Who each hob suits

One-pot cooks with induction-ready pans

A single induction zone is worth considering if your soup saucepan has a flat, magnetic base and fits the chosen hob’s supported pan-size range.

Cooks keeping a mix of existing pans

A single ceramic hotplate may suit you if your regular saucepan is aluminium, copper or another pan that does not work on induction.

Cooks using two pans at once

A double hob is relevant if you regularly prepare soup alongside another dish and have enough clear worktop space for both pans.

What matters when choosing

Single induction hob

Choose it when: Your soup pan has a flat, magnetic base and you mainly cook with one saucepan.

Trade-off: A non-magnetic pan will not work, even if the hob offers the heat settings you want.

Single ceramic hotplate

Choose it when: Keeping an existing flat-bottomed aluminium or copper pan matters more than using induction.

Trade-off: The cooking surface remains hot after switch-off and needs time to cool before cleaning or storage.

Double induction hob

Choose it when: You regularly simmer soup while using a second pan.

Trade-off: It needs more clear worktop room, and both pans must be induction-compatible.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Pan fit and simmer control For induction, check that the pan base attracts a magnet and falls within the model’s supported diameter range. Compare its adjustable heat settings for reducing a boil to a simmer. I want to use my existing soup pan and turn the heat down after boiling, rather than discover that the pan will not heat. Around 36% of consumers put pan compatibility and simmer control first.
Worktop and storage space Measure the available width and depth with the saucepan and handle in place; check the hob’s full dimensions and cable position before deciding where it will go. If worktop space is tight, I need somewhere stable to cook and somewhere practical to put the hob away. For around 29% of consumers, space is the primary concern.
Second-pan capacity Decide whether two zones will be used regularly, then check the supported pan-base range for each zone and the space both pans require. I often cook something alongside the soup and need both pans heating at once. A second zone comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Electrical setup Check the hob’s rated load and any extension lead’s marked rating; keep the appliance and its controls away from water. My socket or kitchen layout may limit where I can cook without overloading a lead or placing the hob near splashes. Electrical setup is the leading concern for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying induction before checking the saucepan

    An induction hob will not heat a pan without a magnetic base, however suitable its controls look for soup.

    Test the base with a magnet, check that it is flat and compare its diameter with the exact hob’s supported range.

  • Choosing two zones for a one-pot routine

    A second zone takes up more worktop room without helping when you normally use only one saucepan.

    Choose two zones for a recurring second-pan task; otherwise assess the single hob’s footprint, pan fit and heat controls.

  • Overloading an extension lead

    Electrical Safety First warns that extension leads have different current ratings and can overheat when overloaded. Its guidance puts the maximum load for a single socket at 13 A, or about 3,000 W.

    Check the lead’s marked rating and the combined load of connected appliances. Do not daisy-chain extensions, and fully unwind a cable reel when using its full current rating.

  • Cooking too close to the sink

    Water, hot soup and a portable electrical appliance need a layout that keeps leads and controls away from splashes.

    Use a dry, stable, heat-resistant area and handle electrical equipment with dry hands. Disconnect the hob before cleaning it.

Relevant brands to consider

CASO Design

Its ProSlim 2000 is a slim, single-zone induction option for a compatible saucepan.

  • CASO Design specifies a 28 mm-high body, 2,000 W rating, 10 power levels and support for induction cookware measuring 12–22 cm.
  • Check your pan size and the plug and instructions supplied with the particular unit before ordering for use in the UK.

Quest

A single induction option with touch controls and a timer in the cited retailer listing.

  • The manufacturer lists a 2,000 W rating, 10 temperature settings from 60°C to 240°C and a 1–180 minute timer for the cited model.
  • It still requires an induction-compatible saucepan; check the exact model’s supported pan size.

Cooks Professional

Its single ceramic hotplate is relevant when keeping non-induction pans is a priority.

  • Cooks Professional states that its cited 2,000 W model works with cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium and copper pans, with the stated pan recommendation extending up to 22 cm.
  • The manufacturer lists a 7.5 cm height and an 80 cm cord. Plan its position and let the cooking surface cool before storage.

VonShef

The cited double induction model is for cooking with two suitable pans at once.

  • The manufacturer lists two zones, a 2,800 W total rating and compatibility with induction pan bases measuring 12–20 cm.
  • Allow room for both pans and check their bases; the total rating also matters when assessing the electrical setup.

Joybuy options for one-pot cooking

This single-zone induction option is relevant if you plan to cook courgette soup in one induction-compatible saucepan. Check the pan fit and available worktop space before choosing it.

ochama 2000 W portable induction hob

ochama 2000 W Portable Induction Hob

Consider this for a one-pot soup routine if your saucepan is induction-compatible. The product title specifies 10 power settings, touch controls and a safety lock; compare the hob’s supported pan-base range and dimensions with your pan and worktop before ordering.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

Will my existing saucepan work on a portable induction hob?

It will work only if its base is magnetic and meets the chosen hob’s pan-size requirements. A magnet test is a useful initial check; CASO Design specifies a 12–22 cm cookware diameter for its ProSlim 2000, but other models may differ.

Can I use an aluminium or copper soup pan on a ceramic hotplate?

Cooks Professional states that its cited single ceramic hob works with aluminium and copper pans, as well as cast iron and stainless steel. Check the exact hotplate’s pan and surface instructions; Cooks Professional recommends pans up to 22 cm for that model.

Can a 2,000 W portable hob run from an extension lead?

Only use an extension lead whose marked rating accommodates the hob and every other connected appliance. Electrical Safety First notes that extension leads can be rated at 13 A, 10 A or less, advises against daisy-chaining and says to fully unwind a cable reel when its full current rating is needed.

When can I clean and put away a ceramic hotplate?

Switch it off, disconnect it before cleaning and let the surface cool before wiping or storing it. Cooks Professional warns that the cooking surface on its cited ceramic model remains hot after switch-off.