Best Portable Induction Cooktop in 2022: 8 Best Cooktops

Size: 11.4 x 14 ins.︱Weight: 5.75 lbs.︱Power: 100-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 20︱Temp. Range: 100-460F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 5 ins.

Control over your cooking temperature is necessary to cook like a pro. And the Duxtop 9600LS provides 20 settings over a 100 to 460°F range for ample control. But this unit also regulates and holds temperatures better than others, a decided advantage.

But as you may have guessed, that kind of quality comes at a cost. This is the most expensive portable induction cooktop on our list.

Other features include a sloped display that is easy to see and use. The blue LCD screen is bright and clear. Buttons are easy to access and simple to use.

A smooth, non-stick glass cooktop is easy to clean. But there is a gap between the display panel and glass cooktop that can catch food and debris.

The timer on the 9600LS can go up to 10 hours, which will cover just about any cooking task. It will also turn off the cooktop when the alarm activates, eliminating overcooking of your food and wasted electricity.

A fast boil button makes this common task a snap. There is also a warm button to keep things warm for 30 mins. at 140°F once you finish cooking.

Safety features on this model include a child lock. It also has low and high voltage warnings, built-in overheat protection, and automatic pan detection.

In some places online, Duxtop notes a 2-year warranty. But the user manual clearly states a 1-year warranty. The build quality is solid and Duxtop had no reason to muddy this issue.

One last note, if you are a homebrewer or want to boil/cook larger quantities, the 9600LS has a weight limit of 25 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some users.

Size: 11.4 x 14 ins.︱Weight: 5.75 lbs.︱Power: 200-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 15︱Temp. Range: 140-460F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 4 ins.

Portability means a unit should be small and light enough to move around easily. The Duxtop 9100MC is under 6 pounds and sized to fit on most countertops.

But this unit also offers 15 temperature settings and a 140 to 460°F temperature range. This provides you decent control over the pan temperature. Perfect for the average cook.

Speaking of control, some induction cooktops hold your selected temperature better than others. Plus, responding to temperature changes can vary.

However, the Duxtop 9100MC has been on the market for a while. It has proven to be powerful and precise enough to please most cooks. Combined with competitive pricing, it earned a spot on our list.

The 9100MC also offers a 170-minute timer. Almost three hours is enough for many stovetop tasks. But the alarm also turns off the cooktop, which you are not able to do with more conventional cooktops.

A sloped front panel lets you read the display easily. Duxtop also includes auto-pan detection and overheating protection as safety features. This unit also warns you about low and high voltages.

The included 1-year warranty is welcomed. But the build is solid and it is not unreasonable to expect a lifespan far longer than 1 year.

On the downside, the fan is a bit noisy for some users. Also, the unit can only support 25 pounds (or about 3 gallons of water), which is limiting for home brewers. Finally, there is no child lock, which you will find in some competing units.

Size: 9.6 x 10.6 ins.︱Weight: 5.1 lbs.︱Power: 300-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 8︱Temp. Range: 150-450F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 4.7 ins.

If you live in a dorm room or apartment, the Rosewill RHAI-16001 is worth evaluating. This is not only a decent induction cooktop, but it also comes with its own 3.5-quart stainless steel pot.

The 10-inch pot is large enough for one or two people, and small enough to store easily. The plate itself is just over 5 lbs. and smaller than other units. Perfect for small spaces.

Besides the included pan, features include a child lock, LED display, and a 3-hour timer all at an affordable price.

The glass top is an easy to clean surface. It will also support pans from 4.7 to 10.25 inches in diameter and just under 18 lbs. of weight.

Of course, a smaller unit will not cook for large groups of people. This unit also has fewer temperature levels than other induction cooktops, which will frustrate the more serious cooks.

The weight limit is also on the low end of the cooktops on our list. But that would be expected for any unit that works well in small spaces.

Size: 12.4 x 14 ins.︱Weight: 7 lbs.︱Power: 600-1500 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 52︱Temp. Range: 100-575F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 3 ins.

The Nuwave 30242 offers 52 temperature levels. This is well more than competing units in the same price range. There are professional-grade units with more control, but they are far more expensive.

Temperature is not the only thing with lots of control. The 30242 has a 100-hour timer and it can be set for multistage cooking. No other unit in this price range offers such freedom.

You can also set the temperature up to 575F. This is higher than most other units even though the top power use is 1500 watts.

There is also a delay function. Set the “wait” time, the cook times, and temperatures, then walk away. The induction cooker does the cooking to the schedule you set.

A large 12-inch cook surface can support up to 50 lbs. It is well built and incorporates a large, 8-inch heating coil. Nuwave also warrants the 30242 for 1 year.

Some may find this unit’s shape more pleasing. It shuns the rectangle and presents itself in a round manner more akin to a hot plate.

While this is in most consumer’s price range, it does lean to the high end. But, this model s include a 10.5-inch hard anodized fry pan. With all this control and an included fry pan, the Nuwave 30242 will appeal to more than a few home chefs.

One nitpick, the control panel uses blister style buttons that can split and peel over time. Also, lots of control means a more complex control panel than other units. Those who do not like lots of buttons may find it confusing.

Size: 11.6 x 14.2 ins.︱Weight: 5.75 lbs.︱Power: 100-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 9︱Temp. Range: 100-460F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 3.9 ins.

If you are one of those who prescribe to a keep it simple philosophy, the iSiLER Sensor Touch will be of interest. The control panel is simple and clean. Plus, the buttons are touch sensors, not blister buttons.

