Who needs which hob?

Frequent-stir polenta cooks

If you make creamy polenta on the hob, you need to lower the heat after boiling and keep stirring. Food Network UK’s recipe calls for frequent stirring during the simmer.

Induction-ready small-kitchen users

If you already have magnetic cookware and want an extra cooking zone, compare the manual controls and dimensions of portable induction models such as those specified by Tefal UK and Judge.

Cookware-flexibility buyers

If your preferred saucepan is not induction-compatible, a conventional electric hot plate avoids the magnetic-pan requirement described in Judge’s induction-hob manual. Check that the saucepan base fits the plate.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the saucepan: induction needs a compatible magnetic base. If yours will work, compare how the hob lets you reduce heat for the simmer-and-stir stage.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Simmer control Look for manual power or temperature settings that can be adjusted during cooking; do not rely on maximum wattage alone. Once the liquid boils, I want to turn down the heat while I stir, rather than rely on an automatic boil mode. Around 36% of consumers would make simmer control their primary concern.
Existing-pan compatibility Check for an induction symbol or a magnetic base, then compare the pan-base diameter with the hob’s stated range. If I want to keep using my current saucepan, I need to know whether induction will detect its base. Around 29% of consumers would put existing-pan compatibility first.
Storage space Compare the hob’s dimensions with your available worktop and storage space. When the hob is only an occasional extra cooking zone, I need somewhere to use and store it. Roughly 21% of consumers would prioritise compact storage.
Non-magnetic cookware For a conventional electric plate, compare its diameter with the saucepan base and check that the heat is adjustable. I want to cook with a non-magnetic saucepan without replacing it. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise a conventional plate for that reason.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every saucepan works on induction

    Judge’s JEA90 manual requires cookware that can be magnetised and says pan bases under 12cm are unsuitable. A pan can therefore be the wrong fit even when the hob has the controls you want.

    Check the pan for an induction symbol or test whether a magnet sticks to its base, then measure the base against the exact hob’s stated range.

    Keeping a non-compatible saucepan may mean needing a separate induction-compatible one.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    High rated power does not tell you how the hob adjusts heat during polenta’s simmering stage. Food Network UK advises lowering the heat and stirring frequently after boiling.

    Compare documented manual power ranges or selectable temperatures, and plan to reduce the setting while you stir.

  • Treating an automatic boil setting as a polenta programme

    Reaching a boil is only one stage of stovetop polenta. The subsequent simmer still calls for reduced heat and frequent stirring, as described by Food Network UK.

    If you use a boil function initially, change to an appropriate lower setting and remain present to stir.

Brands to consider

Tefal

Tefal UK lists portable induction options including the Everyday Slim IH210840 and Everyday IH201840.

  • The Everyday Slim IH210840 has seven stated manual power levels from 300W to 2100W and a specified induction-pan range of 12cm to 26cm.
  • Both models require induction-compatible cookware; check the pan-size range for the exact model.

Judge

Judge’s JEA90 is a portable induction option with temperature selection.

  • Judge specifies ten selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C for the JEA90.
  • Its manual requires magnetic cookware and says pan bases under 12cm are unsuitable.

Pifco

The Pifco 204783 is a conventional-electric single-hot-plate option listed by Homebase.

  • Homebase specifies a 1500W rating and an adjustable-heat 18cm plate.
  • Check how its plate fits your saucepan and whether its adjustable heat meets your simmering needs.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cook polenta on a portable induction hob?

Yes, if your saucepan is induction-compatible and its base fits the hob’s stated size range. Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat and stir frequently, as Food Network UK’s polenta recipe advises.

How can I tell whether my saucepan works on induction?

Look for an induction symbol or check whether a magnet sticks to the base. Judge’s induction-hob manual requires cookware capable of being magnetised; also compare the base diameter with your chosen hob’s limits.

Should I choose an electric hot plate for an aluminium or copper pan?

A conventional electric hot plate is the practical route if the pan has no induction-compatible base. Check the fit between pan and plate and look for adjustable heat; Homebase lists those features for the Pifco 204783 but gives no low-heat steps to compare.

What should I check on a portable hob listing for Great Britain?

Check that the seller identifies the exact model and can provide its documentation for supply in Great Britain. The Office for Product Safety and Standards’ March 2025 guidance describes requirements under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 for electrical equipment placed on the GB market; a listing alone does not establish that a particular hob complies.