Who needs which setup?

One-pan cooks with induction-ready cookware

If onions are the only extra pan you need to cook, a single induction zone could be enough. Check that your intended pan works with induction and that its base fits the hob’s stated pan-size range.

Family cooks using two pans at once

If onions need to cook while you prepare a sauce, vegetables or another part of the meal, look at two-zone models. Allow room for the appliance and check its instructions for using both zones together.

Cooks keeping non-induction pans

If you want to keep using pans that may not work on induction, consider a compatible ceramic or cast-iron electric hot plate. Plan for the cooking surface to cool before cleaning or storage.

What matters when choosing?

Single induction

Choose it when: Onions are your only extra pan and you have induction-compatible cookware.

Trade-off: The one portable zone cannot cook another pan at the same time.

Double induction

Choose it when: Onions and another part of dinner both need an active pan.

Trade-off: Both pans must work with induction, and the appliance needs more worktop room.

Double ceramic or cast-iron hot plate

Choose it when: You need two zones and want to keep using suitable non-induction cookware.

Trade-off: The heating surface remains hot after cooking, so it needs cooling time before cleaning or storage.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Adjustable heat for onions Compare the lowest selectable setting and whether you can adjust it manually, rather than judging by maximum wattage alone. If I need the onions to soften and brown while I prepare dinner, I want to be able to turn the heat down; around 42% of consumers put adjustable heat first.
Two-pan capacity Check the worktop footprint and whether the stated power is for each zone or the appliance as a whole. When the onions occupy one pan, I need another zone for the rest of the meal; around 33% of consumers make simultaneous two-pan cooking their main concern.
Cookware and worktop fit Check pan compatibility and size, then confirm that the appliance has a stable, suitable place near a usable socket. I want to keep using my pans without crowding the worktop or compromising a safe setup; around 25% of consumers prioritise cookware and worktop fit.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming your onion pan will work on induction

    An induction hob needs compatible cookware, and a pan can still be the wrong size for a particular model.

    Check the pan for an induction symbol or test whether a magnet sticks to its base, then compare the base diameter with the hob’s stated range.

    If the pan is unsuitable, using that hob may mean getting another pan.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A high maximum output does not tell you how much control you will have when you turn the heat down for onions.

    Compare documented lower settings and manual controls. Check timer options if you want one, but do not treat a preset as a substitute for adjusting the heat.

  • Assuming both zones deliver their headline output together

    A double hob’s total rating and its per-zone ratings answer different questions when two pans are in use.

    Read the model’s simultaneous-use instructions and power-allocation details before relying on it for both parts of the meal.

  • Overloading an extension setup

    Electrical Safety First warns that high-power cooking appliances used with other large appliances can overload an extension lead and create a fire risk.

    Follow the hob maker’s electrical instructions, use a stable, dry worktop and avoid overloading sockets or extension leads. Stop using equipment that shows scorching, overheating or repeated tripping.

Brands to consider

Tefal

The IH201840 is a single-zone induction option to consider when you want adjustable controls for one pan.

  • Tefal lists a timer and compatibility with pans from 12 cm to 26 cm for the IH201840; check that your induction-ready onion pan fits.
  • It provides one cooking zone, so a second pan needs another cooking position.
  • Tefal says this model is eligible for its 15-year repair commitment at a fair price. Check the applicable repair terms before relying on that commitment.

VonShef

Its listed induction models include single- and double-zone formats, depending on how many pans you need to use together.

  • VonShef lists 10 power settings from 200 W to 2000 W for its single induction model. Its double model lists two 1400 W plates, with 2800 W total output.
  • Both formats need induction-compatible pans; the double format also needs more worktop room.

Geepas

Its listed double ceramic hot plate is relevant if you need two zones and want to use suitable cookware that is not induction-ready.

  • The Tesco Groceries Marketplace listing specifies 2000 W and separate temperature-control dials.
  • Allow the ceramic surface to cool before wiping or storing the appliance.

Duronic

The HP2 BK offers two cast-iron electric rings with dial controls for cooks planning to use two pans.

  • Duronic specifies a 1500 W, 18.7 cm ring and a 1000 W, 15.2 cm ring for the HP2 BK.
  • Compare those ring sizes with your pans and leave time for the surfaces to cool after use.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need a single or double portable hob for onions?

A single zone can handle the onions if they are your only extra pan; choose two zones if another part of the meal must cook at the same time. For a double hob, check its footprint and whether the stated wattage applies to each zone or to the whole appliance.

Will my frying pan work on a portable induction hob?

It will work only if it is induction-compatible and within the model’s supported pan-size range. Check for an induction symbol or test the base with a magnet; Tefal states a 12 cm to 26 cm pan range for its IH201840.

When can I clean and put away an electric hot plate?

Switch it off and let it cool fully before wiping or storing it, following the model’s instructions. This matters particularly for ceramic and cast-iron hot plates because their cooking surfaces heat during use.

Can I use an extension lead with a portable hob?

Do not assume an extension lead is suitable for a high-power hob. Electrical Safety First warns that using high-power cooking appliances with other large appliances can overload an extension lead; follow the hob’s instructions, avoid overloaded sockets and seek qualified electrical advice if the setup is in doubt.

Does a portable hob need UKCA marking in Great Britain?

UKCA is not the only marking that can be relevant. In its August 2026 Great Britain guidance, GOV.UK says CE marking continues to be recognised alongside or in place of UKCA where the applicable product rules permit it. Check the rules and supplied safety information for the particular hob rather than treating either mark alone as a complete safety check.