7 Best Portable Induction Cooktops for Van Life – 2024
Are you looking for a way to cook while living in a van or off-grid?
Or are you searching for alternative ways to save space while still being able to cook exceptional dishes while living in a camper van? Induction cooking is the way to go.
Stop your search for the perfect portable induction cooktops – you’ve found them! These powerful and efficient cooking tools are perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious meals without having to worry about access to electricity. With their sleek design, they can easily fit into any kitchen space, making them ideal for van-living and off-grid lifestyles.
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Portable induction cooktops provide an easy and convenient way of cooking and offer precise temperature control, allowing you to create restaurant-quality dishes easily. Plus, since they don’t require open flames like gas stoves, fire hazards are less when using them outdoors or in tight spaces such as vans or RVs.
Check out my list of the 7 best portable induction cooktops for van life and off-grid living.
What Are the Best Portable Induction Cooktops?
If you’re living van life or off the grid, these 7 best portable induction cooktops will be your saving grace. Popularly known as magnetic cookers and countertop burners, they’ll make cooking easy in any situation!
Induction burners are generally twice as fast as gas or electric burners for most tasks. Let’s proceed with that in mind.
1. NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop (Best Overall)
Overview
Enjoy effortless food preparation with this efficient dual ceramic induction cooktop. With its convenient plug-in design, the tempered ceramic glass cooker is the perfect way to cook safely and effectively on any table or countertop.
Enhance your cooking experience with the touch button controls, LCD digital display, and the front panel’s nonstick & stain-resistant cooking surface. Plus, you’ll save money thanks to its energy-efficient design that ensures low power consumption.
At 23.6 inches in length and 14.2 inches in width, this double induction cooktop will fit nicely on any kitchen counter or table. At 120 Volts, 3600 Watts, it will be able to handle all of your cooking needs.
Highlights & Features
- High Powered Heating Element – The Induction Cooktop has a Built-in 120V power source and can deliver an output of 3600W.
- x2 Circular Top Panel Heating Zones – For double the cooking power, each heating zone can reach temperatures of up to 430°F.
- Ceramic Glass Cooktop – With its heat-resistant tempered glass and scratch-resistant surface, this induction cooktop is the perfect option for effortless cooking.
- Multiple Cooking Modes – It features a wide range of cooking modes and power settings so you can customize your recipes.
- Lock Child Function – With its safety lock feature, you can rest easy knowing your kids won’t be able to access the cooktop and burn themselves.
- Compact and Versatile – With its slim, space-saving design and convenient plug-in installation, this induction cooktop will fit on any kitchen counter or table.
- Stain-Resistant and Easy to Clean – Its non-stick surface is designed to be stain and scratch-resistant, making cleanup a breeze.
- Electronic Plugin Flameless Burner Design – Its flameless design ensures more efficient and safer cooking with no open flames, so you can enjoy it even when living off the grid.
- Independent Configurable Temperature Zone Settings – With this feature, you can easily set the temperature for each cooking zone separately.
- LCD Digital Display – The LCD digital display screen will help you keep track of the remaining cooking time and temperature.
Pricing
If two burners are not necessary, opt for a cost-effective one-burner option.
My Bottom Line
Weighing in at roughly twelve and a half pounds, I find the NutriChef 2 burner portable induction cooktop to be quite hefty. The weight of this appliance is attributed to its stainless steel construction and ceramic glass cooktop.
It’s a convenient and affordable way to cook meals quickly with its multiple cooking modes and temperature zone settings. Plus, the child lock prevents any accidents and provides an extra layer of safety. The NutriChef is an ideal choice for van life, off-grid living, or any other situation with limited access to an open flame.
If two burners are too much for your needs, then a single-burner cooktop will better meet your requirements.
2. Duxtop 1800W High-End Full Glass Portable Induction Cooktop with Touch Sensor E200A (Best Incorporated Features)
Overview
Invest in the Duxtop – a 1800W portable induction cooktop burner with a sensor touch to cook like a professional. Featuring high-end full-glass construction, this induction cooktop is sure to take your culinary experience up a notch!
