Who is a portable hob suitable for?

One-pot small-kitchen cooks

If soup usually needs just one saucepan, a single-zone hob may suit a worktop you also need for preparation. Measure its space while cooking as well as where you will store it.

Induction-ready soup makers

If your saucepan has a suitable magnetic base, an induction model with selectable power or temperature settings gives you controls to consider for bringing soup to the boil and simmering it.

Existing-pan users

If your soup pot is not induction-compatible, a conventional electric hotplate is an alternative to check before replacing the pan. Compare the pot's base with the hotplate's cooking ring.

What matters when choosing a hob?

Start with a safe place to use one saucepan, then decide whether heat controls or keeping your existing pan is the more important choice between induction and a conventional hotplate.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Operating space Measure the clear space for the hob, pan handle and cable. Use a stable, heat-resistant surface. When the worktop is crowded, I need somewhere to cook safely, not merely a slim hob that fits in a cupboard. Around 42% of consumers put operating and storage space first.
Soup heat control Check the stated power or temperature settings and whether the model offers a lower-heat setting for simmering. For soup made in one pan, I want to bring it to the boil and then reduce the heat without relying on a preset alone. Controllable heat is the primary need for around 33% of consumers.
Saucepan compatibility For induction, check that the base is magnetic and within the model's supported size range; otherwise, compare conventional hotplates. If I want to keep my current non-magnetic pot, induction-specific controls cannot make that pot work. Keeping an existing saucepan comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing induction before checking the saucepan

    A pot can be the right size yet still fail to work on induction if its base is not magnetic.

    Test the base with a magnet or check the pan maker's induction guidance, then compare the base size with the hob's stated range.

  • Assuming a slim hob needs little cooking space

    A storage-thickness figure does not include the room needed for the saucepan, handle and cable while the hob is in use.

    Measure the clear cooking area and place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface, with the cable clear of water and heat.

  • Assuming the larger pan-size figure applies

    Tefal UK gives two upper pan-diameter limits for the IH201840 in different parts of its product information: 24cm and 26cm.

    If your pan is near either limit, confirm the supported base size in the current instructions or retailer specification before ordering.

  • Leaving the hob because it is portable

    A compact appliance still presents cooking fire risks. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service advises against leaving cooking unattended.

    Stay with the soup while it cooks and keep towels, kitchen roll and packaging away from the appliance.

Brands to consider

Tefal

Tefal's single-zone induction range includes the Everyday IH201840 and Everyday Slim IH210840 for cooks considering adjustable controls and put-away storage.

  • Tefal UK lists nine power levels from 450W to 2100W and soup and stew functions for the IH201840; it states that the IH210840 is 45mm thick.
  • The IH201840 product information gives conflicting upper pan-size limits of 24cm and 26cm. Confirm the current supported range for a borderline pan; the Slim model's thickness does not establish its cooking footprint.

VonShef

VonShef offers a portable single-zone induction hob as another route for cooking with a compatible saucepan.

  • VonShef describes its single induction hob as offering up to 2000W.
  • Check the model's dimensions, compatible pan sizes and controls against your worktop and soup pot before choosing it.

Judge

Judge's portable induction hob is an option for cooks who prefer selecting a stated temperature and already have suitable magnetic cookware.

  • Judge Cookware states that its induction hob has ten selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C.
  • Magnetic cookware is required. Check the appliance's operating dimensions against the clear space available.

Duronic

Duronic's HP1 is a single conventional electric hotplate to consider when retaining a non-induction saucepan matters more than induction-specific controls.

  • Duronic describes the HP1 as a 1500W cast-iron-ring hotplate with broad cookware compatibility, cool-touch handles and non-slip feet.
  • Check the saucepan base against the ring size and let the plate cool before moving or storing it. Its listed features do not establish the same soup programmes as the induction models described here.

Joybuy product choices

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will my saucepan work on a portable induction hob?

It will work only if its base is suitable for induction and falls within the hob's supported size range. Judge Cookware explains that induction requires magnetic cookware; check your pan with a magnet or consult its maker's guidance before comparing hob specifications.

Will a 45mm-thick hob solve a limited-worktop problem?

Its thickness may help with storage, but it does not tell you how much worktop the hob needs in use. Tefal UK states that the Everyday Slim IH210840 is 45mm thick; measure the clear space for the appliance, saucepan handle and cable separately.

How should I set up a portable hob for soup?

Use a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep the cable clear of water and hot areas. Keep combustible items away and stay with the soup while it cooks, in line with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's advice not to leave cooking unattended. Follow the instructions for your particular hob.