Best Portable Induction Cooktop Reviews 2018

Nothing says “dorm student” more than a cooktop. However, advances in technology have allowed cooktops to evolve. Nowadays, a cooktop is more than an auxiliary cooking device; in some households, it's the main one. Induction cookers are energy-efficient, but still as fast as any other gas stove. If you’re looking to try out an induction cooktop, then you’re in luck, because we’ve got five of them from the best portable induction cooktop brands right here. We’d also like to point out that, although we haven’t covered them in this review, the Cosmo and EurKitchen brands deserve an honorable mention for their high-quality cooktops.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Design

Volts/Amps

Temp Range

Max Power

Power levels

Our Top Choice

Secura Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop

Secura is one of the most prominent brands in kitchen appliances and in the health, beauty, and fitness industries. Its products are top-notch and affordable.

Easy to store and carry. Works with all induction-ready cookware. Passes ETL standards.

It’s only compatible with 120V 60Hz AC electrical power standards.

Single-plate/auto-pan detection

120V, 15 amps

140°- 460° F

1800 watts

Best Value

Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop

One of the biggest names in this industry is Cuisinart. This culinary giant produces some of the best kitchen appliances on the market, and has been doing so since 1971.

Auto-pan detection. Heats up quickly. Durable, sleek design. Eight temperature settings.

It takes up more space due to having two plates.

Double-plate cooktop

Not available

1800 watts

5 right plate, 8 left plate

Waring Pro Induction Cooktop

After more than seven decades in operation, Waring has a wealth of expertise in top-notch craftsmanship of home appliances and laboratory apparatus.

Easy-touch controls. 70% energy efficient. Elegant design. 30-second auto-off.

It’s somewhat noisy.

Single plate/easy-touch controls

120 V, 15 amps

Not available

1600 watts

NuWave PIC Gold Precision Cooktop

NuWave is a prominent cooking appliance brand. Having overcome obstacles over the years, the company is now a paragon of virtue and excellence.

Comes with free cookware. Highly durable. Easy-to-use controls. Safe to use.

It increments temperature by a wide margin of 100.

Single-plate/1 hour auto-off

120V, 12.5 amps

1000 - 5750 F

1500 watts

Rosewill 1800W Induction Cooktop

Rosewill takes pleasure in being a dependable manufacturer of both trendy and affordable gaming products and small home appliances, to the delight of many consumers.

Energy efficient. Pre-programmed cooking options. Doesn’t overheat. Sleek design.

It needs to be attended to when on the pre-programmed mode to avoid overcooking your meals.

Single plate/24-hr timer setting

120V

1500 - 4500 F

1800 watts

(Updated January 2, 2018)

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Watch Our Portable Induction Cooktop Review

How Do I Choose the Best Portable Induction Cooktop?

What do you need to look for in your new induction cooktop? First, you need to check how big it is. Cooktops are auxiliary appliances, so you need counter space to place them on. Induction stoves are powerful and efficient, and so are these little induction cookers. Even so, make sure you’ve got enough room to house them, as they take up more space than you may think when you’re looking at them. They’re big enough to accommodate paella pans, cast-iron skillets, and various items of cookware. Some cooktops have two plates instead of one, so, naturally, they require more space than single-plate ones.

You'll also need to consider the product’s power and power levels. Different cooktops come with different power level settings, and having more power levels allows you more flexibility when cooking. If there aren’t enough power levels, the cooktop might be too aggressive at high-power output, but underwhelming at low-power outputs. Usually, six to eight levels is fine, but if you see a cooker that offers more, go for that one.

It's best to get a product with preset cooking modes. This feature isn’t vital, but it will reduce the hassle of trying to set the right temperature for searing or sautéing. In any case, it’s prudent to check this out.

Look for auto-shutoff. Though induction cooktops produce little heat on their own, it's wise to select a model that has this feature. Why? Since these cooktops don't use open flames to cook, there is no natural visual cue if the cooktop is on. Manufacturers usually include something such as an LED light to indicate this, but you may overlook this and mistakenly place your hand on the cooktop when cleaning, and you can burn yourself.

Induction cookers don't produce that much heat, but they do produce sufficient heat to create stage-two burns on the skin. An auto-shutoff feature also saves on the power bill if you forget to turn the cooker off when you’re done cooking. Auto-shutoff works by detecting whether there is cookware on the plate. If there is nothing on it after some time (30-60 seconds), it will turn off automatically.

Price

The price tags for induction stoves vary. The price range you should expect is about $50 to $200. Depending on the construction, size, and extra features included, an induction cooktop may cost more. If you have more cooking settings and more power options, then you’ll be looking at a more expensive product. Naturally, a brand product will cost you more, because it comes from a highly regarded manufacturer and is, presumably, of higher quality.

We encourage you to avoid purchasing a cheap portable induction cooktop if you can help it. Low price tags are tempting, but cheap items will likely let you down or not work long enough to matter. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more on your purchase to have a better cooking experience.

