Who needs which kind of hob?

One-pot family soup cooks

If the meal centres on one saucepan or stockpot, you need a cooking zone that fits its base and lets you move from boiling to a manageable simmer.

Two-pan family-meal cooks

If you prepare soup alongside another part of the meal, two usable zones let you keep both pans on the hob rather than cook each in turn.

Existing-cookware keepers

If your soup pot is not magnetic and you want to keep using it, consider a conventional ceramic or cast-iron hot plate instead of induction.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the pot you intend to use and whether the meal needs one pan or two. Then check how the hob lets you reduce the heat for simmering.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Pot fit and cooking zones Measure the pot’s flat base against the exact hob’s compatible pan range. If using two pans, check that both fit on the worktop and cooking zones together. I need my family soup pot to fit, and a second pan matters if other food must cook at the same time. Around 40% of consumers would put pot fit or simultaneous cooking capacity first.
Simmer control Check the documented lower power settings and number of levels; consider a timer if it suits your cooking method. After bringing the soup to a boil, I want to turn the heat down without relying on a maximum-power setting. Simmer control would come first for around 40% of consumers.
Cookware and storage Test the pot base with a magnet before choosing induction, and compare the hob’s dimensions with your worktop and storage space. I want to keep using my current pot, or I have limited room for a portable appliance. Roughly 20% of consumers would make cookware compatibility or space their primary concern.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every saucepan works on induction

    A non-magnetic pot will not work as intended on an induction hob, whatever the hob’s stated power.

    Test the flat base of your soup pot with a magnet and check its diameter against the chosen model’s compatible range.

    If you choose induction, you may need to replace a non-magnetic soup pot.

  • Choosing one zone for a two-pan meal

    A single hob means cooking in sequence when the soup and another pan both need heat.

    Consider two zones if simultaneous cooking is a regular part of the meal; check that both pans fit and how the exact model operates when both zones are in use.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A high maximum setting does not tell you whether your pot fits or how you will lower the heat once the soup boils.

    Compare the stated pan range and lower power settings, then check whether the controls and timer suit the way you cook.

  • Overlooking the cable and plug

    Electrical Safety First highlights the combination of water, hot surfaces and trailing cables in kitchens.

    Inspect the appliance, plug and cable before use, keep the lead away from water and hot surfaces, and stop using damaged equipment.

Brands to consider for portable hobs

Tefal

Portable induction models include the Everyday IH201840 and Everyday Slim IH210840 for an extra cooking zone.

  • Tefal UK lists soup and stew functions for the IH201840, alongside nine power levels from 450 W to 2100 W, a timer and a 12 cm to 26 cm induction-pan range.
  • The IH201840 requires induction-compatible cookware; check your soup pot’s base before choosing it.

VonShef

Its single portable induction hob is an option when one countertop cooking zone is enough.

  • VonHaus lists ten power settings from 200 W to 2000 W and ten heat settings from 60°C to 240°C for the single model.
  • B&Q specifies induction-pan bases of 12 cm to 20 cm for this model, so measure a larger stockpot before purchase.

Judge

Its portable induction range includes single and double hobs for one-pot or two-pan preparation.

  • Judge describes its single induction hob as having ten selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C.
  • Judge’s induction instructions specify magnetic pans; check the dimensions and controls of the particular single or double model.

Duronic

Conventional portable electric hot plates include double-ring models for cooking with two pans.

  • Duronic specifies 1500 W and 1000 W cast-iron rings for its HP2 double hot plate.
  • A double-ring appliance needs room for both pans; compare its dimensions with your available worktop and storage space.

Geepas

Its portable hot-plate range includes ceramic, cast-iron and induction models.

  • Geepas UK lists a 2000 W portable double ceramic hot plate and describes its ceramic surfaces as easy to wipe clean.
  • Check pan-fit guidance and controls for the exact model, as these details differ across the range.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will my soup pot work on a portable induction hob?

It will work only if its base is magnetic and fits the chosen hob’s stated pan range. Test the flat base with a magnet and measure it, rather than using the pot’s rim diameter; Tefal UK specifies a 12 cm to 26 cm induction-pan range for the IH201840.

Is one portable cooking zone enough for family leek soup?

One zone can be enough when the meal is mainly soup in a single pot that fits the hob. If you regularly need another pan heating at the same time, consider a two-zone model and check that both pans fit together.

What should I check before using a portable hob in the kitchen?

Inspect the appliance, plug and cable, and position the lead away from water and hot surfaces. Electrical Safety First highlights these kitchen hazards, while the Health and Safety Executive identifies visual examination as an essential part of checking portable electrical equipment; stop using equipment that appears damaged.