I thought this budget induction cooktop was just for small spaces — until I found its killer hidden potential

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Ikea Tillreda Portable induction cooktop in white
(Image credit: Ikea)

Induction cooktops are known to be expensive, much more so than comparative gas and electric versions, but you can enjoy the thrills of induction cooking at a fraction of the cost you would expect.

Because that wonderful Swedish store that goes by the name IKEA has opened up induction cooking to all. For a cent under $60 you can pick up an induction cooktop and benefit from the joys of induction cooking without having to take out a second mortgage.

IKEA’s budget-friendly induction cooktop is available directly from IKEA for $59. And as an added bonus, you can use it whenever and wherever you want, as it’s portable. No fixing needed. Simply plug it into your power source and get cooking.

IKEA TILLREDA Portable Induction Cooktop
IKEA TILLREDA Portable Induction Cooktop: $59 at IKEA

This portable induction cooktop is ideal for small kitchens or whenever you need an extra cooking zone. You can plug it in and start cooking immediately. The cooktop is controlled via touchpad controls, with a lock facility to keep children safe. It measures 10 5/8 (W) x 12 3/4 (D) x 12 3/4 inchs and weights 6lbs.

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Try before you buy

IKEA Tillreda Portable Induction Cooktop

(Image credit: Future / Camilla Sharman)

When testing IKEA’s TILLREDA portable induction cooktop, I was thrilled with how accessible it made induction cooking for those on a budget. Without the hefty price tag normally associated with induction cooktops, it makes it possible to try before you buy.

So, if you’re curious about trying induction cooking but hesitant to invest in a built-in version without first experiencing its benefits, opting for a portable version lets you test the waters of induction cooking before making a bigger commitment.

And, although IKEA’s portable induction cooktop only accommodates one pan, it’s enough to give you a feeling for what induction cooking is like.

A compact living essential

IKEA Tillreda Portable Induction Cooktop

(Image credit: Future / Camilla Sharman)

Another great advantage of purchasing a portable induction cooktop is that it’s perfect for compact living. Pack it up and take it to your college dorm, and impress your fellow students with the cooktop’s touchpad. It even has a hook attached to store it off the countertop when space is tight. And it’s perfect for student one-pot dinners or pulling together healthy meals while you’re away from home. I'd certainly have invested in one when I packed my sons off to college a good few years ago.

But it’s not just ideal for student living. Anyone with a small kitchen can benefit from its compact dimensions. Pair it with one of the best air fryers for a compact kitchen setup.

My secret weapon when I entertain

Ikea Tillreda Portable induction cooktop

(Image credit: Future / Camilla Sharman)

Although this budget induction cooktop is perfect for small spaces and gives you a feel for induction cooking, I find it offers a much bigger benefit. In fact, I think it's the hidden potential of owning a device like this one.

I think of it as the extendible section on my dining table, which I pull up when I’m entertaining and need more space. And, appropriately, it’s what I use when I have a houseful of mouths to feed.

When my four-ring gas cooktop gets overwhelmed, and I’ve run out of space for any more pots, IKEA’s portable induction cooktop comes to the rescue. All I need to do is clear a small amount of countertop space, plug it in, and I’ve got myself another cooking spot. So, whenever I’m entertaining a crowd, this extra cooktop makes my life that little bit easier.

What’s more, when not in use, it’s super easy to store, and its portability means it often gets handed to other family members when it’s their turn to host. It may be meant as a budget option, but to me it's the extra piece of the cooking puzzle that comes to the rescue whenever I need it.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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