Cast iron works well on induction because it is magnetic, but a heavy skillet needs a stable, suitably sized cooking surface and heat settings you can control. The best portable induction cooktop for your kitchen depends on whether you want a simple single burner, more precise temperature adjustments, or room to cook with two pans at once. These five picks offer different ways to cook with cast iron; check your cookware’s base size and weight against the cooktop’s instructions before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Cooktop | Burners | Key Controls | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duxtop 8100MC Portable Induction Cooktop | 1 | 15 power and temperature levels | A straightforward single-burner setup |
| Duxtop Professional P961LS Induction Cooktop | 1 | 20 power and temperature levels | More control and a large display |
| Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop | 1 | Temperature adjustments in 5°F increments | Fine temperature control |
| Duxtop 9620LS Double Induction Cooktop | 2 | 20 levels per mode | Cooking two dishes at once |
| Nuwave Double Pro Induction Cooktop | 2 | Temperature settings and dynamic watt distribution | Dual-zone cooking with adjustable precision |
Our Picks: Best Induction Cooktop For Cast Iron reviews
Duxtop 8100MC: A Simple Portable Burner for Cast Iron
The Duxtop 8100MC is a compact, single-burner induction cooktop with a digital control panel. It uses a standard 120-volt, 15-amp household outlet, and the listed power range runs from 200 to 1,800 watts. Cast iron is among the cookware types the manufacturer identifies as compatible, provided the pan has an induction-ready magnetic base.
You can choose from 15 power levels or 15 temperature settings from 140°F to 460°F. A countdown timer adjusts in one-minute steps and runs up to 170 minutes. The cooktop also detects when compatible cookware is absent and shuts off after 60 seconds, a useful safeguard if a pan is lifted or removed.
For cast iron, this model keeps the controls fairly simple while offering both power and temperature modes. Its compact form is a practical choice if you need one extra burner or want a cooktop that is easier to store than a full-size range. Because the surface and pan both need to be stable, place the cooktop on a firm, level counter and set the skillet down gently rather than sliding it across the glass.
Its temperature range tops out at 460°F, lower than the Nuwave models in this lineup. The supplied information also notes that layered cookware can make a high-pitched sound during induction cooking; this is a cookware-related possibility, not a cast-iron-specific issue.
Pros:
- Cast iron is listed as compatible cookware.
- Offers 15 power levels and 15 temperature settings.
- Includes a countdown timer and automatic cookware detection.
- Uses a standard North American household outlet.
Cons:
- Offers fewer preset levels than the Duxtop Professional P961LS.
- Temperature settings stop at 460°F.
Verdict: Choose the Duxtop 8100MC if you want a compact, uncomplicated single burner that explicitly supports cast iron.
Duxtop Professional P961LS: More Settings and a Large Display
This Duxtop is a single-burner countertop model with a stainless-steel construction and a sensor-touch control panel. Its large LCD display is angled for easier viewing, and the cooktop is listed at up to 1,800 watts. Like other induction burners, it needs compatible magnetic cookware; the manufacturer specifies a minimum cookware diameter of 5 inches.
The P961LS provides 20 preset power levels, from 100 to 1,800 watts, and 20 temperature settings from 100°F to 460°F. That range of settings gives you more adjustment steps than the 8100MC, though it does not extend to as high a temperature as either Nuwave pick. A fan and rear air outlet help dissipate heat, and the smooth cooktop surface is designed for straightforward cleanup after it cools.
For someone using a cast-iron skillet on a counter or in a small kitchen, the larger display and broader selection of presets are the main advantages. Its 120-volt, 15-amp setup suits a standard North American outlet. The cooktop is a single zone, so it is not the choice for preparing two separate dishes at once.
Cast iron can be heavy, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for cookware use and avoid rough handling on the glass surface. The supplied product details do not state a maximum pan weight, so do not assume a specific load limit based on the cooktop’s power rating.
Pros:
- 20 power levels and 20 temperature settings.
- Large LCD display and touch controls.
- Stainless-steel construction and a fan for heat dissipation.
- Minimum cookware diameter is specified as 5 inches.
Cons:
- Temperature settings top out at 460°F.
- Only one cooking zone is available.
Verdict: Pick the P961LS if you value a readable display and more preset adjustments on a single-burner cooktop.
