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Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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However, induction stovetops require pots and pans that are compatible, so if you don’t already have induction-friendly cookware, you would have to invest in that, too. Induction cooktops are made from glass, which is extremely easy to clean, but can be more delicate than other materials.
Cast iron stoves provide even, long-lasting heat, though they may take a little longer to heat up compared to other types. They’re strong, suitable for any sort of cookware, and can take a bit of a beating (feel free to use your wok on these!).
However, they’re the heaviest of all the cooktops, which may make them less portable. But they’re just as easy to clean as glass or ceramic.
For reference, an installed home stove is normally around 1750 watts. A higher-wattage stove will give you power and heat capacity comparable to a typical stovetop, but if you’re using a generator or working off a car battery, it might be better to go with a lower wattage.
A lower wattage doesn’t mean that your food won’t get cooked, but it might take longer, and you may not get the same results.
One of the most important features to look for are raised feet to add space between the stove and your counter to promote airflow and keep the stove cool as well as prevent your table from burning. Other features to look for are auto shut-off, overheating protection, and heat level indicator lights.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SUNAVO Electric Single Burner with Handles|HP102-D2 | $29.99 Mid | Handles Give You More Convenience | ||
2 | Cusimax Electric Hot Plate | $38.98 High Mid | Heats Quickly and Precisely | ||
3 | ISILER Portable Induction Cooktop|CHK-CCA02 | $69.95 High Mid | Super Customizable Heating for Any Type of Cooking | ||
4 | DasMarine Small Electric Stove | $17.95 Low Mid | A Tiny Stove for Tight Spaces and Traveling | ||
5 | Courant Electric Burner|ceb1100w | $15.90 Low Mid | Lightweight and Easy to Store |
This 1500-watt hot plate has six different adjustable temperature levels and works with all flat-bottomed cookware, including glass and ceramic pans. Heat-insulated handles are attached to the side, so it's convenient and safe to carry around.
Plus, it also has overheat protection, so it'll turn off when the temperature goes too high and turn back on when it returns to lower temperatures. The feet are non-slip and the hot plate is threaded cast iron, evening the heat distribution when cooking.
Some reviewers say that it takes quite a while to heat up. Also, the overheating protection often turns on, which irritates a few others. On the other hand, people like how easy it is to transport and how easy it is to clean. It works well as an extra stove.
This tiny electric stove is just 5.3 inches, with the plate itself being 3.9 inches. This makes it great for crowded kitchens or for use directly at the dining table. It has five gears for temperature control and heats up to 570 degrees. It also weighs less than two pounds!
Since it's quite small, it won't work for extra big meals, though it still will work even if the pot you use on it is a bit bigger than the plate. It's best used to boil water and keep your coffee warm, which reviewers do. You can also cook single servings of soups on it.
Make sure that you’re only using it on a hard, even surface to prevent it from tipping. Keep loose, flammable objects like towels away from the stove, and be sure to tie back your hair.
Unplug your stove while you’re not using it to prevent accidental switch-on. Also, because there’s no gas and no way to smell if it’s switched on (but also no need to worry about gas leaks!), always double-check whether or not it’s been turned off.
Now that you've chosen your portable stovetop, you'll probably want a couple of pots to go with that. If you're in need of help, then take a look at one of our other guides for tips and inspiration!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: SUNAVO|Electric Single Burner with Handles|HP102-D2
No. 2: Cusimax|Electric Hot Plate
No. 3: ISILER|Portable Induction Cooktop|CHK-CCA02
No. 4: DasMarine|Small Electric Stove
No. 5: Courant|Electric Burner|ceb1100w
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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