Top Portable Electric Stoves For On-The-Go Cooking
- The Top Contenders
- 1. Cusimax Hot Plate
- 2. MaxiMatic ESB-301 Elite
- 3. IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner
- 4. CUKOR 1800W
- 5. Cusimax 1800W
- 6. Ovente Electric Single Infrared Burner
- 7. Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner
- 8. Elite Gourmet Double Electric Countertop Burner
- 9. Techwood Portable Single Electric Burner
- 10. Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Double Burner
- 11. CUKOR 1200W
Portable electric stoves are the perfect addition to any kitchen whether you’ve got a vast area to work with, or you’re trying your hardest to maintain a healthy dorm room diet in your first year of college. The compact design might deceive at first, but like any decent induction cooker, they are impressively versatile and capable of preparing a range of meals whether you want to fry up some eggs and bacon for breakfast, make a pot of tea or coffee in the absence of electric or stove kettle, or create a dinner for the entire family.
We’re the first to admit that we like our meals prepped a very particular way, and with a portable electric burner, you’re covered for just about anything in a wide range of situations. With adjustable temperatures and a variety of safety features, including indicator lights and an automatic shutoff system, a portable stove could bring the convenience you’ve always craved from your kitchen. One burner or two, we’ve found something for every occasion.
The Top Contenders
1. Cusimax Hot Plate




Key Features
Easy to control double burners
Multipurpose and portable
Dual heating plates
Overheat protection system
Indicator Safety light
Automatic safety shutoff
The Cusimax Hot Plate for Cooking 1800W Portable Electric Double Burner is the sleek, high-quality option you need when looking for a countertop burner. It boasts easy to use and control double burners with clear dials, and it’s both multipurpose and portable, meaning you can use it wherever you go.
It’s safe to use thanks to the overheat protection system, while the indicator light prevents accidental burning while you’re rushing to get dinner ready for your guests. It is also energy efficient, minimizing kitchen electricity consumption, although it still takes a while to heat, which is not ideal if you’re in a hurry. Despite this, there are still seven temperature settings, giving you wide versatility options and ensures you can cook just about anything.
Pros
Energy-efficient
Easy to clean stainless steel
7 heat settings
Ideal for small spaces
Cons
Tricky to see numbers on temperature dial
Takes a while to heat up
2. MaxiMatic ESB-301 Elite




Key Features
Adjustable temperature
Keep warm function
1000 watts of power
Cool-touch base
Non-skid rubber feet
Power indicator light
With adjustable temperature settings and a useful keep warm function, the Elite Gourmet Single Electric Flat Cast Iron Burner ensures your kitchen adventures are a little less stressful every time you fire this bad boy up, whether for a snack or a full-blown meal.
It boasts 1000 watts of power, delivering fast heating and even heat distribution, although it still stays hot a long time after you have switched it off. The cool touch housing prevents any issues, though, but you should still be careful not to use it on wooden counters. The non-slip rubber feet ensure stability, and it’s easy to clean, while the compact design won’t take up too much space and also make it easy to store.
Pros
Easy to clean cast iron flat plate
Compact and space-saving design
Even heat distribution
Fast heat-up time
Cons
Not suitable for wooden surface
Stays hot for a long time after switching off
3. IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner




Key Features
Temperature regulating knob
Power indicator light
Non-slip rubber feet
Slim space-saving design
Easy to use and maintain
Stainless steel drip tray
The IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner is a fantastic budget pick when considering which of the electric burners is right for you. It allows you to maximize cooking potential with the temperature settings, using a regulating dial that prevents over (or under) cooking your food, guaranteeing perfection every time.
The compact design makes it perfect for dorms or an office kitchen, but you could still get plenty of use out of it at home, especially as a substitute when your main burners are all used up. We recommend not using it for over 60 minutes across a two-hour period, and you should also make sure to clean it as soon as possible.
Pros
Ideal for offices and dorm rooms
Lightweight and portable
Fast heating
Suitable for a range of cooking needs
Cons
Not suitable to use for over 60 minutes
A little difficult to clean
4. CUKOR 1800W