Nuwave Gold: Fine Temperature Adjustments for Cast-Iron Cooking
The Nuwave Gold is a portable, single-zone induction cooktop with a large 8-inch heating coil and a shatter-resistant ceramic-glass surface. Its temperature range runs from 100°F to 575°F, with adjustments in 5°F increments. That gives you finer temperature control than the Duxtop models above, whose listed maximum settings are 460°F.
The digital controls let you adjust the temperature or cooking time while cooking, without restarting the process. The cooktop also offers six preset temperature settings and is designed to heat induction-ready cookware directly. Cast iron is magnetic, but check that your pan is compatible with induction and that its base suits the cooking surface.
This model may appeal if you want close temperature adjustments for a skillet recipe that calls for a particular heat level, or if you use the cooktop for tasks such as gently warming a sauce. The higher maximum temperature gives it a wider stated range than the Duxtop single-burner choices. It remains a one-pan cooktop, however, and the supplied product details do not specify a cookware weight limit.
As with any induction burner, the pan does the cooking rather than an open flame or exposed heating coil. Take care when positioning heavy cast iron on the glass, and confirm the manufacturer’s cookware requirements before use.
Pros:
- Temperature settings run from 100°F to 575°F.
- Allows adjustments in 5°F increments while cooking.
- Features a large 8-inch heating coil.
- Has a shatter-resistant ceramic-glass cooking surface.
Cons:
- Provides only one cooking zone.
- The supplied details do not state a cookware weight limit.
Verdict: Choose the Nuwave Gold if fine temperature control and a wider stated heat range matter more to you than having two burners.
Duxtop 9620LS: Two Independent Zones for a Busier Counter
The Duxtop 9620LS combines two independent induction zones in a portable countertop unit. Each zone has its own controls and LCD display, so you can set them separately. Its product details list 20 preset levels per mode and describe both power and temperature modes.
The manufacturer recommends temperature mode for frying, steaming, and sautéing, and power mode for tasks such as keeping food warm or bringing water to a boil. A child safety lock helps reduce the chance of unintended control changes. The cooktop is ETL approved and designed for North American electrical standards.
Two zones can be useful when you want to use a cast-iron skillet alongside a saucepan or another induction-ready pan. The listed minimum cookware diameter is 5 inches, so compare your cookware’s base with that requirement. If you plan to use two pans at once, check the full product instructions for the unit’s operating requirements and how its rated power applies to simultaneous cooking.
This is the most practical Duxtop choice here if cooking space matters more than a smaller footprint. It is still a portable countertop appliance, so its two-zone layout needs more counter space than a single burner. The supplied details do not state a maximum cookware weight, which is worth verifying if your cast-iron pan is especially heavy.
Pros:
- Two independent cooking zones with separate controls.
- Offers power and temperature modes.
- Includes a child safety lock.
- Specifies a minimum cookware diameter of 5 inches.
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space than a single-zone cooktop.
- The supplied details do not state a cookware weight limit.
Verdict: Select the Duxtop 9620LS if you want two independently controlled zones for cooking with cast iron and another compatible pan.
Nuwave Double Pro: Two Zones with More Temperature Options
The Nuwave Double Pro is a portable double induction cooktop with separate controls for each zone. Its stated temperature range is 50°F to 575°F, with adjustments in 5°F increments. It also has a Precision Key intended to increase heat gradually and Dynamic Watt Technology, which the manufacturer says distributes energy between the burners.
The two zones let you set up different cooking tasks at the same time, such as using cast iron on one side and simmering a second dish on the other. The control panel includes 50 preprogrammed presets per burner and a timer listed for up to 99 hours. The product details also list selectable wattage settings of 900, 1,500, and 1,800 watts at 120 volts.
For cast-iron users, the standout feature is the combination of two zones and precise temperature adjustments. Each cooking surface is listed to support up to 25 pounds, a useful specification when comparing cooktops for heavier pans. Measure your cookware and follow the operating instructions, especially if you intend to use both zones at the same time.
The Double Pro has more controls and settings than a basic single burner, so it may be more than you need if you usually cook one dish at a time. Its selectable wattage settings and automatic cookware detection are helpful features to consider, but they do not replace checking that your cast-iron pan is induction compatible and fits the cooking zone.
Pros:
- Two zones have separate controls.
- Temperature adjustments run from 50°F to 575°F in 5°F increments.
- Each cooking surface is listed to support up to 25 pounds.
- Includes dynamic watt distribution, cookware detection, and a safety lock.
Cons:
- The array of presets and controls may be more involved than needed for basic cooking.
- Its two-zone layout requires more counter space than a single burner.
