Who needs an extra hob?

Hosts cooking onions in one extra pan

If the main cooker is needed for the rest of dinner, a single induction zone can give the onion pan its own position. This route depends on having an induction-compatible pan that fits the chosen hob.

Hosts cooking two dishes at once

A twin hotplate provides separate positions for onions and another pan, such as one holding sauce or vegetables. Check the rating of each plate: the Cookworks model has unequal 1500W and 1000W zones.

Hosts using a temporary setup and existing pans

Pan compatibility may decide whether induction is practical. The cited Cookworks cast-iron hotplate is listed as accepting any pan; for a ceramic model, confirm the cookware requirements before relying on it for dinner-party cooking.

What matters when choosing?

Decide whether the extra hob is mainly for controlling one onion pan or for keeping two pans in use. Then check that your cookware, worktop and electrical arrangement suit the model.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Adjustable heat for onions Look for usable manual settings and check the permitted pan size. If onions occupy my extra pan for a long session, I need to adjust the heat as they cook; around 36% of consumers put control of that pan first.
Room for another pan Check for separate zone controls and each plate’s rating, not just the total wattage. When onions take up one position, I need another for a sauce or vegetables at the same time; roughly 29% of consumers prioritise simultaneous pan capacity.
Existing cookware Confirm induction compatibility where required, plus the hob’s pan-size rules. If I want to use the pans I already own, compatibility could determine the hob type; about 21% of consumers put cookware flexibility first.
Space and temporary setup Measure the worktop and storage space, and check the appliance and any extension equipment’s ratings. With limited worktop space, I need somewhere suitable to position, power and later store the hob; around 14% of consumers prioritise setup and storage.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying induction before checking the onion pan

    A portable induction hob needs compatible cookware. The CASO Design ProSlim is specified for induction pans only, while Tefal UK gives a 12–26 cm pan range for the IH201840.

    Check your pan’s induction compatibility and base diameter against the particular hob before choosing it.

  • Assuming both plates have the same output

    The Cookworks double hotplate is listed at 2500W in total, divided between 1500W and 1000W plates. The total does not describe what either position supplies on its own.

    Check which plate fits each pan and reserve the higher-rated position for the more demanding cooking task.

  • Using an extension as unlimited extra capacity

    Electrical Safety First warns that exceeding an extension device’s marked rating can cause overheating and fire. A cable reel also needs to be fully unwound to achieve its rating.

    Check the hob’s electrical requirements against the extension equipment’s rating, use one extension device per wall socket and do not connect extensions to one another.

  • Measuring only the hob’s footprint

    A second cooking zone also needs space for its pan and handles. Cast-iron plates need time to cool before the hob is moved or stored.

    Plan the full worktop position, including preparation space, and leave a suitable place for the appliance to cool after use.

Brands to consider

Tefal

The IH201840 is a single-zone induction option for an onion pan when adjustable settings and compatible cookware are priorities.

  • Tefal UK specifies nine power levels, six cooking functions and a 12–26 cm pan range for this model.
  • It provides one cooking zone, requires a suitable pan and should not be left unattended in use.

Cookworks

The cited double cast-iron hotplate is an option when two separately controlled pans matter more than a single-zone setup.

  • Separate controls are listed, and the model accepts any pan.
  • Its 2500W total is split between 1500W and 1000W plates; do not assume equal output from both positions.

CASO Design

The ProSlim is a single portable induction option for a worktop where placement and storage space matter.

  • A 2000W model is specified with a 29 cm × 39 cm footprint and a sealed ceramic surface.
  • It has one zone and works with induction-compatible pans only.

Russell Hobbs

The Mini Hob is a two-plate ceramic option to investigate when a second pan position is the priority.

  • Russell Hobbs UK lists two ceramic plates and describes the model as suitable for compact spaces.
  • Check the model documentation for plate ratings, dimensions and cookware requirements before deciding whether it fits your cooking plan.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I choose a single induction hob or a double hotplate for onions?

Choose a single induction hob if onions are your only extra-pan task and you have compatible cookware. Choose a double hotplate if another dish needs a pan at the same time; check the individual zone ratings, as the Cookworks 2500W model is listed with 1500W and 1000W plates.

Will my frying pan work on a portable induction hob?

Only if the pan is induction-compatible and meets the chosen hob’s size requirements. Induction pans are specified only for the CASO Design ProSlim, and Tefal UK specifies a 12–26 cm pan range for the IH201840.

Can I use an extension lead with a portable hob?

Use one only if the extension equipment is suitable for the hob’s electrical load and remains within its marked rating. Electrical Safety First advises fully unwinding cable reels, avoiding daisy-chained extension devices and not using damaged equipment.

Is CE marking acceptable for a portable hob sold in Great Britain?

CE marking is recognised alongside UKCA marking for relevant products placed on the Great Britain market, according to Department for Business and Trade guidance updated in August 2026. Electrical equipment must also meet the applicable Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 requirements; a marking alone does not establish that a particular hob meets them. Arrangements in Northern Ireland differ, so check the product information for the market where it is sold.