This pick is an ideal choice, as it has many outstanding features and happens to be a single-burner portable induction cooktop! I’m dedicated to giving campers a safe, convenient way to cook without sacrificing their vehicle’s space. That’s why I am so proud of this flameless device – it is the perfect solution for anyone looking for an easy yet effective way to prepare food while camping.
Highlights & Features
- Stainless Steel Housing – This cooktop is made to last with durable steel construction.
- Sensor Touch Panel – With a few finger taps, you can easily control and monitor the activity via an illuminated LED display.
- Multiple Safety Protections Functions – This appliance features multiple safety protection functions, such as a child lock, auto shut-off when overheating is detected, and a cut-out switch to prevent any further use in case of an emergency.
- Built-in Count Down Digital Timer – With this digital timer, you can set your desired time up to a maximum of 170 minutes!
- Non-Stick Glass Surface – Cleaning your premium glass surface is a breeze – simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Compact – This lightweight, portable induction cooktop is perfect for your next adventure! With its easy-to-transport design, you can conveniently bring it with you camping in your camper van or RV.
- 120V 15 Amps – Compatible for use in homes, off-grid shelters, and camper vans.
Pricing
Boost your induction cooktop experience with a 4.2-quart stockpot, and get it at an unbeatable price.
My Bottom Line
I’m confident that the Duxtop induction cooktop suits anyone looking to take their culinary game to the next level. With its stainless steel construction and glass touch panel, users can enjoy a safe cooking experience and easily monitor the activity on its illuminated display.
Plus, it has multiple safety protection functions and a built-in countdown timer for added convenience. And with its compact and lightweight design, you can take it with you on your next outdoor adventure!
Weighing just 8.4 pounds, this is the perfect purchase for van-dwellers and off-grid living enthusiasts who need to optimize their space!
3. True Induction TI-2C Double Burner Electric Cooktop
Overview
The TI-2C Cooktop by True Induction is both portable and energy efficient. Boil water in 90 seconds with this device, making it the perfect choice for campers and van lifers. The ceramic-glass cooking surface of True Induction is modern-looking and easy to clean, making it the most desirable dual cooktop in the market.
Weighing in at 11.2 pounds, this double-burner cooktop is lightweight and easy to bring with you on the go.
Highlights & Features
- Power Sharing Technology – True Inductions technology enables burners to split wattage between their left and right sides, resulting in more energy-efficient cooking.
- Safety Features – True Induction cooktops are perfect for camping in RVs and vans, as well as general camping, due to their user-friendly features and safety measures.
- Dual Induction Burners – You can use two burners for cooking instead of just one.
- Highly Portable – This device is incredibly compact and lightweight at 11.2 lbs and 23.5 inches in length, making it ideal for travel.
- 1800W Power – This 1800W is the combined wattage between both burners. The energy-efficient feature balances the power consumption between the two burners.
- Easy Cleaning – You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to ensure its cleanliness.
- No Installation Needed – You can place it on a counter or table of your choosing and then plug it in. However, make sure to avoid placing it on or above a stove.
Pricing
My Bottom Line
Although this model does not come in a single burner option, this portable induction cooktop is perfect for camping, barbeques, and setting up in your camper van. This sleek design ensures quality and is perfect for your off-grid living needs. With two burners, this induction cooktop can easily handle all your cooking needs. The energy-efficient design will save you money on electricity costs, and its easy-to-store design makes it perfect for any cramped space.
The True Induction TI-2C Double Burner Cooktop is an ideal choice for those who need a safe and reliable way to cook without using open flames.
4. Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Portable Induction Cooktop
Overview
The Cuisinart Induction Cooktop consists of two burners that utilize induction technology, which heats up faster and reduces energy consumption by up to 70% compared to conventional cooktops.
Each burner is equipped with its own heat setting control, an On/Off switch, and a 150-minute timer.
Highlights & Features
- LED Displays – Using this induction cooktop is easy, thanks to its bright LED displays.
- Automatic Shut Off – The induction burner turns off after 30 seconds once a pot or pan has been removed.