Features

The features of portable induction cooktops can be quite diverse, flexible, and even confusing. Usually, a cooker will have a LED screen that lets you see the temperature and time remaining. Cookers usually also have buttons that let you control the temperature, set the timer, and select the cooking mode. Sometimes, they will have touchpads, which give these models a sleek and contemporary appearance. Cookers also usually feature the auto-shutoff feature we mentioned earlier.

To sum up all the features, here is a short list:

LED screen
Touchpad and buttons
Auto-shutoff features
Temperature control
Cooking modes
Digital timer
Easy-to-clean glass or quartz surface

Construction and Design

Portable induction cooktops are designed to be as small and as portable as possible. An induction cooker has a copper coil underneath the plate. An AC current is released through the coil, which then generates a dynamic magnetic field. The magnetic field generates a magnetic flux that reacts with the metal cookware to create electrical resistance, which, in turn, creates heat. In essence, it’s not the cooktop that gets warmer, but the cookware itself. Induction cooktops are very efficient with energy, and release little heat to the atmosphere.

Performance and Ease of Use

Portable induction cooktops are extremely energy-efficient. In fact, they’re said to be 70% more energy-efficient than a regular gas stove. They’re also able to hit targeted temperatures much faster, and retain the temperature much better. Still, they’re slightly weaker than the average gas stove, so cooking will take a little bit more time.

As for ease of use, induction cookers can be quite simple or quite complicated. They often have a lot of buttons that might confuse you, but, once you figure out what is what, you’ll master your device in no time.

What is the Best Portable Induction Cooktop?

Naturally, there are a lot of cookers out there, and they’re all unique. We searched and selected carefully, making sure that we included a product for everyone. We included both high-end and budget products, but we also made sure that the cooktops we selected come from reliable and trusted brands. With that being said, we’ll leave you to your browsing. Don’t be afraid to check out our guide on what to consider and tips, either.

Our Top Choice

The Secura Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop features a countdown timer to set increments of cook time up to 170 minutes, for cooking a wide range of foods with less supervision. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider the Duxtop 8100MC Portable Induction Cooktop. It’s appealing in appearance and compatible with all induction cookware.

Secura Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner

Secura Induction Cooktop 9100MC - Black

Features

Secura is one of the most prominent kitchen companies. In fact, it encompasses two brands: Secura and Duxtop. Of these two brands, Secura leads with over eight million products sold. Its specialty is fitness machines, cooking appliances and cookware, and health and beauty products, all of which are of the highest quality, and affordably priced.

The Secura Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop features 15 power levels ranging between 200-1800 watts. This gives you great flexibility when cooking different foods that require varied heat levels. It also has a lightweight and compact design that makes storage easy. This burner is built to last and is backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty as a guarantee for quality. The budget-friendly price allows you to enjoy more benefits for less while giving you value for money.

Here are other features of this great cooktop:

Auto-pan detection mechanism helps save power by shutting it off when cookware is removed
Built to pass ETL standards for user safety
Universal design that’s compatible with all induction-ready cookware
Diagnostic error message mechanism that warns you when the voltage is high or low for added safety

This product got you searching for more? See all the Secura portable induction cooktops and get one that suits you.

Best Value

If space isn’t an issue, you might want to consider checking the Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop, which comes with two plates. Want a similar product, but for less money? Try the Cuisinart ICT-30 Induction Cooktop, which offers eight heat settings.

Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop, Black

Cuisinart Portable Induction Cooktop ICT-60

Features

When it comes to selecting kitchen appliances, efficiency and safety features are key. It’s no surprise that Cuisinart has remained the preferred brand for kitchenware among many consumers for more than four decades. The company has worked hard to make sure that its products are of top quality and relevant to customer needs. It’s also renowned for attractive products that brighten kitchens around the world.

Today we're presenting Cuisinart's ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop. Instead of one plate, it has two, making it more versatile. This cooktop features a sleek black design for the plates and the area around it, with a silver strip on the front where the buttons and controls are. This makes it a stylish addition to your kitchen.

The Cuisinart ICT-60 has a digital timer, and five and eight temperature settings on the right and left plates respectively. This gives you the flexibility of cooking a wide range of foods, since all meals are not meant to be cooked at the same temperature. This cooker has magnetic coils that heat up the cookware itself instead of the plate, allowing for a much more energy-efficient device. It also has auto-pad detection that stops operation if there is nothing on the plates for more than 30 seconds. This feature adds to the energy efficiency of the burner.

Do you find this brand attractive? Browse all the Cuisinart portable induction cooktops and get one that works for you.

The Waring Pro ICT200 Induction Cooktop features an LED display unit for its timer for easy control and improved user experience. Need a commercial-grade induction burner? See the Waring Commercial WIH400 Hi-Power Induction Electric Countertop Range Burner. It comes with 12 temperature settings and a durable stainless steel exterior.

