6 Best Cooktops to Buy in 2025

For serious home cooks or bustling small kitchens, the ChangBERT Portable Induction Cooktop emerges as a remarkably robust and reliable performer. This unit isn’t just another countertop burner; its NSF certification and heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel construction immediately signal its commercial-grade pedigree. With a powerful 1800W output delivered across 18 temperature settings and 9 power levels, it offers the granular control needed for diverse culinary tasks, tackling everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil with impressive efficiency. Its large 8″ heating coil ensures compatibility with substantial cookware, addressing the common pain point of uneven heating or limited pan size on lesser models.

Performance testing reveals the ChangBERT B0DDKS56SB’s commitment to consistency. The stable high-power output, facilitated by unique power control technology and efficient heat dissipation, means it can sustain demanding cooking processes without faltering, unlike units prone to power cycling. While induction itself is fast, this model’s 83% energy efficiency rating translates to quicker heating times than traditional electric or gas, making it ideal for busy environments. Its ability to support up to 100 pounds and withstand minor impacts speaks volumes about its durability in real-world, high-volume usage scenarios.

Positioned firmly in the professional or prosumer category, the ChangBERT induction cooktop stands apart from typical consumer portables like the Duxtop 8100MC. While the Duxtop prioritizes basic portability and simplicity, the ChangBERT offers superior build quality, higher maximum load capacity, and NSF-certified reliability for continuous operation. It’s the clear choice for those needing a workhorse rather than just an occasional extra burner. Compared to a standard portable unit, the ChangBERT provides significantly more durability and stable performance for demanding use.

Stepping onto the scene as a strong contender for value, the Duxtop 9600LS portable induction cooktop delivers a compelling mix of features and performance at a very accessible point. It’s designed with the standard North American kitchen in mind, plugging into a common 110/120V outlet, making it instantly usable anywhere. The LCD sensor touch control panel provides a modern interface, while the 20 power levels (100-1800W) and 20 temperature settings (100-460°F) offer a surprising degree of control for a unit in this class, addressing the need for both high-heat searing and gentle simmering.

In practical use, the Duxtop BT-200DZ heats up cookware rapidly thanks to its 83% energy efficiency, outperforming many coil or ceramic electric burners. The touch controls are responsive, and features like the child safety lock and 10-hour timer add appreciated functionality for everyday cooking tasks. While the induction process is quiet, note that some cookware materials can produce subtle sounds on this unit. Its lightweight and compact design make it genuinely portable, easy to move from countertop to table or store away neatly.

Comparing it to the even more budget-focused Duxtop 8100MC, the Duxtop 9600LS justifies its position with a wider range of temperature and power settings (20 vs 10 each) and the sleek touch control panel versus physical buttons. It offers more precise temperature adjustments than the simpler 8100MC, though not the ultra-fine 5°F or 10°F increments found on higher-end Nuwave models. For users seeking enhanced control and a modern interface without a significant cost increase, this Duxtop model presents a strong blend of performance and features compared to basic portable cooktops.

The Nuwave Precision Induction Cooktop Gold truly lives up to its “Precision” moniker, setting a high bar for temperature control in portable induction. What immediately stands out is its unprecedented 51 temperature settings, adjustable in precise 10°F increments from a low of 100°F up to a searing 575°F. This granular control is a game-changer for delicate sauces, tempering chocolate, or achieving perfect searing temperatures, directly solving the problem of inconsistent heat common with less sophisticated units. The heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass surface adds a layer of durability and safety often missing from competitors.

Performance is where the Nuwave Gold shines for demanding culinary tasks. Its intuitive digital controls allow for on-the-fly adjustments to both temperature and time without needing to restart the cooking process – a huge convenience during complex recipes. The large 8” heating coil ensures good contact and even heating with appropriately sized cookware. While its maximum wattage is 1500W (selectable via 600W, 900W, 1500W settings), which is slightly lower than some 1800W models, its strength lies in the remarkable accuracy and stability of its temperature maintenance across its broad range.

When placed alongside a model like the Duxtop 9600LS, the Nuwave Gold B0C7HL4GHP clearly targets users who prioritize absolute temperature accuracy over maximum raw power or a lower cost. While the Duxtop offers 20 temperature steps, the Nuwave provides more than double the options with finer increments, making it superior for tasks requiring exact temperatures. Its shatter-proof glass also offers a notable durability advantage. This cooktop is ideal for the home chef focused on technique and results, offering unparalleled temperature control compared to typical portable induction units.

