Ever feel like your stove takes forever to boil a simple pot of water? I’ve been there, staring impatiently at a lukewarm pan. That’s why I got so intrigued by the idea of an infrared cooktop. Unlike traditional electric coils, these guys use light energy to heat your cookware directly, which promises some serious speed. It sounded almost too good to be true, so I decided to put one through its paces in my own kitchen.
Over the next few weeks, I tested everything from searing steaks to simmering sauces. I was curious about the real-world benefits and, honestly, any potential drawbacks. Is the instant heat as amazing as they say? Let’s dive into my hands-on experience to see if this modern cooking tech is worth the hype for your home.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Infrared Cooktop
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500…
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9.9 |
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OVENTE Countertop Infrared Double Burner, 1700W Electric Hot Plate…
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9.7 |
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OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate…
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9.5 |
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OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate…
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9.3 |
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CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate for Cooking, Dual…
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9.1 |
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Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove,…
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8.9 |
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Hot Plate, Techwood Single Burner for Cooking, 1200W Portable…
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8.7 |
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Hot Plate, Techwood 1800W Double Infrared Ceramic Electric Stove…
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8.5 |
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Portable Electric Cooktop 110V, 1800W Electric Stove Infrared Hot…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Double Burner, CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate for…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Infrared Cooktop
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner is a versatile electric hot plate designed for situations where a full stove isn’t available or practical. With its two cast iron plates and a total of 1500 watts of power, it provides a solid cooking solution for small spaces or as an extra station during busy meal preps. You get two different sized cooking surfaces: a 6.5-inch and a 5-inch plate.
This is handy for cooking two different items at once, like grilling a sandwich while heating up a small pan of soup. Each plate has it’s own temperature control knob, so you can manage the heat for each item independently. The settings are straightforward—LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH—allowing you to quickly find the right temperature for simmering, cooking, or keeping food warm.
The power indicator lights on the front are a simple but useful feature; they let you know at a glance which burner is active, which is a good safety reminder. Cleaning is straightforward. The cast iron plates have a nonstick coating, so for everyday messes, you can usually just wipe them down with a damp cloth or a soft sponge once they’ve cooled. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to maintain the surface. The unit’s compact size is one of its biggest advantages.
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Double Burner, 1700W Electric Hot Plate and Portable Stove with 7.75" and 6.75" Ceramic Glass Cooktop, 5 Level Temperature Setting and Easy to Clean Base, Silver BGI102S
The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Double Burner BGI102S is a versatile and portable cooking solution designed for flexibility. It gives you two independent burners—one 7.75-inch and one 6.75-inch—right on your counter. This means you can boil pasta while simmmering sauce, or keep a side dish warm without needing a full-sized stove. Its 1700W power, using infrared heating technology, provides quick and even heat distribution.
This makes it efficient for a variety of tasks, from frying eggs and boiling water for your morning coffee to keeping soup hot for lunch.
A key advantage of this model is its broad compatibility. Unlike induction cooktops, which require specific magnetic pots, this infrared burner works with virtually all cookware you already own. Glass, ceramic, aluminum, or stainless steel pans are all fine.
For the best and most efficient results, its recommended to use pots with a flat bottom that are close to the size of the burner plates. This helps ensure even cooking and maximizes the energy transfer from the infrared elements.
Control is straightforward with a simple knob for each burner, offering five distinct temperature settings. This allows you to precisely match the heat to what your cooking, whether its a gentle simmer or a rapid boil.
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate with 7” Ceramic Glass Cooktop, 5 Level Temperature Setting & Easy to Clean Base, Compact Stove for Home Dorm Office, Black BGI101B
The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner BGI101B is a compact and versatile appliance designed to add cooking flexibility to your space. Whether your in a small apartment, a dorm room, or an office kitchenette, this 1000-watt hot plate provides a reliable heat source without the need for a full-sized stove. Its infrared technology is key—it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across its 7-inch ceramic glass cooktop.
This means you can efficiently fry an egg, simmer soup, boil water for coffee, or keep a meal warm without hot spots.
A major advantage of this model is its compatibility. Unlike induction burners, which require specific magnetic cookware, this infrared burner works with virtually all pots and pans you already own. For the best performance, just try to use a flat-bottomed pot or pan that roughly matches the 7-inch cooking area.
