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The Spruce Eats / Photo Illustration by Chloe Jeong / Retailers below
A portable burner is a handy kitchen tool. It lets you plug in an additional element next to your stovetop when cooking multipot meals, create an instant cooking space in a hotel room, or take your kitchen outdoors. Plug-and-play induction burners have even more perks. They're known for being energy-efficient, don't radiate heat, and release constant, steady power.
Instead of heating the burner, the pan atop it, and finally the food inside, an induction cooktop generates a magnetic field that transfers energy straight to the metal of the pan. Rather than spreading heat to the countertop or raising the ambient temperature in your kitchen, a portable unit keeps the heat where it should be.
Choosing the right portable induction cooktop for your needs does require a bit of awareness. Burner size matters, as does how much weight the portable unit can hold. Some induction cooktops plug into a standard 120-volt wall outlet, but others need the same 240-volt plug as large kitchen appliances. Most importantly, the cookware you plan to use needs to be induction compatible for an induction surface: magnetic stainless or carbon steel, standard and enameled cast iron, or cast aluminum with an induction-compatible base.
Once you’ve paired the right burner with the right cookware, you can use an induction burner for all sorts of stovetop cooking, from simmering, sauteing, and boiling to pressure cooking, sous vide, and canning.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best induction burners currently on the market.
Best Overall: Max Burton 6450 Digital Induction Cooktop
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Courtesy of Amazon
One-touch simmer and boil
Easy-to-read controls
Three hours of continuous use
Not suitable for oversized cookware
Who else recommends it? Wirecutter also picked the Max Burton 6450 Digital Induction Cooktop.
What do buyers say? 86% of 400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This Max Burton model has plenty to interest a home chef, including high power, a lightweight body, and a burner that can hold a range of pan sizes, all for a reasonable price. Its ten heat-mode settings range up to 1,800 watts, making it one of the more powerful portable burners available. It has quick-use simmer and boil buttons, 15 temperature settings, and a 180-minute timer for specific cooking heat and time.
The burner has features our tester liked from an earlier model (Max Burton 6400), including the smooth surface of both the burner and the slightly angled control panel that make all parts easy to clean. The burner can hold up to 50 pounds and works best with cookware ranging from 4.5 to 9.75 inches in diameter at the base. You can feel comfortable loading it up with your cast-iron skillets or a magnetic stainless steel wok.
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The Spruce Eats / Danielle Centoni
Dimensions: 12.75 x 11.55 x 2.55 inches | Max Power Level: 1,800 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Electric Current: 15 amps | Number of Burners: 1 | Cookware Base Diameter: 4.5 to 9.75 inches | Load Capacity: 50 pounds
Best Double: Cuisinart ICT-60 12 in. Glass Double Induction Cooktop
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Individual controls for each burner
Warms or cooks as needed
Includes safety shut-off
Takes up counter space
Cuisinart offers the convenience of a multi-burner induction range in a portable option, pairing two burner sizes in one lightweight frame. The left burner hits up to 1,200 watts over eight heat settings, letting you move from melting butter to boiling pasta. The right burner has five heat settings that top out at 600 watts, ready to warm and saute delicate foods.
Each burner has a separate timer, on-off switch, and temperature control and display, meaning you can use them independently. They also come with a 30-second safety shut-off, just in case you lift off the pan but forget to turn off a burner. For even heating and to avoid pan overlap with the controls that are aligned flat with the burners, Cuisinart recommends not using pans with diameters smaller than 4.7 inches.
Dimensions: 14.25 x 23.5 x 2.5 inches | Max Power Level: 600 and 1,200 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Electric Current: 15 amps | Number of Burners: Two | Cookware Base Diameter: 4.7 to 6 and 7.5 inches | Load Capacity: Not listed
“[Induction burners] keep incredibly precise temperatures, which makes cooking times noticeably faster. Since they keep precise temperatures, the first thing you'll notice is that you have to stir your food a bit more consistently and often than you do with gas or electric burners.” — Rachael Narins, author of "Cast-Iron Cooking" and founder of Chicks with Knives
Best Budget: Duxtop 8100MC Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
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Courtesy of Amazon
Powerful
Includes a timer
Lightweight
No one-touch buttons for boiling and warming
Secura’s line of Duxtop-branded induction burners ranges widely in weight and features. The 8100MC has the same power and temperature ranges as many more tricked-out models at an affordable price. It tops out at 1,800 watts and 460 degrees to keep the food warm and simmers at low temperatures as efficiently as more expensive cooktops. This lightweight unit weighs 6.5 pounds, but it can hold a 25-pound load.