Key Features
Multifunctional performance
Compatible with all cookware
Compact and lightweight
Fast heating with 1800 watts
1256 °F maximum temperature
Safety features
Multifunctional and compatible with all types of cookware, the CUKOR 1800W Portable Electric Stove differs slightly from an induction cooktop stove but still delivers an excellent performance that you can rely on. The 1800 watts deliver superb power which can reach a maximum of 1256 °F, and it manages this with rapid heating so you never need to watch a pot boil because we all know how that ends up.
The adjustable temperature settings offer variety, and it also comes packed with safety features including overheat protection and cycling heat to prevent wasted energy. It’s only suitable for smaller spaces, though, so families or larger households may find better luck elsewhere if they need the very best burner for their situation.
Pros
Even heat distribution
Energy efficient
Suitable for dorms, offices, camping, RVs
Adjustable temperatures
Cons
May be too small for some situations
Some discoloration around the burners
5. Cusimax 1800W




Key Features
Suitable for all cookware
Heats up in seconds
900 watts for both plates
Safe with no radiation
Noiseless operation
High thermal efficiency
Our premium pick for the premium reader, this Cusimax Portable Double Burner Electric Stove can do it all. It is suitable for all cookware and heats up in seconds. The two plates combine to provide 1800 watts of heating power, while the safe, radiation-free operation protects you and your family.
Unlike old, noisy built-in cookers, there is no sound emitted when its on, while the high thermal efficiency prevents wasted energy to keep your costs down. It also provides excellent heat retention, so you can turn it off just before everything is ready and still have confidence that everything is cooked through. There are some small gaps where food might get stuck, so make sure to stay on top of that.
Pros
Multifunctional operation
Excellent heat retention
Ideal for home, offices, dorms
Automatic temperature control system
Cons
Surface stains quite quickly
Small gaps where food could get stuck
6. Ovente Electric Single Infrared Burner



Key Features
Hassle-free cooking experience
1000 watts power
Compatible with all cookware
Flat stainless steel housing
Easy to clean
Slim and lightweight
The Ovente Compact Electric Single Burner delivers a hassle-free cooking experience that even the most novice chefs will embrace happily. As you’d expect from electric burners, it is compatible with all cookware, is super easy to clean, and the slim, lightweight design makes it portable, and therefore ideal for camping or road trip.
The flat stainless steel housing is sleek and blends in perfectly with your existing kitchen appliances, and even if it doesn’t, you can store it away with ease. As far as stoves go, it’s definitely one of the most convenient, but it’s still too small for large meals, and the numbers on the temperature control dial will wear off after too much use.
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Pros
Simple wipe-down cleaning
1-year warranty
Non-slip feet
Thermostat control
Cons
Numbers will rub off after a while
Not large enough for bigger households
7. Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner

Key Features
2 heavy-duty cast-iron plates
1800 watts total power
2 separate temperature control dials
Ready and Safety On Indicator light
Non-slip feet for stable cooking
Brushed stainless steel housing
Anyone who knows anything about cooking understands how much people who use cast-iron pans really love cast iron, so the Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner may appeal to anyone who stresses out anytime anyone goes near their favorite pan with a soapy sponge. There’s a reason for this, though, and that’s because of the quality that comes with them.
It uses two separate temperature control dials, making this electric stove useful for preparing both main and side dishes simultaneously, while the brushed stainless steel housing is attractive. However, it will take a while to heat up, and while the two burners are useful, bigger meals may go cold by the time everything is ready.
Pros
Durable design and construction
Fast heat-up time
Easy to clean plates
Suitable for a range of kitchen size
Cons
Takes a while to heat up
Not ideal for larger meals
8. Elite Gourmet Double Electric Countertop Burner



Key Features
Dual cooking plates
Dual adjustable temperatures
Power indicator light
Powerful 1500 watt operation
Portable design
Easy to clean flat cast-iron plates
If you’re looking for a portable stove that delivers the highest value, the Elite Gourmet Double Electric Countertop Burner is just what you need. It boasts two cooking plates to maximize meal time potential, with the two burners totaling 1500 watts across a 7-inch and 6-inch plate.
It is safe to use, even for beginners, while the compact design makes it easy to store. You can achieve a range of meals with it, also, including soups, steaks, and breakfast food, which sounds like the perfect way to start the day. It may take a little longer to heat up, though, and the knobs don’t click into place, meaning you could lower or raise the temperature without realizing it.
Pros
Ideal for dorms and offices
Compact design
Safe to use
Suitable for soup, steaks, breakfast
Cons
Takes slightly longer to heat up
Knobs do not click in place
9. Techwood Portable Single Electric Burner




