An induction burner is a great tool to have when you want to cook but don’t have a stove available. Whether you’re furnishing a college dorm, a tiny home, or a camper, these burners provide more functionality than ever before.
They're also more diverse than ever before, which means there is a lot more selection to choose from on the market. While this does give you more options to work with, it also makes the process of buying the best induction burner for your needs a little more challenging.
But not to worry: We’ve done the difficult part for you. Here, we’ve rounded up the 10 best induction burner models on the market today, compared the best features of each, and graded them to help you decide.
Plus, at the end, you’ll find a buying guide to help you understand how to choose the best burner, along with our recommendations for the best choice and the most budget-friendly option, respectively. To get started, let’s take a quick look at how the models stack up, and then we’ll get into the detailed reviews.
Best Pick
We like the Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop for its multiple temperature and power settings, along with the auto shut-off safety feature that ensures safe cooking at all times and makes it easy to make your favorite foods.
Budget Pick
If you are on a budget, the Rosewill Induction Cooker 1800 Watt delivers all of the power that you need in a convenient package. Plus, it includes five pre-programmed cooking options along with variable temperature settings, and more.
1. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Highlighted Features
The Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop is at the top of our list for a reason. It offers everything that you want in a reliable, affordable induction burner without the expensive price tag of higher-end models. This burner has a standard 15-amp 120V electrical plug for use in North American homes.
It also features a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to store and move around, even in small spaces. The burner will heat from 140 degrees to 460 degrees Fahrenheit and the power levels range from 200 watts up to 1,800 watts at maximum cooking power.
This portable induction burner also has a diagnostic error message built in along with an auto shut-off feature that shuts the unit off after 60 seconds if a pan is not detected. Low and high voltage warnings are also enabled.
This burner is compatible with all cookware that features a magnetic bottom with a minimum 5-inch diameter. It also comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer and customer service that’s available when you need them.
2. Rosewill Induction Cooker
Highlighted Features
This induction cooker is unique in that it offers five pre-programmed settings for hot pot, stir fry, soup, warming milk, and frying, in addition to its eight available temperature settings that range from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
This burner features a sleek low-profile design and a budget-friendly price tag, along with an easy-to-read digital display and a stylish white-on-black finish. Although an instruction manual is included, the easy buttons and display make it simple to get started even without opening the guide.
With 1,800 total watts of power, this induction burner can handle all kinds of cooking, boiling, steaming, frying, and more. There is a 24-hour timer built into the cooker and the touch-responsive control panel means the device is easy to clean and there are no crevices that food could get caught in.
The exterior stainless steel offers a durable yet lightweight finish that makes this cooktop easy to store and move around. It can be used with any magnetic cookware, and this model even includes a stainless-steel pot for all kinds of cooking needs.
3. Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop with LCD
Highlighted Features
This model from Duxtop is almost as impressive as the first model and has its own unique features to appreciate. The standard 120V, 15-amp plug fits standard North American outlets and the compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for storing in small areas and moving around the kitchen or anywhere else it’s being used.
This model offers 20 different temperature settings ranging up to 460 degrees F, as well as 20 power options so that you can choose the ideal power and temperature for perfect cooking every single time. This model is 83% energy efficient, making it better than most models on the market today.
The burner also offers Duxtop’s auto-off sensor that shuts the burner off after 60 seconds if a pan isn’t detected. It is capable of being used with any magnetic pan that measures five inches or more in diameter.
This induction burner features a unique child-safety lock that can secure the timer and temperature settings once they’re set. There are also hot buttons for a 10-hour timer, keep-warm function, and fast boil option. The burner includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
4. iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
The iSiLER Senor Touch induction cooktop is an impressive option for those who want something with a few more features. In addition to the 18 power levels that range from 100 to 1,800 watts, there are also 17 preset temperature options ranging up to 470 degrees Fahrenheit and an impressive cooktop diameter of 6.7 inches.
A 3-hour timer is included on the control panel, which features easy-to-use touch buttons. This burner can be used to sauté, boil, fry, simmer, steam, grill, and even slow cook with the built-in timer and other settings.