You need to use pans that don’t cover the button controls on the flat top surface, ideally choosing ones with a 4- to 8-inch base. The burner can be adjusted to ten temperature and ten power levels, and the timer will run for up to 170 minutes. This budget unit lacks add-ons like “boil” and “warm” buttons but still performs those tasks.
Dimensions: 13 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches | Max Power Level: 1,800 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Electric Current: 15 amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: 4 to 8 inches | Load Capacity: 25 pounds
Best for Small Spaces: NuWave 30532 Flex Precision 11-in-1 Element Black Induction Cooktop
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Automatic shutoff
Heats up quickly
Heats only the pan
Multiple power settings
Might be noisy to operate
Whether you live in a studio apartment, dorm, or have an RV, the Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is a great little appliance that won’t take up too much counter space. Lightweight and portable, this 1300-watt appliance is easily stored in a cabinet or drawer when not in use.
One feature we like on this option is that the top is made of shatterproof glass so if the burner accident falls or gets dropped, you won’t end up with a mess or need to replace it. There are six easy-to-use convenient preset temperatures. Or if you prefer precise temperature control, it can be set between 100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. So whether you are cooking a juicy steak, boiling water for pasta, or making your morning omelet, there’s nothing the Nuwave can’t cook.
Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 2 inches | Max Power Level: 1300 watts | Voltage: NA volts | Electric Current: NA amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: 10.5 inches | Load Capacity: NA
Best for Gourmets: Vollrath 120-Volt 1800-Watt Mirage Pro Countertop Induction Range
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sturdy and durable
Precise power and temperature controls
Temperature memory and other extra features
Expensive
Vollrath has been making food service equipment in the U.S. since 1900, and its induction ranges have long been popular with chefs and caterers. Its Mirage induction cooktops fit just as well in a food lover’s home kitchen as a commercial one and carry many high-end features. The 1800-watt Mirage Pro has a powerful burner suitable for buffets and catering. The power mode has an impressive 100 levels ranging from about 80 to 525 degrees. You can also choose precise temperature settings with the control knob.
Digital buttons, function lights, and an LED display round out the control panel. The unit includes some helpful features, like memory of the last set temperature and a hot-surface warning. The stainless-steel body and smooth ceramic top are supported by sturdy feet that keep the unit raised yet steady on a counter. The burner fits pans 4.75 to 10.25 inches in diameter.
Dimensions: 15.25 x 14 x 3 inches | Max Power Level: 1,800 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Electric Current: 15 amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: 4.75 to 10.25 inches | Load Capacity: Over 50 pounds
“When you’re choosing cookware, the easiest and quickest way to determine if it’ll work is to grab a fridge magnet and put it on the bottom. If it stays, the pan will work with your burner. If it doesn’t—think glass—they aren’t compatible.” — Rachael Narins, author of "Cast-Iron Cooking" and founder of Chicks with Knives
Best Portable for 240 Volts: SPT SR-34AC 3400W Countertop Commercial Range
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Courtesy of Amazon
As powerful as a built-in burner
Features both knob and digital controls
Thick, flat glass surface
No timer
SPT’s SR-34AC commercial-grade model puts the power of a built-in induction burner in a portable unit. Its single burner can push out 3,400 watts of power. The thick, tempered-glass surface can hold various pots and pans as long as they have a flat bottom and are induction compatible. The company makes a nearly identical model (SR-34BWC) with a recessed induction burner designed specifically for round-bottom cookware like woks. Both models get their power by plugging into a 240-volt outlet like any large appliance.
