Every cook runs out of burners eventually. The pot of pozole takes the big one for hours, the beans need another, and there’s nowhere left to warm tortillas. A portable induction cooktop plugs into an ordinary outlet and adds one or two burners wherever you have counter space, and it heats only the pan, not the air around it.
This guide covers eight portable induction cooktops, single and double, from Duxtop, Nuwave, Breville and iSiLER. We used each maker’s specifications, Duxtop’s own model comparison chart, the Amazon listings and America’s Test Kitchen’s review of induction burners, which we read in full. These are plug-in units for the countertop, not built-in cooktops that replace a range.
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Quick verdict: which induction cooktop to buy
The best induction cooktop for most kitchens is the Duxtop 9600LS: 20 power and 20 temperature levels, a 10-hour timer, a child lock and a 2-year warranty, and America’s Test Kitchen names it its Best Buy. If you want precise temperature control and can pay for it, the Breville Control Freak holds a set temperature from 77°F to 482°F and takes pans up to 10 inches. For two burners from one outlet, choose the Duxtop 9620LS Double.
Induction only works with magnetic cookware. Cast iron and carbon steel are ideal; our guides to the best cast iron skillet and the best carbon steel pan cover pans that work on any of these.
Five induction cooktops at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the burners, power and temperature range each maker states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Induction cooktop | Best for | Burners and power | Temperature control | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Duxtop 9600LS Induction CooktopBest overall
|
An extra burner every day | 1 burner; 100–1,800 W | 100–460°F; 20 levels | View on Amazon |
Breville Control Freak Induction CooktopMost precise
|
Exact temperatures, big pans | 1 burner; 1,800 W | 77–482°F; probe control | View on Amazon |
Duxtop 9620LS Double Induction CooktopBest two-burner
|
Two pots at once | 2 burners; 1,800 W total | 100–460°F; 20 levels | View on Amazon |
Nuwave Pro Chef Induction CooktopBest for high heat
|
Searing and comal work | 1 burner; 900/1,500/1,800 W | 100–575°F in 5° steps | View on Amazon |
Duxtop 9100MC Induction CooktopSimplest pick
|
Basic boiling and simmering | 1 burner; up to 1,800 W | Up to 460°F; levels vary by source | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Power, temperatures and pan sizes are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best induction cooktop
All eight run on a standard 120-volt household outlet, and the 1,800-watt models use most of what a 15-amp circuit can give, so plug them into their own outlet rather than sharing with a toaster. The thing that most separates them is the heating coil: America’s Test Kitchen found that heat spreads only over the area above the coil, so a larger coil browns more evenly and handles bigger pans.
1. Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop – Simple Controls, Wide Range
The Duxtop 9600LS, model BT-200DZ, is America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy. Its reviewers praised the intuitive control panel and the wide temperature range starting at 100°F, and it held cheese fondue smooth for two hours, which is a good sign for keeping a pot of frijoles or a mole warm without scorching.
According to Duxtop, it has 20 power levels from 100 to 1,800 watts and 20 temperature settings from 100°F to 460°F, a fast-boil button, a keep-warm button that holds 140°F for 1 to 30 minutes, a timer of up to 10 hours and a child safety lock. It works with magnetic cookware at least 5 inches across, shuts off after 60 seconds if no suitable pan is detected, and is ETL listed. Duxtop’s chart gives it a 25-pound weight capacity.
America’s Test Kitchen’s caveats matter for Mexican cooking. Its 6.5-inch coil works best with smaller cookware, burgers browned unevenly unless moved around, and oil took about 20 minutes to come back to temperature between batches of fries. For a big comal or a deep pot of oil for chicharrones, a larger coil does better; for a saucepan of salsa or a pot of rice, this is plenty.
Why we like it
- America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy
- 20 power and 20 temperature levels
- Keep-warm setting and 10-hour timer
- Child lock and 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Duxtop 9600LS / BT-200DZ |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | 100–1,800 |
| Temp/power levels | 20 power; 20 temperature, 100–460°F |
| Max pan size | Not stated (minimum 5 in; 6.5-in coil per ATK) |
| Timer/safety | 10-hour timer; child lock; pan detection |
| Size | 11.5 x 14 x 2.25 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a dependable extra burner with easy controls and a low simmer.
