Who needs an extra hob?

Hosts needing one extra breadcrumb pan

If the main cooker is occupied, a single portable hob can give your breadcrumb pan its own cooking zone. For induction, check that the pan has a magnetic base and fits the model’s stated size range.

Hosts cooking with two pans at once

If both the breadcrumbs and another dish need active heat, count the pans that must be on the hob simultaneously. A two-zone arrangement may suit that workflow, provided there is room for it and the electrical setup is suitable.

Cooks keeping a non-induction pan

If your existing frying pan does not have an induction-compatible base, a conventional electric hot plate lets you consider keeping that pan. Its heating ring becomes hot, so allow for that when choosing where to set it up.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the pan you intend to use and the number of pans that need heat at once. Then compare controls, worktop space and the electrical setup for the route that fits.

Single portable induction hob

Choose it when: Breadcrumbs are the only extra pan task and your frying pan is induction-ready.

Allow for: The pan’s magnetic base must also fall within the particular hob’s supported size range.

Two-zone induction hob

Choose it when: You need to toast breadcrumbs while heating a second pan.

Allow for: A larger worktop footprint and an electrical setup suitable for the appliance’s rated load.

Conventional electric hot plate

Choose it when: You want to use a pan that is not induction-compatible.

Allow for: The heating ring itself becomes hot; do not assume it will respond to adjustments in the same way as an induction hob.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Pan compatibility and fit For induction, test the pan’s base with a magnet and compare its flat base diameter with the exact hob’s stated range. Tefal specifies 12–25 cm for the IH201840; Morphy Richards specifies 12–20 cm for its portable single hob. If I want to keep using my frying pan, its base may decide whether induction is an option at all. Around 33% of consumers put pan compatibility and fit first.
Heat control Look for clearly stated manual power or temperature settings that let you reduce the heat while stirring, rather than choosing by maximum wattage alone. I need to keep a small pan of breadcrumbs moving without letting them over-brown; around 42% of consumers prioritise adjustable heat.
Capacity and setup Check how many pans need heat simultaneously and whether the hob fits the worktop. If using an extension, check its marked load rating; Electrical Safety First advises against overloading extension leads. When the main cooker is busy, I may need room for a second active pan as well as a suitable place for the hob. Around 25% of consumers put capacity and setup first.

Buying pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming every frying pan works on induction

    A non-magnetic pan base may prevent an induction hob from heating the pan, regardless of whether its overall size looks suitable.

    Test the base of the pan you plan to use with a magnet, then check its flat base diameter against the hob manufacturer’s range.

    Keeping an incompatible pan for other cooking may mean obtaining a separate induction-compatible pan for this hob.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A high-output setting does not tell you how much control you will have while stirring and browning breadcrumbs.

    Compare the stated manual power or temperature settings and how you adjust them during cooking; treat a timer as an additional convenience, not a substitute for watching the pan.

  • Overloading an extension lead

    A portable hob adds a substantial electrical load to a lead that may already be supplying other appliances. Electrical Safety First warns against overloading extension leads and cable reels.

    Check the lead’s marked rating against the combined connected load. Do not daisy-chain extensions, and fully unwind a cable reel before high-load use.

  • Expecting a single hob to heat two pans

    A single-zone hob gives the breadcrumbs one active cooking position; it cannot heat a second pan independently at the same time.

    List the pans that need heat simultaneously before choosing a single or two-zone model, and check that the larger option fits your worktop and electrical setup.

Brands with relevant hob ranges

Tefal

Tefal’s IH201840 is a single portable induction hob to consider when you have one extra pan task.

  • Tefal specifies nine power levels, a timer and a 12–25 cm range for induction-compatible pan bases on this model.
  • Check the base of your own pan: cookware outside that compatibility and size range is not covered by the stated requirements.

Morphy Richards

Its portable single induction hob is an option for a temporary, one-pan cooking zone.

  • Morphy Richards lists a 2 kW rating, nine-stage power settings, a timer and a 28 × 32 cm footprint.
  • The stated compatible cookware diameter is 12–20 cm; compare that range with the pan you intend to use.

Daewoo

Daewoo lists a single portable induction hob with manual settings and preset programmes.

  • The manufacturer specifies 2,200 W, nine power levels and a three-hour timer for its single induction hob.
  • Confirm the exact listing’s supported pan size, dimensions and supplied connection details before choosing it for your setup.

Judge

Judge offers portable induction options for cooks considering either a single cooking position or more simultaneous capacity.

  • Judge lists ten selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C for its single electric induction hob.
  • If considering a larger model, check its dimensions, pan requirements and rated electrical load rather than assuming the single model’s details carry over.

Duronic

The HP1SS is a conventional tabletop hot plate for cooks considering a non-induction route.

  • B&Q lists the HP1SS with a 1,500 W cast-iron heating ring and a variable heat dial.
  • The ring itself heats up, so account for the hot surface during use and afterwards.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Questions about portable hobs

Do I need a particular frying pan for a portable induction hob?

Yes: an induction hob needs a pan with a magnetic base. Tefal recommends checking whether a magnet sticks firmly to the base; also compare the pan’s flat base diameter with the size range stated for the exact hob.

Can I use a portable induction hob through an extension lead?

Only if the combined load of everything connected stays within the lead’s marked rating. Electrical Safety First advises against overloading or daisy-chaining extension leads; check the rating of your particular lead and fully unwind a cable reel before high-load use.

How should I clean an induction hob after toasting breadcrumbs?

Allow it to cool, follow the appliance’s instructions for unplugging, and wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Remove loose crumbs first rather than pushing them across the surface, and do not submerge the appliance in water.