mybest
Kitchen

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Kitchen
  3. 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
  • 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Whether you’re cooking hot pot at the dinner table, short on stove space, or looking for a compact cooktop for your camper, it can be useful to have a portable electric stove. They’re convenient, easy to use, and safer than a gas stove. But there are a ton of options, and finding the right one can be a challenge.

On top of how well the stove works objectively, you also need to consider how well it would fit into your lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll talk about the factors you should consider when choosing a portable electric stove. At the end, we’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started, with SUNAVO and Cusimax taking top spots for single and double burners.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

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!

Jim Quast's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

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.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Portable Electric Stoves

Choosing a stove can make or break your cooking experience, so it’s important to consider what you’d actually use.
1

Determine the Stovetop and Heat Type You Want

The most important consideration when choosing an electric stove is exactly what kind of heating mechanism it uses.

Induction Heat is Fast and Safe

Induction Heat is Fast and Safe
Induction heat is one of the safest and most efficient ways to cook. It produces a magnetic current that heats only your pot or pan and keeps the cooktop cool to the touch. It heats quickly and evenly and is extremely controllable–down to the degree.


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.

Infrared is Efficient and Widely Compatible

Infrared is Efficient and Widely Compatible
Infrared stoves use infrared radiation to directly heat your pot without losing energy. They’re efficient, heat up fairly quickly, and can be used with any cookware. The cooktop is generally ceramic, which, like glass, is easy to clean but also a little delicate.

Cast Iron is Durable and Heavy-Duty

Cast Iron is Durable and Heavy-Duty
Source:amazon.com

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.

Coil is Lightweight and Cost Effective

Coil is Lightweight and Cost Effective
Coil stovetops are the original electric stovetop. There may be more inconsistency with coil cooktops, and in general, they aren’t very efficient and can be quite difficult to clean. However, they’re light, cheap, and durable, which makes them great for use in the great outdoors.
2

Consider Both Size and Weight When Judging Portability

Consider Both Size and Weight When Judging Portability
Whether you plan on using your portable electric stove at home, at a party, or on a camping trip, make sure that it fits your space and is small enough for you to carry around. When considering size, don’t just check how much space it occupies but also how much it weighs, especially if you plan on moving it around quite a bit.
3

Look at Wattage for Energy Consumption and Strength

Look at Wattage for Energy Consumption and Strength
Depending on how portable you really need your electric stove to be, you may have to weigh the costs and benefits of a higher wattage stove. Portable stovetops usually range from about 900-1500 watts.

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.

4

Check Over the Safety Features for Peace of Mind

Check Over the Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Considering these stoves can get to some pretty high temperatures, it’s important to look for built-in safety features to lower the danger factor.


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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

5 Best Portable Electric Stoves Ranking

Here are the best Portable Electric Stoves, ranked according to 5 Best Single Burner Portable Electric Stoves (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

SUNAVO

Electric Single Burner with HandlesHP102-D2

SUNAVO Electric Single Burner with Handles 1

$29.99

Mid

Handles Give You More Convenience

2

Cusimax

Electric Hot Plate

Cusimax Electric Hot Plate 1

$38.98

High Mid

Heats Quickly and Precisely

3

ISILER

Portable Induction CooktopCHK-CCA02

ISILER Portable Induction Cooktop 1

$69.95

High Mid

Super Customizable Heating for Any Type of Cooking

4

DasMarine

Small Electric Stove

DasMarine Small Electric Stove 1

$17.95

Low Mid

A Tiny Stove for Tight Spaces and Traveling

5

Courant

Electric Burnerceb1100w

Courant Electric Burner 1

$15.90

Low Mid

Lightweight and Easy to Store

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

SUNAVOElectric Single Burner with HandlesHP102-D2

Electric Single Burner with Handles 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.99
Mid
Reference price
$29.99
Mid

Handles Give You More Convenience

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.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

CusimaxElectric Hot Plate

Electric Hot Plate 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$38.98
High Mid
Reference price
$38.98
High Mid

Heats Quickly and Precisely

This sleek, attractive stove would look just as good at the dining table as it would on your counter. It heats up quickly and features seven heat settings, which self-regulate to keep your dish at the right temperature.

You may notice a slight odor coming from the hot plate the first couple of times you use it, but that’s just due to the cast iron seasoning which dissipates quickly. Some reviewers say that the Cusimax breaks down within half a year, but many others like how lightweight it is and how it retains heat.
No.3

ISILERPortable Induction CooktopCHK-CCA02

Lowest price
$69.95
High Mid

Super Customizable Heating for Any Type of Cooking

This super functional induction stove allows you to choose your wattage from 100 to 1800 watts for all of your cooking needs. You can also control the temperature in 40-degree Fahrenheit increments from 140 to 460 degrees.

According to reviewers, it can be quite noisy due to the fan underneath, but as long as you know to expect it, the sound shouldn’t be much of a problem. But others like that it’s easy to use, easy to clean, and heats up in a flash. 
No.4

DasMarineSmall Electric Stove

Small Electric Stove 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.95
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.95
Low Mid

A Tiny Stove for Tight Spaces and Traveling

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. 

No.5

CourantElectric Burnerceb1100w

Electric Burner 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.90
Low Mid
Reference price
$15.90
Low Mid

Lightweight and Easy to Store

This little burner is light, cheap, and heats up quickly. It has a temperature control knob, which, although fairly basic, reliably adjusts the relative temperature. It’s also quite slim and is easy to store.

However, some reviewers note that the markings on the knob may rub off quickly and that the coils are not removable, which can make it hard to clean. But they say that it heats up quickly and is very efficient at what it does. 

Are Portable Electric Stoves Dangerous?

Are Portable Electric Stoves Dangerous?
Even though we touched on safety features above, it can still be a little unsettling for some to be using a highly mobile heat source. Not to worry, they’re absolutely safe to use as long as you take these precautions.


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.

Pair Your New Portable Stove With These Stovetop Kitchen Goods

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!

Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast

Jim Quast
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

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.

Top 5 Portable Electric Stoves

No. 1: SUNAVOElectric Single Burner with HandlesHP102-D2

No. 2: CusimaxElectric Hot Plate

No. 3: ISILERPortable Induction CooktopCHK-CCA02

No. 4: DasMarineSmall Electric Stove

No. 5: CourantElectric Burnerceb1100w

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Kitchen
  3. 6 Best Portable Electric Stoves in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.