Skip it if you cook mostly in 12-inch skillets or wide comales; the small coil leaves the edges cooler.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Reviewer-backed value
- Low 100°F setting
- Long timer and child lock
Cons
- 6.5-inch coil
- Slow oil recovery, per ATK
- Cookware may hum or whine
2. Breville Control Freak Induction Cooktop – Holds Any Temperature You Set
The Control Freak is a commercial machine, sold on Amazon as the Breville Commercial CMC850 (formerly PolyScience). America’s Test Kitchen rated this model highly recommended and called it “a truly excellent burner”; its overall winner is a related Control Freak Home model, which we did not find in stock on Amazon. The commercial version shares the same 8.5-inch coil, the largest in that review, and the same 77°F to 482°F range.
What sets it apart is how it controls heat. According to Breville, a sensor under the glass reads the surface temperature 20 times a second, so it recovers quickly when you add cold food. A probe, clipped to the pot, lets it hold a liquid at a set temperature, which is useful for frying oil, for candy work such as cajeta, or for holding a pot of tamales at a steady simmer. You can also save named settings. It takes pans from 4.5 to 10 inches across, runs at 1,800 watts on 120 volts, and has a twin-fan cooling system and a 2-year commercial limited warranty.
America’s Test Kitchen also found it very costly and bulky, with controls slightly more complex than the Home model’s. It comes with a probe, pot clip, USB stick, storage box and a padded carry case.
Why we like it
- Highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
- Through-the-glass sensor reads 20 times a second
- Probe holds a liquid at a set temperature
- Takes pans up to 10 inches
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Breville Commercial Control Freak CMC850BSSUSA |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | 1,800 |
| Temp/power levels | 77–482°F; heat intensity control |
| Max pan size | 10 in (minimum 4.5 in) |
| Timer/safety | Not stated on the listing; twin-fan cooling |
| Size | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 2-year commercial limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you fry, make candy or cook sauces where a few degrees matter, and want a burner that holds them.
Skip it if you just need an extra burner for a pot of beans; the Duxtop does that for far less.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Exceptional temperature control
- Large 8.5-inch coil, per ATK
- Probe and carry case included
Cons
- Very expensive
- Bulky
- More complex controls
3. Duxtop 9620LS Double Induction Cooktop – Two Zones From One Plug
When one extra burner isn’t enough, the Duxtop 9620LS, model BT-350DZ, puts two independent zones side by side, each with its own controls on an LCD panel. Duxtop’s comparison chart lists the left zone at 100 to 1,800 watts with 20 power levels and the right zone at 100 to 1,000 watts with 10, and gives the whole unit 20 temperature settings from 100°F to 460°F and a 10-hour timer.
The listing rates the unit at 1,800 watts, the most a standard outlet supports, so the two zones share that power. In practice, that means one strong burner and one gentler one: the pozole on the left at a boil, a saucepan of salsa verde simmering on the right. You can choose a power mode or a temperature mode for each zone; Duxtop recommends temperature mode for frying and sautéing and power mode for boiling and keeping warm.
It measures 23.9 by 14.2 by 2.4 inches, according to Duxtop’s chart, and has a child lock, low- and high-voltage warnings and a 2-year warranty. Pans need magnetic bases at least 5 inches across.
Why we like it
- Two independent zones
- Power mode or temperature mode per zone
- 10-hour timer and child lock
- 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Duxtop 9620LS / BT-350DZ |
|---|---|
| Burners | 2 |
| Power (W) | Left 100–1,800; right 100–1,000; 1,800 total |
| Temp/power levels | 20 and 10 power; 20 temperature, 100–460°F |
| Max pan size | Not stated (minimum 5 in) |
| Timer/safety | 10-hour timer; child lock; voltage warnings |
| Size | 23.9 x 14.2 x 2.4 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you need two pots going at once from one outlet, such as a rented kitchen or a party buffet.