- Exhaust Free – Having a flame-free unit helps reduce the chance of fire and burns.
- Energy Saver – Uses up to 70% less energy than other models on the market.
- Easy Cleaning – This cooktop has a smooth glass surface that is easy to clean.
- Left Burner – 8 settings on the left burner with a 150-minute timer
- Right Burner – 5 settings on the right burner with a 150-minute timer
- Temperature Controls – You can adjust the temperature to a maximum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dimensions – 2.5″D x 23.5″W x 14.25″H
Pricing
My Bottom Line
This unit is slightly heavier than its competitors, weighing 11.6 lbs. Its glass material makes this cooktop resistant to scratches and easy to clean.
This device is great for small spaces like dorm rooms, boats, patios, camper vans, or RVs because it is compact and portable.
I believe the current price is great considering the features it offers.
5. Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop, Countertop Burner Induction Hot Plate with LCD Sensor Touch 1800 Watts, Silver 9600LS/BT-200DZ (Best Portable)
Overview
This Duxtop 9600LS is a single-burner portable induction cooktop with a sleek design and an LCD sensor touch control. It is suitable for light to medium cooking and has 1800 watts of power.
Highlights & Features
- Highly Portable – At 6.2 pounds, this portable induction cooktop is incredibly lightweight and perfect for camping, RVing, or any outdoor activity.
- Sensor Touch Control – An LCD display shines brightly to indicate when the cooktop is in use, and you can control it with both touch or knob.
- Fast Boil Button – To boil water quickly, press the “BOIL” button. The device will automatically switch to level 10 power and set the timer to 10 minutes.
- Count Down Digital Timer – The device can be programmed for a maximum of 10 hours.
- Safety Features – The appliance has several safety features, including protection against overheating, detecting when the pan is removed, and warnings for high and low voltage.
- Multiple Power Levels – There are 20 power levels ranging between 100 and 1800 watts. There are also 20 temperature settings available, ranging from 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Volts – 110/120V 15 amps – making this ideal inside camper vans, RVs, and inside home use.
- Easy to Clean – The nonstick glass surface of this unit can be easily cleaned by wiping it down with a damp cloth.
- Product Dimensions – 11.4 x 14 x 2.5 inches
Pricing
My Bottom Line
For those looking for a cost-effective, lightweight, and portable induction cooktop, this unit is an excellent option. It comes equipped with various features that simplify the process of cooking and heating food.
Its safety features ensure that you are always protected from any potential hazards. The LCD display and sensor touch control also provide an excellent user experience. The price is also very reasonable considering all the features it offers.
Overall, I highly recommend this product.
6. iSiLER 1800W Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooker Cooktop with Kids Safety Lock (Best Budget Pick)
Overview
If you’re on a budget, this single-burner portable induction cooktop is a great option. It has 1800 watts of power, 18 power levels, and 17 preset temperature levels, and it also features a touchscreen LCD display.
It has a 3 hours timer that can be set in 1-minute increments making this a great choice for busy parents who need to cook quickly.
Highlights & Features
- User-Friendly Touch Buttons – The touch controls are easy to use, and an LCD display indicates both the power and temperature levels.
- Safety Protection Function – The appliance has two features: a child safety lock and overheating protection. The induction cooktop will stop working automatically if its internal temperature exceeds your chosen temperature.
- Fast Heat Dissipation – The 6-blade fan quickly removes heat to help the product last longer.
- Easy Cleaning – The premium glass surface offers great durability and can be easily cleaned.
- Volts – 120 V
- Dimensions – 14″D x 12″W x 2″H
- Temperature Range – The temperature range is between 140 and 460 degrees.
- Highly Portable – At 5.73 pounds, this portable induction cooktop is lightweight and perfect for camping, RVing, or any outdoor activity.
Pricing
My Bottom Line
Using this unit requires compatible cookware such as cast iron, enameled materials, and stainless steel. Please ensure your cookware is appropriate before use. The appliance cannot be used with cookware made of aluminum, ceramic, copper, glass, or Pyrex or any cookware with a concave base.
