If you’re someone who loves to camp, travel or simply needs an extra cooking surface at home, a portable electric hob could be the perfect solution for you. The good news is that with so many options on the market, there is a portable hob that will fit your needs and budget.
For those who want something compact and easy to use, a small table top hob could be a great choice. These are perfect for small kitchens or for those who don’t need to cook big meals. They come in a range of sizes, and some even have built-in features such as timers and temperature controls.
For those who want something more substantial, a mobile cooking hob that functions as a full-blown cooker could be a great option. These hobs come with multiple burners, ovens, and grills, and can handle larger meals with ease. They’re perfect for those who enjoy cooking on the go, and can even be used for outdoor cooking.
When it comes to choosing the right portable electric hob, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to think about your cooking needs. How many people will you be cooking for? What types of dishes do you plan to make? This will help you determine the size and features you need. You should also consider the power output of the hob, as this will affect how quickly it can heat up and cook your food. Finally, think about any additional features you may need, such as temperature controls, timers, and safety features.
In conclusion, whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or simply need an extra cooking surface at home, a portable electric hob can be a great investment. With so many options available, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Just make sure to consider your cooking needs, power output, and any additional features before making your purchase.
See Our Top Portable Electric Hobs
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1
Best For Low Budgets
1Duronic Hot Plate HP2BK Electric Single Hob
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2 | Buy On Amazon | ||
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3 | Buy On Amazon | ||
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4
Best Overall
4Tefal Everyday Induction Hob
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5 | Buy On Amazon | ||
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6
Best For Higher Budgets
6Aobosi Double Electric Portable Cooker
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1. Duronic Hot Plate HP2BK Electric Single Hob
- Variable heating settings.
- Easy to clean thermo-insulated stainless-steel.
- Thermo-insulated handles that stay cool at all times.
- Cast iron rings.
The Duronic tabletop hob is a well-designed hot plate that would be a welcome addition to any kitchen or camping site.
Crafted from stainless steel and cast iron, this durable yet lightweight mini hob sits perfectly on any tabletop without taking up too much space.
With multiple temperature settings and individual light indicators, even the most clueless cook can use this device with ease. What it lacks in size it sure does makeup in is power, topping the power scales at 1500 Watts.
With ergonomically designed handles, you will be able to move the hob to where it needs to be with ease. The handles also double up as a safety measure, protecting the pans from slipping or falling from the hobs.
Specifications
Pros
- Handles act as an anti-slip protector.
- Easily carried with handles.
- Individual neon light power indicators.
- Multiple temperature settings.
Cons
- Only one ring.
2. CUSIMAX Double Camping Electric Hob
- Variable temperature controls.
- Ceramic hobs are compatible with all types of pans.
- Crystal glass is easy to clean.
- Double hob burner.
The CUSIMAX double electric hob is the perfect camping hob for every cooking occasion.
With two ceramic rings, you can use any of your favourite pots and pans on this hob, just as you would with your home cooker.
Set on top of four non-slip rubber feet, the electric hob is both practical and safe. Once you have finished using the hob, a simple clean is enough on the slick stainless steel body to keep it sparkling.
With two heating knobs, you have the ultimate control over the heat on both of the rings. Both sturdy and lightweight, this makes the ideal camping cooking electric hob.
Specifications
Pros
- Four non-slip rubber feet.
- Seven heating settings for extra control when cooking.
- Heats and cools down extremely fast.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- The whole unit can get hot.
3. Andrew James Portable Electric Hot Plate
- Two-ring variable control.
- Non-slip rubber feet.
- Small and compact.
- Thermostatic knobs to control heat.
Coming from the respected make of Andrew James, this portable and stylish hob set will be at home with any kitchen decor.
With safety first, the non-slip rubber feet keep the hob in place while cooking and the two thermal gauges help keep the temperature just as you would like it.
The small and compact nature of the design allows this to fit in any space, kitchen or even an RV as a camping electric hob.
Made with stainless steel and cast iron, this hob set is built to last as well as provide an endless list of cooking experiences.
If anything were to happen to your hob, a favourable 2-year long warranty comes with the Andrew James portable electric hot plate.
Specifications
Pros
- Stainless steel and cast iron made.
- Two-year warranty.
- Two powerful hobs.
- Sleek and stylish design.
Cons
- Can be hard to clean.
4. Tefal Everyday Induction Hob
- Scratch-proof design.
- Magnetic induction technology.
- LED display screen.
- Touch-sensitive control panel.
Taking portable electric hobs into the 21st century, this Tefal induction hob uses state-of-the-art technology to bring modern cooking to your kitchen or camping site.
