Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are a camper or an outdoor enthusiast, we recommend purchasing one of these best portable electric stoves. These stoves are highly versatile and lightweight. You may use them indoors as an alternative to your regular gas stove in case of emergencies or take them on a trip to prepare small meals.
Portable electric stoves are quicker than traditional stoves and are also energy-efficient. With a few safety precautions, they are a worthy investment. If you wish to get one, here are our suggestions.
Safety Tips While Using Electric Portable Stove
While most of the electric stovetops are safe to use, it is essential to follow some safety tips to avoid accidents. Follow these tips to cook safely with an electric stove.
- Choose stovetops that come with various child safety and lock features to prevent accidents.
- Before using an electric cooktop, always check the minimum and maximum temperature. Also, review the timer functions and power levels before using the stove.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and use it in case of an emergency.
- Do not wash the cooktop when it’s hot. Allow the cooktop to cool down for at least 45 minutes and then clean it with a damp cloth.
- Keep flammable things away from the cooktop and use the utensils as mentioned in the instruction booklet. Some stoves are not compatible with aluminum or copper, so always use compatible cookware.
- Keep your stove tops clean. Debris and grease can cause fires, and thus, it is essential to clean the stove after use.
- Do not touch the hot pan with bare hands. Always use pans with heat-resistant handles or use a cloth to move the hot pan from the stove.
- Before using any stovetop, always read the instructions provided in the user manual.
Top Picks
17 Best Electric Portable Stoves
1. Best Easy-To-Clean: Imusa USA Electric Single Burner
Image: Imusa 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 14,843 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
This 1100W single burner electric stove features heat distribution coils and a knob for regulating temperature. The coil distributes heat evenly and prevents hotspots. The stove comes with a power indicator that turns on whenever the stove is in use. The IMUSA quality-tested stove also features anti-slip rubber feet that prevent it from sliding.. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- Compact and slim design
- High-quality stainless steel drip pan
- Easy to clean
- Cooks fast
- Multiple safety features
Cons
- Not to be used for more than 60 minutes
"The electric burner is quick to heat and can handle anything from boiling water to frying chicken. Cooking various items for our small surprise dinners has become a breeze. Plus, it's a convenient choice for my small kitchen."
Quick tip2. Best Easy-To-Operate:Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop comes with 15 temperature settings between 140F and 460F and 15 preset power levels from 200W to 1800W for quick and efficient cooking. The best thing about this cooktop is that it comes with an 83% energy efficient ratings and is better than the traditional gas stoves. Also, it doesn’t have any open-flame element that prevents food from burning. If you want a detailed review of the portable induction burner, make sure to take a look at this video.
Pros
- Auto-shutoff after 60 seconds
- Ideal for pans with a diameter of five inches or more
- Easy to install and operate
- Smooth and cleanable surface
- Good heat distribution
Cons
- Surface is prone to wear
"For someone who has to cook daily, I can't thank this induction enough for its convenience. It accommodates my smaller pans, even the magnetic-based cookware, and is easy to clean and maintain."
3. Best Fire-Resistant Stainless Steel:Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Burner
Image: Ovente Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 9,261 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Ovente electric glass infrared burner comes with a 7in hot plate and a temperature control knob to cook food evenly, without any hotspots. Powered by 120V, this burner uses infrared technology for heating food quickly, within minutes. The burner is compatible with all types of cookware and is highly versatile. It also comes with an indicator light that glows when the burner is in use. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this tabletop electric stove.
Pros
- Fire-resistant stainless steel housing
- Stylish ceramic glass top
- Weighs only 3lb
- Slim and storage-friendly design
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
- Non-slip rubber feet
Cons
- The glass top may stain easily
"It's impressive how the hot plate evenly heats up and maintains a constant temperature during cooking. Cleaning it is a breeze, too. I feel the design could be more intuitive for easier handling. Regardless, it remains my reliable companion for diverse cooking needs."
Imusa USA Electric Single Burner Best Easy-To-Clean | Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner Best Easy-To-Operate | Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Burner Best Fire-Resistant Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.1 Pounds | 6.2 Pounds | 2.4 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1100 watts | 1800 watts | 1000 watts |
| Dimensions | 8.7"D x 8.1"W x 3.3"H | 12.7"D x 16.3"W x 3.8"H | 9.5"D x 9"W x 2.75"H |
| Material | Aluminum | Glass, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Stainless Steel, Ceramic Glass |
| Color | Black | Black | Silver |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 14,843 | 7,456 | 9,261 |
| Price | $12.26 | $74.99 | $39.99 |
4. Best Compact:Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner
Image: Proctorsilex The Proctor Silex electric stove comes with built-in safety features for hassle-free cooking. Its non-skid feet prevent the stove from falling or slipping, while the indicator lets the users know whenever the stove is in use. The best thing about this stove is that the burner coil quickly lifts and offers easy access to the drip pan. You can then easily clean the stove and pan with a damp cloth or a sponge.
