Chef Wonders

Who knows Kitchen better than a Chef.

In the recent century, portable electric burners have improved. Some are designed for small-batch warming and cooking. Others can handle enormous pots and heavy loads.

Portable electric burners share several properties. Most are lightweight and run on 120-volt kitchen outlets.

Most brands now offer attractive, compact electric stoves. Likewise, choosing an electric cooktop among dozens of brands is difficult in today’s market.

Designs, features, and prices vary. However, Choosing a portable electric stove that meets your needs will help you in the kitchen.

We recommend the best portable electric burners for your kitchen if you’re puzzled about electric stoves.

What are Electric Stoves?

An electric stove is a stove with an integrated electrical heating device. Your youngsters can approach the kitchen without fear. Electric stoves are safe and secure.

High-quality electric stoves outperformed gas stoves in Consumer Reports’ high-heat and low-heat testing.

Besides performance, electric stoves may be healthier. According to Vox, gas ranges produce nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. In addition, gas stoves emit greenhouse gases that may contribute to climate change.

See my top selections for power, control, safety, and style.

Best Portable Electric Burner

Cuisinart Countertop Single Burner

Cuisinart Countertop Single Burner

Cuisinart Countertop Single Burner

  • Color – Silver
  • Material – Stainless Steel
  • Special Feature – Manual
  • Brand – Cuisinart
  • Wattage – 1300 watts

Cast iron makes this Cuisinart burner terrific for cooking and heating. In addition, the cast iron burner plate is easy to clean and scratch-resistant.

Cuisinart’s portable burner is easy to use for family gatherings and buffets. Its single knob controls six temperatures.

The cast iron burner element heats up incredibly fast, with no odd odors. It evenly distributes heat and keeps food warm after being turned off.

The burner’s temperature stayed steady, with no hot or cold areas. As a result, the heat spread and cooked everything thoroughly with a pan.

One reviewer calls it a “clean-looking, efficient burner for cooking for a crowd or frying bacon outdoors to minimize grease splattering in the kitchen.”

Customers liked the stove’s ease of use, rapid heat, and pan-only heating. In addition, the stove’s sleek induction design and straightforward display are nice.

Pros

  • Easy-to-clean surface
  • Keeps cool
  • Affordable
  • Quick-heating
  • User-friendly
  • Multipurpose

Cons

  • Heats up slowly
  • Missing heat indicator
  • Overheated
  • Doesn’t boil water fast

CUSIMAX Electric Double Hot Plate

CUSIMAX Electric Double Hot Plate

CUSIMAX Electric Double Hot Plate

  • Color – Black
  • Material – Cast Iron
  • Brand – Cusimax
  • Heating Elements – 2
  • Wattage – 1800 watts
  • Controls Type – Knob

If you want a double burner, consider the Cusimax infrared model. Infrared burners heat up quickly.

It has a Slick design, easy to clean, and is perfect for holiday feasts when you need extra burners or a method to keep anything warm for later.

The design drew my attention first. The eight-setting temperature controls fit perfectly into the curvilinear shape, which is rare in portable equipment. End-to-end black stainless steel and smoothtop burners give it a modern look.

Both burners have the same power output; thus, they don’t give any different heat settings. In most circumstances, having a second burner increases culinary flexibility.

I was impressed by how much power and variety this twin burner electric cooktop packed. I’ve seen several double burner stoves, but none as good as this one.

This electric stove’s appealing design and superb construction are worth the extra cost. 18-month warranty should reassure you of its quality.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use and clean
  • Good for holiday meals, work, dorms, etc.
  • Small-scale cooks
  • Quick-heating
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Must clean after cooking or spots form
  • Not Suitable for heavy cookware

SUNAVO Hot Plates

SUNAVO Hot Plates

SUNAVO Hot Plates

  • Color – Silver
  • Material – Cast Iron
  • Brand – Sunavo
  • Heating Elements – 2
  • Wattage – 1800 watts
  • Controls Type – Knob

Sunavo’s electric 2-burner stove with a heavy-duty cast iron cooking surface helps distribute heat evenly and prevents uneven burning. The rest of the stove is made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean.

The burners’ 1000 and 800 watts can provide diversity to your cooking or allow you to heat more than one item at once. Six temperature settings should be enough for boiling water or slow-cooking bacon on a stove of this size.

I wish double-burner electric stoves had heat-insulated side handles. It makes carrying the hot appliance from the counter to the table easier. The heat indicator light is another safety feature.

I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s simple, safe, and versatile.

