The demand for portable and versatile cooking solutions has led to the rise of innovative technologies. Among these, portable halogen hobs have become a go-to choice for individuals seeking efficient and adaptable cooking options.
Whether you’re a student navigating the challenges of dormitory life, an avid camper exploring the great outdoors, or a nomad in a campervan, portable halogen hobs offer a compelling solution to fulfil your culinary needs.
In this article, we’ll explore why portable halogen hobs are an excellent choice for various lifestyles.
We’ll explore their benefits, efficiency, and unique features that cater to the specific needs of students, campers, and campervan enthusiasts. So, let’s get started!
Empava Halogen Hob – A Stylish and Powerful Choice
The Empava REC50 halogen hob blends elegance with functionality, offering a space-saving and powerful solution for cooking. Whether you’re a student, camper, or campervan owner, this hob delivers on both style and performance.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Empava
- Heating Elements: 2
- Colour: Touch Controls, 9 Power Levels
- Power Source: Gas Powered
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Special Feature: Temperature Control
- Heater Surface Material: Stainless Steel
- Material: Glass Ceramic
- Product Dimensions: 28.8D x 5.7W x 52H centimetres
- Burner Type: Ceramic
Key Features:
Touch Controls & 9 Power Levels:
The advanced digital inductive touch controls offer precise heating management. With 9 power levels, it suits various cooking styles, making it versatile for frying, grilling, and more.
3000W Power Output:
The hob features two high-power burners (1800W + 1200W), ensuring rapid heating and cooking. It’s suitable for various cookware, including aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, copper, and cast iron.
Protection Features:
Safety is a priority with features like a child safety lock, automatic switch-off protection, residual heat warning, and overheating protection, ensuring worry-free operation.
Space-Saving Design:
The REC50 takes up minimal space, making it perfect for any kitchen counter. Its sleek black Chinese glass top adds a modern and stylish touch to your kitchen. Hence, it’s the best option for students and travelling.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish design | Requires hardwired installation |
| Advanced touch controls | Lack of plug may limit installation flexibility |
| 3000W power for fast cooking | For off-grid camping, a large inverter is required |
Empava Electric Hob – Sleek and Powerful Kitchen Addition
Empava’s REC51 Electric Hob is a stellar addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and power in a sleek design. Let’s have a look at its features, pros and cons.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Empava
- Heating Elements: 4
- Colour: Electric Hobs 9 Power Levels
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Special Feature: Temperature Control
- Heater Surface Material: Glass Ceramic
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 59D x 5W x 52H centimetres
- Burner Type: Ceramic
Key Features:
- Touch Controls & 9 Power Levels:
The advanced digital inductive touch controls provide precise heating management. With 9 power levels, this electric hob is perfect for various cooking styles, offering temperature control for frying, grilling, and more.
- 5700W Power Output:
The REC51 features three high-power burners (1800W + 1200W + 2700W), ensuring fast heating and cooking. It’s suitable for various cookware, including aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, copper, and cast iron.
- Protection Features:
Safety is a priority with features like a child safety lock, automatic switch-off protection, residual heat warning, and overheating protection. These safety measures provide confidence in using the electric ceramic hob and make it a perfect fit for camping.
- Space-Saving Design:
The built-in Empava electric hob takes up minimal space, making it perfect for any kitchen counter. With nanocrystal glass, the hob looks modern and stylish. The black smooth glass is sturdy, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek and modern design | Requires hardwired installation |
| Advanced touch controls | Lack of plug may limit installation flexibility |
| 5700W power for fast cooking | For off-grid camping, use is limited due to large power requirement |
| Versatile for various cookware |
Exploring Alternatives: Alternate Portable Electric Hobs
While portable halogen hobs offer a convenient solution, the market is not flooded with options. So, let’s explore alternative choices, specifically electric hobs, which provide reliable and efficient cooking solutions.
Best for Students, Perfect for Camping, Best for Campervans
Discover the convenience and efficiency of the AAOBOSI Double Induction Hob. Whether you’re a student, camper, or campervan enthusiast, this induction hob offers smart features and dual-zone heating for versatile cooking.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: AAOBOSI
- Heating Elements: 2
- Colour: Bright Black
- Material: Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Ceramic Glass, Ceramic, Iron
- Special Feature: Auto-off
- Burner Type: Induction
Key Features:
- Dual Zones Heating Design:
Equipped with two independent heating zones, this induction hob allows you to set each one separately. The left burner has a maximum power of 1800 watts, while the right burner reaches up to 1000 watts, providing efficient cooking.
- 10 Temperature Levels:
Easily set the temperature between 60℃ and 240 ℃ using the light and sensitive touch screen. The 4-hour timer ensures automatic shutdown after cooking. The push “Function” button and Max/Min buttons offer precise power and temperature control.
- Compatible with Magnetic Cookware:
The induction plate is compatible with stainless steel, enamelled iron, or cast iron cookware (12-26cm) with a magnetic bottom. The black glass ceramic surface ensures easy cleaning and scratch resistance. The hob shuts down automatically if no cookware is detected in 1 minute.
- Multiple Security & Keep Warm:
With built-in protection against overheating, over-pressure, and over-current, this hob ensures safety during operation. The unique Keep Warm feature maintains water or soup at 80℃, adding convenience to your cooking experience.
