Who is this for?

Soup cooks with induction-ready pans

You want an extra ring for boiling courgettes and then simmering soup, and you have a suitable magnetic-based saucepan.

Cooks using an existing saucepan

You want to use the pan you already own, which may have a non-magnetic base and therefore may not work on induction.

Shared-kitchen cooks with limited storage

You need to clear the worktop after cooking and must account for the available space, socket arrangement and safe storage.

What matters when choosing a portable hob?

For courgette soup, decide whether your saucepan suits induction before comparing heat controls. In a shared kitchen, check where the hob can be placed and plugged in before you use it.

Single-zone induction hob

Choose it when: You have a suitable magnetic-based saucepan and want selectable settings for bringing soup to a boil and reducing the heat.

Trade-off: A non-magnetic pan will not work; the pan base must also fit the chosen model’s stated size range.

Cast-iron electric hot plate

Choose it when: Using an existing non-magnetic saucepan suitable for an electric hot plate matters more than induction-specific controls.

Trade-off: The cooking surface remains hot after use, so it needs a safe place to cool before storage.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Heat control for soup Look at the selectable heat settings and whether a timer would help you manage a simmer; a timer does not replace supervision. If I need to boil courgettes and then keep the soup at a gentler simmer, adjustable heat is my priority; around 42% of consumers put cooking control first.
Saucepan compatibility For induction, test the pan base with a magnet and compare its diameter with the hob’s stated range. For a hot plate, check that the pan sits steadily on its heating surface. I would rather use my current saucepan than change cookware just to use the hob; around 33% of consumers make pan compatibility their primary concern.
Shared-kitchen setup Check stable placement, clearance from combustible items and the electrical load on the available socket or extension. When I need to clear a shared worktop after cooking, safe use and storage matter most; around 25% of consumers put the kitchen setup first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every saucepan works on induction

    An induction hob needs a suitable magnetic pan base; an unsuitable soup pot may not heat.

    Test the intended pan with a magnet and compare its base diameter with the hob’s stated compatibility range.

    If your current pan is unsuitable, you will need access to an induction-compatible saucepan.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A stated wattage does not establish how well a hob fits your pan or lets you adjust the heat for simmering; it is not a like-for-like cooking-speed test.

    Compare pan fit, usable controls and the proposed electrical setup before treating maximum wattage as decisive.

  • Overloading an extension setup

    Electrical Safety First warns that exceeding an extension lead’s current rating can overheat the extension, adaptor or wall plug.

    Check appliance and extension ratings, do not daisy-chain extensions, and fully unwind a cable reel before use.

  • Leaving soup unattended because the hob has a timer

    A timer or automatic shut-off feature does not remove the fire risk from unattended cooking. London Fire Brigade advises turning off the heat if you need to leave the kitchen.

    Stay with the cooking and keep cloths, paper and other combustible items clear of the hob.

Portable-hob brands to consider

Tefal

The IH210840 is an induction option for cooks with compatible pans who want manual heat settings and a compact appliance to store.

  • Tefal states that this model has seven manual power levels from 300W to 2100W, six automatic functions, a timer, pause control and a 45mm slim body.
  • Its stated induction cookware range is 12cm–26cm; check your pan’s magnetic base and diameter.

VonShef

Its single induction hob is an option for cooks looking for a stated range of manual settings.

  • VonShef states that the hob has power settings from 200W to 2000W and temperature settings from 60°C to 240°C.
  • Check that your saucepan is suitable for induction before choosing it.

CIARRA

The CBTIH1-OW is a single-zone induction option with touch controls and a timer.

  • CIARRA states that this model has 400W–2000W settings, a 0–99 minute timer and control locks.
  • Its stated cookware range is 12cm–26cm for magnetic-based pots and bowls; check the soup pan you intend to use.

Daewoo

The SDA1731 is a conventional cast-iron hot plate to consider when an existing saucepan is not suitable for induction.

  • Daewoo states that this model has a 1500W cast-iron plate, adjustable temperature control and an 18.5cm heating surface.
  • Check that your pan sits securely on the plate, and allow the surface to cool before moving or storing it.

A Joybuy induction-hob option

This portable induction option is relevant if you have a suitable magnetic-based soup pan and want selectable heat settings in a shared kitchen. Confirm the pan fit and electrical arrangement before buying.

ochama 2000W portable induction hob with touch controls

ochama 2000W Portable Induction Hob, 10 Settings and 6 Functions

Consider this single-zone induction hob if your soup saucepan has a compatible magnetic base and you want to change the heat while cooking.

The product name states 2000W, 10 power settings, six functions, touch controls, a glass panel and a safety lock.

Before ordering, confirm that your pan base fits the hob’s stated cookware requirements and that the appliance rating suits the shared-kitchen socket arrangement. Keep cooking under supervision.

View on Joybuy

Questions about using a portable hob

Will my saucepan work on a portable induction hob?

It needs a suitable magnetic base: Tefal advises checking whether a magnet sticks firmly to the pan’s base. Also compare the base diameter with the chosen hob’s stated cookware range; an aluminium pan may work only if it has a suitable magnetic base layer.

Can I plug a portable hob into a shared-kitchen extension lead?

Only if the arrangement is permitted and its rating can support the hob alongside anything else connected. Electrical Safety First advises against overloading or daisy-chaining extension leads and says cable reels should be fully unwound; use a suitable wall socket directly where available and permitted.

Can I leave courgette soup simmering while I step out?

No: London Fire Brigade advises never leaving hob cooking unattended and turning off the heat if you need to leave the kitchen. A timer does not replace supervision.

When can I clean and put away the hob?

Switch it off, unplug it and let it cool fully before wiping and storing it dry. Keep the appliance and lead away from water, and check for cable damage or scorch marks before using it again.