Who needs which features?

One-pot cooks short of worktop space

If potato soup usually takes one saucepan, a hob you can move and store after it has cooled may free up the worktop between meals. Check where both the appliance and its cable will go.

Cooks hoping to keep their saucepan

Your existing pan needs a suitable magnetic base of the right diameter for the chosen hob. Measure the flat base rather than relying on the saucepan’s advertised rim size.

Cooks who value simmering controls

If you make soup regularly, compare the documented power settings, timer and programmes. Those controls may matter more to you than choosing the smallest available footprint.

What matters when choosing?

For potato soup in a small kitchen, check that the hob fits your worktop and saucepan before comparing its cooking controls. If you normally use one pan, a second zone also needs to justify the space it takes.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Footprint and storage Measure the available worktop, allowing room for pan handles and the cable. Compare the hob’s external width and depth, and decide where it can be stored after cooling. If I need the worktop back after making one-pot soup, I want a hob I can move out of the way safely. Around 46% of consumers put footprint and storage first.
Saucepan fit Check that the flat pan base is magnetic and falls within the chosen hob’s stated diameter range; the rim measurement is not enough. Keeping my current soup pan matters if I have little room for another one. Roughly 36% of consumers make cookware compatibility their primary concern.
Simmering and care Compare documented heat settings and timer controls, then read the chosen model’s instructions for cleaning, switching off and cable placement. When I cook soup often, I want straightforward heat adjustments and a routine I can manage in a small kitchen. About 18% of consumers prioritise control and care.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by the saucepan’s rim diameter

    The flat base can be smaller than the stated rim size. Judge’s JEA90 manual says a pan base under 12 cm is unsuitable for that model.

    Measure the magnetic base and compare it with the selected hob’s cookware requirements before buying.

  • Assuming every portable hob takes the same space

    Published dimensions differ: IKEA lists its one-zone TILLREDA at 27 cm × 30.5 cm, while Judge lists the two-zone JEA92 at 33 cm × 55 cm. A second zone can take up worktop you need for preparing soup.

    Compare external width and depth with your clear worktop area, including space for the pan handle and a safe cable route.

  • Relying on pan detection to switch the hob off

    IKEA’s TILLREDA manual instructs users to switch the hob off with its control rather than relying on the pan detector.

    Use the selected model’s controls after cooking and follow its instructions before cleaning or putting it away.

  • Treating a soup preset as proof that your pan will fit

    Tefal lists soup and stew functions for the IH201840, but a preset does not settle magnetic-base compatibility. Tefal’s published pan-size wording also differs between IH201840 pages.

    Confirm the exact model’s pan-base requirements in its listing and manual before choosing it for your saucepan.

Brands to consider for portable induction cooking

IKEA

IKEA describes its one-zone TILLREDA as movable and stowable, with a published footprint of 27 cm × 30.5 cm.

  • Worth considering when clearing the worktop after one-pan cooking is a priority.
  • Check the TILLREDA manual against your saucepan’s material and base size; its compact dimensions do not establish pan compatibility.

Tefal

Tefal’s portable Everyday range includes the IH201840, which lists soup and stew programmes, power settings and a timer.

  • The IH201840 is a model to compare if accessible controls for regular soup-making matter to you.
  • Tefal’s IH201840 pages differ on accepted pan-base sizes, so check the exact listing and manual before relying on a stated range.

Judge

Judge lists the portable single-zone JEA90 at 31 cm × 27 cm and also offers the larger two-zone JEA92.

  • The JEA90 manual gives a clear magnetic-cookware requirement and says pan bases under 12 cm are unsuitable.
  • The 33 cm × 55 cm JEA92 needs substantially more worktop room, so consider it only if cooking with two pans at once matters to you.

Portable hob on Joybuy

This portable induction hob is relevant if you want to cook one-pot soup and move the appliance when you need the worktop back. Check its dimensions, cooking-zone count and the required magnetic pan-base size against your kitchen and saucepan before choosing it.

ochama 2000W portable induction hob with touch controls

ochama 2000W Portable Induction Hob

Consider this portable hob for one-pot soup if it fits both your worktop and saucepan. Its product name specifies 2000W, touch controls, 10 power settings, six functions and a safety lock. Confirm the external dimensions, cooking-zone count and supported magnetic pan-base size before ordering.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Will my existing saucepan work on a portable induction hob?

It can work if its flat base is magnetic and meets the chosen hob’s size requirements. Judge’s JEA90 manual rules out bases under 12 cm, while the Tefal IH201840 shop listing specifies induction-compatible bases of 12–25 cm. Measure the base, not just the rim.

Can I use an extension lead if the socket is awkwardly placed?

Check the exact hob’s instructions rather than assuming an extension lead is suitable. IKEA’s TILLREDA manual says not to connect that model with extension cords or run its cord across working areas; plan a socket and cable route that comply with your chosen model’s manual.

How should I clean the hob after making soup?

Let it cool and follow the cleaning instructions for your model. Tefal’s IH201840 listing specifies a damp, soft cloth for its ceramic plate; IKEA’s TILLREDA manual says not to use a steam cleaner.

Does a portable induction hob need UKCA marking?

UKCA is not the only marking accepted for electrical equipment placed on the Great Britain market: GOV.UK’s product-marking table lists UKCA or CE. Northern Ireland has a separate CE and UKNI marking regime, so check the requirements applicable to where the product is supplied rather than applying the Great Britain answer unchanged.