Pros
- Temperature knob with multiple heat settings
- Heats up quickly
- Durable and high-quality burner
- Compact and stylish design
- 1000W power
Cons
- Doesn’t come with various heat settings
"With a heating coil design, the cooker is a versatile workhorse, helping me prepare my morning omelets or even medium-sized skillet meals. It also heats up quickly and is a breeze to clean."
5. Best With Multiple Heat Settings: Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner
Image: Cuisinart Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 3,075 positive reviews on Amazon.
This small, portable electric stove features a premium-grade cast-iron plate and a heat control knob with six temperature ranges from low to high. The stovetop directs airflow from the food and prevents hot or cold spots. It is equipped with 1300W power and heats up very evenly and quickly. Just like a traditional gas stove, the stove is easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
- Weighs only 8.2lb
- Comes with a power indicator light
- Stainless steel brushed housing
- Non-slip rubber feet
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Ceramic surface is hard to maintain
"Whether indoors or in the backyard, this portable double burner always comes in handy. The flat ceramic design ensures even heating, which is ideal for my everyday cooking and slow-cooking methods. Plus, it's sturdy and user-friendly."
6. Best Temperature Control:NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop
Image: Nuwave You can take this portable and travel-friendly induction cooktop anywhere and enjoy delicious meals. It features a sleek and modern design, and it’s also lightweight and highly functional. This cooktop with induction technology features six temperature settings that let you quickly heat the food without burning it. You can cook at 52 different temperatures, ranging from 100F to 575F. In addition, it also offers programmable stage cooking with 100 hours of performance and memory.
Pros
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Versatile temperature control for steaming, frying, and grill
- Uses about 70% less energy than traditional stoves
- Temperature adjustment with 10-degree increment
- Unique circular design
Cons
- May not work with all types of cookware
"This cooktop's rapid heating and precise temperature control functions have literally simplified my daily cooking tasks. The ceramic pan has been quite handy too. The noisy fan is a bit of a letdown, but otherwise, it's a solid performer for hassle-free cooking."
Quick tip7. Best Heat Distribution:Maxi-Matic Countertop Double Electric Hot Burner
Image: Elite Gourmet If you are looking for a double electric burner that is also portable, consider this one from Maxi-Matic. The countertop electric stove has dual temperature control knobs with low, medium, and high heat settings for cooking the food evenly. It features 7-inch and 6-inch cast-iron non-stick cooking plates that are easy to clean and maintain. Its power indicator offers added safety, while its 1500 watts of power enables quick and efficient cooking.
Pros
- Perfect heat distribution
- Stable and safe rubber feet
- Compact and storage-friendly
- Stylish design with polished black surface
- Dual power indicators
Cons
- May glitch after prolonged use
"I mostly use this cooktop as a reliable backup solution. It is lightweight yet sturdy. Yes, it is slightly tricky to use larger pans on it, but it's been an asset in handling small meals effectively."
8. Best Wear-Resistant: Isiler Portable Induction Cooktop
Image: Isiler This portable induction cooktop is not only stylish but also functional and safe to use. The cooktop features eight power levels from 100W to 1800W with 100W increments, so you can cook food as per your convenience. This portable travel stove also comes with 17 preset adjustable temperature levels from 140F to 460F with 20F increments. Plus, it comes with large buttons for enhanced usability.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact cooktop
- Offers uniform heating
- Three-hour timer setting and overheating protection
- Safety child lock
- Wear-resistant and easy to maintain
Cons
- Takes time to heat up
"With multiple power and temperature levels, this cooker makes my cooking process more straightforward. Its auto shut-off feature is an added convenience, so I don't have to check in every few minutes. And while it takes some time to heat up, it's worth the wait for its efficiency."
9. Best Overheat Protection:Cusimax Hot Plate Portable Electric Stove Countertop Single Burner
Image: Cusimax This multipurpose portable cooktop is sleek, with a design that will flatter your kitchen countertop. The portable hot plate uses seven heat settings that are thermostatically controlled for convenient cooking. It is engineered with a 7.4-inch thick heating plate that is compatible with different types and sizes of cooking utensils. Plus, the cooktop doesn’t emit any harmful radiation.
Pros
- Non-magnetic steel pans prevent heat loss
- Durable and sturdy stainless steel construction
- Non-slip feet
- Overheat-protection feature
- Auto-shutoff
Cons
- Difficult to clean
"The electric burner is pretty impressive at keeping my food warm. It's lightweight and super convenient to clean. And despite a slow heat-up and cooldown time, it's reliable for regular cooking."
