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The best induction burner is actually a bit of a misnomer. Unlike those terrifying old school hot plates, the surface of a portable induction cooktop doesn’t get hot because an electromagnetic current is sent from under the glass cooking surface directly to your pots and pans. It’s a fast and energy efficient technology that was once on the cutting edge of cooking tech, but is now easily (and affordably) accessible to anyone in the form of a portable induction cooktop.
The best portable induction burners:
The best induction burner: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
A splurge-worthy upgrade: Breville Control Freak Home
The best double induction burner: Nuwave Double Induction Cooktop
A budget-friendly double-induction burner: Cooktron Double Induction Cooktop
Though induction is a relatively new technology, at least as far as home cooking goes, the market is already saturated with portable induction cooktops promising a range of features. To find out which ones are actually worth adding to your kitchen—whether you’re curious about induction or need an extra burner—we tested 13 models ranging from $60–$1,500.
The best induction burner for most home cooks: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
Pros:
- Powerful
- Affordable
- 20 temperature + 20 power settings
- Compact and lightweight
- Fairly easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Built-in safety features
Cons:
- Small learning curve to figuring out power vs. temp settings
- Can only adjust temperature in increments of 20ºF (no Celsius)
Power: 1,800 watts
Size: 11.4″ x 14″ x 2.5″
Weight: 5 lbs.
Weight limit: 25 lbs.
Settings: 20 power and temperature, adjusted in 20° increments from 100°F-460°F
Control type: Touch control
Warranty: 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
What we love: We’ve been recommending the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop (9600LS/BT-200DZ) for years because it’s powerful, precise enough for most home cooks, and accessibly priced. Compared to other single-burner portable induction cooktops in this price range, the Duxtop did the best job of regulating temperature, getting water back to a rolling boil about a minute after we added ice cubes.
When you use this device in Temperature Mode, you can adjust the temperature in increments of 20ºF between 100°F and 460°F, and a built-in sensor will help to regulate the temperature and keep it where you want it. Alternatively, you can use Power Mode to select one of the 20 power settings (strangely labeled 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc.). Each power level corresponds to watt usage, so mode 0.5 uses 100 watts, 4.0 uses 660 watts, and 10 uses all 1,800 watts. The control panel is very user friendly,
