A portable induction hob can be extremely useful due to its convenience and efficiency. If you have a particularly small kitchen or need to cook outside a lot, it's best to get a portable induction hob. It takes up very little worktop space, and you can take it outdoors to cook whenever you need it. So how do you choose the right portable induction hob, and what should you consider?
Here are all the important points to check before buying your portable induction hob:
The power
Like all household appliances, power will be a decisive criterion in the choice of your portable induction hob. This power is expressed in watts. Indeed, the more powerful the hob is, the faster and more homogeneous the heating will be. Conversely, an induction hob with low power will be very restrictive because it takes too long to heat up and is inefficient. Of course, you will have to divide the power by the number of stoves if your hob has more than one stove.
The number of stoves and their sizes
Generally, there are portable induction hobs with one or two stoves. Having several stoves can be practical if you plan to prepare several dishes simultaneously. You will also need to pay particular attention to the size of your stoves. The larger the cooking zone, the more large cooking utensils you will be able to use.
The temperature range
Make sure your induction hob has the widest possible temperature range. By this, I mean the number of stages and temperature levels your hob can reach. The higher this number is, the more precisely you can adjust the temperature. It is even possible to choose the desired temperature on some hobs.
The sizes
This criterion often goes hand in hand with the number of stoves on the induction hob. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that your portable induction hob is as compact as possible to be stored easily; this will be the case if you lack space at home.
The weight
As a general rule, portable induction hobs are rather light. But some models (like professional hobs) can be very thick and heavy. If you plan to move your device regularly, you will have to take this criterion into account.
Functionalities
We will talk here about all the features integrated into your hob. On some devices, it will be possible to find a timer, a quick heating mode, a keep warm mode, and a temperature display or even child safety.
General ergonomics
Your device should be simple and easy to use. Most models are equipped with sensitive or tactile keys. These should be responsive and intuitive. The number of programs and functions should not unnecessarily complicate your induction hob.
Security
A hob can remain potentially dangerous in the event of improper use or handling, so it is preferable to have some guarantees in terms of safety. I am particularly thinking of the child safety device, which will lock the keys on your hob and prevent any unwanted start-up. But also the anti-overheating protection, which will automatically turn off the hob if it reaches a much higher temperature. Finally, the anti-overflow safety will cut the power as soon as your pan starts to overflow.
The brand
I urge you to choose an induction hob from a brand known and renowned for its reliability. This will be all the more important if you plan to use it regularly. By choosing a well-known brand, you will have much more guarantees regarding the reliability of the induction hob. And it will be much easier for you to find information about the model. And many brands usually provide a warranty, which is important, and you should get a portable with a minimum of a one-year warranty.
Price
Personally, I strongly advise against opting for a first-price device. These plates are very unreliable, excessively long to heat up and the heat is very poorly distributed. Even if the base price may be attractive, you will quickly regret your investment.
It makes more sense to put a few tens of dollars more in a more efficient hob that will last for many years. Also, the prices were much more advantageous on the Internet than in-store. And in addition, you will have the choice between many models. In physical stores, prices are often much higher, especially during certain times of the year, such as back to school or the end of year celebrations.