10. Best Energy-Efficient:NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop
Image: Nutrichef This portable electric stove is ideal for adventure seekers, campers, or people who need a backup stove. The stove features a professional digital countertop and is engineered with two top panel heating zones. Each panel has individual heating zone settings and an LCD screen to ace the convenience test. You can easily switch from one cooking mode to the other with a single touch.
Pros
- Manual cooking and automatic warm function
- Child safety lock
- The electromagnetic design prevents heat loss
- Heavy-duty and energy-efficient cooktop
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Both burners may not work efficiently together
"Finding this cooktop that accommodates my cookware of different sizes is a relief. It's efficient in cooking, and the glass top simplifies cleaning. Also, the safety lock gives me peace of mind, as I have a curious tot."
11. Best Lightweight:Cosmo Portable Electric Induction Cooktop With Rapid Heating
This one is a versatile and budget-friendly induction burner with 1800W power. It features a lightweight and compact design and is easy to store. This portable kitchen appliance weighs just six pounds and thus, is travel friendly. It comes with nine power levels within the range of 200W to 1000W and ten temperature settings from 140F to 464F. You can run the cooktop from five minutes to three hours for efficient cooking.
Pros
- Auto shut-off post one minute of idle time
- Comes with child safety locks
- Accommodates up to 10.5in pan
- An active variable cooling system
- High-quality glass surface
- Boils water within 50 seconds
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a proper user guide
12.Best For Fast Cooking: Cooktron Double Induction Cooktop Burner
Image: Cooktron Cook your food faster with the double burner induction cooktop by Cooktron. You can boil, steam, fry, and slow stew with this induction stove. It has 1800W power and offers quick heating. You can control the heat through knob operation with this induction backpacking stove. The child safety lock is an added advantage as the knob returns to the standby mode within 30 seconds of no operation. Indication of high temperature is an additional feature that prevents mishaps. The sensitive touch buttons promote convenient usage.
Pros
- Portable
- Flat design
- Easy to clean
- Multi-temperature settings
- Includes knob operation for heat control
Cons
- May experience bit noise
"Cooking two dishes simultaneously is now a breeze with this dual-function cooktop. I particularly admire its space-saving design, as it fits in my kitchen drawer after use. Also, the child lock feature is a relief for a house full of kids like mine."
13.Best Quick Heater: Sandoo Induction Cooktop Portable Electric Burner Stove
If you are looking for a portable electric cooktop with various cooking modes, this one comes with 15 temperature ranges and temperature control options from 120F to 465F. The cooktop offers even, quick heating through 1800W of power and offers 50% faster cooking than the conventional stoves. This induction camping stove also has a built-in countdown timer for up to 179 minutes with one-minute increments.
Pros
- Easy-to-use push-button panel
- Auto shut-off post two hours of no use
- Diagnosis error message system
- Uniform heat distribution
- Directs 90% heat to the pot
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Only compatible with iron, stainless steel, or cast-iron utensils
"It's my on-the-go cooking companion. It heats up quickly, offering me the convenience of cooking anything, anywhere. It also operates quietly and is easy to clean and carry."
14. Best Heat-Resistant:Sunavo Electric Infrared Burner
With this electric infrared burner, you can boil 1,000ml water within five minutes. With the heating efficiency of 900W and power of 1200W, this burner minimizes heat loss and saves energy. This ETL-certified induction hot plate features six power levels that can be adjusted to maintain a steady temperature. Plus, the infrared hot plate is compatible with all flat and heat-resistant cookware.
Pros
- Even heating through vertical heat conduction
- Portable and heat-insulated handles
- Precise temperature control
- Durable and safe to use
- Doesn’t make any noise
Cons
- May cause overheating or burning of foods
"This hotplate is quite handy for keeping meals warm at the table. It heats up fast but is not overly powerful. And thanks to the safety features, I don't have to worry about my children using it to heat their food."
15.Best Portable: Courant Electric Burner Single Buffet Countertop Hotplate
Image: Courant This is one of the best electric portable camping stoves featuring a mini temperature control knob and a cooking plate. This single buffet hot plate can be used as an extra cooking element or as a cooking stove for holiday homes. The compact and portable burner stove can be accommodated in a small space and, thus, is space-savvy. It also comes with a power indicator.
Pros
- Automatic shut-off for safety
- 6.1in cooking plate
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Skid-proof rubber feet
- 1000W power
Cons
- Coiled surface may cause heat loss
"Safe, reliable, and efficient, this one's a star in my kitchen! It heats up quickly, simmers effectively, and shuts off automatically once the cooking is done. Plus, it's sturdy enough to support my larger pots."
16.Best Easy To Clean: Empava Horizontal Electric Stove Induction Cooktop
If you are looking for an electric stove induction cooktop with two burners, this one is a great pick. This ETL-certified cooktop features a smooth tempered glass surface and is easy to clean. The durable stove doesn’t crack or chip and remains intact for years. This two-burner electric stove can withstand intense heat and is compatible with most iron, stainless steel, and cast-iron pans. It also features a hot surface indicator that informs you if the stove is too hot to touch.