You get five simple temperature settings controlled by an easy-turn knob. A red indicator light lets you know when its heating and the unit includes an auto shut-off feature for safety if it overheats or reaches its target temperature.
Portability is a huge plus here. Weighing only 2.4 pounds and with a slim profile, its easy to move around or store away when not in use.
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate with 7” Ceramic Glass Cooktop, 5 Level Temperature Setting & Easy to Clean Base, Compact Stove for Home Dorm Office, Silver BGI101S
The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner BGI101S is a compact and versatile appliance designed to add a cooking station wherever you need one. It’s a 1000-watt electric hot plate that uses infrared heating technology. This method provides quick, even heat across its 7-inch ceramic glass cooktop, making it efficient for a variety of basic cooking tasks.
You can use it to boil water for coffee, simmer a soup, fry an egg, or simply keep a meal warm.
One of the key advantages of this burner is its broad compatibility. Unlike induction models, this infrared burner works with virtually all your existing cookware. Whether you have pots and pans made from stainless steel, aluminum, or even glass, they should work fine.
For the most efficient heating, its best to use a flat-bottomed pot or pan that closely matches the 7-inch size of the cooking zone. This helps ensure the heat is transfered directly to your food.
Controlling the temperature is straightforward with the adjustable knob. It offers five level settings, giving you enough range to gently melt butter or bring a liquid to a rolling boil. A red indicator light lets you know when the element is actively heating.
CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate for Cooking, Dual Control Infrared Cooktop, Double Burner, Portable Countertop Burner, Glass Plate Electric Cooktop, Silver, Stainless Steel-Upgraded Version
The CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate is a versatile and portable cooking solution designed to complement any space. This upgraded double burner cooktop gives you two independant heating zones, each with its own infrared control knob for precise temperature adjustment. It’s a practical appliance that brings extra cooking power wherever you need it.
One of it’s key strengths is compatibility.
The ceramic glass surface works efficiently with virtually all types of cookware you already own, including stainless steel, aluminum, and glass pots and pans up to 7.1 inches on each burner. The infrared heating technology transfers heat directly to the cookware, which means you get faster heating times and less wasted energy compared to some traditional coils.
Its compact and sturdy stainless steel build makes it incredibly convenient.
If your kitchen is short on stovetop space, or if you need an extra burner for holiday meals, this unit slides right onto your countertop. It’s equally useful in an apartment, dorm, RV, or even outdoors on a patio table. Think of it as your mobile kitchen for everyday tasks like boiling water for pasta, simmering a soup, making grilled cheese, or keeping sauces warm.
Safety and ease of use are central to its design.
Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove, Heat-up In Seconds, Countertop Cooktop for Dorm, Compatible with All Cookware
The Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove is a versatile and powerful appliance designed to bring flexible cooking to almost any space. Unlike a traditional induction hob, this infrared burner works with virtually all your existing cookware. You can use pans made of aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or even glass, like your favorite frying pan, wok, or stovetop teapot.
It supports pots up to 7.1 inches in diameter and a hefty 22 pounds, giving you plenty of flexibility. One of it’s standout features is its incredible speed. Thanks to vertical heating technology, the burner heats up in just a few seconds, providing fast and even heat through infrared radiation. This makes it excellent for a variety of cooking tasks, from quick frying and stir-frying to more gentle slow cooking.
With a little extra gear, you can even use it for Teppanyaki or as a small indoor barbecue station, though the rack and plate aren’t included. It’s a truly multi-functional tool for your kitchen. Portability is a key advantage here. The compact, lightweight design with a stainless steel body means it takes up minimal countertop space. It’s perfect as a backup burner for large gatherings or as a primary cooking source in dorms, offices, RVs, or at campsites.
Hot Plate, Techwood Single Burner for Cooking, 1200W Portable Infrared Ceramic Electric Stove with Adjustable Temperature, 7.1” Cooktop for Home/RV/Camp, Compatible for All Cookwares, Black
The Techwood Single Burner Hot Plate is a compact and powerful electric stove designed to simplify your cooking, wherever you are. With its 1200-watt infrared ceramic heating element, it provides a fast and efficient heat source that works with virtually any pot or pan you own. Whether you need an extra burner for holiday meals, a primary cooker for a small apartment, or a reliable partner for your RV and camping trips, this portable unit is built to adapt.