Key Features
Mini portable size
Suitable for all cookware
Useful multipurpose application
Powerful and safe
1100 watts
Automatic shutoff function
Perfect for road trippers or students, the Techwood Portable Single Electric Burner is compatible with all cookware, making it an electric stove that you can always rely on. This countertop burner boasts impressive power, with 1100 watts, but it still uses an automatic shutoff function to prevent any accidents.
There is no noise, and the adjustable control panel allows you to raise or lower the heat at will. Despite this, the portable stove isn’t suitable for bigger meals, but what can you expect from something with a single burner? You can still make a quick bowl of ramen or whip up a stir-fry with total ease, and you’ll not need to share with anyone, either.
Pros
No noise
Compact design
Adjustable thermostats
Indicator light
Cons
Not suitable for larger meals
No knob locking function
10. Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Double Burner




Key Features
Hassle-free cooking experience
1700 watts power
Infrared cooking technology
Compatible with all cookware
Easy to clean
1-year warranty
The Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Double Burner is easy to use and compatible with all cookware. It uses infrared cooking technology that makes the very most of each meal, and while it is a little different from the standard induction cooktop burner you’re used to, you will soon love it just as much.
The temperature across each burner is adjustable to keep you in control, and this also makes it as easy to clean as it is to use. It is a little more delicate compared to other options, though, and the surface is easily scuffed. This is far from a bad thing, and definitely not a deal-breaker, but if you like your appliances pristine, you’ll need to take extra special care.
Pros
Flat and lightweight
Fast and even heating
Adjustable thermostat knob
Easy to use
Cons
Cooking surface is easily scuffed
Numbers wear off dial
11. CUKOR 1200W




