5 Best Portable Induction Cooktops in 2023

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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KEY-FEATURES:

Dual fan cooling system.
NSF/ANSI Standard 4 Certified.
Features a heat intensity control.
Probe Control closed loop cooking.
Portable Induction Cooking System.
Electric powered & uses 1800-Watts.
Commercial Induction Cooking System.
Programmable with a built-in, programmable timer.
Can be used with any induction compatible pot or pan.
Patented twin-fan cooling system keeps you cooking all night.
Temperature Controlled Commercial Induction Cooking System.
Directly senses the temperature of the ingredients using a probe.
Durable stainless steel housing & high-heat resistant ceramic glass.
Probe Control can hold temperature stability of ingredients to within 1.8-Degree.
Through-glass pan temperature sensor allows thermostat to touch the pan directly.
A Create function stores frequently used temperature profiles for simple one-touch recall.
World’s first induction cooker that can set & hold any temperature from 86 Degree-F to 482 Degree-F for any length of time.

#2-CHOICE: Cooktron Double Induction Cooktop with Fast Warm-Up Mode, 10 Temperatures & 9 Power Settings:

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KEY-FEATURES:

A Double Induction Cooktop.
Its very easy to install and carry.
Faster than a standard electric burner.
10 temperature levels from 140°F to 464°F.
1800w quick heating double induction cooktop.
Sensitive touch buttons to ensure convenient use.
Product Dimensions: 2.52″D x 23.23″W x 15.2″H.
The induction cooker is compact and lightweight.
A child safety lock ensures safety when not in use.
Boils water in just 1-minute under “BOOSTER” mode.
9 power levels from 200W to 1800W in 200W increments.
It will return to standby mode after 30 seconds if no function is selected.
The smooth glass surface is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and highly decorative.
You can set the time of this induction cooker from 1-minute to 4-hours to ensure fine cooking results.
A great choice for limited spaces like; kitchens, recreational vehicles, offices, camping, apartments, etc.
It will stop functioning and exhibiting relevant codes on the display screen if it experiences unstable operations.
Booster-mode will operate at maximum power within 1-minute to achieve fast pre-heating and greatly reduce cooking time.
The surface of the induction cooker features a high-quality smooth glass that can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
It has a higher heat conduction effect that meets your various cooking needs like; steaming, boiling, frying, slow stewing, etc.
The long 4 hour timer with a 1 min interval provides high precision operation, making cooking more efficient and hassle free.
With two powerful cooling fans, the induction cooktop can be cooled down quickly to protect the appliance from high temperatures.
If the surface temperature is higher than 60℃, the LED will display “H” and after the machine will shut down to prevent touch burns.
Compatible with induction cooking utensils ranging from 5″ to 8″ with a heated area of 8.26-inches in diameter. It will work with materials like; stainless-steel, cast-aluminum, cast-iron, and enameled-iron.

#3-CHOICE: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD Sensor Touch:

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KEY-FEATURES:

Portable Induction Cooktop.
Features 1800-Watts of power.
Countertop Burner Induction Hot Plate.
Uses 110/120V 15 amp electrical outlet.
20 power-levels from 100 to 1800 Watts.
Compact for Small Places & Outdoor Use.
Dimensions of: 14.05″L x 11.41″W x 2.48″H.
Requires cookware with a magnetic bottom.
Non-Stick Glass Surface that is Easy to Clean.
20 temperature settings from 100℉ to 460℉.
Lightweight & compact for easy handling & storage.
Features a digital LCD-Sensor & Touch control panel.
Perfect for dorm rooms, home kitchen, RV, boats, etc.
Built-in count-down digital timer programmable up to 10-hours.
Fast-boil button & keep-warm button (for 1-to-30 minutes at 140°F).
Compatible with induction cookware having a diameter of at least 5″.
Auto-pan detection will shut unit off automatically after 60-seconds if no cookware or incorrect cookware is detected.
Multiple safety protection functions include: child-lock, automatic shut-off, over-heat protection and safety cut-out.

#4-CHOICE: NutriChef Portable Digital Ceramic Dual Burner Induction Cooktop:

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KEY-FEATURES:

Double Induction Cooktop.
It uses 1800-Watts of power.
Safety Certified & Approved.
Works with Flat Cast Iron Pans.
Features Touch Sensor Controls.
Stain-Resistant & Easy-to-Clean.
Equipped with a Kids Safety Lock.
Great for home & outdoor cooking.
Quickly Heats for Instant Food Prep.
Features a Digital LCD Display Screen.
Dimensions of: 14.2″L x 23.6″W x 2.6″H.
Equipped with a multiple-cooking-mode.
Countdown Timer Setting up-to 4 Hours.
Features High-Powered Heating Elements.
Lightweight & compact Induction Cooktop.
120V Portable Digital Ceramic Dual Burner.
Ceramic Tempered Glass Induction Cooktop.
Dual Heating Element Power: 1800-Watt x 2.
Simple Electronic Plug-in Flameless Burner Design.
Equipped with 2 Circular Top Panel Heating Zones.
Independent Configurable Temperature Zone Settings.
Professional Digital Countertop Dual Induction Cooker.
Built in Child Safety Lock which locks all operating buttons.
Highly energy efficient & also makes cooking a lot easier & faster.
An automatic warm function which keeps food warm for later serving.
Manual cooking function with fry, steam & water mode for easy cooking.
Cooks food by using electromagnets so no heat is lost between cooking surface & the pot.
Compatible with steel, cast iron, enameled iron, stainless steel, flat bottom pan or pot with a diameter of 12 to 26 cm.

#5-CHOICE: Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop with Dual heat settings:

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KEY-FEATURES:

Double Induction Cooktop.
Features Bright LED displays.
Features Individual 150-minute timers.
Dimensions of: 14.25″L x 23.5″W x 2.5″H.
Throws-off less heat so kitchens stay cooler.
Must be used with induction-ready cookware.
Equipped with ON/OFF switches for each burner.
Provides safe, exhaust-free & flame-free cooking.
Uses up to 70% less energy than conventional cooktops.
Heat shuts-off automatically 30-seconds after pan is lifted off.
Induction technology for fast heat-up & consistent heat throughout cooking.
Dual heat settings with 8 settings on the left burner & 5 settings on the right burner.

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.