One-pot curry cooks
You need to move from frying spices to cooking potatoes and sauce at a gentler heat, using one cooking zone rather than a full cooker.
Who this suits
Small-kitchen cooks
You have limited worktop space and want to put the hob away after making a meal for one.
Existing-pan keepers
You would rather use your current curry pan, so its base and the hob’s cookware requirements could decide which type you choose.
What matters when choosing
Portable induction
Choose it when: Your pan is magnetic and you want one compact cooking station. Tefal UK lists fry, boil and stew functions on the Everyday Slim IH210840.
Bear in mind: A non-magnetic pan will not work with induction; the surface also needs careful handling after cooking.
Electric hot plate
Choose it when: You want a conventional single plate with a dial and would prefer not to switch to induction cookware.
Bear in mind: Check that your pan sits securely on the plate and allow the appliance to cool before moving it.
Portable ceramic hob
Choose it when: You want to keep a flat-bottomed, non-magnetic pan and could use more than one cooking zone.
Bear in mind: A two-zone model takes more worktop space than a single-zone hob; check its installation instructions and electrical rating.
For a one-person potato curry, the deciding factor is usually whether you prioritise changing the heat during cooking, keeping your current pan or clearing the worktop afterwards.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Frying-to-simmer control | Look for adjustable heat and check whether your saucepan fits the cooking zone. Tefal UK lists fry, boil and stew functions for the Everyday Slim IH210840. | If I fry spices before simmering potatoes and sauce, I want to lower the heat without guesswork. Around 40% of consumers put that control first. |
| Pan compatibility | Test your pan base with a magnet before choosing induction, and check the model’s permitted pan sizes. For another hob type, confirm that the pan sits flat and securely. | My current curry pan is the one I want to keep using, so whether it works with the hob could settle the choice. Keeping an existing pan is the primary need for around 30% of consumers. |
| Storage and setup | Measure the working and storage space, plan a stable heat-resistant position near a suitable socket, and read the model’s cleaning and cable instructions. | With little worktop space, I need to cook safely and put the hob away once it has cooled. That space-and-clean-up need comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming every saucepan works on induction
IKEA explains that induction transfers energy into magnetic cookware. A non-magnetic curry pan may not work on an induction hob.
Test the pan base with a magnet and check the exact hob’s permitted pan dimensions.
Keeping an incompatible pan may mean obtaining another pan for induction cooking.
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Planning to use whichever extension lead is handy
The IKEA TILLREDA manual prohibits extension cords for that model and says its cable must not cross working areas. Kitchen water, hot surfaces and trailing leads also need attention.
Choose a stable, heat-resistant position with an appropriate reachable socket, and follow the instructions for the hob you buy.
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Leaving the hob while frying
Frying oil or spices needs supervision. London Fire Brigade advises against leaving hob cooking unattended and says to turn off the heat if you leave the kitchen.
Stay with the hob, keep cloths and packaging away from the cooking area, and turn it off before stepping away.
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Taking an older listing as a current purchase option
Joybuy’s Quest 35240 listing describes a conventional hot plate but also says that model is no longer available.
Use its specifications to understand the format, then check the current model and its documentation before choosing an alternative.
Brands to consider for these hob types
Tefal
The Everyday Slim IH210840 is a portable induction option for cooks with magnetic pans who want a compact, single-zone setup.
- Tefal UK specifies a 45 mm-thick design and six functions, including stew, boil, stir fry and fry, for this model.
- Check that your intended pan is compatible with induction; these model details do not describe every Tefal hob.
IKEA
IKEA presents its one-zone TILLREDA induction hob as a portable option for a smaller kitchen or an extra cooking zone.
- IKEA says TILLREDA can be moved and stowed away when not in use.
- Use magnetic cookware and follow TILLREDA’s model-specific cable and cleaning instructions.
Quest
The Quest 35240 is a reference for the conventional single-hot-plate format rather than a current purchase option.
- Joybuy’s listing specifies a 1500W cast-iron plate, an 18.5 cm plate diameter and an adjustable dial.
- The same listing says the 35240 is no longer available; check the specifications of any current alternative separately.
Joybuy induction hob option
This portable induction option is worth considering if your curry pan is magnetic and you want adjustable settings for frying before lowering the heat. Check the pan-size requirements and your available cooking space for the exact model.
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ochama 2000W Portable Induction Hob, 10 Settings, 6 Functions
For a one-pot curry, this portable induction hob offers settings to change the heat between frying and gentler cooking.
Joybuy’s ochama listing specifies 2000W, 10 power settings, six functions, touch controls, a glass panel and a safety lock.
Use a compatible magnetic pan and confirm the permitted pan sizes and cooking-zone dimensions before buying. Follow the product’s electrical instructions; its description warns that the panel becomes hot and that the hob must not be moved while operating.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a different pan for a portable induction hob?
You need a magnetic pan, but your current one may already qualify. Test its base with a magnet and check the hob’s permitted pan-base dimensions; IKEA explains that induction transfers energy directly into magnetic cookware.
Can I use an extension lead with a portable hob?
Check the instructions for the exact hob rather than assuming an extension lead is suitable. The IKEA TILLREDA manual specifically says not to connect that model with extension cords or run its cable across working areas; keep the cooking position near an appropriate socket.
When can I clean and store an induction hob after cooking?
Turn the hob off with its control and let it cool before cleaning or storing it. For TILLREDA, IKEA warns that accessible parts become hot during use and advises against scouring powder, steel wool and sharp cleaning tools; follow your own model’s instructions.
What safety checks matter for an unfamiliar induction hob?
Check current product-safety notices and examine the plug, cable and product documentation for the exact model. In a report published on 11 August 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards identified a particular induction cooker with a serious fire risk linked to a non-conforming plug fuse link; the finding does not apply to every portable induction hob.