Verdict: Choose the Nuwave Double Pro if you want two cooking zones, a stated 25-pound capacity per surface, and fine temperature adjustments.
How to Choose an Induction Cooktop for Cast Iron
Confirm Your Cast Iron Is Induction Compatible
Induction cooktops use magnetic cookware. Cast iron is generally magnetic, and the Duxtop 8100MC product details explicitly list cast iron as compatible. Still, check the cookware instructions and the cooktop’s requirements before buying. A magnet can help you check whether a pan’s base is magnetic, but the pan must also meet the cooktop’s minimum size requirements.
Match the Pan Base to the Cooking Zone
Measure the flat base of your skillet, not just the widest point across its rim. The Duxtop P961LS and 9620LS specify a minimum cookware diameter of 5 inches. For other models, confirm the cookware size requirements in the product instructions. A pan base that is too small or poorly matched to the zone may not work as expected.
Consider Weight and Surface Handling
Cast-iron cookware can be heavy. Of these five choices, the Nuwave Double Pro is the one whose supplied details state a maximum load: up to 25 pounds per cooking surface. The other product descriptions do not provide a weight limit, so check their manuals or ask the manufacturer if your cookware is especially heavy. Set a pan down carefully and lift it to move it instead of dragging it across the glass.
Choose the Right Number of Burners
A single burner is a compact choice for one skillet, a small kitchen, or an extra cooking spot. A double burner gives you room to use a skillet and another compatible pan at the same time, but it takes up more counter space. If you expect to use two pans together, read the product instructions for details about operating both zones and power distribution.
Compare Power and Temperature Controls
Power settings control the cooktop’s output, while temperature modes let you select a target temperature. The Duxtop single-burner models offer up to 20 levels, depending on the model. The Nuwave Gold and Double Pro offer adjustments in 5°F increments and a higher stated maximum temperature. Think about whether you prefer simple power settings or finer temperature choices for your cooking style.
Check Electrical and Placement Requirements
The supplied product details list the Duxtop single-burner models as using a standard 120-volt, 15-amp outlet. The Nuwave Double Pro is listed for 120 volts with selectable wattage settings. Check the product specifications for your chosen model and place it on a stable, level surface with the required ventilation. Keep its vents clear and follow the manual’s placement and cleaning directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use cast iron on an induction cooktop?
Yes, if the cookware is induction compatible and meets the cooktop’s size requirements. Cast iron is magnetic, and the Duxtop 8100MC description specifically lists cast iron as compatible. Check the instructions for your pan and cooktop before use.
How can you tell whether a cast-iron pan will work with induction?
Check the cookware instructions for induction compatibility. You can also place a magnet against the pan’s base: a magnetic base is a key requirement for induction. The pan must still fit the cooking zone and meet the cooktop’s minimum cookware-size rules.
Will any cast-iron skillet fit any portable induction cooktop?
No. The base needs to be magnetic and large enough for the cooktop to detect. Some models list a minimum cookware diameter, and the shape or size of a skillet’s base may not match every cooking zone. Check the cooktop’s manual before buying.
Can an induction cooktop support a heavy cast-iron pan?
Check the manufacturer’s stated cookware weight limit. The supplied information for the Nuwave Double Pro lists support for up to 25 pounds on each cooking surface. The other cooktops in this guide do not state a maximum weight in the supplied details, so confirm their limits with the manufacturer.
Is a single- or double-burner cooktop better for cast iron?
A single burner is a practical fit if you mainly cook with one skillet and want a smaller unit. A double burner is more useful if you want a skillet and another compatible pan going at the same time. Consider your available counter space and the cooktop’s instructions for using both zones.
What is the best pick for more precise temperature control?
The Nuwave Gold and Nuwave Double Pro both offer temperature adjustments in 5°F increments. The Gold has one cooking zone, while the Double Pro has two zones and lists a 25-pound capacity per surface.
Final Recommendation
For a simple single burner that explicitly lists cast iron as compatible, the Duxtop 8100MC is a sensible place to start. Choose the Duxtop Professional P961LS if you want more preset levels and a large display, or the Nuwave Gold if fine temperature adjustment is your priority. For cooking with two pans, compare the Duxtop 9620LS and Nuwave Double Pro; the Double Pro stands out for its stated 25-pound capacity per cooking surface and 5°F temperature adjustments. Before choosing any model, confirm your pan’s base size, the cooktop’s weight limits, and its operating instructions.