Portable burners, cooktops, or portable electric stoves can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as camping, catering of functions, or for use at home. We take a look at the best portable electric stoves.
Many brands and styles are available, with an option for just about every need and type of cookware. Setting up your portable burner or portable electric stove is as easy as finding a flat surface within reach of a suitable electric outlet (or gas in one model we review).
Some offer basic warming and cooking of small batches at a cost-effective price, while other electric burners can handle large pots and heavy loads. It is therefore important to consider what you’ll be using the burner for and we will help you to decide in this review.
Here are our top picks:
Duxtop 9600LS 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner – Best Overall Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF Countertop Single Flat Burner – Best Low-Cost AlternativeCusimax 1800W Double Burner Portable Cooktop Hot Plate – Best Portable Stovetop Chef Master 90019 Portable Butane Stove – Best Portable Gas Burner (Non-Electric Option) Cusimax Portable Electric Stove, 1800W Infrared Double Burner – Best Double Burner Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner – Best Cast Iron Option Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop 1800W Digital Electric Countertop Burner Sensor Touch Stove – Best High-End Cooktop iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop, 1800W Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooker Cooktop – Best Alternate Choice for an Induction Burner
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You can use the table of contents immediately below (or hide it) if you want to go to any specific model, or just keep reading through it.
We have done a lot of research to determine what are the best portable electric stoves or burners available on the market now. Factors considered were the reputation of the company, the build and quality of materials used, and overall cooking efficiency, as well as feedback and reviews from consumers.
Our top picks follow here in detail.
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner – Best Overall The Duxtop portable induction cooktop countertop burner is sleekly designed, lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage. It is also easy to clean and safe to use. Induction cooking has no open flames and is more efficient than gas or electric.
Credit: Duxtop
The Duxtop can be used to add an extra cooking surface to a small kitchen, or as an extra burner anywhere you need if, for example, you frequently host large gatherings. We rate it as the best portable electric stove.
It uses a 110/120V 15amp electrical outlet that is the standard for all North American homes and means that it can be moved to any electrical plug in the kitchen or any other room where you want to use the induction burner.
The Duxtop 9600LS has a digital LCD touch control panel that includes a child safety lock that keeps cooking and timer settings from being accidentally changed. Extra features include a fast boil button; a keep warm button (for 1-30 minutes at 140 F), and a built-in countdown digital timer with settings up to 10 hours.
This Portable Induction Cooktop has 20 power settings ranging from 100W to 1800W and temperature settings from 100 F to 460 F with an 83% energy efficiency rating.
The induction cooktop is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves. This is achieved by making the cooking vessel the heat source.
Induction cooktops use approximately 10% less energy than an electrical burner and up to half the energy of gas.
The Duxtop induction cooktop maintains lower temperatures than other induction cookers tested and, also maintains a set temperature more consistently so you don’t have to constantly stand over a simmering pot. This adds to the heat efficiency.
Since there’s no open flame (as with a gas burner) or heating element, you can easily clean the glass cooktop with a quick wipe.
The Duxtop portable stoves are also fitted with auto-pan detection that will automatically switch the unit off after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected. It also has a diagnostic error message system and a low-high voltage warning system.
To use any Induction cooktop, you need to use cookware with a magnetic base or cast iron with a diameter of at least 5 inches. The energy produced by the Duxtop is directly supplied to the cookware by a magnetic field. You can test if your cookware is magnetic by using a portable magnet, if the magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware it will work.
Duxtop is a well-known and highly respected and innovative brand in the new and ever-expanding Induction Countertop Industry.
If you are considering looking for quality portable electric burners, then we recommend that you consider the Duxtop Induction Cooktop.
Pros
Light, compact, and easy to store
Easy to clean
Safety features include a child safety lock, overheat protection, and induction has no open flame
Multiple functions include a boil button, timer, and a “keep warm” button
Better temperature control than with gas or electric cooktop burner
More efficient than gas or electric
Offers a 2-year warranty – see the extended warranty options on Amazon with the link below
Cons
Is more expensive than gas or electrical (but also uses energy more efficiently)
You need to use cookware that has a magnetic bottom to cook on an induction burner
You can see the Duxtop 9600LS on Amazon here to check the latest price and extended warranty options .
