Who needs a portable hob?

Cooks needing an extra gravy zone

When the main hob is occupied, a portable zone gives the gravy its own pan space. If controlled reduction is the priority, compare the lower settings and pan requirements of the induction models you are considering.

Households using mixed cookware

If the saucepan you use for gravy has a non-magnetic base, check ceramic models rather than assuming it will work on induction. Cooks Professional states that its single ceramic hob accepts several pan materials, including aluminium and copper.

Cooks managing two extra pans

If gravy and another part of the meal both need space beyond the main cooker, two independently controlled portable zones may help. Ciarra offers a double induction model, though both pans must suit induction cooking.

What matters when choosing?

Single-zone induction

Choose when: Your gravy pan has a compatible magnetic base and you want selectable power settings on one extra zone.

Trade-off: The pan base must meet the particular hob's compatibility and size requirements.

Single-zone ceramic

Choose when: Using a non-magnetic gravy pan is the deciding factor and one extra zone is enough.

Trade-off: Check whether the model's controls and recommended pan size suit the way you reduce gravy.

Two-zone induction

Choose when: Gravy and another pan both need portable cooking space at the same time.

Trade-off: You need room for the larger hob and compatible pans for both zones; check the combined power rating.

Concern What to check when buying Who this matters to
Controlled reduction Compare the lowest selectable power or temperature setting and how the controls change heat once the gravy is hot. A timer does not replace supervision. If I need to keep gravy reducing while the rest of the meal cooks, I want to adjust the heat as it thickens rather than choose by maximum wattage. Around 42% of consumers put that control first.
Saucepan compatibility For induction, check that the pan base is magnetic and within the model's stated diameter range. For ceramic, compare the pan with the recommended size. I want to keep using my existing gravy saucepan, particularly if it has a non-magnetic base. For around 33% of consumers, keeping that pan is the primary need.
Extra cooking capacity Decide whether one zone is enough. For two-zone induction, check worktop space, both pans' compatibility and the hob's combined power rating. When another dish needs a pan alongside the gravy, I need two usable zones rather than one. That extra capacity comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming every saucepan works on induction

    The induction models discussed here require a compatible magnetic-base pan, and their permitted pan diameters vary.

    Check your gravy pan's base and compare its diameter—not just the rim diameter—with the exact hob's guidance.

    An incompatible pan may mean using a different saucepan for the gravy.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    Maximum output does not tell you how much control you will have once the gravy is hot and reducing.

    Compare the lower settings and control steps first, then check that your pan fits the hob's stated requirements.

  • Adding up two per-zone maximums

    Ciarra lists up to 2000W per zone for its CUTIH2-OW double hob, alongside a combined 2800W rating. Do not assume both zones can deliver their quoted maximum at once.

    Check the combined rating and any zone-sharing guidance if you expect to heat two pans simultaneously.

  • Letting cables or cloths crowd the cooking area

    The Fire Kills campaign warns about overloaded extension leads and damaged cables; Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service advises keeping leads and cloths away from the cooker and not leaving pans unattended.

    Use a stable, suitable worktop, keep the cable and flammable items clear, check the plug and cable, and remain present while the gravy reduces.

Relevant brands to consider

Tefal

The Everyday Induction Hob IH201840 is a single-zone induction option for cooks comparing selectable settings.

  • Tefal lists nine power levels from 450W to 2100W, cooking programmes and a timer.
  • It requires induction-compatible cookware; check your pan against the stated 12–26cm suitability range.

Ciarra

Ciarra offers the CBTIH1-OW single induction hob and CUTIH2-OW double induction hob for different amounts of extra cooking space.

  • Ciarra lists 400W–2000W for the single model and two independently controlled zones with 2800W combined output for the double model.
  • Both are induction options. On the double model, read per-zone claims alongside the combined output.

VonShef

Its single portable induction hob is an option for cooks comparing lower selectable power settings.

  • VonShef states a 200W–2000W power range with ten power settings.
  • Confirm that the saucepan you intend to use is induction-compatible before choosing it.

Cooks Professional

Its single ceramic hob is a route for cooks who want to use cookware without an induction magnetic-base requirement.

  • Cooks Professional states compatibility with cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium and copper cookware.
  • It recommends pans up to 22cm; check whether its dial control suits your reduction method.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a particular saucepan for a portable induction hob?

Yes: the induction models discussed here need a pan with a compatible magnetic base. Check the base diameter against the exact model's stated range; the examples have lower limits of 12cm, while their upper limits vary.

Can I use an aluminium or copper gravy pan on a portable ceramic hob?

Cooks Professional states that its single ceramic hob works with aluminium and copper cookware, as well as cast iron and stainless steel. It says the hob works best with pans up to 22cm, so compare that guidance with your saucepan.

Can I leave gravy reducing if the hob has a timer?

No: a timer is not a substitute for watching the pan. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service advises against leaving pans unattended and recommends keeping cloths and electrical leads away from the cooker.

Should I plug a portable hob into an extension lead?

Check the hob manufacturer's connection instructions before setting it up, and do not use an overloaded extension lead or adaptor. The Fire Kills campaign also warns against damaged electrical cables, so inspect the plug and lead before use.