Top 10 Best Countertop Burners

Today we’re going to through the top 10 best countertop burners. If you’re looking for an extra burner to use at home or take away with you then we’ll be looking at some of the main features of these countertop burners so it will help you to decide what you need and you can see all the information on one page.

We’ll be discussing some of the features that we took into consideration to make our top choice of countertop burner which is the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner.

Read our full review of the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner or get more specific details at Amazon.com

How we chose our top product

Price

The price has to be one of the most important features and usually the first that we check. Depending on the size of the burner and the type of the burner you want to buy your prices can start from as low as $10. If all you want is something basic to plug in and go then you can get a cheap option, when you move on in type to a gas burner or an induction burner the costs can grow very quickly. If it’s for a short term use then go for cheaper but if you want to get a lot of use out of it or have limitations that dictate a more expensive option like lack of power or a safety issue then expect to have to pay a higher price.

Portability

Portability might not be the main driving factor for you if you want a cooking option and don’t have one at all, then your burner might stay in place but if you are travelling and are using these burners when you are away being able carry them easily and to store them away without them taking up too much space is important. If you don’t want to use your burner all the time at home you want to be able to store it away in a drawer or cupboard easily.

Multiple places it can be used

The joy of a countertop burner is the places it can be used. We’ve already mentioned holidays and camping, a gas burner can come into it’s own here if you have no power also if you need something outside at home which is away from a power source and you don’t want to be trailing extension cables outside. When you live in a room or small apartment with no cooking facilities you can use all types of burner, if you have to constantly store your burner you may find an induction is quicker to cool. You can use these burners at barbecues, if you’re having a dinner party and want to impress your guests by cooking something at the table. You can use them on the patio or by the side of you kitchen stove as an extra burner. You can even use these burners for crafts if you need to heat stuff up. They’re so flexible but don’t need a large outlay.

Don’t forget to check out our top choice the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner at Amazon.com

Top 10 Best Countertop Burners

#1 Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner

This Secura 9100MC is our top choice of countertop burner, although not the cheapest on the market it offers good value for an induction hotplate. This is a compact burner which can fit easily on the worktop. It’s only 2 inches tall so could easily be stored in a drawer or cupboard. For an induction cooker you need to have access to an electrical outlet so you can take it camping with you if you have access to power and it will work great as an extra burner or the only burner if you have no other cooking facilities. It’s easy to use this Secura 9100MC, you have the option to change the heat by using the power levels, you have the choice of 15 levels or you can use the temperature control if you feel more comfortable with that, you also have 15 choices for temperature. It also has a timer option of up to 170 minutes. One of the greatest things about an induction is the fact that it heats by electro magnetic reaction with the pans you use so that the pan itself is heated not the cooktop itself which means that it doesn’t heat up around the edges of the cooker while cooking and the heat on the cooking surface itself is only what is transferred from the heat of the pan so it cools down very quickly and doesn’t burn on food particles. You have to have magnetic based pans to use this hotplate and any kitchen fridge magnet can help you check any pans that you have to see if they will work.

Read our full review of the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner

Buy the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner at Amazon.com

#2 Coleman Classic Propane Stove

When you don’t have a power source you have to supply your own, and that is where the benefit of owning a Coleman Classic Propane Stove can help. The Coleman is a propane gas stove, it has 2 burners which makes it a great stove if you have no power as you can use these burners individually or both at the same time and with the easily purchased gas cannisters that supply the heat source you can use this stove anywhere and at any time. This is reasonably priced for a double burner and the size of 4.1 x 21.9 x 13.7 inches without the gas container attached it’s not too large to carry and store. It’s easy to light although it hasn’t got automatic ignition so you will have to have something with you to light the flame, the stove also has some built in wind protection when the lid is up and the side wings are clipped in place. There is plenty of space to fit 2 pans on top easily and although it’s a great choice for camping there is nothing to stop you using it in your kitchen or outside if you’re having a party or barbecue.

Read our full review of the Coleman Classic Propane Stove

Buy the Coleman Classic Propane Stove at Amazon.com

#3 Cuisinart CB-30 Cast-Iron Single Burner, Stainless Steel

The Cuisinart CB-30 Cast-Iron Single Burner is an electric burner with a cast iron cooking plate. When you’re looking for something simple and easy to use you can’t go far wrong with this countertop burner which is solidly built and mid priced. It’s not too big and would be easy to carry around if you want to take it away with you or if you want to store it at home until you want to use it. The hotplate itself is about 7.5 inches across so you need to go for pans where the base is a similar size to get the best results. This Cuisinart CB-30 is a 1300w burner and can heat up quickly, there’s a simple dial on the front which goes from 1-5 and a min setting between off and 1. There is also a power light on the front and a ready button so you can always see when it is switched on. You don’t need any special kind of pans with this type of hotplate and they are pretty easy to wipe clean although you do need to wait until it has cooled down first. This hotplate can be used anywhere with access to electricity, it’s small enough to not take up all the space on the countertop but you need to keep a little free space around it as it can get quite hot.

