Your Guide to the 5 Best Electric Stove Portable

Last Updated on December 8, 2023

Kitchen utensils have gone a long way, giving us more options than ever to choose from including non-toxic cookware. Many customers are now going the portable route instead of the fixed setup one that eats up your kitchen space pretty fast.

Thanks to recent advancements, you don’t have to compromise when picking a portable electric burner. The best portable electric stoves pack tons of power under the hood, allowing them to heat your food in no time and maintain steady temperatures when needed.

You’ll be surprised by the list we’ve curated for you, and at times, your mind will freeze for a second and ask how that’s even possible in a portable form factor!

Our Top Picks:

1. Techwood Hot Plate Electric Single Burner – Best Overall

2. Elite Gourmet Countertop Coiled – Value Pick

3. IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner – Most Compact

4. Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner Cooktop – Best for a Sleek Finish

5. Sunmaki Portable Induction Cooktop – Best Safety Features

The 5 Best Electric Stove Portable in 2022

Buckle up as we walk you through our diverse list of portable electric stoves! No matter what you’re looking for in your new stove, we’re sure we’ve got the best portable electric stove for you. All you need is a flat surface and an electric outlet to prepare your favorite dishes!

1. Techwood Hot Plate Electric Single Burner – Best Overall

No products found.

Techwood has mastered the formula of portable electric burners with their models that come packed with tons of bells and whistles while maintaining a compact form factor. This is especially true for Techwood hot plate single burner stove.

The appliance is powered by 1800 watts, allowing it to heat your food in no time. This can be a game-changer on cold camping nights, as you won’t have to wait forever to savor your warm sauces.

The electric cooktop also gives you tons of versatility in your meals’ choices, as it delivers precise temperature control. Whether you’re cooking scrambled eggs or preparing pasta for your family, the two thermostatically controlled knobs allow you to land on just the desired cooking temperature. So, say goodbye to food sticking to your pots and pans; Techwood has got you covered!

Speaking of pots and pans, the hot plate burner works with a wide range of cookware options. You get minimal heat loss with different types of cookware made of copper, stainless steel, and cast iron. Furthermore, the portable hot plate maintains fast heat distribution for pots with a maximum size of 7.5 inches, which is more than enough for a hot meal for the whole family.

In terms of durability, the Techwood single burner doesn’t disappoint. It comes in a stainless steel finish that withstands even the messiest cooks out there. You can make your portable stove as good as new by just wiping it with a clean cloth.

Techwood also designed the brushed stainless steel housing to blend nicely with modern kitchen looks. This way, you can easily add a double burner to your cooking arsenal when your gas burner is all busy without having your portable stove look like an outlier in your kitchen.

Safety is a huge concern when picking a portable electric stove, and Techwood hears you loud and clear. The burner features non-slip feet, giving you peace of mind when using heavy pots. The portable burner is also ergonomically designed to ensure the stovetop remains cool for safe transport after use.

Last but not least, you don’t have to worry about your stove emitting any harmful electromagnetic radiation, as the stove is safe compared to its induction cooktops.

The icing on top is Techwood’s excellent post-purchase support. Your investment is in good hands because you’ll enjoy an 18-month warranty with your burner and have all your enquirers attended to by a friendly customer support team. However, this may not be the best appliance for heavy-duty usage.

Pros:

• Excellent heat architecture for the best heat preservation
• The power indicator light comes in handy
• Comes with a precise control knob for tight temperature adjustments
• Durable, stainless steel body that’s easy to clean
• Manages to deliver a double burner design in a compact form factor

Cons:

• Passable for heavy-duty usage
• Doesn’t always deliver on the 1800 watts promise

Final Verdict

Techwood offers you the portable Techwood hot plate single burner stove that checks all the boxes for most customers shopping for an electric stove. It provides versatile temperature settings, fast heating, plenty of safety features, and a durable design, all in a portable form factor that goes with you anywhere.

2. Elite Gourmet Countertop Coiled – Value Pick

No products found.

Don’t want to drop tons of cash on your portable electric burner? Gourmet has managed to hit just the right spot between price and functionality with its Elite Gourmet countertop coiled burner. Coils are usually a pain to clean, but that isn’t the case here, as the burner comes with a cast-iron surface that’s easily wiped off with a clean cloth.

In terms of power, the Elite Gourmet runs at a relatively lower 1000 watts compared to the 1800 watts Techwood countertop burner. However, this shouldn’t be an issue considering that the Elite Gourmet has only one hot plate compared to the two found in the Techwood stove.

The lesser wattage also means that the portable electric countertop is more energy efficient. You won’t have to worry about a high energy bill once your Elite Gourmet joins your kitchen appliances. It’s worth noting that Gourmet has authorized the use of these single burners only in indoor environments. So, don’t buy the cast iron burner to host barbecue parties in your backyard.

