Who needs a portable hob?

One-pot family soup cooks

If one saucepan will do the cooking, focus on whether its base fits securely and whether the hob lets you turn a boil down to a simmer. For induction, compare the flat pan-base diameter with the chosen model’s stated range.

Consumers keeping their existing pans

If your soup pot is not induction-compatible, a ceramic or cast-iron hot plate may let you keep using it. Geepas describes these formats as working with almost any type of pan; still check the selected model’s cookware instructions.

Temporary-kitchen and extra-zone users

A movable hob can provide a cooking zone in a temporary setup or alongside an existing cooker. Decide whether you need one pan or two at once, then check the space available for both use and storage.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the soup pot and the number of pans you need to heat at once. Then compare simmering controls, available space and the electrical setup for the exact hob.

Single induction hob

Choose when: One compatible soup pot is the main cooking task.

Bear in mind: The pot’s magnetic base must fit the model’s supported range, and there is no second zone.

Single ceramic or cast-iron plate

Choose when: You need one cooking zone but want to use a pot unsuitable for induction.

Bear in mind: The plate itself gets hot, and a second dish must wait its turn.

Double electric hot plate

Choose when: Soup and another pan need separate, simultaneous heating.

Bear in mind: Allow worktop and storage space for two zones, and check the appliance’s electrical requirements.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Pot compatibility and fit For induction, test the flat base with a magnet and measure its diameter against the exact model’s supported range. Check that the pot sits securely. If I want to keep my family-size soup pot, I need to know it will work and sit securely before choosing the hob. Around 33% of consumers put pot compatibility and fit first.
Simmering control Compare the selectable low-heat settings and timer for the exact model, not just its maximum wattage. Once the soup boils, I want to reduce the heat without relying on a high-output setting. Simmering control comes first for around 27% of consumers.
Space and cooking zones Measure the worktop and storage space; check whether you need one zone or two independently controlled zones. In a small kitchen, I need a hob I can put away, unless another dish needs its own zone. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space or an extra zone.
Electrical setup Check the hob’s instructions and plug and cable condition. If an extension lead is unavoidable, check its rating against the combined connected load. Before cooking at a temporary worktop, I want to be confident that the appliance and socket arrangement are suitable. Electrical setup is the primary concern for around 20% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Buying induction before checking the soup pot

    Induction needs compatible cookware, and supported pan-base sizes vary by model. Tefal specifies bases of 12–26 cm for IH210840 and 12–25 cm for IH201840.

    Test the flat base with a magnet, measure that base rather than the pot’s rim, and compare it with the chosen hob’s instructions.

    An unsuitable pot may mean using a different hob format or obtaining compatible cookware.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    A maximum-output figure does not tell you which lower settings are available when the soup needs to simmer.

    Check the exact model’s selectable power or temperature range, timer and manual controls. Keep supervising the pot rather than treating a soup preset as a recipe guarantee.

  • Overloading an extension lead

    Electrical Safety First warns that exceeding an extension lead’s maximum current rating can overheat the plug or lead and create a fire risk.

    Use a suitable wall socket where possible. If a lead is necessary, check its marked rating and the combined connected load, and do not daisy-chain leads.

  • Assuming an online listing settles product-safety questions

    A product listing is not a substitute for checking the identity and condition of the appliance you receive. Product-safety alerts and recalls can also concern electrical appliances.

    Keep the model details and instructions. If a safety concern arises, check the GOV.UK product-safety alerts, reports and recalls service for that exact product.

Portable-hob brands to consider

Tefal

Its named portable induction models give buyers specific power controls and pan-base ranges to compare with a soup pot.

  • Tefal UK specifies seven manual levels from 300 W to 2100 W and a 12–26 cm induction-pan range for IH210840. Its IH201840 listing specifies nine levels from 450 W to 2100 W and a 12–25 cm base range.
  • Both named models require induction-compatible cookware; do not apply either model’s dimensions or settings to another Tefal hob.

Judge

The JEA90 is a single induction option with published dimensions for checking worktop space.

  • Judge Cookware specifies 10 selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C, 2000 W output and dimensions of 31 × 27 × 5 cm for JEA90.
  • Check the manual or seller information for its supported pan-base diameter before choosing it for an existing pot.

Daewoo

The listed SDA2771GE is a single induction option for buyers comparing adjustable power and protective controls.

  • The product information lists 2200 W output, nine-stage power control, a three-hour timer, a child lock and overheat protection for SDA2771GE.
  • The listing’s descriptive text also names SDA1805. Confirm the model on the packaging and instructions before relying on the listed features.

Innoteck

Its DS-5503 induction hob has published dimensions that can be checked against a compact worktop or storage area.

  • Innoteck specifies 28 × 35 × 4.7 cm, 2000 W output, a child safety lock and a 24-hour preset timer for DS-5503.
  • Innoteck says the hob requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base; confirm your pot’s suitability before buying.

Geepas

Its portable-hot-plate range offers induction, ceramic and cast-iron formats for comparing cookware needs and the number of zones.

  • Geepas describes ceramic and cast-iron plates as working with almost any type of pan and double hot plates as providing independently controlled zones.
  • Those are range-level descriptions. Check the chosen model’s cookware instructions, dimensions and controls rather than assuming they are shared across the range.

Portable hobs on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will my soup pot work on a portable induction hob?

It needs an induction-compatible base that fits the chosen hob’s supported size range. A magnet sticking to the flat base is a useful initial check; then measure that base and compare it with the exact model’s instructions. Tefal lists 12–26 cm for IH210840 and 12–25 cm for IH201840.

Is one cooking zone enough for family carrot soup?

One zone can be enough if the meal needs only a single soup pot of suitable size. If another pan must be heated at the same time, consider a double hot plate with independently controlled zones, as described for double units by Geepas.

Can I use a portable hob with an extension lead?

Check the lead’s marked current rating and the combined load of everything connected to it before use. Electrical Safety First warns against exceeding the lead’s rating and advises against daisy-chaining extension leads; a suitable wall socket avoids relying on a lead where one is available.

What should I do before cleaning a portable hot plate?

Switch it off, unplug it and let it cool completely before following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Geepas advises a damp cloth and mild detergent for ceramic and stainless-steel surfaces rather than abrasive scourers; check the selected model’s instructions for its cooking surface.