With six presets programmed in the device, users can choose between heating water, heating mil, stir fry, stews and more.
The smooth and elegant LED touch screen makes using the device easier for even the most unsavvy tech users.
Using induction heat, there is little to no chance that you are able to burn yourself, which is a great safety feature for families with little ones.
With nine power levels, a huge range of cooking methods can be carried out on the hob and you are not limited as you might be with other devices.
Specifications
Pros
- State-of-the-art technology.
- Six presets already programmed in.
- Nine power levels.
Cons
- Only suitable for induction compliant pots and pans.
5. JEROOP Portable Electric Induction Cooker
- Grade A polished glass.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Non-stick material.
- Digital LED control panel.
Harnessing the power of induction, this JEROOP portable electric hob is another state-of-the-art piece of equipment that offers so much more than its heating capabilities.
Choose from a wide range of temperature settings to truly have control over the food you cook.
Safety measures such as a built-in child lock and auto-switch off after a certain temperature will mean you and your family are free from accidents.
Touch control LED screen creates a streamlined control system that is simple and easy to use, even if this is your first portable induction cooktop.
Specifications
Pros
- Ten different temperature settings.
- Child safety lock function.
- Quiet fan for cooling down.
- Automatic shut-off.
Cons
- One single ring.
6. Aobosi Double Electric Portable Cooker
- Adjustable touch control timer.
- Double induction hob.
- Auto-shutoff.
- Safety lock function.
Arguably one of the top induction hobs on the market, Aobosi encapsulates all that is modern and smart about portable electric hobs.
Providing two separate rings, there is plenty of power and space to cook more than your average meal.
The touch LED screen has more in common with your top of the range smartphone, yet is easily navigable with your average user.
Made with scratch-resistant glass, sturdiness and stain-resistant stainless steel, this hob will be a feature of your kitchen for many years to come.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to clean black crystal glass.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Easy to clean surfaces.
- Use both hobs independently of each other.
Cons
- Only one year warranty
Portable Induction Hob Buying Guide
Electric, Gas Or Induction
When it comes to portable hobs, there can be many different power sources, including electric, gas, and even induction.
Knowing which is the right one for you will depend on where you are using it, what you are using it to cook and the environment you are cooking in.
One of the more common portable hobs on the market is the gas-powered models.
Gas hobs
Gas-powered hobs give you a lot more control over the heat by adjusting the size of the hob’s flame.
Most of the gas-powered models come with automatic ignition, though some also have a manual way of starting the flame.
A range of gas-powered hobs are known as gas-on-glass hobs. This name is reflective of the glass that surrounds each flame, making it far easier to clean.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs have become far more popular over the past couple of decades and it is easy to see why.
The clever technology that allows induction hobs to heat pans faster and with less energy is both money-saving and arguably a safer way of cooking.
The pan only begins to heart when it makes contact with the induction hob and starts to cool the instant it is removed.
You will need to ensure you are using induction specific pans when you have an induction hob or the technology will not work.
Induction hobs are also not suitable for people who have pacemakers fitted as the powerful magnetic fields technology can interfere with the pacemaker.
Electric hobs
With electrical ceramic hobs, the heat is transferred from the electrical element underneath the hob and onto the ceramic above.
Electrical hobs are fast to heat up and cool down and the ceramic element is also far easier to clean than other types of hobs.
A light will remain on after use, this safety measure is to notify you that residual heat still remains after the hob has been switched off.
Size
Portable hobs come in a wide range of different styles and sizes. Choosing the right size for you will often depend on where you are using the hob.
The moveability element of a portable hob means that you are likely to want something smaller and compact, that is both easy to move and store away.
Sizes range from something quite small, just over ten inches, to medium devices of 20 inches and far larger portable hobs with multiple rings.
Handles and stands can add to the portability of hobs and also enable far bigger sizes to be stored in cars and RVs more easily.
Advancements in technology have pushed the capabilities of electrical devices far greater than they ever have been. This means that this once cumbersome technology can be compressed into smaller devices and models.
Capacity
The capacity of portable hobs changes with each model and can restrict or help you cook multiple things at once.
With extra capacity, the price will inevitably go up with the sizes, the mobility and portability of the hobs may also change as with extra rings and capacity.
Whether you want a simple one ring hob or a multiple of choice there is a design and device on the market to fit your needs. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two styles and capacities of hobs.
2 Ring Electric Hob
The two ringed electric hob allows users far more capacity for cooking. It enables users to cook more than one pan at the same time, creating a mini cooking aga on the go.
