Portable induction stoves are a smaller version of the larger induction stoves found in many kitchens and homes. Small, compact, lightweight and versatile, portable appliances can meet many of the challenges that portable electric and gas individual cooktops cannot.

Induction cooking has many advantages. It’s fast, safe, cost-effective, efficient, cool to the touch, flameless, highly sensitive to heat, and easily controlled.

Portable induction hobs are now used in many different cooking scenarios. Because induction cooking does not use radiant heat for cooking, very little energy is wasted in the air around the hob. This more efficient way of cooking means that the air in the kitchen will not get hot. This is particularly useful if you are cooking in tight spaces. This not only means there is no need for noisy and expensive heat extraction units, but the cooking experience is much more enjoyable. This advantage comes to the fore in small apartments or basement kitchens where ventilation may be limited.

The lack of a flame is also a great advantage, especially if you want to cook in a confined space where it can be considered dangerous. For example, many RVs, trailers, and boats use this flameless technology to great effect. Not only is it flameless, but there is no possibility of the paper or other material catching fire from the cooktop.

Portable induction hobs also offer you a huge variety of cooking options. Since the heat is fast and sensible, the available options are grilling, sautéing, deep-frying, pressure cooking, simmering, and even wok cooking.

If you decide to cook with a portable induction stove, remember to use induction ready cookware. Induction cooking connects to electromagnetism. Therefore, this requires that the cookware have some ferromagnetic (iron) properties within the base of the pot.

Therefore, induction cookware should contain enameled cast iron, pure cast iron, or stainless steel. Cookware that is based on aluminum, copper, pyrex glass will not work. If you are ever unsure whether a cookware will work with an induction hob, use a magnet to test the bottom of the pot. A host of new induction ready cookware will now also display an Induction Ready logo.

If you’re looking to buy a portable induction hob, look for features like hob size, timer functions, child safety locks, overheat sensors, power sensitivity controls, and pre-programmable heat settings.