Best Portable Induction Cooktop Reviews 2018

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.