Who needs which hob?

One-pot cooks with limited space

If you soften leeks and simmer soup in the same saucepan, a single-zone hob can be stored after cooking. Check that the saucepan works with induction before choosing one.

Cooks who want a gentle simmer

If you need to reduce the heat after boiling, compare the lower manual settings and any soup or stew mode. Keep checking the pan while it cooks, particularly with smaller quantities of liquid.

Cooks using a second pan

If another part of the meal needs heat while the soup simmers, a dual-zone hob provides a second cooking position. Allow for its worktop footprint and check both pans for induction compatibility.

What matters when choosing?

Check your saucepan first, then compare the settings you would use for simmering. A second zone matters if you regularly need two pans heating together.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Simmer control Compare lower manual power settings and any soup or stew mode; check the instructions for how a preset behaves. After bringing soup to the boil, I want to turn it down without leaving it at a rolling boil. Around 38% of consumers would put simmer control first.
Pan compatibility Check for an induction-compatible base and compare its diameter with the exact hob’s stated range. I want to keep using my existing soup pan rather than discover it will not heat on the hob. For around 31% of consumers, pan compatibility would be the primary concern.
Space and zones Measure the available worktop and storage space; choose two zones if another pan must heat alongside the soup. I need either a hob I can put away or space to cook with a second pan. That space-and-zones decision would come first for around 31% of consumers.

Buying mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming any soup pot will work

    A portable induction hob may not heat a non-magnetic pan or one whose base is too small for that model.

    Check for an induction symbol or test whether a magnet sticks to the base, then compare the base size with the hob’s instructions. The 12 cm minimum in Judge’s JEA92 manual is model-specific.

    You may need a different saucepan if your existing one is incompatible.

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    Maximum output does not tell you how the hob adjusts heat for the simmer after the soup boils.

    Compare the exact model’s lower manual settings, timer and soup or stew mode rather than relying on its maximum output.

  • Leaving a preset to supervise the pan

    Tefal warns that programme behaviour varies with the cookware and liquid quantity; a small amount of liquid may boil dry before an alert.

    Stay present while the hob is in use and treat a preset as a prompt to check the saucepan, not permission to leave it unattended.

    A pan that boils dry may be damaged.

  • Choosing two zones without measuring

    A second zone helps only if you will use another pan, while the unit needs more worktop space than a single-zone alternative.

    Measure where the hob will stand and be stored. If you plan to use both zones, check the model’s per-zone power behaviour and both pans’ compatibility.

Portable hob brands to consider

Tefal

Tefal lists single-zone portable induction models including the Everyday IH201840 and the slimmer IH210840.

  • Tefal UK lists manual power control and cooking functions for these models; the IH201840 includes soup and stew modes.
  • Tefal says programme results can vary with the pan and liquid quantity and instructs users not to leave the hob unattended.

Judge

Judge’s portable induction range includes the single-zone JEA90 and a dual-zone model.

  • Judge lists 10 selectable temperatures from 60°C to 240°C for the JEA90.
  • Check the instructions for the model you choose: the magnetic-pan and 12 cm minimum-base guidance cited here comes from Judge’s JEA92 dual-zone manual.

VonShef

VonShef lists portable induction hobs in single- and dual-zone formats.

  • The single-zone product page states a 200W–2000W power range; the dual-zone page states two plates capable of 1400W each.
  • For the dual-zone model, check how power is managed when both plates are in use and make sure both pans work with induction.

Joybuy products for leek soup

Related products coming soon.

Questions about portable hobs

Can I use my usual saucepan on a portable induction hob?

Only if its base is induction-compatible and fits the chosen hob’s stated size range. Judge’s JEA92 manual suggests checking whether a magnet sticks to the base; Tefal states a 12–26 cm pan suitability range for its IH201840, but you should use the dimensions for the model you choose.

Can I leave leek soup cooking on a soup preset?

No. Tefal instructs users not to leave its induction hob unattended and warns that programme behaviour can vary with cookware and liquid quantity. Check the pan during cooking even when a preset or timer is running.

When would I need a dual-zone hob for leek soup?

Choose two zones if you need another pan heating while the soup cooks. For one saucepan, a single zone avoids the extra worktop footprint; with a dual-zone model, check both pans and how its power is managed across the plates.

What should I do about a damaged cord or a product recall?

Do not use a hob with a damaged cord; Tefal directs owners of its appliance to an approved repair centre. To check a model for recalls, use the current recall information provided by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, as signposted by Electrical Safety First.

What electrical-equipment rules apply to a hob supplied in Great Britain?

The Office for Product Safety and Standards says the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 set requirements that electrical equipment must meet before being placed on the Great Britain market. Keep the model identification and instructions so you can check the product you receive. For delivery to Northern Ireland, check the rules applicable there rather than assuming Great Britain guidance applies unchanged.