Pros
- The sensor heats as per the size of the utensil
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Child control lock
- Nine-level temperature settings
- 1-179 minutes timer function
- Red LED display with black polished surface
Cons
- Glass may get stained easily
"I've found this cooktop to be a neat, space-saving solution for my kitchen. Maintaining the heat and cleaning it are also pretty easy. It is slightly noisy, but apart from that, I have no complaints."
17. Best Voltage Control:Sukio Electric Ceramic Cooktop
What’s better than an electric ceramic cooktop that features a practical heating method and comes with built-in safety features? This cooktop by Sukio is compatible with heat-resistant utensils and pans made of iron, aluminum, copper, etc. The cooktop also provides 5-way high and low voltage protection. When the voltage is higher than 275V or lower than 140V, it stops heating. Also, when the surface temperature reaches 650 degrees, the stove stops heating.
Pros
- Display window for power settings
- Temperature control knob
- Timer control with touch buttons
- Rounded edges and child safety lock
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Surface may be slightly fragile
"This induction cooktop has made my culinary tasks more efficient thanks to the precise temperature control and user-friendly touch interface. It also helps me keep the meals warm without heating the entire kitchen."
- Surface may be slightly fragile
After scrolling through these functional electric portable stoves, you may wonder how to choose one for yourself. So here is a buying guide that will help you make the right decision.
How To Choose The Right Electric Portable Stove?
While looking for a portable electric stove, here are the things you should keep in mind.
1. Temperature settings: Whether you use a portable backpacking stove as backup cookware or as a travel stove for camping, you need a stove that is functional and has user-friendly temperature settings for efficient cooking. A portable stove with multiple and flexible temperature settings will allow you to cook different foods quickly. Most stoves have a temperature range of 140F to 460F. Also, look at the interval that comes with the temperature settings. A stove with 10-20 degree increments is a great pick.
2. Type of cooktop: Most of the cooktops are made using ceramic or glass hot plates. These stoves are fragile, so if you want a sturdy and durable cooktop, you can try an induction or heating-coil cooktop. The heat-coil cooktops are durable and easy to maintain while the induction cooktops offer even heat distribution and prevent heat loss.
3. Portability and weight: If you are looking to buy a stove for camping, traveling, and outdoor adventures, portability and weight are the essential features to look for. Pick a lightweight stove that features a sleek design and is compact and durable. It must also fit in small backpacks and occupy little space.
4. Power level: The standard stoves have a power level of 1800W, although it can go up to 2200W. Bigger and high-powered stoves allow you to cook food more quickly compared to low-powered stoves. Thus, always look for the power levels before purchasing a stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do portable electric stoves use a lot of electricity?
A portable electric stove may consume anywhere between 1,000 and 3,000 watts of electricity per day depending upon your usage. The power consumption of an electric stove depends on the wattage and size of the burner; the larger the burner, the more power it consumes.
2. Are portable electric burners safe?
Yes, portable electric burners are safe to use; these stoves do not have open flames like gas stoves and are safe. However, it is important to use any stove with caution and follow the safety instructions.
3. How do portable electric stoves work?
Portable electric stoves work by electromagnetic induction. They generate heat by heating up the wire or coil and transferring the heat to the bottom of the pot through electromagnetic induction.
4. How many watts does a portable electric stove use?
The heating capacity varies from each model and may range anywhere between 1,000 and 1800 watts.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John holds expertise in home and kitchenware. She evaluated and compared various products to shortlist the best and most energy-efficient portable electric stoves. Along with the descriptions, pros, and cons of every product, she also added safety guidelines to use an electric stove and a buying guide to help you choose the most suitable one depending on the temperature setting, type of cooktop, mobility, weight, and power level requirements.
The Bottom Line
A portable electric stove is a useful kitchen essential due to its lightweight and versatile build. The ones listed here are energy-efficient and can serve as an alternative to mainstream gas stoves. When buying an electric stove, ensure it distributes heat evenly, is energy-efficient, and is compatible with multiple utensil types. Further, consider choosing one that is compact, durable, and has an adjustable power level. Our top recommendations include the Duxtop Induction CooktopBurner with a large cooking surface and the Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner with a stable base. The wear-resistant Isiler Portable Induction Cooktop is also an ideal choice. With the best portable electric stoves, cooking meals outdoors can become easier and quicker.
Infographics: How To Clean An Electric Stove?
Your electric stove comes in contact with dirt, grime, and residue with regular use. Therefore, cleaning such stove tops needs extra care, as any water trapped inside may damage the stove. Thus, check out the infographics below for tips on cleaning an electric stove thoroughly. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
