Are you looking for the best portable induction cooktop?
I have reviewed the top options on the market today and in this article you will learn my recommendations.
Check out the quick list below for price and customer reviews for the best portable induction cooktop. Or read on for the full reviews:
- Duxtop LCD 1800 Watt Portable Induction Countertop Burner Cooktop 9600LS
- iSiLER 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop
- Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop, Countertop Burner
- Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop
- NutriChef PKSTIND48 Dual Electric Induction Cooker, 120V Portable Digital Ceramic Double Burner
I have two portable induction cooktops for my own use. One for the kitchen that doubles as a camping cooker. And I keep a second in my bug out and evacuation kit.
Induction cooktops are getting more and more popular. The uses above makes them an important tool in my arsenal.
When you buy the best portable induction cooktop, you will be able to cook on the go.
No matter whether that means moving your induction burner to the backyard when grilling, or taking it with you on the road.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Portable Induction Cooktop
I suggest that you make a list of all of the features that you are interested in for your new induction cooktop.
This will allow you to easily find one that will meet your needs and cross others off of your list.
Make sure that you pay attention to the type of controls used on the cooktop.
I find that some touch controls aren’t as responsive as others, especially when the surface of the cooktop is dirty.
It’s also important to consider how many elements you want, as portable induction cooktops can be purchased with one or two elements.
If you are only going to be using your cooktop to keep items warm for a party, but you are not for cooking meals, then you may only need one element.
If you plan to cook, I recommend a two burner model.
I have picked the best one and two element models so you are covered whichever option is right for you.
Portable Induction Cooktop Advantages
Portable induction cooktops are incredibly useful.
They allow you to prepare complete meals even when you are away from home.
This means that no matter whether you are in a dorm or hotel room without a kitchen, or you simply want to take your cook top with you to the living room or backyard, as long as you have an outlet, you can do that.
When compared to other types of cooking, induction cooking is fast, easy, and safe.
Features to Look For
There are a few features that you will want to consider when shopping for a new induction cooktop.
The first is the volts or watts of your new cooktop.
Some portable induction cooktops need more voltage than what a typical outlet can handle, so you need to make sure that you look for one that is 120 volts.
Different cooktops will have different power modes that are used to allow you to easily control the heat levels on your new cooktop.
I find that different induction cooktops will have different preset levels and you need to familiarize yourself with them before your first use.
It’s very easy to accidentally burn your food when cooking on an induction cooktop.
When you choose a cooktop that has more temperatures modes, then you will have significantly better temperature control and are less likely to burn your food.
Also consider the temperature range that the cooktop can handle.
When you opt for a portable induction cooktop that has a broader temperature range, you will be able to enjoy low simmers while also turning up the heat later for a professional sear on your meat.
It’s also important to think about the design of the cooktop itself as well as its size.
As mentioned earlier, some portable induction cooktops have only one burner, while others offer two without taking up much more space.
Finally, look at the safety features on the cooktop you’re considering.
Child locks are incredibly important, as these cooktops can get dangerously hot when they are in contact with a pan.
It’s a good idea to always look for kitchen appliances that are safe to use around children if you have kids in your home.
How to Use Your Induction Cooktop
Before you can use your best portable induction cooktop, you have to make sure that you have pans that are compatible with induction cooking.
These pans have to contain iron or a magnetic material, or the cooktop simply won’t turn on when you use your pan.
Some examples of pans that you can use include stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast iron.
The best way to check and see if you can use your cookware is with a magnet.
If you can stick a magnet securely to the botom of your cookware, then it will heat up on your portable induction cooktop.
You also want to make sure that any pot or pan that you use doesn’t have major dings or dents in the bottom that would prevent it from making contact with the induction surface.
Considerations
Some people have concerns over the safety of using an induction cooktop, as they rely on alternating magnetic fields to make enough heat to cook your food. There are some users who are worried about people who have these cooktops in their homes being exposed to high levels of these magnetic fields.
While this is a valid concern, you can safely use an induction cooktop in your home just like you do with a microwave.
Portable Induction Cooktop
Enjoy an automatically adjusting magnetic field so that you waste very little energy when cooking on this cooktop. This induction cooktop is not only easy to use, but it is also safe and heats up quickly so that you can cook your favorite meals on the go.
Pros
● LCD sensor touch control panel is easy to use
● Child safety lock system keeps kids from using the cooktop
● Fast boil button heats up water quickly
● Keep warm button allows you to keep food at the right temperature
● Built-in countdown timer is easy to use
● Offers 20 different power levels
● Temperatures range from 100F to 460F
● Noiseless cooking
Cons
● Actual heating area is somewhat small
● LCD display has been known to malfunction
Enjoy overheating protection so that you don’t accidentally scorch the food that you’re making, and rely on the built-in timer to help you count down cooking. This powerful cooktop plugs easily into the socket and will heat up your water and food quickly.
Pros
● 8 temperature settings
● Kid safety lock
● 9 power levels to slow cook, grill, simmer, sear, and more
● Provides large cooking area
● Safety lock to prevent children from using it
● Glass surface is high-quality and can withstand heavy use
● Features 12-month warranty
● Rounded edges prevent people from being injured
Cons
● Only tends to heat in the middle of the pan
● Occasional temperature inconsistencies
Thanks to the tilted control panel, the LCD screen on this cooktop is easy to read, and the smooth surface makes it incredibly easy to clean. The large buttons make it simple to adjust the heating power. Allowing for time when you are cooking so that you have complete control over your meal.
Pros
● Features 15 different power levels
● Very lightweight for ease of use and extreme portability
● Built-in countdown timer makes it easy to control your cooking
● Features low and high voltage messages in case of danger
● Auto-pan detection prevents you from being burned
● LED display is large enough to easily read
● Features 83% energy efficiency
● Incredibly easy to clean
Cons
● Takes longer to heat water than other cooktops
● Fan is somewhat noisy
Cooks who need an additional burner, but who don’t want to buy a second cooktop, will enjoy having this induction cooktop. It offers two burners that you can easily control on their own. This makes cooking separate dishes very easy. Excellent two element cooktop.
Pros
● Produces very little extra heat so that your kitchen won’t warm up
● Heat turns off in under 30 seconds after pan is removed
● Includes 2 burners
● Both burners have their own on/off switch and timer
● Left burner has 8 heat settings, right burner has 5 heat settings
● Doesn’t produce exhaust or smoke, making it safe for use in most any location
● Water heats up really quickly to reduce cooking time
Cons
● Timer must be manually turned off
● Difficult to keep the surface clean
One of the best two element portable induction cooktops available. Enjoy double the cooking space with this induction cooktop that features an easy to clean surface. Also boasts a fast heating element so that you can quickly make your favorite meals. With a power cord that is almost 5 feet long, you can easily position this cooktop wherever you need it to be.
Pros
● Dual heating zones offer you great control
● High powered heating elements make cooking incredible fast
● Sensor touch controls are easy to use
● Digital LCD screen wipes clean
● The two burners have individual temperature settings for perfect adjustments
● Countdown timer setting makes it easy to time your meals
● Time can be set for up to 1.5 hours
Cons
● Bottom of burner is unfinished metal with exposed rivets and vents
● Burners have blinking red lights that won’t turn off when the unit is plugged in
I really like the Secura 9100MC 1800W. It is easy to use and the interactive LCD screen is a great feature. It allows excellent temperature control and the heating element is superb.
Any of my picks for the best portable induction cooktop is a great choice. Let me know in the comments which one you went with.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com