The Best Portable Induction Cooktops of 2023

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Induction cooktops heat up faster than electric ones, and they stay cool to the touch.

While they’re not as common in homes as gas cooktops or electric cooktops, induction cooktops are actually one of the most efficient options for your kitchen. They use electric currents to directly heat pots and pans through magnetic induction — and offer faster boiling times, precise temperature control, and better safety, as they stay cool to the touch.

Even if you don’t have the space or budget for a new built-in cooktop, there are lots of portable induction cooktops that make it easy to harness this technology at home. With just one or two burners, portable induction cooktops are ideal for everyday cooking, as well as RVs, small apartments, and even dorm rooms.

Looking for more ways to cook? Check out our picks for the best electric burners, smart ovens, and toaster ovens.

Most of today’s portable induction cooktops have a standard max 1,800 watts and are roughly the same size, but there are a few key differences to consider as you select one for your home.

For instance, most induction cooktops come with several preset power levels, which adjust the wattage used by the burner. The more power levels, the more control you’ll have over the speed of cooking. Alternatively, some cooktops let you select a specific temperature for the burner, which can be beneficial for precise cooking tasks.

You’ll also want to look at the burner size as you compare portable induction cooktops. Most have a minimum and maximum pot size that they can accommodate, so make sure your induction-friendly pans will fit. (Remember: Induction cookware must be made out of a magnetic-based material, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.)

Of course, safety features are always a top consideration. Most portable induction cooktops have automatic pan detection—if they don’t sense an induction-compatible pan within a set period of time, the burner will automatically turn off. Other safety features to look for include child locks and overheat protection.

To find the best portable induction cooktops available today, we searched for top-rated products from reputable manufacturers. We evaluated each cooktop for versatility, power, size, and reliability, and we selected models for a range of spaces and budgets. We also factored in firsthand testing results from publications like Epicurious and Wirecutter, and we read dozens of user reviews for each product.

Duxtop is one of the most highly regarded brands when it comes to portable induction cooktops, and their 9100MC model strikes the perfect balance between performance and value.

It offers 15 preset power levels between 200 and 1,800 watts, and its LED display has a built-in timer that can be set up to 170 minutes.

The burner can easily accommodate pans with a diameter between 5 and 8 inches—larger pans will fit, but you will likely find that the edges of the pan don’t heat up as well.

As far as safety, Duxtop's portable induction cooktop features automatic pan detection, which shuts down the burner if the pan is removed.

If you want more versatility from your cooktop, the Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop is a worthwhile upgrade. It offers 20 power levels and a slightly wider temperature range than the 9100MC, as well as several additional features.

Its LCD display has a built-in timer that can be set for as long as 10 hours, and there's also a “keep warm” function that maintains food temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Safety features include automatic pan detection and a child safety lock. Like the 9100MC, it isn't the best choice for cooking with larger pans.

The Mueller RapidTherm Portable Induction Cooktop is a budget-friendly option for those who are looking to dip their toe into the world of induction cooking.

It offers eight power levels between 200 and 1,800 watts, as well as four cooking modes—hot pot, slow cook, boil, and keep warm. This cooktop is suitable for pots and pans with a diameter between 5 and 10 inches, and it has a child safety lock and auto pan detection for safety during use.

The Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop can accommodate pots and pans up to 12 inches in diameter, making it a top choice for larger cookware.

Unlike most other induction cooktops, this model is round, and although it only has six power levels there's the option to select a specific temperature in 10-degree increments.

It has automatic pan detection for safety, and it will shut off when its built-in timer runs out. Plus, the surface is made from shatter-proof glass.

The Isiler Portable Induction Cooktop is one of the most lightweight options available at just under 5 pounds, so it's ideal for RV living or travel.

The compact design offers nine power levels between 150 and 1,800 watts and alternatively, you can select a specific temperature in 40-degree increments. The sleek display has a built-in timer that can be set up to 3 hours, and it will automatically shut off after 60 seconds if no pan is detected on the burner.

The main drawback of this portable induction cooktop is that it's on the smaller side and only recommended for pans up to 8.5 inches in diameter.

You can cook two dishes at the same time with the Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop. It has two induction heating elements—the left burner offers eight power levels, while the right burner has five.

There are separate on/off switches for each side, as well as individual 150-minute timers for each burner. The cooktop is designed to turn off after 30 seconds if a pot or pan is removed. While double burners mean a higher price, it does come with a 3-year warranty on the motor.

For professionals and avid home chefs, the Breville Control °Freak is a high-tech induction cooktop that offers extremely granular temperature control.

You can set it to any temperature between 86 and 482 degrees F for any length of time, and it can accommodate pans up to 10 inches in diameter.

This portable induction cooktop has a real-time sensing system that measures the pan’s surface temperature 20 times per second, allowing it to maintain an exact temperature. It also comes with a handy probe that automatically reaches and holds a desired temperature.

The Breville is ideal for cooking sauces, doing sugar work, tempering chocolate, and more, plus you can program custom settings for foods you make frequently. For an appliance with such a hefty price tag, its 2-year limited warranty is a bit disappointing.

You can cook eggs, vegetables, pancakes, and much more on this portable induction cooktop. It has a dual-burner design and comes with a cast-iron griddle that fits perfectly over both heating elements, creating one large cooking surface.

There are nine power levels to choose from between 400 and 1,800 watts, and each burner can be controlled individually in case you want to cook two foods at once.

Reviewers say the griddle is quick and easy to clean thanks to its nonstick finish, but several note that the burners are smaller than expected and don’t hold large pans.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.

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