, or stainless steel materials, it works well with all of them.

You don’t have to worry about your food or pot getting knocked off the cooktop because it enhances the stability of the cookware on the cooktop with a magnetic grip.

It’s been rated as the best portable induction cooktop, and for a good reason. The design is very compact, and it’s the best combination of power and portability.

It comes with a digital control panel and an inbuilt timer, which can be used to determine the cooking duration. It also has an automatic shut-off system that turns the cooktop off once the set duration runs out.

It also turns off if the sensors don’t detect any cookware on top after 30 seconds of operation. This prevents overheating and short-circuiting. Plus, it has low and high voltage warning signals to avoid mishaps.

Pros

  • The compact design makes it easy to handle, store, and transport
  • Compatible with all types of induction cookware
  • Automatic shutdown function turns off the cooktop after 30 seconds if it doesn’t detect any cookware

Cons

  • Noisy while operational
  • Temperature control isn’t precise

Check the latest prices here

2. Most power: NuWave PIC Pro (1,800w)

NuWave is known for its precision. While most induction cookers aren’t accurate with their temperature adjustments, NuWave Pro can make it with only 5-degree increments!

The device offers 52 temperature levels from 100 F to 575 F. This range is wider than the common induction cooktops.

Most power: NuWave PIC Pro (1800w)

(view more images)

A 12-inch cooking surface with an 8-inch coil makes it possible to cook with a large pan without consuming much energy. The NuWave Pro Precision induction cooktop offers 15 power levels that give you better control and energy efficiency.

Its maximum run time is up to 100 hours, which is basically unlimited because nobody cooks that long without a break!

Check prices and availability here

Also read our full NuWave table cooktop review here 

3. Best cheap portable induction cooktop: Rosewill RHAI-13001

A portable induction cooktop doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. Some are affordable yet highly useful.

Best cheap portable induction cooktop: Rosewill RHAI-13001

(view more images)

The Rosewill RHAI-13001 comes with 8 power levels and 8 temperature levels. For less than $80, you’ll also get a versatile stainless steel pot with a lid.

This cooktop provides a timer with a maximum period of 3 hours, which is enough for most cooking methods.

The Rosewill RHAI-13001 has a sleek and stylish design with a digital control panel and polished crystal surface. If you’re on a tight budget but hope to get the most bang for your buck, then you need to consider this particular cooktop.

Check the latest prices here on Amazon

4. Best value for money: Duxtop 8100MC

As the leading brand in portable induction cooktops, Duxtop also provides an affordable product. For less than $70, this cooktop has all the basic features to give you a wonderful time.

There are 10 power levels, which are enough to get your cooking under control.

Best value for money: Duxtop 8100MC

(view more images)

The temperature range is almost as wide as most devices (140-464 F), although the increments are in 10. The timer works up to 170 minutes, which shouldn’t be a problem for most people.

This model has a compact size, yet the coil diameter is 8 inches, just like most portable induction cooktops are.

Check the latest prices here

5. Best for travelers and campers: Max Burton 6450

If you plan to go out carrying your portable induction cooktop a lot, then you need it to be lightweight and versatile. Here’s the best you can consider.

Best for Travellers and Campers: Max Burton 6450

(view more images)

The Max Burton 6450 is only 6 pounds, which is pretty light to carry along. It also has a compact size of 9.1 x 9.1 inches. There are 10 power levels and 15 temperature setting levels, which are more than enough for outdoor cooking!

For added safety, the Max Burton 6450 has an auto shut-down feature. The burner will instantly stop when the sensor detects any cases of overheating, overvoltage, short-circuiting, unsuitable cookware, and 3-hours of non-stop usage.

Furthermore, a panel locking system prevents children from randomly pressing buttons. Now you can camp and cook without the risk of burning down the forest!

The Max Burton is powered by a 1,800 W burner. The unit offers rapid heating, making sure you can get all your meals ready in no time.

The cooktop also has very flexible temperature specs. You’ll enjoy a total of 8 heat settings.

The maximum cooktop temperature can hit up to 450 F. The temperature range is separated by intervals of 25 degrees to give you better control over heating.

The Max Burton 6400 also comes with a 3-hour timer and can be a great unit for slow cooking. Plus, it offers separate simmer and boil buttons for added versatility.

Although the unit doesn’t have 100% precise temperature control, it’s good enough for most home cooking needs.

The only downside is the fact that the appliance has a very large induction coil. It’ll mostly work with relatively larger pans.

Pros 

  • Excellent heating power with its 1,800 W burner
  • Offers very good temperature range that can hit up to 450 F
  • Comes with separate simmer and boil buttons
  • Easy to use control system

Cons 

  • You may need to purchase induction-ready cookware to use the unit
  • Costs relatively more compared to other units in its category

Check out pricing for this unit here

6. Best portable induction cooktop pan set: NuWave Flex

Being a famous brand for induction cooktops, NuWave also offers a product with high portability. NuWave Flex is impressively lightweight at only 4.25 pounds, which is probably the lightest amongst all portable induction cooktops.

