Who is this for?

Small-kitchen custard makers

You want to put the hob away after cooking, but still need manual heat adjustment for custard and other delicate sauces.

Control-first sauce cooks

You place particular value on selectable power or temperature settings so you can adjust the heat while stirring.

Permanent kitchen-upgrade planners

You need several cooking zones available at once and have space for a built-in appliance and its installation requirements.

What matters when choosing?

Choose between a hob you can put away and permanently available cooking zones before comparing the controls and cookware requirements of individual models.

Portable single-zone hob

Choose it when: You make custard one pan at a time and need to clear the worktop afterwards.

Trade-off: One cooking zone cannot heat a second dish at the same time.

Built-in induction hob

Choose it when: Several permanently available cooking zones matter more than putting the hob away.

Trade-off: It occupies a fixed space and requires planning for the exact model's installation.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Worktop and storage space Measure the hob's full width and depth in use, then check its storage dimensions and placement instructions. If I have to reclaim the worktop after making custard, I need a hob that fits both my cooking spot and storage space. Around 42% of consumers put that space requirement first.
Gentle heat adjustment Compare the lowest stated manual power setting and the number of selectable levels; do not judge control by maximum wattage alone. When I stir custard, I want to be able to reduce the heat in steps rather than rely only on an automatic programme. For around 33% of consumers, manual adjustment is the primary concern.
Cookware and electrical setup Check the saucepan's magnetic base and base diameter against the chosen hob's range; check the socket and any extension device's rating. Before choosing a hob, I need to know whether my saucepan fits and whether I can set the appliance up safely. Those checks come first for around 25% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A 2000 W or 2100 W maximum does not tell you how many lower manual settings are available while you stir custard.

    Compare the lowest stated manual setting and the adjustment steps. Automatic programmes are not proof of how a hob will handle a delicate sauce.

  • Assuming every small saucepan will work

    Induction requires a ferromagnetic pan base, and the manufacturer's compatible diameter range may exclude a small milk pan.

    Check the induction symbol or test the base with a magnet where appropriate, then compare the base diameter—not just the rim—with the hob's stated range.

    If your existing saucepan is incompatible or outside that range, you may need a different pan.

  • Overlooking the electrical setup

    Water, damaged equipment and overloaded extension devices introduce risks when using a portable kitchen appliance. Electrical Safety First warns that overloading or connecting extension devices in a chain can cause overheating.

    Keep hands dry when handling electrical equipment, inspect the plug and cable, and check the marked rating and total load before using an extension device. Do not connect one extension lead to another.

  • Confusing slim storage with a small cooking footprint

    Tefal states that the Everyday Slim IH210840 is 45 mm thick, but thickness alone does not tell you how much worktop it needs during use.

    Measure the cooking spot and storage space against the full dimensions and placement instructions for the exact model.

Brands to consider

Tefal

Its Everyday Slim IH210840 is a portable single-zone option to compare when storage thickness and manual power selection matter.

  • Tefal specifies a 45 mm thickness, seven manual levels from 300 W to 2100 W and a compatible pan range of 12 cm to 26 cm.
  • Check the full width, depth and placement instructions before deciding whether it fits your cooking and storage spaces.

CASO Design

The portable ProSlim 2000 is relevant if you want to compare selectable power and temperature settings.

  • CASO Design specifies 10 power levels, 10 temperature levels from 60°C to 240°C and automatic pot detection.
  • Its stated cookware range is 12 cm to 22 cm; check your saucepan's base diameter before choosing it.

VonShef

Its single induction hob is another portable option for comparing manual settings for one-pan cooking.

  • VonShef states 10 power settings from 200 W to 2000 W and 10 heat settings from 60°C to 240°C.
  • Confirm the exact hob's dimensions and compatible pan-base range before relying on it for your space and saucepan.

Bosch

The PUG61RAA5B is a built-in alternative for a planned kitchen installation rather than a hob to put away after making custard.

  • Bosch specifies four cooking zones and a 592 mm by 522 mm surface for this model.
  • It takes a permanent position; check the exact installation and electrical requirements before choosing it.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need a particular saucepan for a portable induction hob?

Yes: the saucepan needs a ferromagnetic base that fits the chosen hob's stated pan-size range. Bosch identifies cast iron, enamelled steel and suitable stainless steel as examples; Tefal states 12 cm to 26 cm for the Everyday Slim IH210840, while CASO Design states 12 cm to 22 cm for the ProSlim 2000.

Which hob controls matter most for custard?

Look for manual power adjustment with a stated low setting and steps you can select while stirring. Tefal states seven manual levels starting at 300 W, CASO Design states 10 power levels, and VonShef states 10 power settings starting at 200 W; none of those specifications guarantees the custard's temperature or outcome.

Can I use a portable induction hob with an extension lead?

Check the extension device's marked rating and the total connected load before using it with a hob; do not use a damaged lead, plug or socket. Electrical Safety First says extension leads are generally rated at 13 A, although some older ones may be rated at 10 A, and advises against exceeding the rating or connecting extension devices in a chain.

How should I clean a portable induction hob?

Disconnect the hob before cleaning it and follow the exact manufacturer's instructions for its surface. Electrical Safety First also advises checking leads, plugs and sockets for damage or scorch marks; do not attempt to clean or repair electrical equipment while it is plugged in.