Pros

  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel surface
  • Handles with heat insulation

Cons

  • Heavier
  • Temperature controls with fewer options

Ovente Electric Double Burner

Ovente Electric Double Burner

Ovente Electric Double Burner

  • Color – Stainless Double
  • Material – Stainless Steel, Ceramic Glass
  • Special Feature – Infrared Burner
  • Brand – OVENTE
  • Heating Elements – 2
  • Wattage – 1500 watts

Portable electric stoves are accessible to everyone, including those on tight budgets. Ovente’s hot plate has all the tools you need.

A six-setting knob lets you simmer or boil water. Crystallite glass and stainless steel are easy to clean with a moist towel. Non-stick feet and a heat warning light are safety features.

This infrared burner heats food swiftly with minimal energy, like a ceramic stovetop. However, unlike induction, radiant heat works under any pan.

Infrared technology focuses heat on the cooking surface, keeping the base colder.

This double coil burner stove has three perks:

Simple, cheap, and effective

It’s convenient and portable, though. I’d recommend this hotplate to anyone who wants a basic cooktop or to well-equipped cooks seeking a backup.

Pros

  • Fast-heating
  • Cookware-compatible
  • Cooling base
  • Slim hotplate for camping and dorms
  • Cheap
  • Space-saving

Cons

  • Temperature knob markings fade soon.
  • Temperature-sensitive
  • Long-term cooks shut off automatically
  • Heat can be difficult to control.

IMUSA Portable Electric Single Burner

IMUSA Portable Electric Single Burner

IMUSA Portable Electric Single Burner

  • Color – Black
  • Material – Aluminum
  • Special Feature – Power Light Indicator
  • Brand – Imusa
  • Heating Elements – 1
  • Wattage – 1100 watts

The Imusa Single Burner Stove is around $12 – $20 but has a surprising number of functions. The Imusa Single Burner Stove is highly portable.

Its simple design, compact frame, and low price make it great for everyday meals. But, despite its low cost, it’s well-made and robust and has everything you need to make dinner, as long as it fits.

A 1000W single coil burner efficiently heats the pan. The burner’s temperature knob has three settings (low, medium, and high), although you can modify it within those ranges.

Imusa recommends no more than 60 minutes over 2 hours, and the burner shuts off when overheated.

Open coil stoves are difficult to clean, but the Imusa Stove has a removable drip pan.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Variable-temperature markings
  • Perfect for dorms and SROs
  • Low, medium, hot temperature knob
  • Slip-resistant rubber feet
  • Low-cost

Cons

  • Unspecified warranty
  • Short lifespan
  • Timed shutdown
  • Unfit for main functions

What to Look for in a Portable Electric Burner?

Power

Your stove’s electric burner is watt-rated. This power defines your burner’s maximum heat and baseline power for cooking.

Electric stoves can’t heat on “medium” power; they cycle on and off to reach the desired temperature. Therefore, look for burners between 700 and 1000 watts.

A twin burner cooktop might have different-powered burners. “Flex” heating components have variable power outputs.

Heating Method

Each heating method has merits and cons. For example, we discovered that induction heats up the fastest, infrared and cast iron heat up slowly, and coils heat up the slowest.

Infrared radiates heat. Heating components in a corrosion-protected barrier deliver heat rapidly and effectively.

Magnetic induction warms by a magnetic field—copper wire coils under the burner. The copper wire creates a magnetic field when energized. When a magnetic field meets a magnet’s resistance, heat is produced.

Coils heat via poor conductors. As a result, much of the electricity input is lost as heat.

Cast iron heating elements vary. Heating tubes convert electricity to heat. As a result, cast iron heats evenly and quickly.

Induction cooking uses specialized cookware to heat indirectly. For example, an induction cooktop employs electromagnetism to heat your cookware.

Choose an induction or radiant electric portable stove. See our favorite induction cooktops here.

Burner Types

All radiant electric burners convert an electric current through a coil into heat. How these coils are integrated into the stove design varies.

Exposed coils are the simplest choice. Here, the metal coil sits a few inches above the stove. Less costly but harder to clean if food gets lodged.

Smoothtop burners are another type. These encase the coil in the ceramic glass. It’s easier to clean. However, adding glass increases weight and costs.

Electric burners can be coiled or flat.

  • Coil burners are less priced but might be harder to clean.
  • Flat burners are more stable but cost more. Induction cookware is required.

Number Of Burners

Double Burners:

Double burner stoves allow you to cook different things at once. More pricey and less camping-friendly.

