We review the single burner NCE Portable Induction Cooktop, a fast, efficient and compact option for cooking in vans and small spaces
NCE has added a single-burner induction cooktop to its range, and we’ve been using it in our van over the past few months. I have to admit I’m a beginner when it comes to this type of cooking, but induction is becoming more common in the new vans we review.
How induction cooktops work
Unlike gas or traditional electric stoves that rely on thermal conduction, induction cooktops use electromagnetism to generate heat. Beneath the sleek crystal-glass surface, a copper coil creates a high-frequency electromagnetic field. When you place induction-compatible cookware (ferrous metals such as cast iron or magnetic stainless-steel) on the surface, the magnetic field induces an electric current directly in the pan’s base. This process turns the pan itself into the heat source. As the glass surface remains relatively cool and only the cookware heats up, energy loss is minimal, and the risk of accidental burns is greatly reduced.
The new single burner NCE Portable Induction Cooktop
Testing the NCE Portable Induction Cooktop in the van
An easy way to check if pots are suitable is to test them with a magnet. A fridge magnet will work. Happily, we had several pots suitable for the cooker, and my first test was to make my morning coffee in a stainless-steel percolator on the NCE induction cooktop.
Setting it to high, I placed the pot at the centre of the burner and was surprised at how quickly the water boiled and filtered through the ground coffee. I timed it with a second pot and it took one minute and five seconds to process.
For comparison, I did the same process on our gas cooktop, and that took five minutes and twenty seconds. I’m officially a convert to induction cooking.
We also cooked a fish curry using our Daymo Adventure-Q Kettle BBQ (read the review on that here), and it simmered beautifully on low heat and turned out a perfect meal.
Cooking a curry on the NCE Portable Induction Cooktop with the Daymo Adventure-Q Kettle BBQ
Compact design and power requirements
The single burner NCE Portable Induction Cooktop is sleek and compact, measuring 290mm x 365mm x 45mm, and weighs only 2.3kg.
It runs on 240V and is rated at 2000W, so you need mains power or a reliable inverter. Thanks to its high efficiency and fast performance, it won’t drain batteries quickly, making it perfect for off-grid use.
Check it out on the NCE website.
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Quick cooking with the NCE Single Burner Portable Induction Cooktop