This induction burner has a timer that can be set in 1-minute increments or 10-minute increments and also comes with built-in protection to keep the unit from overheating. The glass surface is easy to clean and offers a longer lifespan than many surfaces.
Plus, the 6-blade fan disperses heat better than other models, and this burner is compatible with all magnetic cookware over four inches in diameter. Built-in error codes notify you of high or low voltage issues, thermistor failures or shorts, unsuitable cookware, and other failures.
5. Rosewill 1800-Watt Induction Cooker
Highlighted Features
The Rosewill 1800-Watt Induction Cooker may seem simple, but it’s anything but basic. It features an A-grade polished Crystal Plate surface and a large LED screen display that’s easy to read.
Plus, it comes with a built-in digital 3-hour timer and can identify suitable cookware, ensuring safe use at all times. An error code will advise users as to whether they have the wrong cookware or if there is another issue. The burner also features built-in overheating protection.
The touch control panel is slightly angled to deflect most of the heat and ensure a longer lifespan. This model also comes with a top-quality stainless-steel pot that can hold up to 3.5 quarts for boiling, steaming, sautéing, broiling, frying, and more.
The burner works with all magnetic cookware and is not designed for use with aluminum or copper pans. It can also handle temperatures up to 450 degrees F, and power settings range from 300 watts to 1,800 watts for maximum control over your cooking from start to finish.
6. NUWAVE Lightweight Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
For more precise temperature control and a sturdy round profile, the NUWAVE Lightweight Induction Cooktop gives you everything you need. Plus, it even includes a premium frying pan that you can use for frying, sautéing and any other cooking needs.
The heat-resistant cooking surface offers 12 inches of space and there are three options for power: 600, 900, and 1,500 watts. This is one of the most powerful burners on the list, even though it tops out at 1,500 watts, because it can heat up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit.
This induction burner also has an auto-off feature, up to 100 hours of programmable time, and a multi-stage cooking feature that offers a “resume” option to make cooking more convenient than ever.
The package includes an instructional DVD, cookbook and manual, and a Quick & Easy Cooking Guide for all the easy cooking that you need. With its versatility and multitude of features, this burner is great for home use, in dorms, and even for event and catering cooking needs. It also comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
7. Chef's Star 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Highlighted Features
Although the brand is less well-known, the Chef’s Star cooktop earns its spot on this list. The burner offers 15 power levels that range from 200 to 1,800 watts and 15 temperatures with a max temp of 465 degrees Fahrenheit.
The digital control panel features easy touch controls and an LCD. Plus, it offers an angled design to better protect its components from the heat. This low-profile square cooktop is portable and lightweight and features a standard 120V plug for North American outlets.
This portable induction burner is compatible with all magnetic and induction-ready cookware. It also includes an auto shut-off feature for when a pan isn’t detected on the cooktop and a diagnostic error code system to advise on how to deal with issues like low or high voltage.
This model is made of durable materials and includes a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer. For those who desire an induction burner that has mid-range features with a little bit of everything and an ultra-lightweight design, this model delivers.
8. NuWave PIC Pro Highest Powered Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
The NUWAVE PIC Pro Induction Cooktop offers a little more power for those who want something more than the standard home or dorm burner. This cooktop can provide up to 1,800 watts of power with various power settings available to adjust your cooking precisely.
Plus, the temperature can be adjusted in five-degree increments up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you plenty of range for boiling, broiling, steaming, stewing, frying, sautéing, and more. The total surface measures 12 inches and is made of durable glass.
This cooktop includes the 60-second auto-off feature for safety, along with a full diagnostic error messaging system that will notify you of low or high voltage as well as other diagnostic errors. It will even give you an error code for incorrect or incompatible cookware.
There are six pre-programmed temperature settings for all of your quick and easy favorites, and the dual-coil system ensures quick, even cooking for any type of cuisine and cooking style. Plus, it all comes with a one-year warranty and an impressive weight of just over five pounds.
9. Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
The Cuisinart ICT-60 is another countertop appliance from a leader in kitchen electrics. This dual-burner cooktop features a unique design and is the only double model on our list, but it makes the list for good reason. Not only do you get two cooktop surfaces, but they offer variable temperature settings with five settings on the right burner and eight on the left.
It also includes individual timers for each burner, good for up to 150 minutes with one-minute increments. Plus, for added safety, you’ll get the convenience of dedicated on/off switches so that you can turn on one or both burners as needed.
This induction cooktop measures just under two feet wide, giving you plenty of cooking space while still being slim, lightweight and portable in design.
This makes a great choice for small kitchens, college dorms, and even for production and event catering when you need room for more cooking without individual burners. The cooktop is designed for use with magnetic cookware and includes easy-to-read LED displays for each side.
10. Max Burton 6400 Digital Choice Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
This induction burner features energy-efficient cooking with a compact footprint that makes it great for RVs, boats, dorms, offices, and even catering kitchens. The burner features one-touch buttons for simmering and boiling, along with 15 different temperature settings and a timer that can be programmed for up to 180 minutes (3 hours).
There is a setting lock to secure the cooking settings once they have been input and 10 different power settings ensure that you get the perfect level of power and temperature for every cooking need.
This cooktop features a convenient, easy-clean glass finish with durable stainless and plastic materials underneath, along with an angled control panel design to protect it from the heat. It also comes with built-in short circuit protection along with voltage detection and overheating protection.
Plus, it will even tell you if you aren’t using compatible cookware (all cookware must be magnetic or designated as induction-approved). The max temperature is 450 degrees Fahrenheit and the total power goes up to 1,800 watts for plenty of performance in any setting.
How To Choose the Best Induction Burner for Your Portable Cooking Needs
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There are a lot of things to love about buying an induction burner when you don’t have access to a full-size stove, or even when you just want another option. However, choosing the right one can prove to be a daunting task if you’re not familiar with these handy appliances.
Induction cooking can be a great way to go and these burners can be an ideal investment for boats, RVs, dorms, offices, catering businesses, and so much more. Depending on your cooking needs, budget, and other factors, there is something out there for just about everyone.
In the guide below, we’ll cover the most important factors to consider in purchasing the best induction burner for your cooking needs. First, though, let’s look at a few benefits of these burners to better understand why they’re so popular.
Benefits of Induction Cooking and Induction Burners
There are many perks that come with owning an induction burner. First of all, it’s a more energy-efficient solution that offers almost twice as much efficiency as natural gas. It also wastes less heat than other cooking methods, so even though it has the same efficiency as electric coil and radiant heating, it’s a better option for reduced heat loss during the cooking process.
Induction burners also have the benefit of instant responsiveness—as soon as you change the temperature setting, the cooktop is ready in a matter of seconds. Unlike electric coils or gas which can take a few minutes to heat up, this method is always ready to go.
Speaking of reliability, that’s another perk of induction cooking. These burners have digital displays, which means that you can always know the heat output, providing more reliable cooking with no guesswork involved.
Induction cooktops are safer and easier to clean because the ceramic surface remains cool to the touch while the induction surface underneath does the heating. These units can even be used with paper towels on the cooking surface to make clean up even easier since they don’t transmit heat. Plus, most of the models available include an auto shut-off feature that will turn off after 30-60 seconds if a pan isn’t detected on the cooktop.
Set-it-and-forget-it cooking is simple with most of these burners thanks to built-in timers fueled by digital technology. Some program for up to an hour, although three hours seems to be a popular increment for these burners.
Some models can be programmed for up to 10 hours or even 24 hours if you want the ultimate in custom programmable cooking. Although induction burners cost a little more upfront, the benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Now that you know a little more about the wonders of these handy, portable cooking units, you’ll have a better idea of why you should choose this over other portable cooktop options. Below, you’ll find all the information that you need to help you choose the best induction burner for your needs.
