Who needs which setup?

One-pot small-kitchen cooks

If you make soup in one saucepan and put the hob away afterwards, focus on its worktop footprint, storage height and available heat settings before considering a second zone.

Cookware-first buyers

If you want to keep using a favourite saucepan, establish whether it works with induction before choosing between an induction hob and a ceramic hotplate.

Compact-kitchen multi-pan cooks

If you regularly use another pan alongside the soup pot, a second zone may be useful, provided the larger hob and its electrical requirements suit your kitchen.

What matters when choosing?

Single portable induction hob

Choose it when: One compatible saucepan is enough and you want a cooking zone you can put away.

Bear in mind: Induction heats the pan, but the saucepan must be induction-compatible and within the model's permitted base-size range.

Single portable ceramic hotplate

Choose it when: Keeping a non-induction saucepan is your main concern, subject to the hotplate's cookware instructions.

Bear in mind: Unlike induction, an electric ceramic hob heats elements beneath its cooking surface, which becomes hot.

Portable two-zone induction hob

Choose it when: You regularly need the soup pot and another pan cooking at the same time.

Bear in mind: Two zones take up more worktop space; check the appliance's total load and use induction-compatible pans.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Worktop space and storage Compare each hob's width and depth, then allow room for the saucepan handle and cable. Check its height against the intended storage space. I need room to prepare the leeks while the pot cooks, then somewhere to put the hob away. Around 31% of consumers would put worktop space and storage first.
Saucepan compatibility For induction, check the symbol on the pan base and compare its base diameter with the hob's stated range; for ceramic, follow the chosen model's cookware guidance. Keeping my existing soup saucepan matters more than changing cooking method. For around 25% of consumers, cookware compatibility would be the primary concern.
Boil-to-simmer control Look at the documented manual power range and timer rather than assuming a named soup programme gives the control you want. I want to bring the soup to a boil, then turn it down for the rest of cooking. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise that control.
Second pan and electrical setup Decide whether you need two zones, then check the hob's total rated power and your socket arrangement. Electrical Safety First advises against overloading or daisy-chaining extension leads. I sometimes cook something else alongside the soup, but the larger hob also has to suit my space and power setup. That would be the leading concern for around 19% of consumers.

Buying mistakes to avoid

  • Ordering an induction hob before checking the pan

    The intended saucepan must work with induction and meet the chosen hob's pan-base size requirements.

    Look for the induction symbol underneath the saucepan and check its base diameter against the hob's instructions before ordering.

    If that saucepan is unsuitable, using the induction hob for soup may mean obtaining a compatible one.

  • Choosing by wattage without measuring the space

    A power rating does not tell you whether the hob, its cable and a saucepan handle will fit comfortably in your preparation area.

    Measure the intended position and compare the model's stated width, depth and height before choosing it.

  • Overloading an extension setup

    Electrical Safety First warns that overloaded extension leads and adaptors can overheat and cause fire.

    Prefer a suitable wall socket. If an extension lead or reel is unavoidable, check its marked rating against the combined load, do not daisy-chain leads and fully unwind a cable reel.

  • Assuming two zones will help with one-pot soup

    A second zone is useful when another pan needs heat at the same time, but the appliance takes up more worktop space.

    Choose two zones for a regular two-pan task; otherwise, compare single-zone models against your saucepan and control needs.

Brands to consider

Tefal

Its Everyday and Everyday Slim portable induction models are relevant to a one-pan, storable setup.

  • Tefal UK states that the Everyday Slim is 45 mm thick and rated at 2100 W.
  • Both models require induction-compatible pans; check the permitted pan-base range for the particular model.

VonShef

Its portable induction range includes single- and two-zone options.

  • VonShef lists ten power settings from 200 W to 2000 W for its single model and up to 2800 W total for its dual model.
  • The dual model needs space for two zones, while both induction options require suitable pans.

CASO Design

The ProSlim 2000 is a low-profile, single-zone induction option.

  • The product information lists its body at 29 cm × 39 cm × 2.8 cm, giving you dimensions to check against your worktop and storage space.
  • It is for induction-compatible pans; check local availability before relying on the listing.

Quest

Its single digital induction hob offers another one-pan option with listed temperature and timer controls.

  • The product information lists ten temperature settings from 60°C to 240°C, a 1-to-180-minute timer and dimensions of 29 cm × 35.5 cm × 7 cm.
  • Check that your saucepan is induction-compatible and that the stated dimensions fit your available space.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Can I make leek soup on a single portable induction hob?

Yes, if the saucepan is induction-compatible and its base fits the model's permitted size range. Tefal states that its Everyday Slim accepts induction pans from 12 cm to 26 cm and has manual power settings from 300 W to 2100 W; check that those controls suit the way you cook.

How can I tell whether my saucepan works with induction?

Check underneath for an induction symbol, then measure the base rather than the rim and compare it with the chosen hob's instructions. Tefal, for example, states a 12 cm to 25 cm induction-pan base range for its Everyday IH201840 model.

Should I choose ceramic to keep a non-induction saucepan?

A portable ceramic hotplate is worth considering if keeping that saucepan is your deciding need, but check the individual model's cookware instructions first. Which? explains that electric ceramic hobs heat elements beneath the glass, so allow for a hot cooking surface during use.

Can I use a portable hob with an extension lead?

Only use an extension device if its marked rating accommodates the combined load of everything connected to it. Electrical Safety First warns against overload and daisy-chaining, and advises fully unwinding cable reels; a suitable wall socket avoids relying on an extension setup.