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Elite Gourmet Countertop Electric Hot Burner – Best Low Cost Alternative The Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF Countertop Electric Hot Burner is a solidly built, portable hot plate that provides reliable cooking heat. It has a cool-touch base and non-skid rubber feet to keep it from moving around.
Credit: Elite Gourmet
The Elite Gourmet Hot Burner is compact and takes up little space, making it perfect for small kitchen areas and apartments. It can also be used anywhere you can plug it in, just make sure that you have enough ventilation.
The Elite Burner has 1000 watts of power, heats up fairly quickly, and has a simple adjustable temperature control with settings of Off, Warm, Low, Medium, and High. It also has a power indicator light that ensures added safety.
The non-stick cast iron plates on the electric burners will ensure quick and easy cooking and are easy to clean. The 6.4 inch diameter cast iron plate can accommodate pans up to 9.5 inches in diameter (up to 8 inches for cast iron pans) and up to 4 quart pots.
The Elite Hot burner is a sturdy, compact unit that could be a valuable addition to your cooking requirements at a highly competitive price.
Pros
Heats quickly
Easy to clean
Adjustable temperature settings
Cons
Cooking surface isn’t large
Basic functions
Check out the Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF Electric Hot Burner on Amazon here .
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Cusimax 1800W Double Burner Portable Cooktop Hot Plate – Best Portable Stovetop The Cusimax Double Burner Portable Cooktop Hot Plate is powered by 120V. The power of 1800W is divided equally between the two plates. 900-Watts (left plate) and 900-Watts (right plate).
Credit: Cusimax
The hot plate is equipped with a thermostat that will automatically cycle the power on or off when it reaches the required temperature setting and maintain that setting.
You have a choice of infrared or cast iron plate for the burners, you can see the different options on Amazon by clicking the link below. The infrared burners heat up faster than the cast iron plate (you can choose different options on Amazon – see the purchase link below), but the cast iron plate version is cheaper.
Infrared burners are a safe, fast, and effective way to cook on an electric burner.
With its portable design, this double burner portable cooktop can be used as an extra cooktop in a busy kitchen. Is ideal for camping trips or can be used in a dorm room, offices, or your RV. It is easy to clean. Wait for it to cool down then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Double burners on portable stoves allow for more versatility.
The Cusimax Portable Cooktop has a stainless-steel body with a cast iron cooktop making this a sturdy, durable unit. All types of cookware including glass and aluminum can be heated efficiently with a minimum of heat loss. The maximum size for pots and pans is 7.4”
This Portable Stovetop is sturdily built and durable with an aesthetically pleasing design making the Cusimax Stovetop well worth considering when purchasing a portable cooktop hot plate.
The stainless steel housing is also easy to clean.
Pros
High-quality stainless-steel body
Overheat protection will automatically turn the hot plate off if its gets too hot
The thermostat allows for good temperature control
Compact, lightweight design
Easy to carry and store
Cons
Needs to be placed on a high temperature-resistant surface
Takes time to heat up – to boil water, cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling time
18 month warranty period is too short so you should buy an extended warranty (see options on Amazon below)
See the Cusimax Portable Cooktop here on Amazon with the current price and extended warranty options.
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Chef Master 90019 Portable Butane Stove – Best Portable Gas Burner (Best Non-Electric Option Too) The Chef Master Portable Butane Stove is fitted with an efficient brass burner that is designed to output up to 15,000 BTUs that produces a high-performance high heat output that can be used to cook anything that you need to cook.
Credit: Chef Master
This Chef Master 90019 Portable Butane cooker is perfect for camping or hiking trips, or just outside. It can also be used in your kitchen at home and is used in the foodservice industry in commercial restaurants for display cart cooking, and catered events.
It comes with its own hard-shell protective carrying case that is small enough to fit in any backpack or camping bag for easy portability.
It’s also easy to use. There’s no need for matches as the Chef Master comes with an automatic Piezo electronic ignition system, just turn it on with the heat dial and adjust to whichever power setting that you need.
The Chef Master is also designed with a Double Wind Guard that keeps your flame from being blown out by wind if outdoors and air conditioners or fans if you are indoors.
Safety features include an in-line regulator with a pressure-sensing shut-off valve that will cut off the flow of butane if the pressure gets too high, preventing dangerous flashbacks from occurring.