The digital display and inset control buttons sit beside a temperature-control knob that lets you fine-tune the heat without repeatedly punching buttons. The burner’s SmartScan technology senses and adjusts to pan size and type, but otherwise, this portable range lacks bells and whistles like a built-in timer and Bluetooth technology. What it does is let you cook as quickly and efficiently as a master chef.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 14.17 x 5.08 inches | Max Power Level: 3,400 watts | Voltage: 240 volts | Electric Current: 15 amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: Minimum of 4.5 inches | Load Capacity: Not listed
“I love induction burners for people in tiny homes or those on the road living the nomad life in a converted bus or chic RV. Even though they may seem ideal for a dorm, they aren’t approved by a lot of schools, so check before you commit.” — Rachael Narins, author of "Cast-Iron Cooking" and founder of Chicks with Knives
Best for Canning: HOMCOM Portable Induction Cooktop
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Amazon
Easy to clean
Nonslip footpads on the bottom
Crystal glass
No timer setting
Whether you’re canning tomatoes, corn, or pickling cucumbers, it’s essential to use an induction burner equipped for large amounts of food. Fortunately, the Homcom Portable Induction Cooktop has a generous 44-pound weight capacity.
In addition to canning, this appliance is also a great choice for everyday cooking. There are eight power levels, which are easily controlled through the smart sensor panel and easy-to-read LCD screen. Best of all, you can use this induction burner with a variety of pots and pans made from iron, steel, and stainless-steel magnetic material.
One feature that makes this appliance stand out is that it's safe to use outside, so you can easily make side dishes while barbequing.
Dimensions: 12.25 x 11 x 2.75 inches | Max Power Level: 200-1500 watts | Voltage: 120/60 volts | Electric Current: NA amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: 4.75 to 11 inches | Load Capacity: 44 pounds
Best Built-In: JennAir JIC4715GS 15 in. Electric Induction Cooktop
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Courtesy of AJ Madison
Loads of power
Connects burners to hold large cookware
Has advanced features like autocook
Very expensive
A two-burner built-in induction cooktop may be worth considering if you want a step up in cooking surface and power. JennAir’s induction cooktop is about the same size as portable double-burner units but runs off 240 volts, pumping out a whopping 3,700 watts of power per burner. It plugs into the same type of outlet as an oven or larger range, rather than a standard wall outlet.
Besides its power, this cooktop’s key feature is its burner “bridge,” linking the two burners so that you can use large cookware. JennAir recommends cookware with up to a 7-inch base on each burner but says bridging can hold stockpots and griddles up to 10 inches in diameter. All that power and flexibility—plus a sleek design and features like performance boost, automatic cooking, and pause—come at a high price but may be worth it for heavy use.
Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 0.1 inches | Max Power Level: 3,700 watts | Voltage: 240 volts | Electric Current: 20 amps | Number of Burners: 2 | Cookware Base Diameter: Up to 7 or 10 inches | Load Capacity: Not listed
Best High-Tech: Tasty by Cuisinart Tasty One Top Smart Induction Cooktop
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Walmart
Integrated surface sensor
Unique design
Trusted brand
Lacks a display screen
If you like cooking with smart technology for around the same price as a regular burner, you’ll love Tasty by Cuisinart. Attractively designed with a cheerful aqua color and pentagon shape, it’s perfect for social media posts. It’s also one of the few induction burners on the market that connect to your phone via Bluetooth. The app even features hundreds of delicious recipes with step-by-step guides.
But this burner isn't just about the bells and whistles— it's an ideal choice for serious home chefs. There’s a thermometer that tracks the temperature of everything from liquids to meat and fish. There’s also an integrated surface sensor to let you know the surface temperature of your cookware.
This useful kitchen gadget has a variety of functions for everything from deep frying to pan frying, stir-frying, simmering, sautéing, grilling, poaching, slow cooking, and searing.
Dimensions: 13.75 x 14 x 3.25 inches | Max Power Level: 1500 watts | Voltage: NA volts | Electric Current: NA amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: NA inches | Load Capacity: NA
Best Splurge: Breville Breville|PolyScience the Control Freak Temperature Controlled Commercial Induction Cooking System
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Amazon
Temperature control profiles can be saved
USB port for software updates
LCD panel is easy to read
Great for small kitchens
No smartphone control
Whether you are a private chef, a professional caterer, or just a serious home cook, Breville’s The Control Freak Smart Induction Cooker is certainly an investment, but with glowing reviews, it may be worth the price.
