A Portable Induction Cooktop is a kitchen-appliance designed to emit heat using electromagnetic induction technology in-order to ensure fast cooking.
In fact, these devices will allow you to cook almost anywhere you can find an outlet and are even cooler and safer than other types of portable burners.
So, Our team tested different Portable Induction Cooktops on the market today and came to agree that Breville Portable Commercial Induction Cooking System and Cooktron Double Induction Cooktop are the Best Induction Cooktops in 2023.
Review of 5 Best Portable Induction Cooktops in 2023:
#1-CHOICE: Breville Portable PolyScience Commercial Induction Cooking System:
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#2-CHOICE: Cooktron Double Induction Cooktop with Fast Warm-Up Mode, 10 Temperatures & 9 Power Settings:
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#3-CHOICE: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch:
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#4-CHOICE: NutriChef Portable Digital Ceramic Dual Burner Induction Cooktop:
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#5-CHOICE: Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop with Dual heat settings:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What is the difference between an induction-cooktop & regular-cooktop?
Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to generate heat directly in the cookware which makes the cooking surface than in a conventional stovetop. On the other hand, regular cooktops use gas or electricity to heat up the plates or coils for cooking.
What is so special about induction cooktops?
Induction cooktops actually cook food more quickly and adjust better to temperature changes coupled with fast cooling. They are also very easy to clean and are safer than gas and electric cooktops. In fact, induction cooktops don’t have to heat-up an element to transfer heat.
Can you use regular pots and pans on an induction cooktop?
Yes, but the pots and pans should be made of a magnetic material so as to be compatible with an induction cooktop. These pots or pans must be made of iron or steel in-order to work perfectly. In fact, induction heating works by moving iron atoms in cookware and this implies that there should be enough iron in the pots and pans for the heat to pass through.
What cannot be used on induction?
Non-magnetic cookware like; copper, glass, aluminum, and ceramic are actually not compatible with induction cooktops unless they have a layer of magnetic material.
Do portable induction cooktops require electricity?
Yes, induction cooktops use electricity to produce an electromagnetic field but they consume much less energy than electric coil, ceramic, and hotplate cooktops.
Can I use cast-iron on an induction cooktop?
Yes, cast-iron is a great option for induction cooking. In fact, induction cooktops use magnetic fields to heat cookware and this implies that your pan must contain conductive & ferrous metals to transfer heat.
What type of cookware can you use on an induction cooktop?
Induction cookware should be made of a magnetic-based materials like; cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. In fact, most fully clad cookware brands work perfectly on induction cooktops because they are magnetic.
Can you burn yourself on an induction cooktop?
No, because the surface of induction cooktops never gets hot. In fact, there is a zero chance that your kids or pets will suffer from a burn if they touch the surface because it remains cool to touch.
Do chefs prefer gas or induction cooktops?
Most chefs prefer an induction cooktop because of its fast heating with precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. In fact, induction technology can warm the pan and not the surface or surrounding area which leads to very little heat escaping into the room while eliminating on the risk of burns compared to regular cooktops.
How long does induction cooktop last?
A consumer-grade induction cooktop can usually operate for upto 10,000-hours while commercial-grade induction cooktops can operate for about 30,000-hours. In fact, the lifespan of an induction cooktop is measured in operating hours.
What can damage an induction cooktop?
Avoid using objects that could melt like; plastic or aluminum foil. Additionally, don’t use the cooktop as a cutting board. Lastly, consider using cookware about the same size as the surface cooking area and cookware should not extend more than ½” (1.3 cm) outside the cooking-area. Don’t drop heavy items on the induction cooktop and make sure the cookware you are using is smooth and flat-bottomed.
How do I know if my pans are induction compatible?
Just get a magnet and place it against the bottom of any pan in your kitchen. If the magnet sticks to the pan, then that pan will work perfectly on an induction cooktop.
Do induction cooktops scratch easily?
No, induction cooktops are less susceptible to scratches than any other types of cooktops. However, there are some things that may cause scratches to the cooktop surface like a rough-bottomed saucepan or skillet.
How do you cook on an induction cooktop?
- Place the induction pan/cookware onto the cooktop ring.
- Locate the power switch on the induction cooktop and then press it to switch-on the appliance.