- Excellent Warranty Service:
Enjoy a worry-free cooking experience with a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase. AAOBOSI offers lifetime customer service, ensuring prompt assistance via Amazon messages within 24 hours.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual-zone heating for versatile cooking | Requires hardwired installation |
| 10 temperature levels and 4-hour timer | Limited to indoor use |
| Compatible with magnetic cookware | Lack of plug may limit installation flexibility |
| Multiple safety features for worry-free cooking | – |
The Quest 35240 Electric Single Hob is a versatile and portable solution for cooking both at home and on the go. With its compact design and thermostatically controlled features, this electric hob is perfect for students, campers, and campervan enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Quest
- Heating Elements: 1
- Colour: White
- Material: Metal
- Special Feature: Lightweight & Portable
- Product Dimensions: 28D x 8.7W x 7H centimetres
- Wattage: 1500 watts
- Controls Type: Push Button
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Burner Type: Sealed
Key Features:
- Thermostatically Controlled:
The 1500W electric hob is thermostatically controlled with 5 temperature settings, providing precise control over your cooking. Whether you’re simmering or searing, this hob adapts to your culinary needs.
- Compact and Portable:
Ideal for camping, caravans, and travel, this single hob is lightweight and portable. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to cook. It’s a convenient solution for those who need a cooking option on the go.
- Durable and Easy to Clean:
The hob features a non-stick coating and overheat protection, making it easy to clean up any spills. The non-slip feet ensure stability during cooking and cleaning, preventing accidents.
- Quality Materials:
Crafted with a solid die-cast heating plate, this hob ensures even temperature distribution for better cooking outcomes. It’s designed to deliver reliable performance, even for those with limited cooking skills.
- Quest Appliances Quality:
As a leading manufacturer of cooking and cleaning appliances, Quest ensures the reliability of their products. From teppanyaki grills to kettles and steam cleaners, Quest offers a range of appliances to make life easier.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact and portable design | Single heating element may limit multitasking |
| Thermostatically controlled with 5 temperature settings | Limited to indoor use |
| Durable and easy-to-clean non-stick coating | |
| Non-slip feet for stability | |
| It can be run with a 2000W inverter |
The Karinear Portable Ceramic Hob is a versatile and compact solution for cooking on the go. Its portable design, safety features, and user-friendly functions make it ideal for students and travellers.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Karinear
- Heating Elements: 1
- Material: Glass, Ceramic
- Special Feature: Portable
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Controls Type: Push Button
- Burner Type: Ceramic
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Key Features:
- Portable Design:
The electric hob is designed for convenience, simply needing to be plugged in to start cooking. Its lightweight and portable nature make it an excellent companion for camping or adding cooking capacity to small kitchens.
- Multi-Switching Function:
With a double-function button, this hob allows seamless switching between power and functions. The 9 power levels and 8 pre-set functions ranging from 300W to 2000W offer versatility for various cooking needs.
- Safety for You:
Enjoy reliable cooking with features like the “child safety lock” function, ensuring absolute safe use. The high-temperature indicator light alerts you when the hob is at a high temperature, and the overheat protection automatically switches off the hob in case of prolonged overheating.
- 4-Hour Timer:
The hob comes with a convenient 4-hour timer, allowing you to continue cooking even when you’re away or occupied with other tasks.
- Easy Maintenance & 3-Year Warranty:
The crystal glass surface is strong, dirt-resistant, and waterproof. Cleaning is a breeze with a simple wipe. Karinear offers a 30-day returns policy and a 3-year quality warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable and easy to transport | Single heating element may limit multitasking |
| Multi-switching function for versatility | Limited to indoor use |
| Safety features including child lock and overheat protection | – |
| 4-hour timer for extended cooking | – |
| It can be run with a 2000W inverter |
Conclusion:
Portable halogen and electric hobs offer versatile solutions for cooking in various settings. From sleek designs to powerful heating capabilities, the reviewed hobs cater to different needs.
While halogen hobs provide instant heat and efficient warmth distribution, electric hobs offer a broader range of features such as touch controls, multiple power levels, and advanced safety measures.
The alternatives discussed, including induction and single electric hobs, showcase the diversity of options available for those seeking portable cooking solutions.
Consider your specific requirements, such as power output, portability, and safety features, when selecting the ideal hob for your needs. Whether you opt for the Empava Ceramic Hob, Quest Electric Single Hob, or Karinear Portable Ceramic Hob, each product brings unique benefits to enhance your cooking experience.
For off-grid use you will need to consider the power requirements of the cooker. None of the halogen hobs reviewed here can be run on an inverter of less than 2000W. The hobs with much higher power requirements are unsuitable for use with most off-grid setups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Portable Halogen Hobs:
Portable halogen hobs use household voltages. As off-grid setups typically have a batter system using 12V (or sometimes 24V) the voltage needs to be ‘stepped up’ to a higher voltage. This is the function of an electronic device called an inverter. Inverters are rated to how many Watts they can continuously supply. Your inverter must supply enough power to run your portable halogen hob. For instance, for a 2000W halogen hob, the inverter must be able to supply at least 2000W for it to run on the maximum setting. For more about inverters, see A Guide to Inverters.
Yes, all the reviewed hobs, including the Empava Ceramic Hob, Quest Electric Single Hob, and Karinear Portable Ceramic Hob, are designed to be portable, making them suitable for camping and other outdoor activities. The only limiting factor is the power requirements, as mentioned in the previous section.
Yes, safety features such as child safety locks, overheat protection, and high-temperature indicators are incorporated into the hobs to ensure safe usage.
The hobs are compatible with various cookware materials, including stainless steel, enamel, cast iron, and more. Check the product specifications for detailed information. In general, only induction cooktops have specific cookware requirements.
Yes, the hobs feature easy-to-clean surfaces. Wiping with a cloth is usually sufficient to maintain cleanliness. For more information, see How to clean a halogen hob.
Some hobs, like the Empava Ceramic Hob, may require hardwired installation. Others, such as the Quest Electric Single Hob, are more portable and convenient.