The Chef Master 90019 Portable Butane Gas Cooker is a great option for off-the-grid gas cooking, even if just in your backyard.
Pros
High output
Fast heating
Decent temperature range
Will boil water quickly
Protective, compact carrying case
Piezo ignition system
In-line regulator
Chef Master is a highly respected brand
Cons
Cost of butane gas canisters add up
1 year warranty
You can see the Chef Master 90019 (15,000 BTU model) portable butane gas burner here on Amazon.
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Cusimax Portable Electric Stove, 1800W Infrared Double Burner – Best Alternate Double Burner Choice The Cusimax 1800W Double Burner has a black stainless-steel body that is highly durable and can withstand frequent use. The overall design is simple and looks good. It also works will all types of cookware and the infrared burners (each 900W) heat up quickly.
Credit: Cusimax
The Cusimax Infrared Double Cooktop can be used with cookware made of cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics, or glass. The maximum effective size for pots is 7.1 and 7.1 inches. Within this range, cookware can be heated efficiently with a minimum of heat loss, but will be tough to fit larger sized cookware.
The two infrared plates of the Cusimax Portable Electric Stove are powered by 120V with 900 watts being allocated to the left burner and 900 watts to the right burner making a total of 1800 watts. The burners are made of heavy-duty cast iron.
The infrared burners of the Cusimax Double Burner heat up within seconds of being turned on and visibly glow which is a huge advantage when compared to the Hotplate burner which takes a few minutes to heat up. It still boils water rapidly.
For added safety, there is also an indicator light for each burner. It has an eight-setting temperature control that is thermostatically controlled to turn the burner on and off thereby regulating the burners to maintain the desired temperature setting.
This Infrared Double Burner is compact and sturdily built. Its small size makes it very portable and the Cusimax is perfect for use in dorm rooms, office kitchens, your own kitchen, or when you go camping.
Pros
Rapid heating of burners
Stainless steel housing
Easy to clean
Effective safety features
Infrared technology is safe and effective
Thermostatically controlled temperature settings
Thermal fuse
Cons
Heating elements take a while to cool down
Won’t easily fit cookware larger than 7 inches in diameter
18 month warranty is too short, you should buy an extended warranty on Amazon (see the extended warranty options on the link below)
Check out the Cusimax Infrared Double Cooktop on Amazon here with the current price and extended warranty options (recommended).
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Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner – Best Cast Iron Burner The Cuisinart Cast Iron Single Burner has a brushed stainless-steel body, fitted with a heavy-duty cast-iron plate making this a robust and durable unit. It produces a powerful 1300 watts, and the burner heats up quickly and retains the heat throughout the cooking process.
Credit: Cuisinart
This Cast Iron Burner is compact and versatile and can be used as an extra burner at special events catering events. You can use it in your kitchen or your dining room to keep food hot for minimal heat loss. Is perfect for small rooms such as dorm rooms where space is restricted (just make sure that you have adequate ventilation).
The burner is controlled with a single switch that turns the burner on and sets the temperature. An illuminated red light indicates that the burner is on. When a green light is illuminated the burner has reached the set temperature.
There are 6 temperature settings and in tests conducted with simmering sauces and boiling water, the thermostatically controlled temperatures maintained the temperatures at the specified settings. The burner was able to maintain a low simmer pretty well.
The burner only has a diameter of 7.5 inches which will tend to be too small for large pots or frying pans. During a long cooking session, the metal parts especially, the top gets very hot which could be a safety issue and it shouldn’t be left alone when you’re cooking with it.
This single burner has rubber feet that stop the unit from slipping and raises the burner to protect your work surface. These single burner stoves are in a sealed unit making it safe to use a soapy cloth to remove food residue and then wipe dry. All other surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth or damp sponge.
Pros
Compact portable size electric burner
6 Temperature Settings
The single burner heats up quickly
Ideal for a dorm room
Durable cast iron
Cons
Single burner
The top gets very hot
Burner diameter too small for big pots
1 Year warranty is short, we recommend that you buy an extended warranty (see the extended warranty options on Amazon below)
You can see the Cuisinart Cast Iron on Amazon here with pricing and extended warranty options (recommended)
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Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop Sensor Touch Stove – Best High-End Cooktop The Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop is a digital induction cooker or cooktop with two induction burners giving you two independent cooking zones and a lot of flexibility. You can set each one independently using the bright touchscreen LCD display.