Holidays, special occasions, and camping benefit from double burners. You can cook larger meals on one burner or smaller ones on two.

Single Burners:

Single burner stoves can only heat one pot at a time. They’re also the most portable, fitting in a backpack or small bag.

A single burner can operate as effectively as an electric one while saving you money. It is perfect for dorms and temporary kitchens.

Size

Small electric stoves are perfect for camping, parties, or anywhere extra heat is needed.

Single burner stoves are 9 to 12 square inches, whereas double burners are double that. It should keep them thin and lightweight for a backpack or baggage. Cast iron heating elements can add up to 12 lbs.

Burner Size

Burner size should be similar to the cookware’s base diameter for optimal efficiency and evenness. Smaller skillets, saucepans, woks, and coffee pots have smaller bases.

Check a portable burner’s size before using broader sauté pans and stockpots.

Weight

Most manufacturers provide weight or size capacity in product descriptions. For example, find a cooktop that can hold 10 quarts or 10 pounds.

You can cook anything without concern. In addition, cast iron cooktops offer increased durability.

Durability

To maximize your electric stove’s portability, ensure it can withstand frequent use and travel.

If you want a durable stove, avoid digital versions, as they won’t withstand moisture. Instead, cast iron heating elements are good if they’re rust-proof.

Cleaning

Induction and portable infrared stoves are glass or ceramic. If you clean up quickly, these units are easy to clean. Over time, stains become permanent, especially with boiling grease. So consider your culinary needs before buying a burner.

Coil Stoves have a stainless steel catcher. Unremovable coils make this inconvenient. Tin foil makes cleanup easier for many individuals.

Cast-iron stoves get dirty quickly. Some stains are permanent. If cleanliness is a priority, choose an infrared or induction cooktop.

Temperature Control

Digital temperature adjustment is best for precise temperature control. However, many cheaper models have temperature controls.

Many portable electric stoves feature one dial and a few heat settings. Some have timers, LCD displays, and functions like a boil and keep warm. More robust options are unusual, so expect basic interfaces.

Pots/Pans to Use

Induction stoves require special pans. Induction stovetops need magnetic pans.

Induction Compatible Pans:

Price

A portable electric burner can assist you in cooking in a dorm or office or help your main cooktop during huge parties. A good one shouldn’t cost more than $80. If you want a basic design, $30 will do.

Each portable electric stove’s pricing depends on its burner. Ranges are:

  • $10-$30 Coil Burners
  • $40-$60 Cast-iron burner
  • $60-$80 Infrared burners
  • $50-$200 Induction Burners

Making The Final Decision

The Cuisinart Countertop Single Burner is powerful and affordable, so it is our top pick. There are several choices available for you, including Sunavo’s hotplate made of cast iron, which is unbeatable, and Ovente’s single hotplate, which has six temperature settings and is exceptionally easy to clean.

These small equipment make cooking easy regardless of form or size. Find a cooktop that fits all your cooking needs in a tiny container, in my opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an electric stove safe for health?

Yes, electric stove cooking can provide long-term health concerns in a poorly ventilated kitchen.

What are the advantages of an electric stove?

You won’t fully appreciate a portable electric stove unless you own one. However, there are many reasons to keep one of these small cooktops on hand. For Example,

  • Electric stoves are cooler.
  • With a stovetop, cleaning is easier.
  • Flat surfaces are better for pots.
  • Installation is easier and cheaper.

How does an electric burner work?

Most electric burners use exposed or hidden coils to heat the pot above them. Cast iron burners work like coil burners but are composed of solid metal.

An induction burner uses magnetic energy to heat the pot directly through the glass top.

Are electric stoves better than gas?

Yes, electric stoves are better than gas. Also, It’s portable and easy to clean.

What are the downsides?

Dishes that require more than a single burner will be limited. Stove weight capacity is another consideration. Check the weight capacity of your model.

Which is better induction or electric stove?

Induction is more efficient than electric and gas.

What can you cook on a portable electric stove?

Even a single-burner hot plate can be multifunctional. For example, you can make fast rice or gourmet risotto with the right components.

Is It A Good Idea To Use A Battery-Powered Stove?

Battery-powered electric stoves can be helpful when cooking without power. However, I wouldn’t recommend them if you haven’t done your research. Battery-powered stoves can’t go as hot as plug-in ones and drain batteries quickly, even at moderate temperatures.

Jessica
I shares food, pet, and lifestyle blogs on chefwonders.com. I love cooking, pet training and home improvement with some twist. In case of any questions and queries email me at:- chefwonders8@gmail.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *