For one pot of potato soup, a single portable induction hob is a compact choice if your saucepan has a magnetic base within the hob’s stated size range. If a second pan needs heat at the same time, choose two zones: induction requires compatible cookware, while a twin electric hotplate lets you keep non-induction pans, provided they fit securely on its plates. Whichever route you choose, follow the appliance instructions and stay with the soup while it cooks.
If soup is the only pan needing heat, a single induction hob may be enough. Check that your saucepan has a magnetic base and meets the chosen model’s pan-size guidance; Tefal UK and Judge specify different limits for their models.
If soup must simmer while you heat a topping or side dish, look for two separately controlled zones. The two-zone IKEA TILLREDA induction hob and Daewoo twin hotplate illustrate different cookware routes.
If your soup pan is not magnetic, a conventional electric hotplate avoids the induction-cookware requirement. You still need to check that its flat base sits securely on the plate you intend to use.
Choose when: Soup is the only pan you need to heat, and your saucepan meets the hob’s magnetic-base and size requirements.
Trade-off: One zone cannot keep soup simmering while a second pan cooks.
Choose when: Soup and another dish regularly need heat at the same time, and both pans are induction-compatible.
Trade-off: Allow worktop space for both zones and follow the model’s connection instructions.
Choose when: You need two heated pans but want to keep a non-magnetic soup saucepan.
Trade-off: The plates may differ in size and output, and their surfaces remain hot after cooking.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Two-pan capacity | Check for separate zone controls and enough room for the soup pan beside the second pan. IKEA UK and Daewoo Electricals describe two-zone models with different outputs on each zone. | If soup must simmer while a side dish heats, I need both pans in use without crowding the worktop. Around 36% of consumers put two-pan capacity first. |
| Induction pan fit | Test the saucepan’s base with a magnet and compare its base diameter with the exact model’s guidance. Tefal UK states a 12–26 cm pan range for IH201840; Judge specifies a minimum 12 cm base for JEA90. | I want the controls of an induction hob, but only if my soup pan will work on it. Around 29% of consumers make induction compatibility and pan fit their primary concern. |
| Keeping current pans | For a non-magnetic saucepan, consider an electric hotplate and check that its plate supports the pan securely. Daewoo Electricals lists 18.5 cm and 15.5 cm plates for SDA1732GE. | If my current soup pan is not induction-ready, I would rather find a hob it can sit on securely than replace the pan. Roughly 21% of consumers prioritise keeping their existing cookware. |
| Storage and setup | Measure the available worktop and storage space, and plan a safe cable route using the chosen model’s instructions. | When the portable hob is only an occasional extra cooking zone, I need somewhere practical to use and put it away. About 14% of consumers place compact storage and setup first. |
Induction needs a magnetic pan base, and the permitted size depends on the model. The diameter printed for a saucepan may describe its rim rather than its flat base.
Test the base with a magnet and measure it against the exact hob’s pan guidance before buying.
An incompatible soup pan would need replacing to use that induction hob.
With one zone, soup and a heated side dish must take turns on the hob.
List the pans that need heat at the same time; choose two zones if simultaneous cooking is a regular part of the meal.
Twin hotplates can have unequal plates. Daewoo Electricals lists 18.5 cm and 15.5 cm plate diameters for SDA1732GE, so the intended soup pot needs its own fit check.
Compare the pot’s flat base with both plates and follow the appliance instructions for keeping the pan centred and stable.
A cooking programme or child lock does not prevent soup from boiling over or replace supervision. Tefal UK and IKEA UK instruct users not to leave their appliances unattended in operation.
Stay present while heating and simmering, then switch the hob off at its controls after use.
The Everyday Induction Hob IH201840 illustrates the single-pan induction route for soup.
The two-zone TILLREDA 305.931.23 illustrates induction cooking for soup alongside another heated dish.
The SDA1732GE twin electric hotplate illustrates a two-pan route for households keeping non-induction cookware.
The JEA90 2000 W portable induction hob illustrates another single-pan route.
Yes: a portable induction hob needs cookware with a magnetic base. Judge’s JEA90 manual also identifies bases below 12 cm as unsuitable for that model. Test your saucepan’s base with a magnet and check the size guidance for the exact hob you choose.
Choose two zones if soup and another heated dish regularly need to cook at the same time. IKEA’s two-zone TILLREDA uses induction-compatible pans, while Daewoo’s SDA1732GE is a twin electric hotplate; check cookware fit and worktop space for either route. If soup is the only pan needing heat, one zone may be sufficient.
No: stay with the hob while the soup heats and simmers, including when using a programmed function. Tefal UK and IKEA UK instruct users not to leave their appliances unattended during operation.
Follow the instructions for your exact appliance rather than assuming an extension lead is suitable. IKEA UK’s TILLREDA manual says not to connect that hob with extension cords or route its cable across work areas.