Key Features
Multi-functional application
Compatible with all cookware
7.1″ diameter cooking surface
1200 watt power
Heats up to 1256 °F
Adjustable temperature dial
For multifunctional performance and vast compatibility, the CUKOR 1200W Portable Electric Single Stove, is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something other than the standard portable induction cooktop stove. This product uses infrared and it suitable for pots and pans up to 7.1 inches in diameter (at the bottom).
The stainless steel casing is easy to clean, while the slip-resistant feet ensure stable cleaning that prevents spillage because no one wants to waste delicious food. Despite claiming to heat to over 1200 °F, it still doesn’t feel as hot as other portable induction cooktop stoves, which means it may only be suitable for a quick snack, such as grilled cheese, or if you need to heat some water for a coffee, tea, or mug of warm milk before bedtime.
Pros
Indicator safety light
Durable stainless steel casing
Slip-resistant feet
Easy to clean
Cons
Doesn’t get as hot as other portable stove options
Only suitable for quick snacks and hot drinks
Features To Consider With Portable Electric Stoves
It's important to consider a wide range of features that appeal to you when selecting a stove. Otherwise, you might purchase something far from suitable for your needs. Here are the most critical factors to think about when deciding which electric burner is the best one for you.
Cleaning
Ah, cleaning; the dreaded post-cooking adventure that nobody ever wants to do. Despite this, it's arguably one of the most essential parts of the whole cooking thing. If you fail to keep the surface clean, you risk burned-on food, which will make it even more difficult to clean, and this could clog up components and damage the unit, whether single burner or double burner.
Ideally, you want a flat burner surface that you can wipe down easily, as ring-style heating elements on your countertop burner can be tricky to clean. You should also consider items that cool down fast, as you will clean them sooner, reducing the risk of burned-on food and making it easier to clean.
Display
Not even some of the very best electric stoves come with a display. However, this isn't because they aren’t suitable for the job, it is merely because they are so compact. They also share similarities with full-size burners, which will just rely on a dial.
However, a display could be useful, as it can show the temperature even when the numbers wear away after plenty of use. For temperature settings, this is a crucial aspect to think about, as it will enable you to cook your food to perfection while also reducing the risk of people not familiar with your burner from, well, burning themselves.
Hob Size
The hob size will be directly related to the size of the pots and pans you can use. While you could realistically use a pan too large for your hob, the heat distribution will not be as effective, which means any food around the side, away from the central heat source, won’t cook through all the way. Depending on what you are preparing, this could lead to cold food at best, and potentially dangerous food at worst, with a risk of food poisoning.
The size of the hob will also determine how hot food will get. The larger the hob, the higher the temperature. Again, this will impact what types of food you can cook as well as how long it will take to heat up to the desired temperature.
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Overall Cooker Size
It’s also important to think about the overall cooker size. This will give you an idea of how easy it is to place on your countertop and store, as well as prepare multiple types of food at once. It's no surprise that a double countertop burner will take up more space, but it also means you can do more at once. Likewise, a smaller single burner will make the countertop less cluttered, but it also means you'll need to plan your meal prep with greater care.
It comes down to which is more appealing to you. If you know you don’t have a lot of space on your counter, a single burner is perhaps best for you. However, if you know you have enough space and have many mouths to feed, it’s probably worth looking through the burners to find one large enough to accommodate two pans that you can use at once.
Portability
While compact induction cooktop burners are useful for the home, office, or dorm, they are also remarkably handy when it comes to camping or other adventures. We've all been in a situation where we were excited to light a fire, only for the kindling to refuse to catch or the heavens to open. A portable electric burner can overcome this, and as long as you have a power source, such as a car battery or generator, you can enjoy a hot meal after a long day of travel.
The portability is determined by the overall size, but there are additional factors to consider, including cord storage. If you can fit your electric stove in your backpack, you can take it anywhere you like and enjoy a hot breakfast while everybody else (the same who mocked you for bringing it along) will be left eating mushy cereal.
Settings
Portable induction burners come with simple but effective settings and features that can suit all occasions. Each model will use an adjustable temperature dial that ranges from Low heat to High heat, and some even include a Warm function that prevents overcooking food after it is ready, which is useful for chili or pasta if you're not sure if you'll want a second helping. But who are you kidding?
The dials are easy to use, while indicator lights will give you an idea of if the burners are on. When you're finished cooking, you can use the dial control panel to switch the electric stove off, which is an important safety feature. Some options also include automatic shutoff to prevent overheating, which could hurt someone or damage the heating element and other components.
Single Or Double Burner
It’s tempting to purchase a double burner as you'll tell yourself you might find yourself in a kitchen situation where you want to prepare two things at once. However, as we mentioned above, this can impact countertop space, and not everybody requires a double burner, especially if they live alone or with one other person.
This is where single burners come in. They are more compact and therefore are some of the greatest and more portable electric stoves around. The only issue is that, unless you have other cooking surfaces, you can only make one thing at a time. When it comes down to it, families or those in large households will benefit most from a double stove, whereas anyone who maybe doesn't cook so often or is only cooking for one or two (maybe even three at a push) should get by okay with a single burner.
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between electric and induction stoves?
On the surface, there doesn't appear to be much difference between the electric or induction cooktop stove burner. However, if you dig a little deep and want to find a portable option for your needs, it's worth understanding the slight variations between the two.
While both methods rely on electricity to run, an induction burner utilizes a flat surface, with the heating element underneath a sheet of glass. With this, it relies on electromagnetism to heat the surface and transfer the heat through the material. This means it’s easy to clean up, although induction hobs are only suitable with certain types of cookware.
Electric stoves are typically compatible with a range of cooking utensils, pots, and pans, which makes them more versatile. Despite this, they also take a little longer to warm up and cool down.
Q: Do portable countertop stoves save electricity?
Compared to built-in electric stoves, a portable countertop stove can save electricity, but only if you take advantage of why it's so useful for saving this energy. Unlike a regular built-in stove you might have at home, you don't need to keep the portable electric burners plugged in all the time. We know you don't technically need to do this with regular stoves, but it's inconvenient to switch it on and off every time and then reset the clock.
As you will only plug the electric or induction cooktop stove in when you need to use it, there is less chance of leaving the burner on after you have finished with it. This won't just help save electricity, but it’s also safer, as you or someone else are less likely to burn yourself.
Q: Are electric cookers better than gas stove tops?
There is no particular Yes or No answer to this question. Often, it is about what people prefer, but it also depends exactly on what you are looking for when searching for the greatest stove, portable or not.
If you are looking for safety, then electric cookers are the one for you. There is no risk of a gas leak, and they are also cheaper to run and easier to clean. Despite this, gas stoves still have plenty about them that would appeal to people uncertain about which is right for them.
For one, the bare flame provides almost immediate heat, minimizing cooking time. It also adjusts to the temperature control panel changes faster, which is ideal if you set it too high. If you are camping without electricity, gas burners are also a lifesaver, but if you've got an RV or a portable generator, a portable electric induction cooktop will be more convenient.