Whether you’re going on a trip or you just moved into a stove-less studio apartment, the best portable induction cooktops can serve as a nice substitute for traditional stovetops. They can also come in handy for big holiday meals, when four burners just aren’t enough — or for anyone who’s looking to cut down on their gas bill. That’s why I’ve rounded up my top picks for the best induction cookers on Amazon.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing cooktops is how wide their range of heating options is. You’ll want to be sure to go with a stovetop that can easily maintain a low heat for simmering sauces and slow-cooked meats and veggies, while also reaching high heats fast enough so that you're not sitting around waiting forever for boiled water.
You'll also want to consider safety. Most cooktops won't start without the proper cookware on it, but it's always a good idea to make sure you're not trying to use pans that aren’t induction compatible (i.e. aren’t magnetic). You can’t go wrong with induction cooker models that automatically shut-off when a pan is not detected after a little while, either.
Other factors to consider are whether the unit has a built-in timer and/or a digital control panel for easy programming.
Take a look at the best portable induction cooktops on Amazon. There's a pick for every budget, and they're all lightweight for portability and easy storage.
1The Best Single-Burner Induction Cooktop
While this is listed on Amazon under Secura, Duxtop's parent company, don't worry — this is the super-popular Duxtop 9100MC model that made the top of Wirecutter’s list of the best portable induction cooktops. It's easy to see why. This unit offers 15 power levels from 200 to 1800 watts, and temperatures range from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. This pick features pan detection, which will shut the unit off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected. Also: This model uses overheat protection with a diagnostic error message system, and a low and high voltage warning system.
Weighing in at just under 7 pounds, this cooktop is lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage. It also boasts a digital control panel and a built-in countdown digital timer with one-minute increments up to 170 minutes. Its flat surface makes it easy to clean as well, and Amazon shoppers have given this cooktop a 4.2-star rating after more than 2,500 reviews.
What fans are saying: “Love this portable countertop induction burner! It saved the holidays for me. Our induction cooktop went out before Thanksgiving and it is still out … Bought this and it works great!”
2The Best Double-Burner Induction Cooktop
The NuWave with two burners is ideal for prepping holiday meals or even for those nights when you might want to boil pasta and simmer spaghetti sauce simultaneously. This pick also features an expansive heating range, which is adjustable in 5-degree increments. The 1800-watt model can cook as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 575 degrees Fahrenheit, and it offers a two-hour “keep warm” feature. If this model becomes overheated, an “E7” error message will display, and if the unit is turned on but doesn’t detect induction-ready cookware, it will automatically shut off after one minute.
This 4.2-star-rated option’s flat surfaces should be a cinch to clean, and it includes two control panels, with a numeric keypad on each. At approximately 14 pounds, it's fairly easy to lift and store as well. Plus, thanks to this unit’s memory function, users can program and save up to 150 recipes, in addition to the cooktop’s 50 preprogrammed recipes.
What fans are saying: “We previously owned the single NuWave induction units. We decided to go with double unit and we love it. This is the fastest and easiest way to cook, bar none. Super unit.”
3The Best On A Budget: A $50 Induction Cooktop With More Than 4,000 Reviews
The Duxtop 1800-watt portable induction cooktop features 10 settings from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, and 10 power levels from 200 to 1800 watts. This pick comes with pan detection, which means the unit will shut off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected. It also includes a diagnostic error message system, a low and high voltage warning system, and a durable, seven-blade fan that rapidly dissipates heat to ensure a longer product life.
This glass cooktop has a completely smooth top surface, making it easy to wipe clean after each use. It also comes with a digital control panel, and a built-in, countdown digital timer with 1-minute increments up to 170 minutes. At 6.5 pounds, this cooktop is easy to handle and store.
What fans are saying: “I bought this to test how I would like cooking on an induction cooktop. A new stove needed to be purchased and we were considering induction. Because of this portable cooktop, I did decide to go induction over a gas stove. I really like being able to adjust the heating temp. This is also great to have when doing a lot of cooking and there’s just not enough burners.”
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