Credit: Duxtop
This Duxtop is one of the best induction burners. It uses 120 volts, 15 amps of electricity. You can choose between Power Mode and Temperature Mode individually for each burner depending on what you want to cook. The second burner is a bonus.
These settings are as follows:
Left Burner: Power Setting – 100 – 1800w (20 settings). Temperature Setting – 100 F – 460 F (20 settings)
Right Burner: Power Setting – 100 – 1800w (20 settings). Temperature Setting – 100 F – 460 F (20 settings)
These settings allow you to select the perfect Mode and setting for what you are cooking. Power Mode is suitable for boiling water quickly, heating milk, and cooking sauces. Temperature Mode is recommended to fry, steam, or sauté.
It must be noted that both burners cannot be run on maximum heat at the same time because they are designed to share the total power available which is 1800W . This feature is designed to avoid electrical overload and increase efficiency.
This Sensor Touch Stove has a Child Safety Lock System and an automatic shut-off to protect from possible injuries. The touch control is simple to operate and the rapid response to an increase or decrease of temperature makes cooking quick and easy.
The induction cooktop is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves. This is achieved by making the cooking vessel the heat source. Induction stoves deliver electromagnetic energy directly into the cookware without wasting energy on an element.
To use any Induction cooker, you need to use cookware with a magnetic base with a diameter of at least 5 inches . If a magnet sticks to the bottom it should be compatible. The energy produced is directly supplied to the cookware by a magnetic field.
Induction is simply a different heating method but highly effective. If you simply want to keep food warm, this is also easy.
The Duxtop Portable Double Induction Cooker is lightweight, sturdy with a sleek attractive design that makes it an excellent option to use for any catering function. It can also be used in your kitchen or for outdoor cooking.
Since there’s no open flame or heating element, food does not burn on the glass cooktop, so it’s easy to clean by just wiping with a damp cloth.
Extra features include a fast boil button, a keep warm button (for 1-30 minutes at 140 F), and a built-in automatic countdown timer with settings up to 10 hours.
The Duxtop Portable Double Induction Cooker also has a high and low voltage warning system.
Pros
10-hour automatic timer provides precise operation
Non-stick glass surface means cleaning is easy
Power and temperature settings offer convenient operation
One of the best induction options available
Two burners
Cons
You can’t use both burners on high at the same time
Extra expense if you have to buy compatible cookware
2-year warranty is better than most but you should still buy an extended warranty, see options below on Amazon
The Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop is here on Amazon with the current price and extended warranty options.
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iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop – Best Alternate Choice for an Induction Burner The iSiLER Portable Induction Cooker has a sleek and simple design. This cooktop is versatile and is perfect for use in small, confined spaces such as dorm rooms with adequate ventilation. Its compact size makes it ideal for camping or hiking trips. It is a quality portable stove.
Credit: iSiLER
The Sensor Touch provides large touch buttons for easy operation. It has an on/off button, Function button, Child Lock button, Timer button, and “+” and “-” controls to adjust the levels of power and temperature.
This iSiLER Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop portable stove has multiple Power Levels ranging from 100W to 1800W in increments of 100 watts and is designed to recreate different cooking styles such as simmer, deep fry, boil, sauté, steam, slow cook, and grill that you’d find in an electric or gas stove.
There are several pre-set temperatures ranging from 140 F to 460 F in increments of 20 F. Overheating protection alerts you when the appliance gets too warm and needs to be shut off for safety purposes.
Keep in mind that these temperature settings are really only estimates in induction cooking and are more accurately a measure of power. It’s the temperature inside your cookware that matters in induction and you’d have to use a thermometer to measure it separately if you need to know the cooking temperature.
The iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop has a surface diameter of 6.7 inches to fit pots or frying pans with a diameter of 3.9 to 8.6 inches and with a premium glass surface that has a large and uniform heated area.
As with all Induction cookers, the base of the cookware must be magnetic for it to work on this cooktop and your cookware must have a flat surface. A concave base such as a wok can not be used. This Portable Induction Cooktop detects if you are using the correct cookware, or you can check yourself if you have a magnet, if it sticks to the bottom, it will work.
