Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by David Michael
Best Portable Induction Cooktops
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Having a portable induction cooktop in your kitchen gives you an extra burner – really useful during the holidays. It also allows you to cook right at the table, perfect for hot pot, fondue, and other fun communal meals.
Our Top Picks for Best Portable Induction Cooktops
These are the cooktops that we feel offer the best value, quality and versatility.
The 5 portable induction cooktops that we recommend are:
| Duxtop 9600LS | Check Price on Amazon |
| Nuwave Flex | Check Price on Amazon |
| Nuwave Gold | Check Price on Amazon |
| Cusimax | Check Price on Amazon |
| Mueller RapidTherm | Check Price on Amazon |
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop 9600LS
The Duxtop lets you choose from 20 preset temperatures and also 20 preset power levels up to 1800 watts. This induction cooktop gives you a range and subtlety the others don’t. It took me a little bit to get used to, as my previous one only let me choose a temperature. Along with all the other features, this is my top pick.
The Duxtop’s surface is easy to clean and durable. The Duxtop has all of the standard safety features.
Nuwave Flex Portable Induction Cooktop
The Nuwave Flex has 45 preset temperatures and offers 3 power settings up to 1300 watts. The 6.5 inch heating element assures an even heat. I love the Nuwave’s round shape and the preset for perfectly melting chocolate.
The ceramic glass surface is durable and easy to clean. The Nuwave Flex has all the standard safety features.
Nuwave Gold Portable Induction Cooktop
The Nuwave Gold has all the features of the Nuwave Flex. The Gold has an impressive 8 inch heating element and 3 power settings up to 1500 watts. This is perfect for larger cookware and table cooking.
The ceramic glass surface is durable and easy to clean. The Nuwave Gold has all the standard safety features.
Cusimax Portable Induction Cooktop
The Cusimax is another great choice with 1800 watts at high power. This one has a low temp of 140 so not as low as the Nuwave. The Cusimax is best suited for higher temp cooking with its larger power capacity.
Along with all of the standard safety features the Cusimax’ cooktop is also durable and easy to clean.
Mueller RapidTherm Portable Induction Cooktop
The Mueller induction cooktop offers a streamlined range of choices. With 4 preset cooking programs it offers simple one touch cooking. For those wanting extended range this one offers 8 temperatures and power settings. Maximum 1800 watts for quick heating and cooking.
The glass surface is easy to clean. The Mueller has all the standard safety features.
Be sure to see our guide Is an Induction Cooktop Right for You?
Large gatherings, buffets could benefit from a double burner: Best Portable Double Induction Cooktops
For our picks of great induction pots and pans see our post Best Induction Cookware.
What is induction cooking?
Induction cooking uses an alternating magnetic field to create heat. There are no open flames. It is a very energy efficient way of cooking. An induction cooktop needs the right kind of cookware in order to work. Magnetic cookware such as cast iron, enameled cast iron and certain types of stainless work great on an induction hob.
For our picks of great induction pots and pans see our post Best Induction Cookware.
What makes a good portable induction cooktop?
All of these induction cooktops give you a range of preset temperature, and allow you to adjust that during cooking. They all have timer functions too – I love being able to set a timer and not worry about scorching food, the cooker turns off automatically when the timer ends. These are all easy to clean too, with either a glass or ceramic cooking surface.
Although the cooktops don’t actually generate heat themselves they can still get hot. With extended cooking the surface will pick up heat from the pan. Let the cooktop cool down before cleaning or storing the unit.
These all have safety features such as non-induction compatible alerts, child locks (to prevent the program from being accidentally changed, and overheat prevention.
A portable induction cooker is also a great way to test the waters of induction cooking. Super helpful to see if you will like it before remodeling a kitchen with a full size induction cooktop.