4 Best Induction Cooktops to Buy in 2025

Step into the realm of professional-grade portable cooking with the ChangBERT Portable Induction Cooktop, a unit built for durability and consistent high performance. This isn’t just a home appliance; its NSF and ETL certifications, 18/10 stainless steel housing, and ability to support up to 100 pounds on its surface mark it as a serious tool for demanding environments. Featuring a powerful 1800W output driven by a large 8″ heating coil and continuous-duty circuitry, it’s engineered to provide stable, non-stop cooking power without the fluctuations seen in less robust models. This focus on reliability and power delivery directly addresses the pain points of inconsistent heating and short lifespans often associated with standard portable cooktops.

Performance is where the ChangBERT truly shines, offering exceptionally even heating across a large cooking surface thanks to its optimized coil design. The stable high-power output ensures consistent results, whether you’re searing, simmering, or boiling. With 9 power levels (200-1800W) and 18 temperature settings (120-460℉), controlled via tactile, responsive buttons usable even with gloves, it provides excellent command over the cooking process. The 12-hour timer is a testament to its commercial design, allowing for long, slow cooks. Its robust construction and comprehensive safety features (auto-pan, overheat protection, etc.) make it a reliable workhorse.

Positioned as a commercial-grade alternative, the ChangBERT stands apart from standard portable units like the Duxtop 9600LS, offering superior build quality, power stability, and a larger cooking area at a higher price point. While the Empava IDC12B2 is a built-in residential unit, the ChangBERT is a heavy-duty portable designed for relocation and rigorous use. It’s best suited for professional settings like restaurants, catering, or even demanding home kitchens where durability and consistent high-power output are paramount, providing a level of ruggedness and performance unmatched by typical consumer portables.

Introducing a unique twist on the portable double burner, the AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop features an innovative 2-in-1 design that includes a removable non-stick griddle pan. This versatility allows it to function as a standard two-burner induction stove or transform into an indoor grill or flat-top surface, making it incredibly useful for everything from pancakes and eggs to searing steaks. Operating with a combined 1800 watts (split between two zones, max 1100W each, shared total), it offers the convenience of cooking multiple items simultaneously. The “Knob + Touch” control combines the precision of a dial with the sleekness of touch controls, providing an intuitive and flexible user experience that addresses the desire for varied cooking methods in limited spaces.

Performance is adaptable to your needs. As a standard induction cooktop, the two zones provide efficient heating for compatible magnetic cookware within a 4.72″ to 9.44″ diameter range. The 9 power levels and 99-minute timer offer sufficient control for most everyday cooking tasks. When using the griddle, the induction heat is transferred effectively for even cooking across the non-stick surface, perfect for breakfast foods or indoor grilling without excessive smoke. While the 1800W is shared between zones, which can impact performance if both are set to maximum power simultaneously, it handles typical dual-zone tasks like boiling water and simmering effectively. The easy-to-clean glass surface and dishwasher-safe griddle are practical benefits.

Compared to the standard double-burner Duxtop 9620LS, the AMZCHEF’s key differentiator is the included and integrated griddle pan, adding significant versatility without a major increase in price or size. It offers a different kind of flexibility than the precise temperature control focus of the Nuwave Flex. This AMZCHEF unit is best for users seeking maximum versatility from a single appliance, particularly those who enjoy griddling or indoor grilling but lack dedicated equipment. It provides a unique multi-functional solution that standard double induction cooktops do not.

For the home chef who demands absolute control over their cooking temperature, the Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is a standout choice. Its defining feature is an unparalleled 45 temperature settings, adjustable in precise 10°F increments from a low of 100°F up to a searing 500°F. This level of granularity is exceptional in a portable unit, directly addressing the frustration of imprecise heat common with basic cooktops. With intuitive digital controls that allow for on-the-fly adjustments and three selectable wattage settings (600, 900 & 1300 Watts) for compatibility with different electrical circuits, the Nuwave Flex puts you firmly in command of the cooking process, whether you’re melting chocolate or searing scallops.

Performance is centered around accuracy and evenness. The Nuwave Flex utilizes a 6.5″ heating coil and patented insulation technology to bring the coil closer to the cookware, ensuring faster and more uniform heating without hot or cold spots. The heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass surface is both durable and safe. This cooktop excels in scenarios requiring specific temperatures, such as sous vide cooking (with appropriate setup), tempering chocolate, or holding delicate sauces at a precise warmth. The ability to choose between 600W, 900W, or 1300W is a practical benefit for use in various locations without tripping breakers, though it caps the maximum power lower than some competitors.

Compared to the 1800W Duxtop 9600LS, the Nuwave Flex offers significantly finer temperature control but sacrifices peak power and the sheer number of power levels. Unlike the dual-zone Empava IDC12B2, the Nuwave Flex is a single portable burner focused intensely on temperature precision rather than multi-pot capacity or built-in convenience. This Nuwave Flex is best suited for culinary enthusiasts or those with specific cooking needs that require exact temperature management, offering a level of control that is hard to find in other portable induction cooktops.

For those seeking a seamless, integrated look in a compact space, the Empava IDC12B2 offers a sleek built-in induction cooktop solution with two burners. Designed and engineered in the USA, this ETL certified unit provides a permanent cooking surface that fits cleanly into a countertop cutout, ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or accessory dwelling units. It features a smooth black vitro ceramic glass surface that is both stylish and easy to clean, designed to withstand intense heat. With two heating zones (a larger 1800W max burner and a smaller 1300W max burner) and independent controls offering 9 temperature levels (120°F to 460°F) and multiple power levels, it provides the core functionality needed for everyday cooking tasks.

Performance is reliable for a built-in 120V unit. The Empava IDC12B2 burners provide sufficient power for boiling, simmering, and frying, with the 1800W burner capable of faster heating. It includes practical safety features like a hot surface indicator, pan size sensor, and a child control lock. The power sharing function manages the total load on the 120V circuit (requiring a 20A breaker), which means simultaneous use of both burners at maximum power is limited, a common constraint for 120V double cooktops. The 1-179 minute timer adds convenience for precise cooking.

Compared to portable double burners like the Duxtop 9620LS, the Empava IDC12B2 provides a more permanent and integrated appearance, requiring installation but freeing up countertop space. While it doesn’t offer the commercial-grade durability or stable high output of the ChangBERT, it is designed for standard residential use. This Empava cooktop is best for users needing a permanent, space-saving two-burner solution in a small kitchen or RV, offering core induction benefits and safety features in a clean, built-in package that enhances kitchen aesthetics versus portable units.