This iSiLER burner also has additional safety features such as automatic shutoff.
The Sensor Touch Induction Cooker has a 3-hour timer that allows you to start the cook and leave it to cook on its own if you have other matters to attend to. It has a Child Lock to prevent any unsupervised turning on the cooktop.
The iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop is a heavy-duty, versatile Induction Burner with good power output.
Pros
Overheating protection with automatic shutoff
Cooktop surface bigger than other brands in this price range
A wide range of Power and Temperature settings make cooking easy
Reasonable price for an electric burner
Child safety lock
Cons
Will only work with cast iron, enameled or stainless steel
1-Year warranty – we recommend that you buy an extended warranty for as long of a warranty period as you can, see the options on the link on Amazon below.
You can see the iSiLER here on Amazon with the current price, any discounts and the extended warranty options (recommended).
New Kitchen Life is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Summary We have reviewed only the best portable electric stoves available. The best one for you will come down to your budget and your needs.
The Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Counter Burner stood out as a clear overall winner but others may be better for you depending on what you need in a portable cooktop or burner.
You can see the Duxtop 9600LS on again Amazon here.
FAQs Which Portable Electric Stove is best? There are many types of portable electric stoves available, and these come as single or double burner stoves. The most popular are, induction, cast iron surface, and infrared.
The following is a list of what we consider the best portable electric stove in each category with clickable links to Amazon for each one.
Portable Induction Cooktop – Single Burner: Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Stove Counter Burner . Best Overall
Portable Induction Stove – Double Burner: Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop 1800W Digital Electrical Countertop Burner Sensor Touch Stove . Best High-End Cooktop
Portable Cast Iron Cooktop – Single Burner: Cuisinart Cast Iron Single Burner . Best Cast Iron Burner
Portable Cast Infrared Cooktop – Double Burner: Cusimax 1800W Double Burner Portable Cooktop Hot Plate . Best Portable Stovetop
Portable Gas Cooktop – Single Burner: Chef Master Portable Butane Stove . Best Portable Gas Single Burner
Portable Infrared Cooktop – Double Burner: Cusimax Portable Electric Stove, 1800W Infrared Double Burner . Best Portable Infrared Double Burner
New Kitchen Life is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Is a Portable Electric Stove safe? The portable electric stoves that are manufactured today are designed with many safety features and have operating modes to ensure the safety of the user. They are therefore safe to use if used correctly as instructed according to each manufacturer’s operating manual, including using them in ventilated areas and being careful not to leave them unattended.
Some of these portable stoves are equipped with child locks that prevent your children from switching the stove on, or accidentally turning it on while cleaning the stove. A stove with a residual heat warning or overheating function alerts you when the appliance gets too warm and needs to be shut off to cool down.
It is advisable to check on the safety measures that are installed in the cooktop or burner that you want to purchase to ensure you get the safest product available.
Do I need an extended warranty? Most of the portable stove and portable burners have warranties that range between 1 and 2 years. These warranties are too short, unless the model is so cheap that it doesn’t really matter to you.
You should definitely try to buy extended warranties for any portable stove or burner, even if it’s inexpensive, the extended warranty will also likely be inexpensive and worth having.
We recommend buying an extended warranty for as long of a warranty period as is offered on the Amazon purchase link. In a few cases no warranties are available, so you’ll have to decide whether you still want to buy that particular model.
Ultimately, it’s a decision for you to make weighing the cost of the extended warranty against the benefit to you of having additional warranty protection for the extended term that you’ve selected.
Do I need special cookware for induction burners? The energy produced is directly supplied to the cookware by a magnetic field. Only cookware with a magnetic base or cast iron with a diameter of at least 5 inches can be used with induction burners. If a magnet sticks to the base of the pan it should be compatible.
As with all induction cookers, the base of the cookware must be magnetic and must have a flat surface. A concave base such as a wok cannot be used. Many portable induction cooktops are designed to detect if you are using the correct cookware.
Conclusion Finding a cooktop that is portable and will be best suited to your needs can be a daunting task. We have covered what we consider to be the best portable cooktops in all the different categories to assist you in making the correct choice.
The most important thing to take into consideration is that the portable burner or portable stove fulfills your requirements. You might need a single burner or perhaps electromagnetic radiation. The choice is yours.
It will all depend on your needs and cooking options.