Like the Techwood electric stove, the Elite Gourmet countertop burner offers adjustable temperature settings. You can fulfill all your cooking needs, as the burner provides a precise temperature knob.

It’s become a standard for all portable burners to have non-slip rubber feet to prevent any unwanted accidents, and the Elite Gourmet is no different. It also offers a cooking power indicator light, allowing you to easily tell whether the cast iron single burner is on or off.

That isn’t all; the power indicator light also gives you some extra intel. The light will remain on as long as the burner is heating. Once the stovetop reaches the desired temperature, the light will go off. This way, you can adjust your timer setting and avoid undercooking or overheating your food.

Unfortunately, this is where all the safety features end, as the coiled burner doesn’t offer any automatic shutoff function. You’ll have to be attentive while using it and remove the cord from the electrical outlet once you’re done with your cooking endeavors.

On a bright note, Gourmet ensures you get a hassle-free cooking experience since all its portable stoves play nicely with a huge list of induction-compatible cookware. So whether you’re preparing a scrambled egg in a frying pan or looking to cook pasta in a cast iron pan, Gourmet has got your back.

Finally, the Elite Gourmet coiled burner offers excellent heat insulation, giving you peace of mind when placing your portable electric stove on your countertop. Nevertheless, placing the burner on a wooden surface isn’t recommended. Granite and quartz countertops are a safer bet as they do a better job of withstanding heat.

Pros:

• Comes at a reasonable price
• The flat burner surface makes it easy to clean
• The light indicator offers overheating protection
• Compatible with all types of cookware up to 9.5 inches in diameter
• The cast-iron skillets deliver even heat distribution
• Comes with adjustable temperature settings
• Delivers efficient cooking, thanks to its 1000 wattage power level
• Comes in a lightweight and compact design

Cons:

• Intended for indoor use only
• Doesn’t offer an automatic shutoff functionality

Final Verdict

Whether you’re looking for a compact electric cooktop for your dorm room or an extra burner to go with your kitchen stovetop, Elite Gourmet countertop coiled burner might just be the right package for you. Furthermore, overheat protection is possible with user-friendly indicator lights. Also, Gourmet enclosed the heating elements in a cast iron plate for an easy maintenance electric cooktop.

3. IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner – Most Compact

No products found.

Looking for an even more compact electric stove for your dorm room or outdoor adventures? IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Electric Single Burner, powered by a coiled core. The GAU-80305 is in the lightweight and compact design department, truly shining and distinguishing itself from the competition.

The appliance is made of aluminum and weighs under two pounds. Furthermore, it’s under the 10-inch mark in its length and width. This makes it the obvious choice for anyone looking for a compact burner to carry between their office, home, or road trips.

Unlike Elite Gourmet’s model, the GAU-80305 is designed with outdoor cooking in mind. But, of course, you still need an electric outlet to plug the 1100-watt portable stovetop.

The electric cooktop features a coil at the top, which helps with even heat distribution. However, the design choice means heat efficiency isn’t the best in class, as the coils inherently lose energy by induction.

Also, the cleaning process isn’t the smoothest, meaning that you’ll have to swipe between the coils’ twists and turns and reach some tight spots to ensure your stove is finally clean.

Just like the other two burners on our list, the IMUSA USA’s one burner comes with non-slip feet and an indicator light.

Although the GAU-80305 heats up considerably fast, it doesn’t maintain its heat long enough. During our testing, we’ve also noticed that the electric stove doesn’t do a great job when it comes to overheating protection. This means you have to be extra attentive, or you can easily end up with a burnt burger.

As you can tell, you have to adjust your expectations to be satisfied with your newly purchased burner. Don’t expect to get heavy-duty usage out of this compact burner. So, it isn’t recommended to use the electric burner for more than 60 minutes in a two-hour period.

This can be a bummer for people looking for a portable electric stove for high-temperature cooking or preparing complex recipes. However, the GAU-80305 should be perfect for straightforward everyday needs, ranging from warming your food to cooking simple meals.

IMUSA USA manages to deliver the best portable electric stove for travel at this price point. Moreover, its compact size ensures it doesn’t take too much of your precious space while packing for your next adventure on the road.

Pros:

• Crushes it in terms of lightweight and compact design
• Can be used indoors and outdoors alike
• Fast heating
• Excellent for traveling
• Comes with competitive pricing

Cons:

• The coil’s hot plates are somewhat hard to clean
• Not intended for heavy-duty usage
• Doesn’t stay hot long enough

Final Verdict

The IMUSA USA GAU-80305 portable electric stove works best for low heat applications. Combine its compact design with its low price, and you’ve got yourself a winner for simple everyday usage like boiling water and warming food.

4. Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner Cooktop – Best for a Sleek Finish

No products found.

We’ve got another coiled electric stove for you, and this time around, Proctor Silex came through with Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner Cooktop, a creative solution to make cleaning underneath the coil less of a hassle. Admittedly, the look of your portable electric burner is far from the decisive factor when it comes to a purchase decision.

However, it’s always nice to have a sleek-looking product that complements your kitchen design. The Proctor Silex burner comes in a clean, white finish that fits nicely in any modern or classic kitchen space.

The coil rests on a hinge that can be lifted to make the plate underneath accessible. This way, you can easily use a clean cloth to remove all the spills and drips and make your burner look as good as new.

Furthermore, the coil itself measures 5.5 inches in diameter, so don’t expect your largest frying pans to fit in. For optimal heat distribution, use pots and pans under the 5.5-inch diameter mark to ensure your food is evenly cooked.

We aren’t implying here that the burner is too small. On the contrary, it comes in the right size that balances portability and functionality.

That said, the Proctor Silex electric single burner electric cooktop is a versatile addition to your cooking needs. It can sit next to your kitchen stove for holiday cooking or join you on your camping trips for hot-pot style dining.

Despite its compact size, the electric burner doesn’t compromise in terms of heating power. The 1200-watt stove heats up in a few seconds. It also offers a wide range of heating options from warm to high by using its ergonomic dial system.

Furthermore, Proctor Silex delivers what you’d expect from modern portable electric stoves. The single burner cooktop sits on non-slip rubber feet, preventing unexpected spillage accidents. It’s also compatible with different types of cookware, allowing it to fit right into your kitchen with no issues.

In terms of weight, the Proctor Silex burner is a bit heavier than its IMUSA USA counterpart. It weighs 2.29 pounds compared to the former’s 1.9 pounds. The weight difference isn’t something you’d notice with day-to-day usage, though.

The stainless steel housing is packed with features, though. You get a durable body that’s easy to clean and won’t look like an old antique after a couple of cooking sprees. Proctor Silex seems to believe in the durability of its electric burner, and this shows in its excellent customer support.

The portable electric cooktop comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which is unprecedented for products of the same tier and price point. So, you can put all your doubts to rest now, as your investment is already taken care of for years to come.

Pros:

• The coil comes with a hinge for easy cleaning
• Compact size for hassle-free storage
• Offers a 3-year limited warranty
• Comes in a sleek white, stainless steel finish
• Compatible with all cookware

Cons:

• Leaves a lot to be desired in terms of safety measures
• Doesn’t turn off automatically
• No child safety lock

Final Verdict

Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner Cooktop stands out in terms of its warranty options and crushes the competition. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The stove also rocks a sleek, white finish that allows you to cook in style.

5. Sunmaki Portable Induction Cooktop – Best Safety Features

No products found.

We’ll wrap up our list with one final model that doubles down on safety. Sunmaki Portable Induction Cooktop is arguably the perfect portable induction cooktop for families with young children. The induction burner is designed to automatically shut down when it reaches a pre-set, desired temperature and has a safety lock that prevents accidents.

That isn’t all; the induction burner also comes with a countdown timer to ensure your delicious food gets just the right cooking time it needs.

The features’ list doesn’t stop here; Sunmaki also added a cooling fan that delivers even heat dissipation for the whole family to enjoy the same savory taste of your carefully cooked meal. Say goodbye to having some of the food in your pot undercooked and some overheated.

In terms of thermal efficiency, Sunmaki knocks it out of the park with its tightly-designed architecture. As a result, you get a whopping 93% heat efficiency rating that makes your induction cooktop easy on your monthly electricity bill.

Such an energy-efficient design also makes it possible for you to boil 1000ml of water in only five minutes. This can be a game-changer for you early in the morning while preparing your cup of hot beverage before going to work.

As you can tell, fancy is the name of the game here, and Sunmaki spares no effort to deliver on that promise. So, why not add an LCD to the mix?

Indeed, you get a digital LCD sensor that allows you to choose just the right cooking power level to get your food ready. You’d expect different heat requirements for preparing grilled cheese compared to a deep-fried dish, and Sunmaki gives you the temperature control you need to do each meal justice.

Name whatever cookware you have, and we can bet that they work just fine with the Sunmaki portable induction cooktop. Whether you’re using heavy-duty cast iron pans, stainless steel magnetic cookware, or enameled iron, the Sunmaki induction stoves have got you covered.

The cherry on top is that your induction stove comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of your purchase. You won’t have to worry about losing your hard-earned cash because the Sunmaki induction cooktop is built to last.

