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The best portable induction cooktops to buy in 2026
The Duxtop 9600LS wins for quick, even cooking and useful heat control; the Hamilton Beach is a capable, cheaper alternative.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop 9600LS | Hamilton Beach Portable Single Induction Cooktop | Amazon Basics Portable Electric Induction Burner |
| Price | about $117 | about $80 | about $49 |
| Why | Bon Appétit named it best for most home cooks, and Consumer Reports found it performed well across every lab trial in its group. It heated quickly, held a steady simmer and browned food evenly. | Good Housekeeping named it a best-value pick, reporting performance and ease-of-use scores just below its top models. It costs less than the Duxtop while still offering power and temperature controls plus a timer. | Bon Appétit tested it against pricier burners and found it performed well, including in its tortilla-chip test; the reviewers called it adequate for occasional use. At about $49, it is the lowest-priced tested model here that reviewers still recommend. |
| Good to know | Its temperature settings move in 20°F steps, which is less precise than some premium models. | It has fewer temperature settings than the Duxtop 9600LS. | Its build quality is less robust than more expensive cooktops. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIBon Appétit named it best for most home cooks, and Consumer Reports found it performed well across every lab trial in its group. It heated quickly, held a steady simmer and browned food evenly.
Good to know: Its temperature settings move in 20°F steps, which is less precise than some premium models.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping named it a best-value pick, reporting performance and ease-of-use scores just below its top models. It costs less than the Duxtop while still offering power and temperature controls plus a timer.
Good to know: It has fewer temperature settings than the Duxtop 9600LS.
See on Amazonpicture by AIBon Appétit tested it against pricier burners and found it performed well, including in its tortilla-chip test; the reviewers called it adequate for occasional use. At about $49, it is the lowest-priced tested model here that reviewers still recommend.
Good to know: Its build quality is less robust than more expensive cooktops.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Look for steady simmering, even browning, clear controls and temperature settings that suit your cooking. Check that your pans are induction-compatible and that the cooktop’s size and power fit your space and outlet.
Who this is for
These picks are for people who need an extra burner, cook in a small kitchen or want a portable option for places with reliable electricity. They’re not a substitute for an off-grid stove or a full-size cooktop when you regularly cook large pots.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop 9600LS
Bon Appétit named it best for most home cooks, and Consumer Reports found it performed well across every lab trial in its group. It heated quickly, held a steady simmer and browned food evenly. In Bon Appétit’s tests, it brought water to a rolling boil in about three minutes and browned pork chops evenly without scorch marks. Its 20 power levels and 20 temperature settings offer flexibility, though temperature changes are in 20°F increments. It weighs about five pounds and has a 1,800-watt maximum. Expect a learning curve when switching between power and temperature modes; skip it if you need more exact temperature increments.
Good to know: Its temperature settings move in 20°F steps, which is less precise than some premium models.
See on AmazonBest value: Hamilton Beach Portable Single Induction Cooktop
Good Housekeeping named it a best-value pick, reporting performance and ease-of-use scores just below its top models. It costs less than the Duxtop while still offering power and temperature controls plus a timer. Good Housekeeping tested 11 cooktops, checking boil time, simmering, heat distribution, chocolate melting and controls. The Hamilton Beach stood out as a lower-cost way to try induction without giving up temperature control. It has fewer temperature settings than the Duxtop, so it offers less fine-grained adjustment. A sensible choice for everyday basic cooking; look elsewhere if you want the most responsive or precise controls.
Good to know: It has fewer temperature settings than the Duxtop 9600LS.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Amazon Basics Portable Electric Induction Burner
Bon Appétit tested it against pricier burners and found it performed well, including in its tortilla-chip test; the reviewers called it adequate for occasional use. At about $49, it is the lowest-priced tested model here that reviewers still recommend. The cooktop offers temperature control by degrees, a useful feature at this price. Bon Appétit found its construction less robust than more expensive models, so it’s best for occasional cooking rather than heavy daily use. It is a budget pick, not the strongest overall performer. Consider spending more if you rely on precise temperature regulation or want sturdier construction.
Good to know: Its build quality is less robust than more expensive cooktops.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers tested boil speed, simmer and temperature stability, heat distribution, browning, usability and cleanup. Tests included boiling water, melting chocolate, searing food and checking recovery after adding cold ingredients; some labs also tested for roughly an hour with large pots. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.