Having two rings does have its advantages, yet it can also raise the price of the hob considerably.
Single Induction Hob
A single induction hob is a simple design that only has one single ring.
Although this limits you to only heating up one pan at a time, it does, in turn, make the whole product much more user friendly and mobile.
The sleekly designed single induction hob can often be compressed into the whole device, making it far easier to store.
The single induction hob uses induction technology to heat up fast and cool down just as fast. As it uses induction electrical technology, there is little chance of burning yourself or other such safety possible unsafe consequences.
Materials
Materials used in modern portable hobs vary from device to device and product to product and knowing which is the best for you can be difficult.
Many modern portable hobs are created out of stainless steel. This stainless steel makes the hob ultra hardy and robust, allowing users to use it year after year.
This material also makes cleaning the hob extra easy. As the name suggests, no stains will remain on a stainless steel hob.
Another common material used in portable hobs is ceramic. The advantages of opting for a portable ceramic hob can be quite substantial.
As the heating of ceramic hobs comes from below the surface, there is no exposed flame to accidentally burn yourself on.
The ceramic cover is also flat and smooth, transferring the heat to the pan far more effectively than other materials. This shows that ceramic is also a great material to opt for based on its energy-saving properties.
This energy-saving feature is also amplified by the fact ceramic heats up far faster than many other types of materials.
Features
Besides materials, fuel types, and capacity, one of the biggest draws to portable hob buyers is the range of features it offers.
From touch and temperature controls to automatic switch offs, the features on modern electric hobs can be seemingly endless.
Features have grown with the ease of technological developments and are often highly advanced.
These smart hobs have joined the ranks of other computer devices for their impressive technical capabilities.
Touch Controls
Like many modern devices, electric hobs have caught up to touch control technology.
This enables users to do away with buttons, knobs, and bulky controls and leaves a smooth service in which to touch. This touch technology works exactly as a button would’ve but without the need for one.
Touch controls enable far better control over using the hob as the technology is simple to use.
The lack of bulky buttons and knobs also makes the hob far easier to store and carry about. This makes it an ideal addition to any camping trip or an RV road trip.
Having touch control technology can increase the price of the portable hob but having it including is a huge bonus.
As this technology becomes even more commonplace throughout the industry, it may be the case that you are unable to purchase a portable electric hob without this feature.
Temperature Control
As you are cooking on electrical heat, there is no naked flame to control, so how do you manage this? The short answer is, with your temperature control feature.
This feature allows users to manage the temperature of the hob with the touch of a button or the turning of a nob.
Changing the temperature of the hob is an easy task with a thermostat-controlled heat setting. You are able to follow temperature specific recipes no matter where you are, with a temperature control feature on your portable hob
Auto Switch-Off
Another attractive feature that comes with many modern portable electric hobs is the auto switch-off feature. This safety-based feature will enable the hob to switch off it has been left on or the temperature gets too high.
As with most induction technology, the heat on the electric hob with cut out once the pan has been removed from the hob.
This means there is no hot surface left exposed and no chance of some accidentally burning themselves.
Some models of portable electric hobs will have an auto switch-off feature that can be set on a timer. This allows users more control over their hobs and when it will switch off.
This is ideal for recipes that require long cooking periods and can be left to cook and turn off by themselves.
Auto Heat-Up
Continuing with the impressive modern features, the auto heat-up feature is a state of the art addition that automatically sets the heating temperature to a higher setting and then lowers it to a prearranged temperature.
This is a great feature for cooking things that need two types of cooking settings. Take rice, for example, the hob will bring the pan to the boil then reduce its temperature to achieve just a gentle simmering.
Pricing Range
The pricing range for portable electric hobs varies greatly, and the final figure will depend on a number of different factors.
These factors include, what make or brand name the hob is and the kind of technology the hob uses; is it standard electric or induction.
Other factors that affect the price include the type of features the device offers and if it has touch controls.
Single ring hobs will cost far less than a double or even a triple ring hob and a larger hob will cost far more than a smaller one.
The price range for a portable electric hob can vary anywhere from £30 to £100 and sometimes far more.
Our Verdict
With a huge variety of styles, features and makes of portable electric hobs, the market is a difficult one to navigate.
As we have seen, picking the right one for you will depend on a long list of differing factors.
Once you know how and where you are going to use your portable electric hob, you can then narrow down your choice significantly.
Small choices such as how many rings you will need, or how much am I willing to pay for my portable hob will help you make a well-informed decision with ease.
If you are using your hob regularly, a sturdy and robust design is needed, if you are taking it camping or RVing, then a more mobile and lightweight model is required.