- Select the right cooking settings using the sensor buttons on the coocktop. These buttons will actually help you to adjust the heat levels easily.
- Wait for your food to get ready and after switch-off the induction-cooktop. Remove your pan and then cleanup any spilled food over the cooktop surface.
Advantages of Portable Induction Cooktops:
+ Rapid heating.
+ They cook food more quickly.
+ They are very easy to cleanup.
+ Precise & responsive controls.
+ Take no time at all to cool down.
+ They use less energy/electricity.
+ Induction cooking is Eco-friendly.
+ Adjust better to temperature changes.
+ Don’t produce any flames or ignition.
+ They are safer than gas and electric cooktops.
+ They feature a sleek surface that is easy to clean.
+ Induction cooking is faster than traditional stovetop cooking.
+ Allow you to cook almost anywhere you can find a power outlet.
+ Most professional chefs prefer using induction stovetops and grills.
+ Induction is safer, cleaner, and more efficient than gas or electric cooktops.
Disadvantages of Portable Induction Cooktops:
– Work only on electricity.
– They are susceptible to damage.
– Are not compatible with non-magnetic cookware.
– They are more expensive than ceramic or gas cooktops.
– They generate a small buzzing noise that is associated with a magnetic field while in use.
How To Clean An Induction Cooktop:
*Turn-off the cooktop: It’s recommended to turn-off the cooktop and wait a few minutes so that you don’t accidentally get burnt if you’re wearing a metallic bracelet or wristwatch while you’re cleaning.
*Scrape off stubborn burnt bits with a razor: If food bubbles spill over the cooktop, remove the hot pot and turn off the burner. Get and carefully hold a razor at a 45-degree angle to scrape up the burnt bits. However, be careful not to scratch the cooktop with the razor.
*Get white vinegar and a soft cloth: Fill a spray-bottle with white-vinegar and start spraying it on the cooktop but after turning off device. Afterwards, wipe the entire surface with a damp soft cloth. This is best for keeping your cooktop free of crumbs, smudges & dust. However, if the the cooktop has got grease, stains or food messes, then plan on using a ceramic cleaning product. Additionally, you can use a melamine foam eraser with vinegar to get rid of tough hard water stains.
*Consider using a ceramic cooktop cleaner: Use a gel or cream ceramic cooktop cleaner with citric-acid in it and spread about 1-teaspoon (4.9ml) of the cleaner directly onto the dirty induction cooktop. Get a soft, clean cloth and rub it across the surface. Afterwards, take a clean damp cloth to remove the cleaning product. Additionally, take a a second to buff the surface with a soft dry cloth. Lastly, you can buy a ceramic cooktop cleaner from hardware stores or online.
*Try using non-abrasive cleaning powder to lift surface scratches: If you notice dull, white marks on the surface of the cooktop, then these are actually tiny scratches not stains. So, spray water on the cooktop and sprinkle non-abrasive cleaning powder over it. After, use a soft cloth to rub the product in then take a damp cloth and wipe it clean. The non-abrasive cleaning powder can help fill in tiny scratches so they’re not as visible. In fact, these cleaning powders don’t have silica, quartz, calcite or feldspar which can all scratch the surface of your cooktop. Likewise, to prevent white haze caused by scratches, don’t slide your cookware back and forth across the induction cooktop.
*Avoid using harsh products or cleaning tools on the cooktop: It’s really easy to accidentally scratch or stain your induction cooktop. So, always use a soft cloth instead of steel wool, coarse scrubbers or abrasive cloths. Additionally, only use vinegar or approved ceramic-cleaning products and avoid ammonia when cleaning. Lastly, avoid dropping things on the cooktop or using it as a cutting board.
*Only use smooth, flat cookware & don’t drag it across the cooktop: An induction cooktop is made of glass with a layer of quartz that can scratch easily. So, when moving pots you should simply lift them and set them down carefully on a different spot. Try to avoid cookware that’s rough or uneven on the bottom. In fact, it can very tempting to just slide a pot or pan onto a different burner when you’re cooking, but resist the urge.
CONCLUSION:
All the featured portable cooktops use induction technology for fast heat-up and consistent heating when cooking in 2023. In fact, they are designed to ensure safe, exhaust-free and flame-free cooking in any kitchen.
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