Owners of induction-ready saucepans
If your soup pan has a magnetic base, an induction hob is an option for cooking the vegetables and moving from a boil to a simmer. Check the pan base against the size range stated for the exact hob.
Who each hob suits
Households using different pan materials
If you want to use an existing aluminium or copper pan that is not induction-ready, consider a ceramic electric hob. Cooks Professional says its single ceramic model accepts those materials, although the pan base still needs to suit its cooking zone.
Cooks with limited worktop or storage space
If the hob must be put away between meals or provide an extra cooking zone, compare its footprint and height with your available space. Leave room for the cord, saucepan handles and safe handling of hot soup.
What matters when choosing
For broccoli soup, check the saucepan before comparing controls: a suitable setting cannot make an incompatible pan work. Then consider the space and number of cooking zones your routine needs.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Saucepan compatibility and fit | For induction, check that the base is magnetic and within the exact hob's stated size range. For ceramic, compare the pan base with the ring and the maker's pan-size guidance. | If I want to keep using my soup saucepan, I need to know it will work on the hob and fit its cooking area. Around 36% of consumers would put saucepan compatibility first. |
| Boil-to-simmer control | Compare the exact model's lowest setting, manual controls and timer; wattage and temperature settings are not interchangeable measures of simmer performance. | When soup reaches a boil, I want enough control to lower the heat without relying on a preset alone. Controllable cooking would be the main concern for roughly 29% of consumers. |
| Worktop and storage space | Compare stated height, width and depth with the space available for the hob, cord and saucepan handles. | If I have to store the hob after cooking, I need it to fit both my worktop and its storage spot. Space would come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Number of cooking zones | Decide whether one soup pot is enough or whether you need another independently controlled zone; check the exact model's dimensions and electrical instructions. | When I need another pan heating alongside the soup, a single zone changes how I prepare the meal. An extra cooking zone would be the priority for about 14% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Choosing induction before checking the soup pan
A pan can look suitable but fail to heat on induction if its base is not magnetic or induction-compatible.
Check whether a magnet sticks to the base, then measure that base against the hob's stated pan-size range.
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Assuming every stockpot fits a compact ceramic ring
The Cooks Professional single ceramic hob has a 17.5 cm cooking zone and, according to the manufacturer, works best with pans up to 22 cm.
Measure the stockpot's base rather than its rim and compare it with the exact model's guidance.
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Using wattage alone to judge simmer control
Tefal's portable induction models specify programmes or power levels, Judge describes selectable temperatures, and the Cooks Professional ceramic model states a temperature range. Those figures do not establish identical simmer behaviour.
Compare the lowest controllable setting and control type on the exact model, and supervise the soup while learning how the hob responds.
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Continuing to use a cracked cooking surface
Tefal's portable-induction user guide warns that a cracked surface presents an electric-shock risk.
Switch the appliance off, stop using it and follow the maker's approved service instructions rather than attempting an unauthorised repair.
Brands to consider
Tefal
Tefal's portable induction range includes the IH201840, specified at 2100W with soup and stew programmes, and the slim IH210840, with stated manual control from 300W to 2100W.
- Programme and manual-control options offer different ways to manage soup cooking.
- Both models require induction-compatible cookware. Check the exact model's manual or retailer specification for its supported pan-base size; IH201840 pan-range wording varies across its product information.
Judge
Judge's portable induction JEA90 is specified at 2000W and 31.0 × 27.0 × 5.0 cm, giving dimensions to compare with a small worktop or storage shelf.
- Judge describes ten selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C for the JEA90.
- Induction requires a suitable magnetic pan; check the pan-size instructions for the exact Judge model before ordering.
Cooks Professional
Its portable single ceramic electric hob is a 2000W model with a 17.5 cm cooking zone, intended for use with a range of pan materials.
- The manufacturer lists cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium and copper cookware without requiring an induction base.
- The manufacturer says it works best with pans up to 22 cm and states a 110°C–160°C temperature range. Check both pan fit and the controls against your soup-cooking routine.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Will my existing saucepan work on a portable induction hob?
It will work only if its base is magnetic or specifically induction-compatible, and its size suits the hob. Judge's induction guidance suggests checking whether a magnet sticks to the pan base; compare the measured base diameter with the exact model's stated range as well.
Should I choose ceramic if my saucepan is aluminium or copper?
A portable ceramic electric hob can let you use a non-induction aluminium or copper saucepan. Cooks Professional lists both materials for its single ceramic model, but says that model works best with pans up to 22 cm, so check the base size before choosing it.
How should I clean the hob after making broccoli soup?
Let the cooking surface cool and follow the cleaning instructions for your exact model. Tefal's portable-induction guide warns that surfaces can remain hot after use; if the surface is cracked, switch off and stop using the appliance.
What should I check when buying a portable hob for use in Great Britain?
Check the product information and instructions for the model you intend to use, including its electrical and cookware requirements. GOV.UK states that the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 set requirements for electrical equipment placed on the Great Britain market; do not assume Great Britain guidance gives the same marking answer for Northern Ireland.