Who this choice matters to

Small-batch cooks seeking gentle control

You want to adjust the heat while stirring an egg-based mixture, rather than use a hob chiefly for rapid boiling.

Cooks keeping an existing saucepan

You need a portable hob but would rather not replace an aluminium, copper or other non-induction pan.

Occasional cooks with limited worktop space

You want one cooking zone that can be stored between uses, with room to place it safely near a suitable power supply.

What to check before buying

For one-person lemon curd, start with heat control and your saucepan: induction offers selectable power settings on the models discussed here, while a direct-contact ceramic plate can accommodate non-induction cookware.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Gentle heat control Compare the lowest selectable setting and how you adjust it. Neither a wattage setting nor a dial marking tells you the temperature of the curd. If I am stirring a small egg-based batch, I need to turn the heat down as it thickens; around 42% of consumers would put gentle control first.
Saucepan compatibility For induction, check that the pan is induction-compatible and its flat base fits the exact model’s stated range. For ceramic, check the plate and recommended pan size. I would rather use my existing non-magnetic saucepan than replace it for one recipe; around 33% of consumers would make cookware compatibility their primary concern.
Compact, safe setup Check the hob’s dimensions and cord reach against your worktop and socket. Electrical Safety First advises checking an extension lead’s rating and the combined load of connected appliances. When worktop space is limited, I need a single zone I can place and store safely; roughly 25% of consumers would prioritise the setup.

Buying pitfalls

  • Buying an induction hob before checking the saucepan

    Induction cookware must be compatible, and a small pan may still have a base outside the hob’s stated size range.

    Check the pan maker’s induction guidance and measure the flat base against the range for the exact hob model before ordering.

    If your saucepan is unsuitable, using the induction hob for this recipe would require a compatible pan.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage

    A high maximum setting does not show how gently the hob can heat a small, continuously stirred mixture. Tefal also warns against leaving small quantities unattended on its high-power boil function.

    Compare reduced settings and manual adjustment, keep stirring, and consider a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water for a more buffered method.

  • Treating different control markings as equivalent

    A ceramic plate’s dial and an induction hob’s power stages describe different controls; neither establishes the temperature inside the lemon curd.

    Check how the particular hob is adjusted at low heat, alongside its cookware requirements, rather than comparing setting numbers alone.

  • Overloading an extension lead

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

    Check the lead’s rating and the combined load, avoid connecting extension leads together, and follow the hob’s electrical instructions.

Relevant brands to consider

Tefal

The Everyday Induction Hob IH201840 is a model to examine if you want manual power adjustment for a small saucepan.

  • Tefal UK lists six functions and settings spanning 350W to 2100W for the IH201840.
  • It requires induction-compatible cookware. Check the pan-base requirements in the instructions for this model, and do not leave a small quantity unattended on a high-power boil setting.

Morphy Richards

Its portable single induction hob is a compact single-zone option to compare with the space available in your kitchen.

  • Morphy Richards UK lists nine power stages and a compatible induction-pan diameter of 12cm to 20cm.
  • An existing pan must be induction-safe and fall within that model’s stated diameter range.

VonShef

Its single induction hob is worth comparing when a low listed power setting is important to your cooking method.

  • VonShef lists ten power settings from 200W to 2000W and separate heat settings from 60°C to 240°C.
  • VonShef advises checking pan compatibility before purchase; the listed settings do not establish the temperature of the curd.

Cooks Professional

Its single electric ceramic hob is a direct-contact alternative if keeping a non-induction saucepan is the deciding factor.

  • Cooks Professional says this model works with cookware including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium and copper.
  • Its ceramic-plate controls cannot be read as equivalent to an induction hob’s power steps or as a measure of curd temperature.

Joybuy induction hob options

This portable induction option is relevant if you want adjustable settings for a small batch and have an induction-compatible saucepan. Check the pan fit and lowest usable setting for your recipe before choosing it.

ochama 2000W portable induction hob with touch controls

ochama 2000W Portable Induction Hob

Consider this single hob if you want adjustable heat while making a small batch and can use induction-compatible cookware.

It has ten power settings, six functions and touch controls. Check whether its lowest setting and your saucepan’s flat base suit the way you make lemon curd; cookware needs a ferromagnetic base.

Keep its ventilation openings clear, and do not move the hob while it is operating.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any small saucepan on a portable induction hob?

No: the saucepan must be induction-compatible, and its flat base must fit the particular hob’s stated range. Morphy Richards UK specifies 12cm to 20cm for its portable single induction hob; check the instructions for any other model rather than assuming the same range. A direct-contact ceramic hotplate is an alternative for a non-induction pan.

Should I use a boost or boil setting for one-person lemon curd?

Use reduced heat and stir continuously rather than relying on a boost setting to cook the curd. British Baking Recipes describes a method using a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, without the bowl touching the water; Tefal warns that small amounts of liquid can boil dry if a high-power boil function is left unattended.

How should I clean a portable hob after making lemon curd?

Let the hob cool, then follow the model’s instructions for wiping its cooking surface. Keep the appliance and cord out of water, and check the manufacturer’s guidance before using cleaning products on the plate.

What electrical safety checks matter before buying?

Check the model’s electrical and placement instructions, the plug and the power supply you intend to use. The Office for Product Safety and Standards explains that the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 set requirements for equipment placed on the Great Britain market; that Great Britain guidance does not establish the position for Northern Ireland. You can also check the GOV.UK product safety alerts and recalls service for the appliance.

Can I run a portable hob from an extension lead?

Only if the lead’s rating and the combined load of everything connected to it are suitable for the appliance’s instructions. Electrical Safety First warns that high-power kitchen appliances used with other large appliances can overload an extension lead and create a fire risk; use a suitable, accessible wall socket when possible.