Pros:

• Comes with a child safety lock and an automatic shut off feature
• Offers an adjustable timer for the best cooking experience
• The built-in cooling fan ensures even heat distribution
• Comes with an LCD sensor for utmost temperature control
• Compatible with all cookware
• Features power levels ranging from 200 watts to 1800 watts
• Comes in a sleek, modern design
• Offers an overheat protection feature

Cons:

• On the pricey side

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an induction cooktop with zero compromises, check out Sunmaki Portable Induction Cooktop. The modern-looking portable stove packs plenty of safety and convenience features like auto shut off and adjustable timers, making your cooking experience much more enjoyable and safe.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Stove Portable

Size

One of the main selling points of portable burners is their compact size. Having a versatile cooker that doesn’t take up much space and can go with you anywhere is an appealing concept. You can choose between single and double burners depending on your cooking needs.

Furthermore, you need to consider the coils’ diameter when choosing one burner over another, as this inherently determines the pots and pans you can use with your newly purchased portable stove. The pans you use shouldn’t be too big compared to your stove’s iron hot plates to ensure your food gets proper cooking.

Burner Type

Portable stoves come in different types depending on the design of the cooktop. Some use a coiled top, while others go for smooth hot plates. The former options are much cheaper but impose weight restrictions on the cooking pots you can use, aside from being harder to clean.

Otherwise, the flat top burners are usually on the pricier end of the spectrum but come with a unique set of features. It’s worth noting that the hot plates can be made of cast iron or a glass surface. Such material choice impacts how the heating system underneath works. Some models use advanced infrared cooking technology, while others work by induction.

Flat top burners are more heat efficient, have a sturdier build, and handle heavy-duty cooking pans with no issues.

Power Level

When it comes to the wattage of your electric burner, you can find plenty of options ranging from as low as 800 watts and going all the way to 1800 watts. In order to pick one over another, you have to ask yourself what you need the electric burner for.

On the one hand, if you use it mostly to boil water and fry eggs, you can get one of the lower wattage options. On the other hand, if you’re getting the portable burner with heavy-duty cooking in mind, you need to go for the 1800-watt models. Such burners consume more power to achieve high heat cooking, allowing you to prepare more complex recipes.

Heat Control

Different dishes require different temperature adjustments. Some electric burners come with pre-programmed temperature settings making your life in the kitchen much easier. Others require manual adjustments on your part.

Speaking of manual control, stoves usually come with knobs or dials to cycle between the different temperature settings. Some fancy models like the Sunmaki portable induction cooktop use an LCD sensor instead, allowing you to see the exact temperature of your hot iron plates in real-time.

Safety Measures

When picking an induction cooktop, you can’t overlook its thermal design and safety measures. You don’t want to run into unexpected accidents and have a peaceful cooking session end up with smoke all over your apartment.

One of the most crucial safety measures is overheating protection. The burner’s iron plates can get dangerously high if left unchecked. That’s why the top portable electric stoves come with an automatic shut off feature that cuts off the power once your burner’s temperature exceeds a pre-set point.

Furthermore, it has become the standard for the best portable electric burners to come with non-slip rubber feet, keeping the stove steady in place. Also, some advanced models have a built-in pan detection feature that only turns on the hot plates when the stove detects that a pan or pot is in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Pick a Portable Electric Stove?

Versatility is the name of the game here! Not all people have the luxury of extra space in their kitchens, so here comes the need for a compact induction burner that doesn’t fill up your cooktop. Also, portable electric stoves make for the perfect companion while traveling or preparing a holiday feast where your traditional cooker simply can’t keep up and need backup.

Can Portable Electric Stoves Boil Water?

Yes! But the real question should be how fast you want to boil water. The hot plate’s cooking surface area, power level, and heat architecture all factor in how efficiently your burner can dissipate and retain heat. This translates to faster boiling times and less time to get food warm.

Are Infrared Burners Worth It?

Cast iron burners that use infrared technology achieve stunning results not possible in the gas or electric ranges. The portable electric cooktops knock it out of the park in energy and time efficiency. Furthermore, due to the focused nature of the heating element, the infrared burners run on less gas per minute. However, they usually come with a heftier price tag for added convenience.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve walked you through some of the best portable electric burners on the market, we’re sure you can now make an informed purchase decision and pick just the suitable model that meets all your needs.

If you’re looking for a small double burner that offers adjustable temperature controls, you’ll be happy with Techwood hot plate single burner. The model delivers an overall well-rounded package that gives you the most bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for an advanced induction burner that comes with all the bells and whistles, Sunmaki Portable Induction Cooktop won’t disappoint. The stove comes with top-notch safety features, cooking timers, and an LCD sensor for the best temperature control. Otherwise, the Elite Gourmet countertop coiled speaks to those on a tight budget.

No matter what your usage case is, we’re sure we have the best electric stove portable that accommodates your needs!