Ever feel like your kitchen is just one burner short? Maybe you’re in a tiny apartment or love hosting potlucks. A portable electric cooktop can be a total game-changer for situations like these. It gives you that extra cooking surface right when you need it most, without the commitment of a full renovation.
But with so many models out there, picking the right one is tricky. We’ve tested the top options to see which ones really deliver on their promises. Let’s dive in and find your perfect portable cooking companion, shall we?
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Portable Electric Cooktop
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner, 1000…
|
9.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot…
|
9.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500…
|
9.4 |
Read Review |
 |
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8”…
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Burner, Induction Hot Plate with…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner, Stainless Steel/Black
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner, Stainless Steel
|
8.4 |
Read Review |
 |
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate…
|
8.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3
|
7.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Amazon Basics 1800W Electric Portable Induction Cooktop, Induction Burner…
|
7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Portable Electric Cooktop
Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner, 1000 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Burner is a compact, single electric hot plate. It’s 1000 watts of efficient power for boiling water or keeping food warm right where you need it. The adjustable temperature knob let’s you choose low, medium, or high heat. Its 6.4-inch cast iron plate is nonstick and easy to clean with just a damp cloth. A power light reminds you it’s on, and non-skid feet keep it stable.
Its portable size is great for small spaces, dorm rooms, or taking on camping trips for an extra cooking spot.
Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Control, Indicator Light, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Burner is a compact electric hot plate. It’s portable, making it great for travel, camping, or adding an extra cooking spot at home.
You get 1000W of efficient power for fast, consistant heating. The adjustable temperature knob offers six settings for cooking, boiling, or keeping food warm. An indicator light shows when it’s on.
Cleaning is straightforward—just wipe the coiled element and stainless steel drip pan.
It’s designed with safety in mind, featuring non-skid feet to keep it stable on your counter. It’s a simple, versatile appliance for everyday use.
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Burner gives you two cast iron plates for cooking. It’s compact and portable, perfect for a dorm, office, or small kitchen. You can adjust each plates temperature seperately with simple LOW, MED, or HIGH settings. The 1500W power heats up quick for efficient cooking. It’s really easy to clean with its nonstick surface—just wipe it down. Safety features include power indicator lights and non-skid feet to keep it stable.
This electric hot plate is a straightforward solution when you need an extra cooking surface without taking up much space.
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8” Heating Coil, Premium Stainless Steel Countertop Burner with NSF Certified, 10 Hours Timer Powerful 1800W Professional Hot Plate
The ChangBERT Induction Cooktop is a commercial-grade portable burner. It’s NSF certified for durability in busy settings like restaraunts or food trucks. The large 8-inch coil provides even, efficient heating across your cookware. You get precise control with 9 power levels and a 10-hour timer for long simmers. Its made of premium stainless steel that supports heavy pots and is easy to wipe clean. Safety features like auto-pan detection and no open flame make it reliable.
Plus, it’s compact for saving counter space or taking on the go for outdoor events.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Burner, Induction Hot Plate with LCD Sensor Touch 1800 Watts, Silver 9600LS/BT-200DZ
The Duxtop 9600LS/BT-200DZ portable induction cooktop is a compact, plug-in burner for standard North American outlets. It offers precise control with 20 power and 20 temperature settings, and it’s more energy-efficient than traditional stoves. The touch panel includes a child lock, timer, and keep-warm function.
Remember, it only works with magnetic-bottom cookware (like cast iron or some stainless steel). It has safety auto-shutoff and a fast boil option.
Just note, some cookware may hum during use. It’s a versatile and portable solution for kitchens, dorms, or when you need an extra burner.
Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner, Stainless Steel/Black
The Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner gives you two full-sized cooking zones in a compact stainless steel unit. It features two heavy-duty cast iron plates that distribute heat evenly and are built to last. With a combined 1800 watts, it heats up quickly for efficient cooking. You get seperate controls for each burner, letting you manage two different temperatures at once.
Helpful indicator lights show when each burner is on and ready, and non-slip feet keep everything stable on your counter. Its a space-saving solution for extra cooking flexibility.
Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner is a compact, powerful appliance for your kitchen. Its heavy-duty cast iron plate provides even, consistant heating, and the 1300-watt element heats up fast. You get precise control with six temperature settings, from a gentle low to a searing high. The coil-less surface makes cleanup really easy – just wipe it down. Helpful indicator lights let you know when it’s on and ready, and the non-slip feet keep it secure on your counter.
It’s a simple, reliable way to add an extra cooking station wherever you need one.
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate with 7” Ceramic Glass Cooktop, 5 Level Temperature Setting & Easy to Clean Base, Compact Stove for Home Dorm Office, Black BGI101B
The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner (BGI101B) is a compact 1000W hot plate for small spaces. It’s infrared technology heats food quickly and evenly for boiling, frying, or keeping meals warm. You get five simple temperature settings and it works with virtually any type of pot or pan you already have.
Its slim, lightweight design fits easily in dorms or RVs. The sleek ceramic glass top and stainless steel base are a breeze to clean—just a quick wipe.
Plus, it includes a 1-year warranty and US-based customer service for your peace of mind. A handy extra burner when you need it.
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3
The Duxtop 8100MC Induction Cooktop is a portable, 1800-watt burner for your counter. It needs pots a magnet sticks to, which is easy to check. You get precise control with 10 temperature and power settings, plus a handy built-in timer for cooking. It’s designed for safety and ease—the smooth surface wipes clean, and it has auto-shutoff if no pan is detected. Just plug it into a standard household outlet. Its compact size makes storage simple, and the efficient fan helps the unit last.
A straightforward tool for everyday meals when you need an extra burner or want to cook elsewhere.
Amazon Basics 1800W Electric Portable Induction Cooktop, Induction Burner with Child Lock, Overheat Protection, Timer, 8 Power Settings, Up to 440°F, for Cookware with Diameter 5.7"-8.2", Black
The Amazon Basics 1800W Induction Cooktop is a portable burner for small spaces like RVs or dorms. It offers 8 power settings and heats up to 440°F for tasks from simmering to boiling. Safety features include a child lock and overheat protection, and its easy to clean glass surface. It works with flat-bottom, magnetic cookware between 5.7 and 8.2 inches. The built-in timer and simple controls make it user-friendly. Just note it’s not designed for very low, slow cooking.
Its compact size means you can store it easily when your not using it.
Portable Electric Cooktop Buying Guide
Need an extra burner or a full kitchen for small spaces? A portable electric cooktop gives you that flexiblity. They’re great for dorms, RVs, or just making dinner on the patio. Focus on power, size, and safety to find your match.
Burner Power & Type
Check the wattage. Higher watts mean faster boiling. Coil burners are classic and affordable, while smooth glass tops are easier to clean. Induction models are super efficient but need magnetic cookware.
Size & Portability
Consider your counter space. Single burners are super portable, while doubles offer more cooking real estate. Make sure it’s a weight you can comfortable move and store when not in use.
Safety Features
Auto-shutoff is a must-have for peace of mind, especially if you get distracted. Look for indicator lights to show when a surface is hot and stable, non-slip feet to prevent it sliding around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Electric Cooktop
What is a portable electric cooktop?
It’s a single burner you plug into a standard wall outlet. You can move it around your kitchen or take it to another room.
Is it safe to use?
Yes, most have safety features like auto-shutoff. Always use it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep it away from curtains.
Can I use it for all my cooking?
It’s great for basic tasks like boiling water, simmering soups, or frying an egg. It might not have the high heat for searing steaks, though.
What kind of pots work with it?
You need pots and pans with flat, magnetic bottoms. Cast iron or stainless steel pots are perfect. Glass or copper ones usually won’t work.
How do I clean it?
Always unplug it and let it cool completely first. Just wipe the ceramic surface with a damp cloth. Avoid getting water into the controls.
Can I take it traveling?
Many are light and compact for trips. Check if your model is dual-voltage for international use. Some dorm rooms have rules about them too.
Bottom Line
A portable electric cooktop is a handy tool for small kitchens or extra cooking space. It’s simple to use and easy to store away when you don’t need it.
If you need more flexibility in your kitchen, a portable electric cooktop can be a great help. Just plug it in and your ready to go.