5 Best Portable Induction Cooktops, According to Our Tests

Portable induction cooktops offer stovelike performance in a hot-plate-sized package. That makes them a great option if you’re short on kitchen space or you’re looking for a burner you can take on the go.

Unlike traditional hot plates, portable induction cooktops use an electromagnetic pulse to generate heat. The result is an appliance that simmers steadily and heats faster than a traditional hot plate—and, in some cases, faster than a full-sized gas stove. In our tests, the best of the portable induction cooktops took roughly 13 minutes to boil 4 liters of water, while the slowest took about 20 minutes. Their efficiency makes them an ideal choice for an extra burner in your kitchen or a nice-to-have accessory when paired with a portable generator when you’re camping or tailgating.

Portable induction cooktops—also called portable induction burners—are often seen in professional settings. A pastry kitchen might use one for melting chocolate, and these portable cooktops make it easy to set up an omelet station at a buffet. But they can be every bit as useful in a home kitchen.