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Portable induction cooktops are a reliable way to make quick, consistent meals no matter where you are. They add prep space, conserve energy, and save time whether you’re cooking in your own kitchen, an RV, or around a campfire. The lightweight design is sleek enough to be displayed at home, and the glass-top surface can easily be cleaned with just a bit of water.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to evenly warm the surface of cookware so anyone on kitchen duty can achieve fast and even heating throughout the entire cooking process — no matter their skill level. This method also uses significantly less energy than gas or electric cooktops, so it’s an excellent option for those looking to make their travel as sustainable as possible.
Looking to invest in a portable induction cooktop? The streamlined Duxtop 9600LS is our number one recommendation because of its slim profile and precision temperature control — but there are plenty of high-quality options to suit your specific needs and kitchen space. Below, we put our culinary- and cottage-dwelling experience to work in order to round up the absolute best induction cooktops on the market right now.
Here are the best portable induction cooktops for enjoying homemade meals from afar:
Why We Love It: This streamlined portable induction cooktop features user-friendly buttons and a large number of temperature settings for precision cooking.
What to Consider: The slim 11-inch profile might not be large enough for batch cooking.
There are tons of benefits that come with using a portable induction cooktop whether in the comfort of your own kitchen or while on the go — and the Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop reigns supreme in both categories. We love that this cooktop is ultra-precise with 20 different temperature settings to choose from based on your specific needs; it’s also worth noting that even the lower temperature settings are extremely exact, which is rare in the world of induction cooktops. The ultra-bright LED screen and clear, user-friendly buttons make this option a totally frustration-free pick.
Avid travelers will appreciate this space-conscious cooktop. The slim design is just over six pounds, while the burner diameter is a reasonable 11-inches in size, making it large enough for most pots and pans but small enough to fit onto compact cooking surfaces or RV kitchens.
Number of temperature settings: 20 | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Dimensions: 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 inches | Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: Not only does this cooktop feature a massive temperature range, but it also comes with a complimentary non-stick frying pan to get you started.
What to Consider: This option might be a bit small for those cooking for larger groups.
Depending on what and how often you cook, a portable induction cooktop can sometimes feel limiting if you’ve picked up just any old stovetop. That is certainly not the case with the Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop. The compact appliance can handle up to 50 pounds in weight and features an impressive 45 different temperature setting options that can heat to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This option also comes with a complimentary non-stick frying pan that fits perfectly on the 9-inch burner diameter. We also love that this option has large, easy-to-read buttons and a clear display to make the user experience as stress-free as possible.
Number of temperature settings: 45 | Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 2 inches | Max power level: 1300 watts
Why We Love It: This compact and affordable option rivals more expensive cooktops thanks to its precision temperature control and easy-to-read buttons.
What to Consider: The design is a bit clunky and not as aesthetically pleasing as other options.
Want five-star feeds without the jaw-dropping checks to match? You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars in order to secure a functional and easy-to-use induction cooktop — just look at the Duxtop 8100MC. This top-rated cooktop offers high-end level cooking functionality at a super budget-friendly price point with plenty of bells and whistles that’ll make cooking on the road as easy as possible. The lightweight design features a total of ten different temperature settings ranging from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit and an impressive seven-blade fan designed to help the cooktop cool faster, hence extending the overall life of the product.
Number of temperature settings: 10 | Weight: 5.80 pounds | Dimensions: 11.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches | Max power level (in watts): 1800 watts
Why We Love It: This compact cooktop doesn’t skimp on quality or durability thanks to the glass ceramic cooktop and frameless design.
What to Consider: The temperature is only displayed in Celcius, which might be annoying for some cooks.
Looking for a lightweight cooktop that won’t weigh you down while on the move? This compact portable induction cooktop from Singlehomie weighs in at just over 5 pounds but can handle just as much as a heavier and larger cooktop thanks to the durable glass ceramic cooking surface and frameless design and base. The streamlined cooktop features ten different precise settings and can reach boiling temperature in less than 30 seconds flat. A straightforward touch control panel is effortless to use while cooking (and even easier to clean up when all is said and done).
Number of temperature settings: 10 | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Dimensions: 14.2 x 11 x 2.4 inches| Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: This sensor-touch electric induction cooktop includes a three-hour timer and a built-in child safety lock for additional safety.
What to Consider: This cooktop is rather thick and can be hard to store in smaller kitchens.
The iSiLER 1800W Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooktop scores a lot of points in our books — especially when you look at the budget-friendly price point and the number of bells and whistles. The iSiLER features a generous 17 precision temperature settings that will make cooking easier across the board, while the three-hour timer and built-in child safety lock help to avoid accidents in the kitchen. We also love that the flat glass cooktop is wear-resistant and extremely easy to maintain — all you have to do is wipe it down with some water and you’re good to go.
Number of temperature settings: 17 | Weight: 5.73 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 2 inches | Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: The double induction cooktop has enough room to comfortably use both burners at once without being clunky or too large for the average countertop.
What to Consider: The minimalist and slightly confusing buttons can be hard to get used to at first.
The Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop might be a bit more expensive than the average high-quality portable induction cooktop, but it’ll be well worth the extra cash — especially if you plan to cook meals on it exclusively. The double burner features fast and consistent heat on both the left and right (even if you’re using both at the same time) with eight different temperature settings on the left and five on the right side. This cooktop also offers a 150-minute timer for each side and an automatic shut-off once a pot or pan has been removed for thirty seconds.
Number of temperature settings: 8 on the left; 5 on the right | Weight: 11.59 pounds | Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.2 x 2 inches | Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: The slim design can easily fit into a smaller kitchen but doesn’t sacrifice ample cooking space thanks to the vertical double burner design.
What to Consider: This option doesn’t have a plug and will require a separate converter for portable use.
We’re no stranger to small kitchens — but there are plenty of workarounds that’ll help make the most of a limited space. Whether it’s a compact RV kitchen counter, a rented tiny home, or a downtown apartment with a closet-sized kitchen, finding a slim and compact induction cooktop is key to making the most of what you have. This compact burner checks all the right boxes when it comes to a good induction cooktop (including nine precise temperature settings and a dual-purpose double burner), but the entire unit is less than 12 inches in width, which will make it easy to slip onto a small counter or store away in a pantry or cabinet.
Number of temperature settings: 9 | Weight: 9.04 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.4 x 2.4 inches | Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: This heritage brand is a fan-favorite among professional chefs and home cooks alike for its durable design, temperature memory, and extremely precise temperature control.
What to Consider: This option is nearly four times the price of the average high-end induction cooktop.
Vollrath has been churning out luxury cooking appliances and accessories since its inception over a hundred years ago in 1900 — and there’s a reason it has seen such success and staying power among both chefs and home cooks. The powerful induction cooktop offers a great example of why Vollrath is so well-loved: the appliance has an eye-popping one hundred temperature settings for ample precision and control (and can get up to 575 degrees). It’s also extremely durable and designed with safety in mind thanks to the stainless steel body and high-end ceramic top with a built-in hot-surface warning.
Number of temperature settings: 100 | Weight: 13.64 pounds | Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 3.1 inches| Max power level: 1800 watts
Why We Love It: This five-burner cooktop was designed for home cooks looking to make more elaborate meals or cook for a crowd.
What to Consider: This option is very heavy at over thirty pounds and might not be the best if you want something highly portable.
If a single- or double-burner portable induction cooktop feels too limiting for your large family or regular dinner parties, you might want to consider splurging on the Vbgk 36-inch Induction Cooktop. The five-burner cooktop gives home cooks the same versatility as a full-sized stove with a total of nine temperature settings per burner for added ease and precision. Note that although this option is designed to be installed in a singular location, it can easily be transported between home and the RV as needed with a converter.
Number of temperature settings: 9 | Weight: 37 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 35.4 x 3 inches | Max power level: 2000 watts
Why We Love It: This multi-purpose kitchen appliance comes with a cast-iron grill pan.
What to Consider: There are only five temperature settings available to choose from.
The Cooktron Portable Induction Cooktop was designed for home cooks with minimal kitchen space who don’t want to be limited in what or how they prepare food. The three-piece set includes a regular induction cooktop, a cast-iron grill pan, and a pot lid, allowing you to choose between boiling, frying, or grilling without the need for additional frying pans or alternative cooktops. Although this option only has five temperature settings, we like that it weighs in at just 14 pounds (including the grill pan and pot lid) and is easy to stack on top of itself to store when not in use.
Number of temperature settings: 5 | Weight: 14.4 pounds | Dimensions: Not listed | Max power level: 1800 watts
The biggest upside to using a portable induction cooktop is that it offers completely even heating — which is why you’ll want to make sure your burner diameter is large enough for your cookware. Smaller cookware will work just as well on a larger burner, but you won’t achieve the same precision if your cookware base diameter is dangling off the sides of your burner.
You’ll want to opt for a portable induction cooktop with as many temperature and power settings as possible in your price range (five temperature settings at the very minimum). This offers more precision and control and will help make cooking as frustration-free as possible.
Although it might be tempting to purchase the largest portable induction cooktop in your price range, we suggest buying the one that’ll fit the best on your counter space. You’ll want to ensure the cooktop doesn’t take over your entire prep area and will also easily fit in your pantry or kitchen cupboards when not in use.
It’s important to note that induction cooktops don’t work with every type of cookware. You’ll want to ensure the cookware you’re using is made of a magnetic-based material such as cast iron or stainless steel. Avoid using glass, aluminum, and copper-clad cookware as they won’t attract or hold the magnetic design.
Portable induction cooktops are extremely durable so you probably won’t need to bother with a carrying box or other carrying case. Be sure to keep the cooktop sitting on its base or to the side rather than on its back to help protect the magnetic surface.
Portable induction cooktops tend to be one of the safer options when it comes to portable cooking — but there are still some risks involved that are worth being aware of. Always carefully read the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer before using your induction cooktop.
Although it varies from cooktop to cooktop, most portable induction cooktops require about 15 amps of electricity.
For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and cottage-dweller to curate the best options to suit most needs.
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