For those needing the versatility of multiple burners without a full stovetop installation, the Nuwave Double Induction Cooktop is a powerful and highly functional solution. Its most compelling feature is the inclusion of two independent induction zones, each with a large 8” heating coil and capable of drawing up to 1800W combined. This immediately addresses the limitation of single portable units, allowing users to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, just like a traditional range. The shatter-proof ceramic glass surface mirrored from the Nuwave Gold model adds significant durability.

In terms of performance, the Nuwave Double excels at handling complex meals thanks to its independent controls for each burner. Users can set different temperatures and timers for each side, offering immense flexibility. The 94 temperature settings, adjustable in incredibly precise 5°F increments from 100°F to 575°F, provide even finer control than the Nuwave Gold, making it exceptional for demanding culinary tasks across both zones. Its ability to make on-the-fly adjustments further enhances its usability in dynamic cooking scenarios.

Compared to a single high-precision unit like the Nuwave Gold, the Nuwave Double B0BSG6JTC1 sacrifices some portability for double the cooking capacity. While the Nuwave Gold focuses on maximum precision on one zone, the Double brings that exceptional temperature control (with even finer steps) to two zones simultaneously. It offers significantly more cooking flexibility than any single portable unit, positioning it as a robust alternative to a built-in stovetop for certain setups, providing double the burners and superior temperature granularity compared to most single portable cooktops.

As a highly accessible entry point into the world of induction cooking, the Duxtop 8100MC stands out for its simplicity and portability. Designed to plug into any standard 120V North American outlet, it’s ready to use almost anywhere. Its core functionality revolves around 10 power levels (200-1800W) and 10 temperature settings (140-460°F), offering enough range for basic cooking tasks like boiling water, simmering sauces, or frying. This unit is specifically built for users who need an easy-to-use, extra cooking surface without complex features.

Performance-wise, the Duxtop 8100MC heats up quickly, leveraging induction’s inherent speed and efficiency. The digital control panel with physical buttons is straightforward and reliable, less prone to accidental activation than some touch interfaces. The built-in timer (up to 170 minutes) is a useful addition for managing cooking times. Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to move and store, fulfilling its promise as a truly portable appliance. The easy-to-clean glass surface is a practical benefit for everyday spills.

Positioned as “Best Portable,” the Duxtop 8100MC is designed for maximum convenience and ease of use, making it simpler than models like the Duxtop 9600LS which offer touch controls and more settings. While the 9600LS provides finer control with 20 temperature steps, the 8100MC keeps things basic with 10, focusing purely on core functionality. It’s less robust and feature-rich than commercial-grade units like the ChangBERT, but its unbeatable portability and straightforward operation make it the go-to choice for camping, dorm rooms, RVs, or as a simple overflow burner, offering unparalleled ease of transport compared to other portable cooktops.

For those seeking a seamless integration of induction technology into a kitchen remodel or new build, the BIGoods 30 Inch Induction Cooktop offers a feature-rich, built-in solution. This unit provides the full functionality of a multi-burner stovetop with the speed and efficiency of induction across four independent cooking zones. A standout feature is the innovative Bridge Functionality, allowing two zones to be combined into a single, larger area for oversized cookware like griddles or fish kettles, directly solving the limitation of fixed burner sizes.

Performance is robust, with each zone capable of rapid heating thanks to the Booster function which temporarily increases power for faster boiling or searing. The three preset modes (Melt, Keep Warm, Simmer) simplify common tasks, maintaining consistent temperatures without constant monitoring. Intelligent Pan Detection ensures efficient energy use and safety by activating only when suitable cookware is present. Its operation requires a 208-240V connection, typical for built-in appliances, providing the necessary power for simultaneous use of multiple zones.

Unlike portable induction units such as the Nuwave Double, which offers dual burners in a countertop form factor, the BIGoods B0DHWW1XJL is a permanent, high-capacity installation designed to replace a traditional stovetop. It provides four burners and the unique bridge function compared to the Nuwave Double’s two fixed zones. While requiring professional installation and a specific electrical connection, its integrated design, multiple burners, and advanced features like the bridge function offer a level of kitchen functionality and aesthetic integration that portable units cannot match, providing significantly more cooking zones and built-in convenience compared to any portable cooktop.