Its advanced infrared heating technology delivers consistent heat with minimal loss, which means it heats up quickly and cooks efficiently. The adjustable temperature control, with thermostatic settings, gives you precise command for a wide range of tasks. You can gently simmer a soup, fry eggs for breakfast, or sear vegetables for a stir-fry. It also functions perfectly as a dedicated warmer for sauces or keeping a meal hot at the table.
The design is both sleek and practical, featuring a 7.1-inch crystallite glass cooktop and a brushed stainless steel body that fits into any kitchen aesthetic while saving valuable counter space. A key advantage of this hot plate is its universal compatibility. Unlike induction hobs, it doesn’t require specific magnetic cookware. You can confidently use your aluminum, copper, cast iron, or non-magnetic stainless steel pots without worry.
Hot Plate, Techwood 1800W Double Infrared Ceramic Electric Stove for Cooking, Dual Control Cooktop Burners, Portable Anti-scald Handles Suitable for RV/Home/Camp, Compatible for All Cookwares
The Techwood 1800W Double Infrared Ceramic Electric Stove is a versatile and portable cooking solution designed to fit seamlessly into your life, whether your in a small apartment, an RV, or out camping. Its core advantage is it’s incredible flexibility with cookware. Unlike induction hobs, this ceramic stove works with absolutely any pot or pan you own—aluminum, copper, cast iron, or non-magnetic stainless steel.
It heats them efficiently with minimal wasted energy, so you don’t have to buy special equipment. The smooth ceramic glass surface and sturdy stainless steel body are built to last and are a breeze to clean; just a wipe with a cloth once it’s cooled down. With two independently controlled burners, you gain the functionality of a full cooktop in a mini, portable size.
You can boil pasta in one pot while simmering a sauce in another, or use one side to keep food warm while you finish cooking on the second. It’s perfect for preparing a variety of everyday meals, from soups and vegetables to grilled cheese and scrambled eggs. The compact, flat design is timeless and saves crucial counter space, making it ideal for dorms, studio kitchens, or as an extra appliance during busy holiday cooking when you need more burners. Portability is a key feature here.
Portable Electric Cooktop 110V, 1800W Electric Stove Infrared Hot Plate with Knob Control, Nafewin Single Burner Countertop Burner with Handle, 4-Hours Timing Setting, Compatible for All Cookwares
The Nafewin Portable Electric Cooktop 110V is a versatile single burner designed to bring cooking flexibility to any space. Its core idea is simplicity: a powerful, reliable heat source you can use anywhere theres a standard household outlet. Whether your kitchen is temporary, small, or you just need an extra burner for big meals, this unit aims to be a straightforward solution.
At 1800 watts, it provides ample power for most cooking tasks, from a rapid boil to a gentle simmer.
The ceramic infrared heating panel is a key feature, known for distributing heat evenly across its surface. This helps avoid hot spots that can burn your food, promoting more consistent cooking results. You have precise control with ten power levels, ranging from a low 100W for keeping things warm all the way up to full power.
This makes it suitable for a wide range of techniques, including frying, steaming, boiling, or slow simmering soups and sauces.
Operation is designed to be intuitive. It combines a responsive LED touch panel with a physical knob for adjustment, giving you both modern and tactile control. You can set a built-in timer for up to four hours, which is a handy feature for slow-cooked dishes or for peace of mind if you need to step away.
Double Burner, CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate for Cooking, Dual Control Infrared Cooktop, Portable Countertop Burner, Glass Plate Electric Cooktop, Silver, Stainless Steel-Upgraded Version
The CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate is a versatile dual-burner cooktop designed to expand your cooking options wherever you need it. This portable countertop burner, with its sleek silver stainless steel body and glass ceramic surface, offers a practical and upgraded solution for a wide range of cooking situations.
This unit features two independent infrared burners, each with its own 900-watt heating element for a combined 1800W of power.