Skip it if you need two full-power burners; the zones share 1,800 watts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two burners, one plug
- Separate controls
- Long warranty
Cons
- Shared power
- Right zone tops out at 1,000 W
- Takes a lot of counter
4. Nuwave Pro Chef Induction Cooktop – Hot Enough to Sear, Big Coil
Nuwave’s Pro Chef, model 30702, shares the highest stated temperature here, 575°F, with the Nuwave Double Pro. According to the listing, you can set it from 100°F to 575°F in 5-degree steps, 94 settings in all, or use one of six presets. It has an 8-inch heating coil, larger than the Duxtop’s, and three wattage settings, 900, 1,500 and 1,800 watts, which helps on a circuit that can’t spare full power, such as in an RV.
That top end suits jobs that want real heat: blistering chiles and tomatoes for a salsa on a cast iron comal, toasting dried chiles, or searing arrachera. You can change the temperature or the cooking time at any point without starting over. The surface is ceramic glass that Nuwave describes as shatter-proof, and Nuwave calls the Pro Chef commercial-grade; both are the maker’s claims.
The listing doesn’t state a maximum pan size, the timer length or the safety features in detail, and it carries a 1-year limited warranty. America’s Test Kitchen did not review this model; it did review a different Nuwave, the PIC Titanium, and did not recommend it, so don’t read its verdict onto the Pro Chef either way.
Why we like it
- 100°F to 575°F in 5-degree steps
- 8-inch heating coil
- 900, 1,500 or 1,800 watts
- Adjust time and temperature on the fly
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Nuwave Pro Chef 30702 |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | 900 / 1,500 / 1,800 |
| Temp/power levels | 94 temperatures, 100–575°F; 6 presets |
| Max pan size | Not stated (8-in coil) |
| Timer/safety | Adjustable cook time; details not stated |
| Size | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want high, adjustable heat and a bigger coil for searing and comal work.
Skip it if you want a cooktop a major reviewer has vetted; this one’s figures are Nuwave’s.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highest stated temperature
- 8-inch coil
- Selectable wattage
Cons
- Safety features not detailed
- 1-year warranty
- No independent review found
5. Nuwave Double Pro Induction Cooktop – Power That Follows the Pot
Nuwave’s Double Pro is the other two-burner option, with an 8-inch coil under each zone. According to the listing, its Dynamic Watt Technology shifts power between the burners as needed, rather than splitting it evenly, so one side can boil while the other simmers. The unit runs at 900, 1,500 or 1,800 watts in total on 120 volts.
Each zone has its own controls, from 50°F to 575°F in 5-degree steps, with five presets, 50 programmable settings per burner and a 99-hour timer. A Precision setting raises the heat gradually to help hold a target temperature. The glass is one seamless, shatter-resistant surface with the touch panel built in, so there are no gaps for food to collect, and each zone supports up to 25 pounds, according to Nuwave. The cooktop shuts off when cookware is removed and has a safety lock.
That 25-pound rating and the large coils make it the double to consider for a heavy cast iron Dutch oven of birria next to a comal. It is not in any review we read, and the listing doesn’t state the warranty or maximum pan size.
Why we like it
- Two 8-inch coils
- Power shifts between zones as needed
- 50°F to 575°F per zone
- 25 pounds per zone, per Nuwave
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Nuwave Double Pro |
|---|---|
| Burners | 2 |
| Power (W) | 900 / 1,500 / 1,800 total, shared |
| Temp/power levels | 50–575°F in 5° steps; 5 presets |
| Max pan size | Not stated (8-in coils) |
| Timer/safety | 99-hour timer; safety lock; auto-off without a pan |
| Size | Not stated; 25 lb load per zone |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want two big coils and wide temperature control in one unit.
Skip it if you want a reviewer’s verdict before you buy; we found none for this model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large coils on both sides
- Very low and high settings
- Seamless glass top
Cons
- Still 1,800 W in total
- Warranty not stated
- No independent review found
6. Duxtop 9100MC Induction Cooktop – No-Frills Button Controls
The 9100MC, model BT-M20B, is Duxtop’s plainer single burner, with push buttons rather than a glass touch panel. It runs up to 1,800 watts on a standard outlet, and the glass top wipes clean with a damp towel once it cools, according to the listing.
The sources disagree on the details. The Amazon listing gives 20 power levels from 100 to 1,800 watts and 20 temperature settings from 100°F to 460°F. Duxtop’s own comparison chart lists 15 power levels, 15 temperature settings from 140°F to 460°F, a 170-minute timer and no child lock. Check the manual in the box; either way, it boils, simmers and fries, with fewer refinements than the 9600LS.