Read our full review of the Cuisinart CB-30 Cast-Iron Single Burner, Stainless Steel

Buy the Cuisinart CB-30 Cast-Iron Single Burner, Stainless Steel at Amazon.com

#4 Secura 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner

The Secura 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner is an induction countertop burner. It is one of the cheapest priced induction cooktops and if you’re looking for an easy to carry unit that can work anywhere that there is a power source then this is a good choice. Many people buy induction cookers because they offer a lot of control when cooking, the temperature can be set and it will stay there accurately which is great for when you are using oil for frying and you want spot on control. With this control you still have the cool touch around the edges as the heat is generated in the pan not in the cooker. Induction heat is generated through electro-magnetic energy which is why only magnetic based cookware will work with these induction burners, it’s easy to check your pans with a fridge magnet. You can cook by using the temperature, there are 10 different levels or you can use the numbered power levels if you find that easier and all are controlled by touch buttons on the front of the unit. There is also a countdown timer on this cooker too. There is a safety feature that turns the Secura off if there is not pan detected for 60 seconds which means you won’t leave it switched on by mistake.

This is a compact unit, easy to wipe clean and it won’t take up much space if you wanted to use this in a small cooking area like a camper or a college room.

Read our full review of the Secura 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner

Buy the Secura 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner at Amazon.com

#5 NuWave 30242 PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop with 10.5″ Fry Pan, Black

This NuWave 30242 PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop with 10.5″ Fry Pan, Black takes away the problem of wondering if your pans will work on an induction burner by giving a frying pan in with it. This would certainly make a great option as a gift to someone with no cooking facilities or elderly people that need a safer countertop burner that they are less likely to burn themselves on as the edges around the cooker stay cool and the cooking area only gets hot by absorbing some of the heat from the pan and it cools quickly when the pan is removed. Also you know that without a pan on the cooking surface it won’t get hot, the heating only begins when the electro-magnetic vibration happens with the cookware when it is placed on the cooktop. This is priced at less than $100 which is not too expensive considering it includes a pan as well. This cooker is a bit taller than the other 2 induction cookers mentioned above and the controls are on the front edge. There are 52 temperature settings starting from 100F to 575F and easy to adjust in 10 degree increments with the touch button controls. You can buy a carry bag to carry this around with you if you are travelling but it’s not required you could use any bag really. This NuWave can be used anywhere you have a power source, and can fit in a relatively small place on the worktop.

Read our full review of the NuWave 30242 PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop with 10.5″ Fry Pan, Black

Buy the NuWave 30242 PIC Gold Precision Induction Cooktop with 10.5″ Fry Pan, Black at Amazon.com

#6 Cusimax 1500W Electric Countertop Burner, Portable Single Hot Plate, CMHP-B101

This Cusimax 1500W Electric Countertop Burner, Portable Single Hot Plate, CMHP-B101 is an electric burner with a solid cast iron plate. At an affordable price it’s easy to justify adding it to your shopping list. It’s very compact in size so easy to pack away if you want to take it away with you if you’re going on holiday, whether it’s to use in a camper or even a hotel room. When you have a smaller item like this you can use it anywhere that you have an electrical outlet. You can use any type of cookware with this burner but for the most efficient cooking you don’t want the base of the pans to not be more than 7.5 inches which is the size of the hotplate. With only 2 control buttons on the front of the cooker there is nothing complicated about using the Cusimax, there is a on/off control on the left and a graduated heat control on the right which goes from off to max with 1-7 graduations to give better heat control. The thermostatic heat sensor turns the heat off when the required heat is reached and cycles on and off to keep the the temperature steady. You’re not limited to what you can cook on this appliance so whether you want to have it as an extra burner in your kitchen or the main cooking unit in your home it can handle it. It can be hot to touch so you need to allow it to cool down before you wipe it clean and put it away for the next time.

Read our full review of the Cusimax 1500W Electric Countertop Burner, Portable Single Hot Plate, CMHP-B101

Buy the Cusimax 1500W Electric Countertop Burner, Portable Single Hot Plate, CMHP-B101 at Amazon.com

#7 Cusimax 1800W Double Hot Plate , Stainless Countertop Burner, Silver Portable Electric Cooktop, CMHP-C180

The Cusimax 1800W Double Hot Plate , Stainless Countertop Burner, Silver Portable Electric Cooktop, CMHP-C180 is a great double electric burner, it has cast iron hotplates one is 7.4 inches and one is 6.1 inches in diameter. If you’re looking for a suitable cooking option in student accommodation, campers, holiday homes or just as an extra to use at home, outside on the deck or inside in the kitchen this might be the right choice for you. Although there are 2 different size burners they both have the same wattage so you have the same heat capacity on both, very useful in the kitchen when you don’t want to cook just one pot meals. There are 2 easy knob controls, 1 for each plate with 11 thermostatically controlled heat settings on each one giving you precise control for whatever you want to cook. There is an overheating fuse in place which will click off the heat when it goes over the level of heat required to keep the heat level stable which is why the indicator lights go on and off showing the unit keeping the heat level right. The outer casing is made from durable stainless steel with non-slip feet for safety, which is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth along with the hotplates. If you’re looking for a double hotplate that is plugged into the normal kitchen outlet then consider the Cusimax 1800W Double Hot Plate.