Its dimensions are also relatively small, making it effortless to carry along for RVing or camping.

Best portable induction cooktop pan set: NuWave Flex

(view more images)

There are 3 power levels to control your cooking. The temperature levels range from 100 F to 500 F with 10-degree increments, making a total of 45 levels.

The product includes a 9-inch nonstick frying pan, which is quite versatile and useful.

NuWave is one of the more reputable brands with a stellar history of producing top-quality portable induction cookers. The NuWave 30242 is definitely one of its best products, and it’s not hard to see why.

With its 45 temperature settings, maximum heat level of 500 F, and 10-degree increments, this gives you better control of the heating. It also makes the unit one of the best appliances for cooking meals that require finesse.

The cooktop also comes with a 10.5-inch anodized nonstick frying pan. It’s powered by a 1,500 W burner too.

The NuWave 30242 is designed for people on the go. Its lightweight and compact design ensure you can carry it around whenever you need to.

Besides, you’ll also get over 100 hours of internal memory to save all those favorite recipes on the go!

Pros 

  • Offers a relatively large cooking area
  • Excellent temperature control features
  • Compact lightweight design for easy portability
  • Very energy efficient

Cons 

  • The LED display doesn’t shut off, even when the cooker’s turned off. This can be annoying for some people
  • The unit shuts off instantly when the pan’s removed

You can buy it here on Amazon

7. Affordable induction cooktop with double burners: NutriChef

A single burner might not be enough to satisfy your cooking spirit and requirements. In that case, you can get an induction cooktop with a double burner. Don’t worry, they’re still portable!

Affordable induction cooktop with Double Burners: NutriChef

(view more images)

The NutriChef PKSTIND48 provides 9 power levels with maximum wattages of 1,800 W. There are 8 temperature setting levels from 140 F to 460 F. The tempered ceramic glass on the surface makes the cooktop sturdy and stylish.

The 2 burners each have 6.7 inches of coils. You can use both at the same time for different kinds of cooking. The cooktop has multiple cooking modes for ease of control, including the “keep warm” option.

You can set the timer for up to 4 hours.

Check it out here on Amazon

8. Best induction cooktop with 2 burners: Cuisinart ICT 60

Do you need a portable induction cooktop with 2 burners, but of different specifications? Then consider the Cuisinart ICT 60.

Best induction cooktop with 2 burners: Cuisinart ICT 60

(view more images)

This cooktop also offers a timer of up to 150 minutes for each burner.

Cuisinart ICT 60 is also lightweight and compact. It can be your choice if you need a double burner cooktop for traveling.

The Cuisinart ICT-60 is designed for people who want extra cooking space. It comes with 2 different cooking areas.

There are 2 burners with different specifications and sizes. You can use both simultaneously. The right one has 8 power levels and a 7.5-inch heating zone and is ideal for extremely rapid cooking.

Meanwhile, the left one has 5 power levels and a 6-inch heating zone. Both can work for cookware with a maximum diameter of 10 inches and can be switched on and off using separate switches.

The Cuisinart ICT 60 has also done well to prioritize safety. The appliance will shut off after 30 seconds unless a pot is placed on top. The unit also offers excellent versatility, and to make things even better, it’s one of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market.

We also noted that the unit comes with an innovative compact design. It measures 5.2 x 26.8 x 17 inches. Although the appliance ensures you get ample cooking space, it doesn’t take too much space in your kitchen. This makes it an excellent option for small spaces, including RVs.

The Cuisinart ICT-60 also features a large LCD display for all your controls. The touchscreen offers a more convenient way to engage various heat settings on the appliance. But in case you love the traditional feel of real buttons, the Cuisinart ICT-60 has them too.

The cooktop also heats up really fast as well.

Finding an induction cooktop with plenty of cooking space and an array of high-end features is never easy, but the Cuisinart ICT-60 is all that and more. It’s definitely worth a look, especially if you don’t mind spending a little extra on high-quality appliances.

Pros 

  • Heats up fast and helps to maintain heat consistency for the entire cooking
  • Comes with 2 separate burners, each with its own heat settings and switch
  • Features automatic shutoff technology
  • Each burner also comes with a 150-minute timer

Cons 

  • The unit is susceptible to daily wear and tear, and may not last for long

Check prices and availability here

Best portable induction cooktop brands

Some brands are just that good. And when it comes specifically to a portable induction cooktop, these are the brands you need to look at first.

Duxtop/Secura

Both Duxtop and Secura are brands owned by Secura Company. The company’s business is manufacturing kitchen appliances, where they started and stayed focused on induction cooktops.

Duxtop has many portable induction cooktop choices for varied purposes. The brand is highly reputable for its fine quality, even the low-budget products.

Besides the induction cooktop, the brand is also famous for its lines of induction-ready cookware.

NuWave

NuWave is a company that manufactures innovative small appliances. One of their best products is the series of precision induction cooktops (PICs), which offer a feature to adjust the cooking temperature accurately for finer results.

