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 stove burners tend to be lighter, more straightforward, 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 are 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 have 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 avoid injury.
• Portability: While heavier portable electric stovetops are still technically portable, not everyone can easily lug around heavy and bulky appliances. There are lighter-weight and more compact options that are more convenient to store and haul than other models. Some even have built-in handles that make them easier to grip and carry.

Are portable electric stoves safe?

As with any cooking surface, you must take precautions when using an electric stovetop. First, thoroughly read your new small appliance’s instructions thoroughly before using it. 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 not functioning properly, turn it off and unplug it immediately. If you’re careful, a portable electric stovetop is a safe small appliance for adults.

Our Picks for the Best Portable Electric Stovetops

Pros: 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, storing it in your cabinet or taking it with you is easy.

Cons: There is no heat indicator light. Many users reported that heating up takes a long time and does not get hot enough to boil water. Others complained about the product arriving damaged, being wobbly, and having legs that do not sit flat.

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 pan, so you don’t need to worry about ruining your cookware. It’ll work well in an RV or your kitchen at home, and it has nice safety features.

Cons: This portable stovetop takes slightly longer to get hot than others. Additionally, some reported that it doesn’t get hot enough to cook properly, while others experienced issues with the burners not working or melting. These can range from minor annoyances to total dealbreakers.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a portable stovetop with easy-to-use heat controls to cook 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: The CUSIMAX Ceramic Double Hot Plate is a great investment for those who need a convenient and reliable cooking appliance that can handle all types of cookware. It heats up efficiently with minimal heat loss, ensuring your food is always cooked to perfection. It’s also great for smaller spaces, making it perfect for apartments, RVs, or offices. With two burners, you can cook more than one dish at once, making meal preparation easier and more efficient. The automatic safety shutoff function and regulated temperature control make it safer to use, while cleaning is a breeze thanks to its durable ceramic cooktop. To round it all off, the stainless-steel body is built to last and withstand frequent use.

Cons: These portable electric stoves take a long time to heat up, making it difficult to cook efficiently or throw together a quick meal. You may also find that the burners are on the slippery side, and the design of the control knobs makes it challenging to determine if the burner is on or off.

Bottom Line: Overall, the CUSIMAX Ceramic Double Hot Plate is a great investment for anyone looking for a convenient and reliable cooking appliance that is safe, easy to clean, and durable. Its safety functions, such as automatic shutoff, temperature regulation, and an easy-to-clean ceramic cooktop and durable stainless steel body, make this a winner.

 

Pros: If you’re in the market for a single burner model or something more cost-effective, you can’t go wrong with this option. Its cast iron flat cooking plate is nonstick, making cleaning easy with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge. You can quickly and easily reach your desired temperature with the adjustable temperature control knob, which can be set to low, medium, or high. The power indicator light on the front of the burner reminds you when the item is powered on, and nonskid feet ensure that the burner remains stable during use, making it safe to operate. With a wattage of 1000 watts, it provides sufficient heat for all your cooking needs despite its compact size.

Cons: The power cord is shorter, and the burner can be wobbly due to uneven rubber feet. There’s also no automatic shut-off, so the product can get hot to the touch. The paint may also flake off, and the heating element sometimes fails after only a few months.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient portable electric stovetop with a single burner, this one is a great option. In addition to being a great option for travel, this hot plate is a cost-effective alternative to a traditional stove.

 

Pros: This portable electric burner is the perfect blend of convenience and compact. Its on-the-fly adjustment feature allows you to change the temperature and cooking time at any point without restarting the process, saving you time and effort. Additionally, with 45 pre-programmed temperature settings, you can easily select the desired temperature or fine-tune it within 10-degree Fahrenheit increments. The shatterproof ceramic glass and automatic shutoff feature ensure safety while cooking. The slim design with patented insulation technology ensures even heating; no hot or cold spots to worry about.

Cons: The main drawbacks to this portable stovetop are that it only works with some cookware and some features are difficult to use. Be sure to check if your cookware is induction-ready before using it. There’s also likely to be a learning curve before you use this burner, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. It can also be a bit on the loud side during cooking.

Bottom Line: This induction cooker is a great option if you’re looking for a portable and efficient cooking solution. With precise temperature control and quick heating capabilities, it’s perfect for camping or small living spaces.

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.