For cooking one dish at a time with compatible cookware, a single-zone portable induction hob may be a good choice if space is limited. A double-zone model is better for preparing two things at once, provided you have enough worktop space and a suitable socket. If your pans are not induction-compatible, compare portable electric hobs instead. A microwave is best for reheating or defrosting, rather than replacing all your pan and hob cooking.
If you want to set the appliance up and put it away again, and usually cook in one pan, compare the size of the cooking zone with the space available. The formats and dimensions listed by Tefal France and Severin France relate to specific models.
If you need two pans while your kitchen is being renovated, check how much space you’ll need and the model’s electrical specifications. Tristar lists separate power ratings for the zones on its IK-6179.
If you don’t want to replace pans that aren’t induction-compatible, check their bases and compare portable electric hobs. Electrolux France explains the magnet test, while Severin France features a non-induction electric model.
Consider this if: you mostly cook in one compatible pan and need to clear your worktop.
Bear in mind: you won’t be able to heat two pans at the same time on the appliance.
Consider this if: you regularly prepare two parts of a meal at once and have a sufficiently large surface.
Bear in mind: check the available space and total power carefully. For the IK-6179, Tristar lists zones rated at 1 400 W and 2 000 W, giving a total of 3 400 W.
Consider this if: you want to keep cooking in pans that aren’t suitable for induction.
Bear in mind: allow for hot surfaces and cooling time after use.
Consider this if: you mainly need to reheat or defrost food.
Bear in mind: it won’t replace all your pan and hob cooking; check that it has the features you need for your meals.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and storage | Appliance dimensions, available stable surface and space for the pan. | If space is tight, I want to be able to set the appliance up and put it away without giving up the whole worktop. Around 25% of consumers prioritise size and storage. |
| Cooking two things at once | Number of zones, space between the pans and the power rating for each zone. | When I’m making a main dish and a side at the same time, both pans need to fit on the appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise cooking two things at once. |
| Pan compatibility | Whether a magnet sticks to the base, the pan’s diameter and the instructions. | If I want to keep my current pans, I check that they’re compatible before choosing induction. Around 17% of consumers prioritise keeping their cookware. |
| Socket and location | The appliance’s power rating and plug, a suitable socket, a stable surface and the clearances specified in the instructions. | In temporary accommodation, I want to know whether the available socket and surface are suitable, without making changes to the fixed installation. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having a suitable place to position and plug in their appliance. |
| Type of meal | Planned meals, the features you need and whether there’s a usable microwave. | If I mainly need to reheat or defrost food, an extra hob may not meet my main need. Around 8% of consumers prioritise reheating or defrosting alone. |
For the IK-6179, Tristar lists ratings of 1 400 W and 2 000 W for the two zones, and a total of 3 400 W.
Compare the total power and the rating of each zone separately with the cooking you want to do at the same time.
Compatibility depends, among other things, on the pan base and the diameter accepted by the model.
Check your cookware and read the instructions. If you’d rather not replace your pans, compare portable electric hobs instead.
Legrand distinguishes between a portable hob with a plug and a built-in hob connected to a dedicated installation. Having a spare socket doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for the appliance you’ve chosen.
Check the model’s power rating, plug and instructions, as well as the available socket. Don’t modify the fixed installation to deal with this temporary need.
You’ll also need a stable surface and the ventilation clearances specified by the manufacturer. The IK-6179 instructions call for a stable, level surface, while the KP 1071 instructions say not to cover its ventilation openings.
Measure the space you can actually use and follow the model’s positioning and ventilation instructions.
Tefal describes the Everyday slim IH2108E1 as a single-zone portable induction hob designed for small spaces.
Tristar’s IK-6179 is a double-zone portable hob, designed to provide extra cooking space.
The models featured by Severin France show several temporary cooking options: single- and double-zone induction hobs, a cast-iron electric hob and a solo microwave.
This selection includes single- and double-zone portable induction hobs, portable electric hobs and a microwave for reheating or defrosting.
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This single-zone induction hob is a good fit if you need a temporary cooking solution for preparing one dish at a time. Check that your cookware is compatible and follow the instructions for positioning, heat resistance and ventilation.
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Two zones can be useful for preparing two parts of a meal at the same time. Check that your induction-compatible cookware measures between 12 and 24 cm, and that the surface is stable and heat-resistant.
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This two-zone electric hob is worth considering if you’re looking for portable cooking without induction. Its name lists 3 200 W and nine power settings; check that these features and the compatible cookware suit your needs.
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For temporary cooking on a single zone, check the heating technology and cookware compatibility before buying. The name lists 2 000 W and eight power settings, and also refers to pans measuring 12 to 26 cm.
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This microwave is worth considering if you mainly need to reheat or defrost meals. The name lists 700 W, 20 L and 11 power settings; it won’t replace all your pan and hob cooking.
A portable hob with a plug is different from a built-in hob connected to a dedicated installation. Legrand says a portable hob can be plugged into a standard socket; however, check your model’s power rating, plug and instructions, as well as the socket available in your home.
Check that a magnet sticks to the base, then compare the pan’s diameter and flatness with the hob’s instructions. Electrolux France explains the magnet test; a pan with an unsuitable base won’t work with induction.
Choose a stable, level surface, as stated in the Tristar IK-6179 instructions. The Severin KP 1071 instructions say not to cover its ventilation openings. For other models, follow their positioning and clearance guidance rather than assuming the same distance applies to every hob.
Not necessarily. For a property covered by Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, the list of equipment includes hobs and, separately, an oven or microwave oven. Check the text published by Légifrance and confirm which type of rental agreement applies to the property.
Switch off the appliance, let the surfaces cool and follow the model’s instructions before cleaning or storing it. The Tristar IK-6179 instructions warn that accessible surfaces can become hot; they also say to switch off the appliance if its surface is cracked.