The Best Portable Electric Stovetops

Buying Guide for Portable Electric Stovetops

Why buy a portable electric stovetop?

A portable electric stovetop can be a great buy for many people. On holidays, it’s fantastic to have extra burners, especially if you have more than one cook in your kitchen. A portable electric stovetop is also great to have on hand if you want to cook something otherwise too messy for your regular stove, like pasta sauce or a deep-fried dish. And if you live in a dorm or are an RVer, a portable electric stovetop could fit your lifestyle perfectly.

What should you consider in a portable electric stovetop?

• Number of Burners: Single burners tend to be lighter, more straightforward to use, easier to store, and more affordable. Double burners are better for families who love to travel or need extra stovetop space for special occasions. Double burners tend to be more intricate and can have more functionality than a single burner. But they can also be heavier, larger, and more difficult to tuck away.
• Safety Features: Many portable stovetops come with built-in safety features such as an automatic shutoff function or a heat indicator light. These safety features help prevent fires and burns. Other features such as heat-proof handles can also help to prevent injury.
• Portability: While heavier portable electric stovetops are still technically portable, not everyone can lug around heavy and bulky appliances with ease. There are lightweight options that are easy to store and haul and that are also durable.

Are portable electric stoves safe?

As with any cooking surface, you’ll need to take precautions when using an electric stovetop. First, always read the instructions for your new small appliance thoroughly before use. That way, you may prevent accidents before they happen. Second, never touch a hot surface. While that goes without saying, some models of portable electric stovetops do not have indicator lights and may still be hot for some time after you turn them off. Third, if you have any concerns about your electric burner, particularly if it’s smoking or otherwise not functioning properly, turn it off and unplug it immediately. If you’re careful, a portable electric stovetop is a perfectly safe small appliance for adults to use.

Our Picks for the Best Portable Electric Stovetops

Pros: We love that this portable stovetop is stackable, so it’s easy to store on top of a toaster oven or other large countertop appliance. As far as functionality, it cooks evenly, and it warms up quickly. You can fit your medium-sized pots and pans on it side-by-side without crowding. Even though it’s a double burner, it’s easy to store it in your cabinet or take it with you.

Cons: There is no heat indicator light.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a double-burner hot plate that heats up quickly and does the job well, this portable electric stovetop is just what you need. It has a price tag that’s affordable for most people, and it’s a great tool to have in your kitchen, especially if you’re surviving a remodel.

 

Pros: One of the best things about this portable electric stovetop is its temperature controls. It can boil, simmer, and warm, and the controls are easy to use and understand. Plus, it works with just about any type of pan, so you don’t need to worry about ruining your cookware. It’ll work well in an RV or in your kitchen at home, and it has nice safety features.

Cons: This portable stovetop takes a little longer to get hot than some others.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a portable stovetop that has easy-to-use heat controls to cook all of your favorite dishes perfectly, look no further. This model is built with sturdy materials, and it’s made to last. The additional safety features make this a great choice for families.

 

Pros: This electric stovetop is sleek and modern-looking. It’s super easy to clean, and it has the same functions as a standard stovetop. It’s energy-efficient, has touch controls, and comes with two burners. But best of all, the temperature control on this stovetop is top-notch.

Cons: It takes some practice to learn how to use this stovetop properly. It’s also more expensive than other models and requires cookware that’s compatible with induction stovetops.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a portable induction stovetop with modern functionality, check this one out. It’s great for indoor or outdoor cooking. Plus, it’s an energy-efficient choice.

 

Pros: This is a great single burner for small jobs such as heating coffee or melting paraffin wax. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and it heats evenly.

Cons: The whole unit gets very hot while cooking and might be a safety concern.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a camping burner or a temporary stovetop burner for less than the rest, this may be a great choice for you. It’s easy to use with low, medium, and high output settings. And it works well with most cookware.

 

Pros: We love how quickly this burner heats up. In fact, it heats up as hot and as evenly as a propane burner without the danger, without having to haul heavy gas tanks, and with more flexibility and temperature control. And it’s easy to clean.

Cons: The knobs get hot when the unit is heating.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a safe and durable portable electric stovetop, this single burner unit may be just what you need. It delivers fast results, especially if you need to boil or fry your food quickly. Plus, it’s great for indoor or outdoor use.

Final Thoughts

Portable electric stovetops have a variety of practical uses whether you use them at home or on the go. Most are made from stainless steel or iron, so they’re stable, durable, and heat evenly. And despite the heat, portable electric stoves are perfectly safe for everyday use.