The aptly-named product is a top-of-the-line model designed for commercial kitchens. It gives chefs unprecedented control of both the pan temperature as well as the heat-up speed. Users can set and hold their preferred temperature down to the exact degree between 86 and 482 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike the average burner, this one has a real-time sensing system that uses a through-glass sensor to directly measure the temperature of the pan. With slow, medium, and fast intensity functions, this appliance helps you achieve the exact cooking speed you need to make any dish.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 13.75 x 4.5 inches | Max Power Level: 1800 watts | Voltage: NA volts | Electric Current: NA amps | Number of Burners: One | Cookware Base Diameter: 5.5 inches | Load Capacity: 13 pounds
For all-around cooking on a portable, efficient induction burner, choose the Max Burton 6450 cooktop. The Duxtop 8100MC model has less power but a lower price tag, while the Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop gives you more burners in one movable unit.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Induction Burner
Size
An induction burner only directly heats the metal it touches, so most manufacturers recommend using cookware with a base diameter that matches the burner diameter. A little larger can be fine, but realize that the heat will be spreading from the area in contact with the induction element. Smaller cookware can work too, but most induction burners have sensors that require a certain pot diameter (usually 4 to 5 inches) to start heating.
Power and Temperature
Induction burners often have two heating modes based on power and temperature. Power settings can range from 100 to 3,700 watts, and the maximum power level is worth considering when choosing a model: the more wattage, the faster a burner will heat up. Temperature settings can run from 80 to 525 degrees, depending on the model, allowing you to do everything from melting chocolate and poaching eggs to boiling pasta.
Safety Features
With their lightweight, smooth surface, and high power, safety features are important in preventing accidents with portable induction burners. Most have sensors that prevent overheating and turn off the burner shortly after you’ve removed a pot. Some shut off automatically after several hours of use, and some have locks that prevent the unit from accidentally turning on or changing settings.
Standout Features
Most portable induction burners are basic one-piece units with a heating element, digital control panel, and power cord. Some control panels have a knob that lets you fine-tune power or temperature without pressing a button through each level. Some models also have one-touch buttons for simmering and boiling. Many have timers and control locks.
FAQs
What pans work with induction burners?
Induction burners use magnetic energy to heat cookware, so the pots and pans you use need to have a magnetic metal base. Magnetic stainless or carbon steel, cast aluminum with an induction-compatible base, and standard and enameled cast-iron work on induction burners. Whichever induction-ready pan you choose, it should also have a flat bottom that makes full contact with the burner.
Do induction burners get hot?
Induction burners can grow extremely hot, especially at maximum power, and they can hold that steady high temperature as long as the pot is on the burner. As soon as you lift off the pot, the heating stops. If you were to immediately touch the burner, there may be residual heat on the cooking surface where the piping-hot pan was sitting, but the way induction works keep the burner from having its own lingering heat. Some units have a heat indicator light that turns off when the burner is cool to the touch.
How do you get stains off an induction burner?
Turn off the burner and let it cool completely before you try to wipe off stains and splatters from the induction burner’s smooth surface. Then dab or sprinkle the stain with distilled white vinegar and, for stubborn spills, with baking soda before rubbing gently to remove the stain. Setting a damp, hot towel over the treated stain for a few minutes can help to soften splattered food and make it easier to wipe away.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and has been blogging about cooking well at Twice As Tasty for more than five years. She refuses to limit her cooking space to her tiny cabin kitchen and has set up portable burners on folding tables, workbenches, outdoor countertops, and more. She published her first cookbook, “The Complete Guide to Pickling,” in 2020.
Amanda Lauren is a lifestyle writer, host, interior design expert, and co-creator of the online public relations course, Pitch Please. She's a contributor to Forbes, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman, The Balance, and A Sweat Life among other sites. She is also the host of the Bougie Adjacent Podcast.
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