At 11.4 by 14 by 2.5 inches, according to the listing, it stores easily in a cabinet and comes out for a tamalada. It needs magnetic pans at least 5 inches across, switches off after 60 seconds without one, is ETL listed and has a 2-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Up to 1,800 watts
- 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 inches, per the listing
- Simple button controls
- 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Duxtop 9100MC / BT-M20B |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | Up to 1,800 |
| Temp/power levels | 15 or 20 levels; up to 460°F (sources differ) |
| Max pan size | Not stated (minimum 5 in) |
| Timer/safety | 170-minute timer per Duxtop; pan detection; no lock |
| Size | 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a basic burner for occasional use.
Skip it if you have small children in the kitchen; Duxtop’s chart lists no control lock.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to store
- Full 1,800 watts
- Long warranty
Cons
- Conflicting specifications
- No child lock listed
- Shorter timer
7. Nuwave Flex Induction Cooktop – Small, Light Duty, Lower Wattage
The Nuwave Flex is a compact cooktop, with a 10.25-inch ceramic glass top over a 6.5-inch coil, according to the listing. It runs at 600, 900 or 1,300 watts, lower than the others, which suits a dorm, an RV or an older outlet that trips easily.
Temperature runs from 100°F to 500°F in 5-degree steps, with six presets, and you can adjust time and temperature on the fly. The listing is inconsistent on the count, giving 45 settings in the title and 81 in the description. Nuwave describes the glass as shatter-resistant.
At 1,300 watts it heats more gently than an 1,800-watt burner, so it is best for warming tortillas in a small skillet, keeping a pot of beans hot or making a quick sauce. The listing doesn’t state the warranty, pan size or safety features.
Why we like it
- Compact 10.25-inch top
- 600, 900 or 1,300 watts
- 100°F to 500°F in 5-degree steps
- Six presets
Key specifications
| Cooktop | Nuwave PIC Flex |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | 600 / 900 / 1,300 |
| Temp/power levels | 100–500°F in 5° steps; 6 presets |
| Max pan size | Not stated (6.5-in coil) |
| Timer/safety | Adjustable cook time; details not stated |
| Size | 10.25-in glass top |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if space and power are limited and you need gentle, controllable heat.
Skip it if you want to boil a big pot quickly; 1,300 watts is the lowest maximum here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and light duty
- Low-wattage options
- Fine temperature steps
Cons
- Lowest power here
- Small coil
- Conflicting setting counts
8. iSiLER 1800W Induction Cooktop – Presets and a Clear Pan Range
iSiLER’s SK-IH18G09T is a slim single burner, 2.6 inches thick, with one-touch cooking modes: the listing names grill, fry, hot pot, soup, water and milk among its seven presets. You can also choose 10 power levels from 180 to 1,800 watts or 10 temperature settings from 120°F to 460°F, in 40-degree steps.
It is one of the few listings that gives a full pan range: frying pans from 3.9 to 8.6 inches across, on an 8-inch cooking surface. That’s useful information, since a pan much wider than the coil heats unevenly. A timer runs from 1 to 180 minutes, and the safety features include overheating protection and a child lock.
The 40-degree steps are coarse compared with Nuwave’s 5-degree increments, so fine control at low heat is limited. It carries a one-year warranty, and we found no review of it from a source we could read.
Why we like it
- Seven one-touch presets
- Stated pan range, 3.9 to 8.6 inches
- 3-hour timer and child lock
- Slim 2.6-inch profile
Key specifications
| Cooktop | iSiLER SK-IH18G09T |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Power (W) | 180–1,800 |
| Temp/power levels | 10 power; 10 temperature, 120–460°F |
| Max pan size | 8.6 in (minimum 3.9 in) |
| Timer/safety | 1–180 minutes; child lock; overheat protection |
| Size | 2.6 in thick; 8-in cooking surface |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you like one-touch presets and want to know exactly which pans fit.
Skip it if you need fine low-temperature control; the 40-degree steps are wide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear pan sizes
- Useful presets
- Child lock
Cons
- Coarse temperature steps
- Max pan 8.6 inches
- No independent review found
How to choose an induction cooktop
Induction uses a magnetic field to heat the pan itself. That makes it quick to respond and keeps the area around the pan cooler than a gas flame, but it changes what matters when you buy one.