Cooktop and Total Unit Size
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Every induction burner is designed in a slightly different way. Some feature a very large space outside of the cooking area for added safety, while others increase the induction burner size for better cooking and heating power across larger pans. Either way, you should compare both the size of the unit itself and the dimensions of the cooktop if you want to make sure that you get the best choice.
For example, some of the listings above designate that they can only be used with pans that measure more than four or five inches in diameter. Others may have different size requirements.
Fortunately, each listing will tell you the total unit size and the cooktop or burner dimensions so that you can make the best choice for your cooking needs. Typically, this will depend on the type of cooking that you plan to do and the size of the pans you want to use. For smaller applications, a smaller unit should do the job.
If you intend to do a lot of cooking or if you are buying a burner for a catering or professional kitchen, you might want to choose a bigger model that can hold larger pans. Again, though, it’s more about the cooking power and temperature settings than the actual pan size.
Another situation in which size matters is if you are using this burner in a small space where you are limited on room. Most models weigh less than eight pounds, making them easy to move around and store when they’re not in use.
Their footprints are also fairly small, with the largest being the dual cooktop option that comes in at just under 24 inches wide. The rest are right around 12-15 inches in width, and offer similar burner sizes, as well.
Power Source
All of the models on this list use a standard 15-amp, 120V power plug that is designed for use in all standard North American homes. If you are purchasing an induction burner for use on a boat or somewhere that you don’t have access to direct power, you may want to look at adapters for 12-Volt chargers found in RVs and boats. Consider induction burners that have alternate power sources, as well.
For the most part, these burners are used in indoor settings where the power is accessible. Therefore, having a standard plug isn’t really that big of a concern and any model on the list will suit your needs in terms of being able to plug into a standard outlet.
These units are generally not grounded, which means they only have a two-prong plug. However, some professional models and higher-power models might have a grounded three-prong plug available.
Control Panel and Settings
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As the most important part of the device, the control panel and available settings should be high on your list of priorities. After all, how you cook and what you can cook all depends on how well the interface works. Fortunately, most of the models on this list include easy-to-read LCD screens, touch controls, and a variety of available settings for all kinds of cooking needs.
Most of these induction burners offer variable temperature and power settings, allowing you to change the cooking parameters to meet your exact needs for a better result.
Typically, they will have 5-15 different settings to choose from, although some models will allow temperature adjustments in five-degree increments, giving them dozens of possible temperature settings. Be sure to consider all of the available temperature and power settings on each model to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some induction burners will also include quick-cook buttons and one-touch pre-programmed options for various cooking needs. While this is not an essential feature, it’s a great option to have. If you do a lot of basic things like simmering, boiling, or frying, having these hot buttons might come in handy.
Another factor to consider in the control panel is whether it is on the same flat plane as the cooktop or if it is angled down or away. The angled control panels seem to hold up better over time since they are better protected from residual heat than the control panels on flat models. However, this isn’t exactly a proven science. It's just something to consider that might affect the longevity of your device.
Case/Frame Construction Materials
While it might not seem like the case itself matters as much as the cooktop surface (which is going to be glass or ceramic, in almost every case), it’s actually one of the most important parts of these portable burners.
The frame and base need to be sturdy and durable to withstand storage and being moved around regularly. Most of the models on this list include durable stainless steel on the bottom part of the casing, although some are made with a combination of composite/plastic and stainless-steel components.
Most people spend a lot of time looking at the cooking surface and its dimensions, materials, and other details. However, the entire unit needs to be made from quality materials if you are going to get the most out of your investment.
Be sure to check reviews for durability and quality information to help you determine which models best stand the test of time. Be sure to check for things like warranties and guarantees against workmanship or defects, too, and see what kind of long-term damage or wear different models may be known for.
Conclusion
An induction burner is a great addition to any space when you need a flexible cooking solution. No matter what your cooking needs, induction burners are versatile tools that have a range of features to suit almost every situation.
Remember to choose a burner that is the right size and offers the power and temperature settings that you desire, and don’t forget to consider safety features like the auto-shutoff that many induction burners have.