Other than that, this lightweight portable induction cooktop is suitable for van dwellers, camping, and RVing. It has great features such as a child safety lock, fast heat dissipation, and easy cleaning.
All these features combine to make it an excellent choice for anyone on a budget. I highly recommend this product.
7. Amazon Basics 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Burner
Overview
This is just the basic one-burner portable induction cooktop with 1800W of power. This will be enough to boil some water for yourself or cook a small meal for two. The price is almost unbeatable, and many customers have praised its value.
Highlights & Features
- Highly Portable – At 5.95 pounds, this induction cooktop is lightweight and perfect for camping, RVing, van living, and many other outdoor and indoor uses.
- Easy Cleaning – Its glass panel top makes cleaning extremely fast.
- LED Display – The LED display shows the power setting and temperature levels.
- 3-Hour Timer – A 3-hour timer is suitable for cooking both while camping and indoors.
- Safety Features – The device has features such as a pause function, overheat protection, and voltage warning.
- Item Weight – 5.95 pounds
- Product Dimensions – 12.99 x 2.56 x 11.42 inches
Pricing
My Bottom Line
Due to its limited power output, this small cooktop cannot boil large pots of water.
This induction cooktop is great for anyone on a budget looking for a reliable and lightweight unit. It has plenty of features to make cooking and heating food easier and safer, such as a pause function and 1800 watts of power.
The easy-to-clean glass top and lightweight design make it a great choice for van dwellers, campers, and RVers. You really can’t go wrong with this induction burner.
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What Are Induction Cooktops?
Induction cooktops are cooktops that use induction cooking technology to heat food quickly. Unlike gas and electric cooktops, an induction cooktop uses magnetic fields to directly heat the pot or pan placed on its cooking surface, resulting in faster and more efficient cooking.
Induction cooktops also feature user-friendly controls such as temperature knobs and digital displays that allow you to adjust the heat level quickly and accurately. They also come with safety features such as child locks, overheat protection, and voltage monitoring.
Induction cooktops are generally more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric cooktops as they heat the pan directly instead of the surrounding air, resulting in less wasted energy. Additionally, they offer a safer cooking experience as the glass surface of an induction cooktop remains cool to the touch even when in use.
Additionally, they are much more affordable than other cooktop types, making them a great choice for anyone on a budget.
Overall, induction cooktops are ideal for anyone looking for an efficient and safe way to cook. They offer plenty of features, are easy to use and clean, and are highly portable.
FAQs
What type of cookware is compatible with this induction cooktop?
Cast iron, enameled materials, and stainless steel are the types of cookware that are compatible with this unit. Please ensure your cookware is appropriate before use. The appliance cannot be used with cookware made of aluminum, ceramic, copper, glass, or Pyrex or any cookware with a concave base. Some of these induction cooktops have specific cookware requirements, so make sure to check before purchase.
Which cleaning solution is recommended for cleaning cooktops effectively?
The best way to clean an induction cooktop is by using a combination of warm water and mild dish soap. For tougher stains, use baking soda and a soft cloth. Do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials as they may damage the finish of the cooktop. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Can induction cooktops be used outdoors?
Yes, some induction cooktops can be used outdoors. I have seen plenty of campers, van lifers, and full-time RV travelers using their cooktops outside. However, you must check your manual for safety precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
Wrapping Up
Being able to break down the best induction cooktops available in the market is a tricky task, but I hope this overview has helped you make the right decision.
The Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop 9600LS is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cooktop that is not too expensive yet has all the available safety features and is suitable for camping, van life, and many other outdoor and indoor uses.
Investing in the right one can be a game changer. You wouldn’t want a too big and heavy cooktop, as this would make it less likely for you to use it frequently. Do your research thoroughly, and I guarantee that you will find the perfect one to fit your needs.
Induction cooking is becoming increasingly popular with campers, RV travelers, and off-grid living enthusiasts. That’s why you are here, to discover what advantages induction cooking has to offer.
Follow more on my blogging journey and other product reviews, I hope this article was helpful in helping you find the right induction cooktop for your needs. Thanks for reading.
