Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's
  3. Evergreens

Portable cooktops can be a lifesaver — here’s how to choose one that works for you

Portable cooktops are on the rise as interest in maneuverability and convenience continue to grow. More than ever, people are interested in maximizing their time and space when preparing and cooking food in the kitchen.

Finding the right cooktop to suit your needs can be difficult and time consuming. We’ve rounded up some of our best hacks to help you choose the right portable cooktop for your needs.

What is a portable cooktop

Portable cooktops are quickly becoming a must-have in many kitchens. Thanks to their ingenuity and space-saving perks, people are quick to implement them into their homes. 

A portable cooktop comes in many varieties. Gas and induction cooktops are the most common. These  are powered by a cord that connects to a nearby outlet. Since they don’t require much electricity, they’re a cost-effective option for many food lovers.

What is a single induction burner

Single induction burners are a type of cooktop that utilizes induction rather than gas to heat up the cooktop. Induction burners operate through electricity that travels to a hot coil beneath a ceramic or glass plate. The coil heats up to the desired temperature and allows for flameless cooking.

The main benefit of induction burners is the lack of a gas flame. Flames can be dangerous in small spaces. Not to mention, the smell of propane burning is not always so appealing. 

A single induction burner simply refers to an induction cooktop with one (or a single) coil/cooking range. 

pan on portable cooktop on counter

Why portable cooktops are great

Benefits:

  • Maneuverability
  • Small size
  • Ease of use

Portable burners allow the opportunity for increased mobility. They are small and can fit on even the tightest of counter spaces. Their maneuverability enables them to be placed anywhere they may be needed throughout the kitchen or dining room. You can also bring them on camping trips or to a relative’s house to help keep food warm during the holiday season.

What to look for in a portable cooktop

Before choosing a cooktop, it’s essential to consider the following factors. These aspects will determine whether or not a portable cooktop suits your needs and space equally. Portability, ease of use, functionality, and size are some of the main determinants to help you decide which portable induction burner works best for your home.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is one of the primary considerations when choosing the right cooktop for you. You want to select a portable cooktop that is easy to carry and requires little setup to use. 

The size of the cooktop is important as this will determine where it can be placed and used inside your home.

The Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop is a better option for people who want a small, single induction burner that allows for maximum portability and saves on space.

Ease of use

Ease of use is another important consideration when choosing the right cooktop. Sometimes, having all of the bells and whistles is not as convenient as it seems. Cooktops that do the job efficiently are often enjoyed the most.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you are comfortable with a gas cooktop. While these versions of portable cooktops certainly have their perks, they require more upkeep and caution than induction burners.

person cooking tortilla on portable cooktop

Cord length

The length of the cord is not often considered when buying a cooktop, but it certainly makes a world of difference. While some cooktops can be compatible with extension cords, they are not all the same. The chance of a fire or short increases with the use of extension cords.

Choosing a burner with a longer cord by default may come in handy down the road and will often provide peace of mind when it comes to fire hazards. The iSiLER 1800W Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop comes with many great features, including a long and durable cord.

Capabilities

The number of capabilities provided in a cooktop can make or break your decision. Avid food lovers may enjoy a cooktop with more functions and better control. On the other hand, an average home cook may find that simplicity is easier to use and more enjoyable.

While everyone holds a different opinion, we really enjoy the Gastrorag 1300W Portable Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop for its versatility and multitude of cooking capabilities.

How to Style a Coffee Table That Feels Collected, Not Cluttered
Plant, Furniture, Table

A well styled coffee table can make your formal living room stand out and should feel intentional, considered and appropriately arranged. The goal is balance, and it should support the room rather than compete with it.

Start with a foundation. Use one or two large books to ground the arrangement. Choose books with substantial covers that reflect the palette of the room, whether neutral or tonal, and complement the space. Stack them rather than spreading them out. This creates structure and gives everything else a place to sit.

Read more
Flowers From the Garden: A Summer Centerpiece Method
Flower, Flower Arrangement, Plant

A simple, season led approach to summer florals, built on what is in bloom rather than what is in stock.

There is a particular generosity to summer that no other season offers. The garden is full and the flower markets overflow. The roadside stands begin to set out buckets of zinnias and dahlias by mid June and July. The backyard, once an afterthought, begins to feel like an extension of the home itself. The question is no longer whether to bring flowers into the house, but how often.

Read more
The Easiest Way to Set the Table
Cutlery, Fork, Spoon

Have you ever wondered why the fork sits on the left and the knife on the right? Or why Europeans eat “Continental style,” holding the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right, while Americans cut, switch hands, and then eat? It turns out there’s a reason for all of it, and once you understand the history, setting the table suddenly feels far less mysterious. Before beautifully layered place settings and Pinterest-worthy tablescapes, dining was far more practical. Medieval feasts were less about etiquette and more about survival. Plates were often shared, forks were nonexistent, and eating with your hands was the normal standard. Tables were filled with trenchers (pieces of bread used as plates), and the idea of “proper placement” simply didn’t exist.

By the mid-to-late 1800s (around 1860–1870), European dining evolved again as meals began to be served in courses. This shift introduced what became known as the Russian style of dining, where utensils were laid out intentionally and used from the outside in. The fork stayed in the left hand, the knife in the right, and the table itself began to reflect structure, rhythm, and order. This approach eventually became the “Continental style” still used across much of Europe today.

Read more