This setup allows for fast and even heating, which can be more energy-efficient compared to traditional gas. You can quickly boil water or simmer a sauce without waiting for a full stove to heat up. Each burner has a seperate temperature control knob, making operation straightforward—just turn to adjust the heat or to turn the burner on and off.
This independence means you can cook two different items simultaneously, like pasta on one side and vegetables on the other, which is a real time-saver during busy meals.
A key advantage of this CUSIMAX hot plate is its compatibility with virtually all types of cookware. You can use pots and pans made from cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, or glass, as long as they fit within the 7.1-inch heating zones for each burner.
Infrared Cooktop Buying Guide
Ever watched a professional chef’s stove and seen those glowing red coils? That’s infrared technology at work, and it’s now available for your kitchen. An infrared cooktop uses radiant heat to directly warm your pots and pans, offering incredibly fast heating and precise control. It’s a different experience from traditional electric or gas, and knowing a few key points will help you pick teh right one.
Heating Speed and Responsiveness
This is where infrared really shines. The moment you turn it on, heat is transfered almost instantly to your cookware. Boiling a large pot of water can take significantly less time. The responsiveness is also excellent; when you adjust the temperature, the change happens quickly, giving you control similar to a gas flame without the open fire.
Compatible Cookware
You’ll need flat-bottomed pots and pans for best results. Infrared works through direct radiant heat, so good contact is essential. Materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic work great. Avoid warped pans or glass cookware not rated for stovetop use, as they won’t heat efficiently. It’s a good moment to check your existing set.
Surface Material and Cleaning
Most infrared cooktops have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface. It looks sleek, but it can show fingerprints and spills. The good news is cleanup is usually straightforward once the surface cools. A simple wipe with a damp cloth often does the trick. Just avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the glass.
Safety and Power Requirements
Since the surface itself gets hot from the pan above it, residual heat indicators are a vital safety feature. Also, these cooktops require a dedicated electrical circuit due to their high power draw. Always check your kitchen’s wiring and consult an electrician if your unsure. Built-in child locks are another helpful feature for families.
Size and Burner Configuration
Think about how you cook. Do you need a single burner for a small space, or a full-sized model with four cooking zones? Layout matters too—some have flexible zones that can combine for a griddle. Measure your counter space carefully to ensure a good fit, both for the unit itself and for leaving safe clearance around it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Cooktop
What is an infrared cooktop?
It’s a type of electric cooktop that uses halogen lamps to produce infrared light. This light directly heats your pots and pans, not teh surface glass. It’s known for it’s very fast heating.
How is it different from a regular electric coil cooktop?
The main difference is speed. Infrared heats up almost instantly, like gas. A traditional coil takes much longer to get hot and to cool down. The cooking experience feels more responsive.
Is it more efficient than other cooktops?
Yes, generally. Because the energy transfers directly to the cookware, less heat is lost to the air around it. This can mean shorter cooking times and potentially lower energy use.
What kind of cookware do I need?
You need pots and pans with flat, smooth bottoms. Materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled iron work great. The flat contact ensures even heating. Avoid warped or rounded bottoms.
Are thay easy to clean?
Very. The surface is usually a smooth, one-piece glass ceramic. Just wait for it to cool, then you can wipe it down. Spills don’t burn onto coils like on a traditional electric stove.
Is it safer than a gas stove?
It has different safety points. There’s no open flame, which is a plus. But the surface and the cookware get extremely hot. You still need to be careful about burns. Some models have indicator lights to warn you about residual heat.
Do they require special installation?
Most need a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit, just like a standard electric range or cooktop. It’s best to have a qualified electrician handle the installation to ensure everything is correct and safe.
What about control and temperature?
You get precise control, often with touchpad settings. The heat adjusts quickly when you change the setting. It’s great for tasks that need immediate temperature shifts, like simmering a sauce.
Last Thoughts Before You Buy
So, is an infrared cooktop right for your kitchen? It really comes down to your routine. If you want quick heat and easy cleanup, it’s a strong contender. Just know it works a bit different than what you might be used to. You’ll need teh right cookware and a little patience to get the hang of the heat settings.
For many home cooks, the speed and efficiency make it a great choice. Think about how you cook most days. If you value getting dinner ready fast, an infrared cooktop could be a perfect fit for your home. It’s a modern tool that simplifies the process once you get comfortable with it.