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.
Try before you buy
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
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
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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More from Tom's Guide
- Discover induction vs electric cooktop: Which type is better for you?
- And 5 things you need to know before buying an induction cooktop
- Plus, does an induction cooktop work with cast iron pans?
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