Even the user manual is short and easy to follow. It is clear this unit was designed to provide the induction cooktop experience with minimal effort.

The power, temperature levels, and 3-hour timer are all straightforward features. As is the 6.7-inch heating coil. Nothing fancy, but enough for a home cooking enthusiast to get the job done.

While simple to use, this unit does a surprisingly good job of holding temperatures. It also responds well to changes while cooking. Some users even provided feedback stating they prefer this cooktop to their stove for better temperature control.

The flat cooktop is one solid piece of glass. This makes for an easy clean surface and eliminates nooks and cranny where food can hide.

Also, this unit is a bit thinner than some competitors (2.2 inches tall). For those worried about storage, the small thickness savings of this unit may appeal to some.

On the downside, the heating coil is slightly smaller than competing products and iSiLER recommends pans with a diameter of 3.9 to 8.6 inches. However, a number of users have reported using larger pans without issue.

Size: 11.55 x 12.75 ins.︱Weight: 6 lbs.︱Power: 500-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 15︱Temp. Range: 100-450F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 4.5 ins.

Max Burton redesigned its well known 6400 model. The result is this more modern, smaller 6450. At first glance, you will notice the engineers rounded some corners. This results in a more appliance-like appearance.

But looks are not everything and this unit offers more. The number of temperature levels is a respectable 15. And the buttons are sensor touch. Those who cook often will appreciate precise temperature control, durability, and easy cleaning.

Plus, one of those controls is labeled simmer. For those who have used an induction cooktop before, you know simmering can be a challenge. So, a unit with a simmer button is a curiosity.

Details like the water amount, altitude, and stock ingredients impact the required heat to simmer. But this unit seems to offer a usable simmer option. While it is not perfect, users have been more receptive to the feature on this model.

This unit also has a boil button. So, with one button simmer and boil choices, the 6450 may attract those who often make stock or low and slow sauces.

With a sloped control panel on the front, you can easily see the bright LCD screen. It clearly displays all the information a cook needs. The control buttons flank each side of the display and are simple to use.

This unit also has a 3-hour timer. This is in line with some competing units. But for serious cooks, 3 hours may not be enough time to handle tasks like a long, all-day simmer of a tomato sauce.

Size: 11.75 x 15.1 ins.︱Weight: 7 lbs.︱Power: 60-1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 10︱Temp. Range: 140-450F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 4.7 ins.

If you notice, most induction cookers contain parts that are black, gray, or stainless steel. But not the Ikea Tillreda. Yes, the glass cooktop is black. But the housing is a pristine white and will blend better with certain kitchen decors.

Also, you will notice a large, metal “loop” on the back. This is for cord storage, and it doubles as a carry handle and hook to hang it on the wall. For those who are tight on cabinet space, this unique ability to hang your induction plate will be of interest.

The Tillreda ability to go down to 60 watts is lower than its competitors. So, those who want to simmer or need a low level of heat will like this feature.

The unit also features a solid glass top. This is easier to keep clean and eliminates cracks or spaces where food can get stuck.

On the inside, you get a good balance of features. 10 temperature levels to choose from, 1800 watts of power, and a 6.9-inch heating coil. This is similar to a number of competing units, but Ikea offers this at a competitive price.

The warranty is another interesting detail. For portable induction cooktops, a 1-year warranty is fairly standard. Even for those more expensive units that cost as much as a full-size stove. But Ikea offers a 2-year warranty on the Tillreda.

The cord storage does make this a bit “longer,” but the unit will still fit on most kitchen countertops. If you want lots of control, this is not your unit, but it is for those who want a good deal, something white, or the ability to hang their induction cooktop on the wall.

Size: 13.5 x 19 ins.︱Weight: 7 lbs.︱Power: 1800 watts︱No. of Temp. Levels: 405︱Temp. Range: 77-482F︱Min. Pan Diameter: 4.5 ins.

Alright, this portable induction cooktop is not for everyone since it costs more than most residential electric or gas stoves. But the Control °Freak is the best of the best when it comes to temperature control.

For starters, the number of temperature levels you can select 400 temperatures, which is orders of magnitude greater than most units. Plus, you can go as high as 482°F, or as low as 77°F. You can sear or simmer like a pro with that kind of control.

Precise control also increases the quality of your cooking and it makes it easier to replicate dishes. Consistent high quality is expected by dining customers and this unit can meet the needs of professional chefs.

For the hefty price, you do get proportional, integral, and derivative (“PID”) control, which precisely regulates the heat using complex programs. Temperature feedback is given by sensors on the cooktop, or by a thermocouple you can plug into the unit.

Even the timer gives you options, up to 72 hours. Three days is long enough for just about any kitchen task.

As you would expect, the unit is eye-catching. The large color LCD screen is your interface with the computer control you have at your fingertips. And it is all surrounded by a modern stainless steel housing.

The flat cooktop is black glass, with a unique through the glass temperature sensor in the middle. Your pan must cover this sensor when cooking for the unit to operate properly.

Have a recipe you cook often? No problem, program it into the unit to use repeatedly with a click of the selection wheel on the front.

By the way, this model includes a 16-ounce saucepan. There are also other versions that come with a fry pan, or no pan at all.

The Control Freak even has a USB port you can use to save cooking protocols or even to update the software of the unit. For those who want ultimate control, and the price is not an obstacle, take a look at the Control Freak.

One last note, the unit comes with a 1-year warranty. For the price, that seems short. It may be a nitpick, but it is worth noting for a machine this expensive.