The 8 Best Countertop Burners of 2025

The Duxtop 9600LS/BT-200DZ Induction Cooktop truly stands out in the 'Best Overall' category thanks to its impressive blend of practicality and advanced features. This portable cooktop is designed for convenience, fitting neatly into any kitchen setup or taking center stage on a camping trip, thanks to its compact and lightweight design. Its compatibility with standard North American power outlets makes it hassle-free to use right out of the box.

What sets this induction cooktop apart is the remarkable 83% energy efficiency, which not only speeds up cooking times but also means savings on energy bills. Users can choose from 20 power and temperature settings, giving you precise control over your cooking. Features like the child safety lock and an up to 10-hour timer ensure both safety and flexibility. While it may require specific magnetic cookware to function, the auto-pan detection minimizes user error, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned cooks.

The Breville Commercial CMC850BSS Control Freak induction cooktop truly lives up to its premium status with a combination of advanced technology and precision cooking capabilities. It's designed to cater to professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike by offering meticulous temperature control. The through-the-glass sensor is a standout feature, directly measuring the burner surface temperature at an impressive rate. This keen accuracy ensures that your culinary creations are consistently perfect.

A notable advantage is the probe control feature, which excels at maintaining desired temperatures, making it ideal for delicate tasks like sugar work or poaching. Moreover, the heat intensity control lets you moderate cooking power without temperature fluctuations—a significant boon in busy kitchens. Although it requires induction-compatible cookware, the benefits surpass this minor limitation. Additionally, the Create Function simplifies repeated culinary processes, adding convenience and efficiency. Completing the package, essential accessories and a sturdy carry case make this a stellar addition to any serious kitchen.

When it comes to finding a reliable cooktop without breaking the bank, the Duxtop 8120MC/BT-180G3 Induction Cooktop shines as a standout in the 'Best Value For Money' category. One of its most impressive features is the digital control panel, which offers a range of ten temperature settings and power levels, ensuring precise cooking for any dish. This thoughtful design choice makes it incredibly versatile for home chefs.

Additionally, its compact and lightweight nature means you can easily store it away or take it with you, making it ideal for small kitchens or on-the-go cooking needs. The safety features, such as the auto-pan detection and diagnostic error messaging, give peace of mind when in use. Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the absence of an open flame, reducing the usual hassle of cooking cleanup.

While it requires specific cookware to function, this minor requirement is easily overshadowed by its overall affordability and robust performance. With ETL approval, it stands as a dependable choice that combines safety and value effortlessly.

When it comes to precision cooking, the Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop shines brightly. Its performance is particularly noteworthy due to its ability to easily adjust temperatures on-the-fly, ensuring that you maintain control throughout the cooking process without needing to start over. The digital controls are intuitive, providing an immediate response which is perfect for chefs who thrive on precision.

Another standout feature is its 51 pre-programmed temperature settings, allowing you to finely tune your culinary creations from 100°F to 575°F. This level of customization is ideal for achieving perfect results, especially when handling delicate dishes like chocolates or sauces. The shatter-proof ceramic glass surface enhances safety and durability, eliminating the risk of burns from open flames or hot coils.

Efficiency is where the Nuwave Gold truly excels, with its ability to convert a remarkable 85% to 90% of electromagnetic energy directly into heat energy, cooking faster and saving both energy and money. While some might find the pre-set options standard, it's clear that this induction cooktop is a top contender in precision cooking, offering an impressive blend of safety, efficiency, and control.

When it comes to prioritizing child safety in the kitchen, the iSiler 1800W Induction Cooktop stands as a reliable contender. Its robust safety features make it an excellent choice for families. The cooktop's child lock feature is a significant advantage, ensuring little hands can't alter settings or accidentally switch on the appliance. This added security allows parents to focus on cooking without worrying about curious toddlers.

Moreover, its sensitivity to overheating is another safeguard that minimizes burn risks. Parents can rest easy knowing that the cooktop will automatically shut off if temperatures become excessively high, providing peace of mind in a bustling household.

While the 18 power levels and 17 temperature presets are industry standard, they seamlessly complement its safety features, making it versatile for varied culinary tasks. In terms of portability and user-friendliness, the cooktop's design is practical for busy family kitchens. The ease of maintenance with its premium glass surface further adds to its appeal, ensuring it's not only safe but also convenient for everyday use.

The Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop stands out in the 'Best Double Burner' category, thanks to its exceptional performance and user-friendly design. Its induction technology provides a fast heat-up and maintains consistent heat, ensuring your cooking experience is both quick and efficient. This is especially helpful when you're short on time or preparing multiple dishes simultaneously.

The dual heat settings are another winning feature, offering eight options on the left burner and five on the right. This versatility allows for precise temperature control, catering to a range of cooking needs from simmering to boiling. Each burner is equipped with its own 150-minute timer and dedicated ON/OFF switch, giving you the flexibility to manage cooking times independently.

While the heat automatically turns off 30 seconds after cookware is removed—a great safety feature—it’s worth noting that you'll need induction-ready cookware to make the most of this cooktop. Overall, the Cuisinart ICT-60 is a reliable choice for anyone seeking efficiency and convenience in their kitchen.

The Cuisinart CB-30P1 is a standout in the cast-iron burner category, noted for its robust performance and user-friendly design. Its heavy-duty cast iron plate ensures even heat distribution, making cooking a joy. With a powerful 1300-watt capacity, this burner handles a variety of cooking tasks with ease, from simmering sauces to searing steaks.

A particularly appealing feature is the six-setting adjustable temperature control, which offers versatility and precision depending on your culinary needs. The "coil-less" cooking surface not only contributes to even heating but also simplifies cleanup—a detail not to be overlooked for busy cooks. Additionally, its non-slip rubber feet provide stability, a subtle yet essential feature that enhances safety while cooking.

While the one-year limited warranty offers some reassurance, it's the thoughtful design and reliable performance that truly earn the CB-30P1 its ranking. Overall, it strikes a harmonious balance between functionality and convenience, making it a wise choice for kitchen enthusiasts.

The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner truly stands out in the realm of infrared burners with its impressive performance and thoughtful design. With its 1000-watt infrared technology, this cooktop ensures a hassle-free cooking experience, heating food quickly and uniformly. This makes it an ideal choice for various cooking tasks, from boiling to frying, and maintaining food warmth.

One of the standout features of this burner is its compatibility with all cookware types, differentiating it from induction models that require specific materials. It’s worth noting that optimal results are achieved with flat-bottom cookware matching the burner's size. The user-friendly temperature control, equipped with an auto shut-off function, ensures both safety and cooking precision.

Additionally, the sleek stainless steel and crystallite ceramic glass construction lends a modern touch to any kitchen while also being incredibly easy to clean. Portable and lightweight, it's perfect for small spaces, adding to its overall appeal as a versatile and reliable cooking companion.