Waring Pro ICT200 Induction Cooktop

Waring Portable Induction Cooktop ICT200

Features

When shopping for any kitchen appliance, you want to get a product from a trusted brand that's known for quality. You don’t want to invest in appliances that will fail after a few days of use. Waring knows this, and that’s why the company goes to great lengths to provide highly durable products that give consumers value for their money.

The Waring Pro ICT200 Induction Cooktop is backed with a five-year limited warranty. This shows the level of confidence that the company has in its products. This cooktop is designed to save you about 70% of the energy a conventional electric burner would consume, so it's sure to help you keep your power bills at manageable levels. It’s also designed to heat evenly, without hot spots that can cause your food to overcook.

Here are other features of this great product:

Elegantly styled for an attractive and classy look
30-second auto-off function that’s activated when cookware is removed to help save energy
150-minute timer for added flexibility in cooking
One-year limited warranty for workmanship and five-year warranty for the motor

Not sure this is what you’re looking for? See all Waring portable induction cooktops and get one that suits you.

The NuWave PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop comes with a 12-inch cooking surface and advanced delay function that helps keep your food from burning. If you need an advanced induction cooktop, check out the NuWave PIC 1800W Portable Countertop Burner. It comes with an 1800-watt power rating and 94 temperature settings.

NuWave PIC Gold Precision Portable Induction Cooktop with 10.5" Fry Pan

NuWave Portable Induction Cooktop 30242 – Black

Features

NuWave is a kitchen appliance manufacturer that has spawned some controversy. In 2014, it was tagged as selling faulty products, overcharging shipping, and not responding to complaints. Since then, NuWave has come a long way, and its products are now some of the best-regarded and highly sought-after kitchen items.

For instance, the highly affordable NuWave PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop comes with easy-to-use and well-labeled controls with a digital display screen. This allows you to easily see the burner settings for added convenience. This burner is built to consume 70% less power than the normal electric oven, thereby giving you huge savings on electricity bills. Its small size makes it highly space efficient and easy to carry about. This makes it an excellent choice to use for recreational vehicles and yachts.

The Nuwave PIC Gold Cooktop also has a programmable memory with a 100-hour capacity. This means that you can pre-define your cooking procedure and let your food cook by itself. The benefits of this feature are huge. For example, if you are driving your RV, you can let your food cook automatically and serve it when you reach your destination! Isn’t this great? It’s actually possible to semi-automate your cooking procedure.

That’s not all that's great about this cooktop. Here are its additional features:

ETL approved for user safety
Reduced fan noise design for quieter operation
Allows the user to control burner wattage for added cooking options
Comes with a non-stick cooking pan that allows to you to cook healthier meals with less or even no oil

Need to sample more burners from this brand? Explore all the NuWave portable induction cooktops and get one that suits you.

The Rosewill 1800W Induction Cooktop comes with five pre-programmed settings for warming milk, hot pot, frying/stir frying, and cooking soup. If you prefer a non-programmed burner, check out the Rosewill RHAI-16001 Induction Cooker Cooktop. It’s fairly priced and also comes with a 3.5-quart stainless steel cooking pot.

Rosewill 1800W Induction Cooker Cooktop with Stainless Steel Pot

Rosewill Induction Cooktop RHAI-15001 – Black

Features

Besides giving you efficient service, cooking appliances should also make your kitchen attractive. It’s important to pick designs that are stylish and blend well with other culinary tools. Rosewill understands this, and that’s why its cooktops are not only energy-efficient, but also sleek and attractive. This way, you get great cooking experience and the aesthetic benefits that come with this brand’s ingenuity in product design.

The Rosewill 1800W Induction Cooktop features a highly polished crystal plate that gives it a sleek look. Its control panel is touch-sensitive for easy and effortless use. It also comes with an LED display screen that allows you to set accurate parameters for your cooking procedures. This way, you’ll avoid the estimation that comes with manual controls.

And it doesn’t end there! Below are other features of this induction cooktop:

Fitted with a mechanism that checks cookware suitability to avoid spoiling the burner
Comes with a stainless steel cooking pot with a glass top for easy monitoring of your food as it cooks
Heats up quickly to save you time and energy costs
ETL and FCC certified for user safety

This cooker is available in non-programmed and pre-programmed versions.

Feel free to check out more induction cooktops from Rosewill if you’re not sold on this particular model!

Get the Best Portable Induction Cooktop of 2018!

Well, there you have it: some of the best induction cooktops that you can find on the market. We made sure to have a diverse selection, so anyone can find what they're looking for. We hope you found the right product for you, and that you will engage in making culinary masterpieces with your new stove. In case you didn’t find the right one yet, these brands have more great options to pick from.

Our Top Choice

Secura Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop

Best Value

Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop

Waring Pro Induction Cooktop

NuWave PIC Gold Precision Cooktop

Rosewill 1800W Induction Cooktop