1. Check your cookware with a magnet
America’s Test Kitchen’s test is simple: if a magnet sticks firmly and completely to the base of a pan, it works on induction. Most cast iron, including enameled, and many stainless steel pans pass; glass, copper and aluminum usually don’t, and neither does a clay olla or a traditional clay comal. Many stainless sets are induction-ready, as our guide to the best stainless steel cookware sets notes, and a steel or cast iron comal from our guide to the best comal for tortillas is the one to use here.
2. Coil size matters more than wattage
America’s Test Kitchen found that heat spreads only over the area directly above the coil. A 6.5-inch coil, like the Duxtop 9600LS’s, suits saucepans and small skillets; an 8-inch or 8.5-inch coil, like the Nuwave Pro Chef’s or Breville’s, browns more evenly in a 10-inch pan. On a 12-inch comal, expect a hot center and cooler edges on any portable unit, and move tortillas around accordingly.
3. One burner or two
A double runs from the same 120-volt outlet as a single, so the two zones share about 1,800 watts. That works for one pot at a boil and one at a simmer, but not two hard boils at once. If you need two full-power burners, two singles on separate circuits do it better.
4. Temperature control and low heat
For simmering beans or holding a mole, the lowest setting counts. The Duxtop 9600LS starts at 100°F, the Nuwave Double Pro at 50°F and the Breville at 77°F, while some cheaper models start much higher. America’s Test Kitchen also points out that these burners heat the pan to the set temperature, not the food, so use a thermometer or a probe when the food temperature matters.
5. Safety and noise
Look for pan detection that shuts the burner off, a timer and a child lock. Duxtop notes that induction itself is silent but layered cookware can make a high-pitched sound, and that the glass gets hot from the pan, so let it cool before you clean it.
How we picked these eight induction cooktops
We read America’s Test Kitchen’s review of induction burners in full and used Duxtop’s own comparison chart for its three models; the rest comes from the makers’ Amazon listings. We were unable to read Wirecutter’s or Serious Eats’ coverage, so we do not cite them. We looked for a range: a reviewer-backed everyday single, a precision commercial unit, two doubles, a high-heat model, a basic model, a compact low-wattage model and a preset model. The Cuisinart and Max Burton induction burners we looked for were not available on Amazon when we checked, and we passed over listings with incomplete specifications.
We checked every brand against the CPSC recall database and found no recall for any portable induction cooktop, including these eight. The only Breville recall we found was for a pressure cooker, not a cooktop. We have not cooked on these cooktops ourselves.
Induction cooktop questions, answered
What is the best induction cooktop for home use?
The Duxtop 9600LS for most kitchens, and the Breville Control Freak if you want the most precise control. America’s Test Kitchen names the Duxtop its Best Buy and the Control Freak highly recommended.
What are the top induction cooktop brands?
For portable units, Duxtop, Nuwave and Breville are the names you’ll see most. Duxtop and Breville have the reviewer backing; Nuwave offers the widest temperature ranges.
Can I use a comal on an induction cooktop?
Yes, if it is cast iron or carbon steel and sits flat. A clay comal won’t work. On a portable unit, a wide comal heats mostly over the coil, so the center runs hotter than the edges.
Is a portable induction cooktop safe to leave on for a long simmer?
Follow the maker’s instructions. Most of these have timers that shut the burner off and pan detection, and the Duxtop 9600LS’s timer runs up to 10 hours; stay nearby as you would with any stove.
Can I use an induction cooktop outdoors?
Only where you have a suitable outlet and the unit stays dry. For cooking away from power, a gas camp stove is the better tool; see the best camping gas stove.
Our final pick for an extra burner
Buy the Duxtop 9600LS for a dependable extra burner, or the Breville Control Freak if exact temperatures are worth the cost. Choose the Duxtop 9620LS or the Nuwave Double Pro for two pots at once, and the Nuwave Pro Chef for high heat on a bigger coil.
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Related guide: Induction cooktop vs hot plate.
An extra burner is how a home kitchen keeps a big pot going: read our guide to pozole vs. menudo for two that simmer for hours. Planning a party? Our guide to the best countertop ice maker covers the drinks side. Or see our menu and call to order.