Read our full review of the Cusimax 1800W Double Hot Plate , Stainless Countertop Burner, Silver Portable Electric Cooktop, CMHP-C180

Buy the Cusimax 1800W Double Hot Plate , Stainless Countertop Burner, Silver Portable Electric Cooktop, CMHP-C180 at Amazon.com

#8 Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless

If you’re looking for a more heavy duty countertop burner then the Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless seems to be a good choice. This single burner which has 1500W of power is made strongly enough to withstand continued use in a professional capacity so can easily handle being carried around if you want something portable to use either in a holiday situation or as an extra burner at home. This is made from strong easy to clean stainless steel with stable non-slip feet and a cast iron hotplate. It’s controlled by a knob on the front marked with 1-10 heat settings and has an indicator light on the top above the controls. One of the best features about this burner is the fact that it can hold a 12 quart pot which makes it a top choice for canners who tend to use tall pressure cookers which get quite heavy. One of the other requirements for canners is to keep the pressure levels steady so requiring accurate controls is a must and this Cadco burner can manage this with no problem. If you’re looking for an extra hotplate for your kitchen or to use elsewhere and don’t mind spending a bit extra for a professional quality product then check out this Cadco PCR-1S.

Read our full review of the Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless

Buy the Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless at Amazon.com

#9 Iwatani Corporation of America ZA-3HP Portable Butane Stove Burner

If you are looking for a small single burner gas stove then you might be interested in the Iwatani Corporation of America ZA-3HP Portable Butane Stove Burner. Whether you’re looking for a burner to use on holiday where you won’t have any kind of power supply or whether you want this burner for your home this simple to use butane gas burner is a useful choice. These burners are often used in restaurants where they cook for the customer at the table so they are easy to carry and move around with instant control. This small stove is powered by a butane gas canister that can be bought from Amazon.com or many hardware stores, it’s very easy to lock into place and connect for cooking or disconnect when you have finished with a sliding lever on the front. You can get 1.5 up to 2 hours of cooking time from a canister depending on whether you have it on full flame or just at a simmer. There is a built in drip pan making it easy to clean and 4 pan supports which keeps your pans steady and is suitable for any pans up to a10 inch base. There is also automatic ignition and flame control all done with one adjustable knob on the front of the unit. This stove has it’s own carrying case which makes it easy to pack when going away or to store while keeping it in pristine condition. For less than $50 you get a versatile countertop burner which is safe to use indoor and out.

Read our full review of the Iwatani Corporation of America ZA-3HP Portable Butane Stove Burner

Buy the Iwatani Corporation of America ZA-3HP Portable Butane Stove Burner at Amazon.com

#10 Elite Cuisine ESB-301BF Maxi-Matic 1000 Watt Single Buffet Burner Electric Hot Plate

If you’re just looking for a cheap little burner that you can keep on hand for any eventuality then take a look at the Elite Cuisine ESB-301BF Maxi-Matic 1000 Watt Single Buffet Burner Electric Hot Plate. This small unit which is approximately 8.5 inches square with a 6 inch cast iron burner is as simple as it comes. It has 1000W power so can heat up quickly with low, medium and high settings controlled by a knob on the front of the burner. With only a 6 inch heating plate you don’t want to be using large pans as you won’t get even heating, you want to keep the pan base as close to the size of the hotplate as you can. This is easy to wipe clean and small enough to keep on the worktop or to put in a bag to take away with you on holiday as long as you have a power source. This could be a great choice for student accommodation if you just want a way of heating up food or cooking simple one pot meals. This does get hot so you need to keep a bit of space around it so you don’t touch it accidentally and let it cool before you wipe it clean. For a lower priced option you still get a powerful portable burner.

Read our full review of the Elite Cuisine ESB-301BF Maxi-Matic 1000 Watt Single Buffet Burner Electric Hot Plate

Buy the Elite Cuisine ESB-301BF Maxi-Matic 1000 Watt Single Buffet Burner Electric Hot Plate at Amazon.com

Conclusion

Don’t let the number of countertop burners put you off, if this is all a bit too much information for you then why not start out by checking out our no1 choice the Secura 9100MC then you can move onto different types of burners with different prices above if you need to.

Buy the Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner at Amazon.com and you can also check out the customer reviews too.