NuWave has a wide range of PICs, allowing everybody to get a tech-savvy cooking device that matches their needs. The brand is also famous for its NuWave Oven, which features energy-efficient smart technology.

Also read: these induction stoves are the best for small houses and 1-person households

Important things to know and consider before buying your first portable induction cooktop

Operating and maintaining a portable induction cooktop is entirely different from a conventional gas stove. Things can be confusing, especially if you plan to switch to the induction cooktop for daily use. So here are important things you need to know.

Power

An induction cooktop can consume up to 1,800 watts of power. Can your home power supply that much without causing electrical instability in your house?

This might be an issue if you used a gas stove before. But if you’re using an electric stove before, there might not be any trouble.

Each portable induction cooktop offers a few levels of wattage. The more options you have, the more control you have over the stove. What you need to see from the device are:

  • How many power levels are available (the range between the lowest and the highest levels)
  • How big the jumps are between levels

Temperature levels

This one is similar to the power levels but is less important to consider.

Not every portable induction cooktop has a temperature setting. Some of them only offer multiple levels.

Besides, most temperature settings aren’t very accurate.

Run time

Unlike a conventional stove, most portable induction cooktop units have a limit on how long they can run without stopping. This might be an issue if you love spending long hours in the kitchen.

But since most induction cooktops allow a long run time, this aspect shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Also, not every portable induction cooktop unit provides an automatic turn-off timer. If such features are important to you, make sure to check it on the specification list. The ranges of duration are varied.

Alternatively, you can use a manual timer instead.

Some aren’t portable

Not all induction cooktops are portable. There are inset models for kitchen countertops, which require installation.

If you need the portable one, make sure the model you buy is the portable type.

Cookware

An induction cooktop can only work with magnetic cookware.

A simple test can be done to see if your cookware is induction-ready. If a magnet can stick to it, then it’s good to go. Otherwise, you’d need some new cookware.

Coil size

The coil size determines how many electromagnets it can induct. But you don’t need to worry much about it. Even a smaller coil can still cook finely because the cookware will always distribute heat evenly to the food.

However, this feature is important if you plan to use large cookware.

Fan type and noise

Cheap portable induction cooktop units usually contain a low-quality fan, which is noisy and easy to break.

If you’re sensitive to noise, you should try asking to turn it on before agreeing to buy.

Weight and dimension

Weight and dimension can be important, especially if you plan on bringing your portable induction cooktop to travel. It can also matter if your kitchen is tiny.

Some units are specially manufactured to be lightweight for better portability. However, better quality portable induction cooktop units are generally heavier.

Double burner power

A double burner induction cooktop will share power. If you max out one of them, the other one won’t be available for use. If you need both burners to work at maximum capacity, consider buying 2 single-unit burners instead.

Warranty

A good quality device usually offers a long warranty.

Besides the duration, you also need to check what things are covered by hthe warranty. Furthermore, be sure to learn how to make your claim.

Brand reputation

Brand matters most of the time because of its reputation. Choosing the best brand secures the quality of service, durability, and other important aspects you can’t figure out from the specification list.

FAQs

Are induction cooktops safe?

Induction cooktops are perfectly safe to use.

But ther’s no single appliance that offers 100% safety. There’s still some risk of getting hurt, especially if you use the cooktops incorrectly.

It’s so easy to assume that just because induction cooktops don’t get hot, they can’t burn. People always seem to forget that the pans still get hot, so don’t take any chances!

Always handle your cooktop with extreme care. It’s also possible for the appliances to cause fires, although such cases are probably very rare.

Besides, higher-end cooktop brands like Duxtop and Cuisinart come with additional safety features that reduce fire risks.

Are induction cooktops energy efficient?

Yes, induction cooktops are very energy efficient, especially compared to other stovetops.

However, to optimize energy efficiency for your cooker, make sure you use the recommended cookware. The pots must also cover the entire surface of the copper coils to ensure no heat is lost.

Where can I buy portable induction cooktops? 

Most stores specializing in kitchen appliances or home improvement products will have portable induction cooktops on offer.

If you prefer to buy online, consider buying on established sites like Amazon, Walmart, and others. It’s also important to note that all the products I’ve included in this review are available on Amazon.

What are the best pots to use with induction cooktops?

Any pots used on induction cooktops must have magnetic bottoms. Iron, graniteware, carbon steel, and stainless-steel pots should work.

If you aren’t sure whether your pots will be compatible with an induction cooktop, there’s a small test you can do at home. Just stick a magnet to the bottom of the pot. If it sticks, then the pot’s good to go!

There are so many people out there who seem to believe that the portable induction cooktop brands need some special pans. This isn’t entirely true. Any pan that attracts magnets can be used.

Purchase the best portable induction cooktop for your needs

I’ve reviewed 8 of the best portable induction cooktops in this article. So this should give you a good starting point on which to buy, especially since I’ve given you some other great information!

But if you’re not sure what to buy yet, you should also read my post on induction cooktops versus electric ones. I’ve listed all of the differences in use and energy consumption in that post, so it’s a good read to learn more.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.