Who needs an extra hob?

Frequent blanchers with induction pans

If you regularly need a separate zone for green vegetables and already own an induction-compatible pan, check its base diameter against the hob’s stated range before comparing power settings.

Cooks keeping their existing pans

If you blanch vegetables occasionally and do not want your pan to determine whether a hob works, compare a conventional hotplate with induction models before focusing on their wattage labels.

Small-space and mobile-kitchen cooks

If the hob must be stored between uses or work in a constrained kitchen, compare its dimensions with the available space. A mobile setup also needs an electrical supply suitable for the particular appliance.

What matters when choosing?

For an extra blanching zone, settle the cookware question before comparing controls, dimensions and where the hob can be used safely.

Single-zone induction hob

Choose it when: Your pan is induction-compatible and its base fits the exact model’s supported range.

Trade-off: An unsuitable pan can mean changing cookware or choosing another hob type.

Cast-iron electric hotplate

Choose it when: Keeping a non-induction pan is the deciding factor; the Zuvo 1500W example has an adjustable thermostat.

Trade-off: Check the particular hotplate’s controls and instructions rather than expecting it to behave like an induction model.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Boiling and heat control Compare the exact model’s stated power range and adjustable levels; do not treat wattage as a measured boiling time. When I blanch vegetables frequently, I want to bring water to a boil and adjust the heat without occupying the main cooker. Around 50% of consumers put boiling and heat control first.
Existing cookware For induction, confirm that the pan is compatible and its base fits the model’s stated diameter range; otherwise compare a conventional hotplate. I want to keep using the saucepan I own rather than change pans to use an induction hob. For roughly 30% of consumers, existing-cookware compatibility is the primary concern.
Space and setup Check external dimensions and the appliance instructions; plan a stable, heat-resistant surface with the cable clear of water and heat. If the hob has to be stored away or used in a tight space, I need room to set it up safely. Space and setup come first for around 20% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming every portable hob accepts the same pan

    Tefal specifies induction-compatible pans with 12–25 cm bases for the IH201840, while CASO Design states a 12–22 cm recognised diameter for the ProSlim 2000. A pan outside a model’s conditions may make that induction hob unsuitable.

    Check whether your pan works with induction and measure its base before choosing a model. If it does not fit, compare a conventional hotplate.

    Keeping an unsuitable pan while choosing induction may mean needing another pan for blanching.

  • Reading wattage as a promise of faster blanching

    The cited models have different stated power ratings, but those figures do not establish how long each would take to boil water in your pan. Water quantity, pan size and operating conditions also matter.

    Use wattage alongside pan compatibility and the available controls, not as a substitute for checking whether the hob suits your setup.

  • Treating a temporary worktop position as risk-free

    A portable hob still needs a stable, heat-resistant place to operate. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service advises keeping cables clear of water and hot surfaces and staying with cooking.

    Clear the surrounding space, check the lead and plug, and remain present while the blanching water heats.

  • Overlooking the plug and product identity

    A 2025 Office for Product Safety and Standards report identified a serious fire risk in a particular induction cooker whose plug had a non-conforming fuse link. That finding concerns the reported product, not every portable hob.

    Check the seller and product documentation, inspect the plug and lead on arrival, and do not use an appliance with a damaged lead or abnormal plug.

Brands to consider

These manufacturer-stated specifications offer points to compare for a blanching pan and available worktop; they are not measured blanching results.

Tefal

Tefal’s Everyday IH201840 is a portable induction option with nine power levels across a stated 450W–2100W range and a Boil Water preset.

  • Tefal also lists a timer and dimensions that can be checked against the intended worktop.
  • It requires an induction-compatible pan with a 12–25 cm base.

CASO Design

CASO Design’s ProSlim 2000 is a portable induction model with a stated maximum of 2000W and 10 power levels.

  • CASO Design lists automatic pot detection and a timer of up to 240 minutes.
  • Its stated recognised pan diameter is 12–22 cm; check the blanching pan before choosing it.

Emperial

Emperial lists a single-zone 2000W induction hob measuring 35 cm × 28 cm × 4.6 cm, with settings from 80°C to 240°C.

  • The listed controls include a four-hour timer.
  • It calls for magnetic induction cookware; a non-magnetic pan is not a suitable match.

Sterling Power

Sterling Power lists its portable IHP at 230VAC with a 200W–1500W range for buyers considering a specifically planned inverter-oriented setup.

  • The manufacturer states eight settings and dimensions of 282 mm × 311 mm × 72 mm.
  • Check the actual electrical setup and induction pan against the appliance instructions; the stated intended use does not establish suitability for every mobile installation.

VonShef

VonShef lists a portable induction hob with a 200W–2000W range and 10 heat settings from 60°C to 240°C.

  • The brand lists a timer and LED display for its single-hob model.
  • VonShef advises checking that you have a compatible induction pan before purchase.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, the cited induction models require suitable cookware, and the pan must fit the individual model’s stated size range. Tefal specifies induction-compatible pans with 12–25 cm bases for the IH201840; CASO Design states that the ProSlim 2000 recognises pans 12–22 cm in diameter.

Should I choose a hotplate if my saucepan is not induction-compatible?

A conventional electric hotplate is a route to compare if keeping that saucepan is your priority. The cited Zuvo 1500W model has a cast-iron heating surface and adjustable thermostat; check its dimensions, controls and instructions for your intended setup.

How should I position a portable hob while blanching vegetables?

Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface with room around the appliance, keep its cable away from water and hot surfaces, and stay with the cooking. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service also advises against overloaded sockets and unsafe extension leads in the kitchen.

What electrical-product rules matter when buying a portable hob?

For Great Britain, GOV.UK guidance from the Office for Product Safety and Standards says electrical equipment placed on the market must meet the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Department for Business and Trade guidance dated August 2026 says Great Britain continues to recognise CE marking alongside or instead of UKCA marking in relevant cases. Northern Ireland has different market arrangements, so check the rules applicable there rather than assuming the Great Britain position applies.

Why inspect the plug and lead before using a portable hob?

A damaged or abnormal plug or lead is a reason not to use the appliance. A 2025 Office for Product Safety and Standards report identified a serious fire risk in a particular induction cooker with a non-conforming plug fuse link; inspect your appliance and follow its instructions rather than assuming that report describes every hob.