The AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop 20 Temperature & Power Levels, 1800W Induction Stove Burner with 6.8″ Heating Coil, is a compact, efficient, and versatile kitchen appliance designed for modern cooking needs. Priced at approximately $79.99, this single-burner induction cooktop offers 20 power levels (90W to 1800W) and 20 temperature settings (120°F to 465°F), making it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, from simmering to searing. Its lightweight design (5.5 lbs), sleek black ceramic glass surface, and safety features like a child lock and waste heat reminder make it an attractive option for small kitchens, RVs, dorms, or outdoor cooking.
With a 4.5-star rating from 193 Amazon reviews, it has garnered praise for its speed, precision, and portability. This in-depth review explores the cooktop’s features, performance, pros, cons, and practical considerations, providing a comprehensive buying guide based on product details, customer feedback, and competitive analysis.
Overview of the AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop
AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop 20 Temperature & Power Levels Review:The AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop is a single-burner electric cooktop that utilizes electromagnetic induction to heat cookware directly, offering faster and more energy-efficient cooking compared to traditional gas or electric stovetops. Its ultra-thin design (1.8 inches thick) and lightweight build make it highly portable, while the touch-sensitive control panel and preset cooking modes enhance usability. The cooktop is optimized for 110–120V North American households and supports magnetic cookware with diameters from 4 to 10 inches. Below is a detailed breakdown of its components and specifications.
Key Components and Features
- Single Induction Burner: 1800W maximum power with a 6.8-inch heating coil for rapid, even heating.
- 20 Power Levels: Adjustable from 90W to 1800W, allowing precise control for tasks like simmering soups or boiling water.
- 20 Temperature Settings: Ranges from 120°F to 465°F, suitable for roasting, grilling, or delicate cooking.
- Four Preset Modes: Boil, Hot Pot, Stew, and Keep Warm for one-touch convenience.
- Touchscreen Interface: Sensitive controls with a clear LED display for easy operation.
- Safety Features: Includes a child safety lock, waste heat reminder, auto-pan detection, and overheat protection.
- Timer Function: Adjustable up to 3 hours in 1-minute increments for precise cooking.
- Portable Design: Measures 13.8″ x 11.0″ x 1.8″ and weighs 5.5 lbs, ideal for small spaces or travel.
- Black Ceramic Glass Surface: Durable, wear-resistant, and easy to clean.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop (SK-CB01) |
| Material | Black Ceramic Glass |
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Electric (110–120V, 15A circuit) |
| Wattage | 90W–1800W (20 levels) |
| Temperature Range | 120°F–465°F (20 levels) |
| Dimensions | 13.8″ W x 11.0″ D x 1.8″ H |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Cookware Compatibility | Magnetic cookware (4″–10″ diameter), e.g., cast iron, steel, enameled iron |
| Timer | 0–180 minutes (1-minute increments) |
| Safety Features | Child lock, waste heat reminder, auto-pan detection, overheat protection |
| Price | $79.99 (Amazon, as of August 2025) |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty, with lifelong technical support |
| Customer Rating | 4.5/5 stars (193 reviews on Amazon) |
Design and Build Quality
The AMZCHEF cooktop features a sleek, black ceramic glass surface that is both stylish and durable, resisting high temperatures and wear. The ultra-thin profile (1.8 inches) and lightweight construction (5.5 lbs) make it easy to store or transport, ideal for RVs, dorms, or outdoor cooking. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, with sensitive buttons and a clear LED display. Dual cooling fans and heat dissipation openings ensure the unit stays cool during use, while the child lock and rounded edges enhance safety. The cooktop’s ETL certification confirms compliance with North American safety standards.
Performance Analysis
To evaluate the AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop, we assess its performance in key areas: heating performance, energy efficiency, ease of use, cleaning, durability, and versatility, drawing from product specifications, customer reviews, and comparative testing data.
Heating Performance
The cooktop’s 1800W induction burner delivers rapid and precise heating:
- Boiling Speed: Boils 2 cups (473 mL) of water in approximately 2 minutes 26 seconds, significantly faster than a gas stove (5 minutes 40 seconds).
- Power Levels: 20 levels (90W–1800W) allow fine-tuned control, from low-heat simmering to high-heat searing. Users report, “It heats up incredibly fast, which saves me time.”
- Temperature Control: 20 settings (120°F–465°F) provide precision for tasks like roasting steak or keeping food warm. One user noted, “The 20 power and temperature levels give me total control over every dish.”
- Even Heating: The 6.8-inch heating coil ensures uniform heat distribution, though some users mention heat concentration in the center for larger pans (e.g., 8-inch cast iron).
Energy Efficiency
Induction technology heats cookware directly via magnetic fields, minimizing energy loss:
- Compared to gas stoves, where heat escapes around the pan, the AMZCHEF cooktop directs all energy to the cookware, reducing utility costs.
- Users report lower energy consumption, with one stating, “It doesn’t use as much energy as other cooktops.”
- The cooktop’s efficiency is enhanced by auto-pan detection, which shuts off after 60 seconds if no compatible cookware is detected, saving power.
Ease of Use
The cooktop is designed for intuitive operation:
- Touchscreen Controls: Sensitive buttons allow quick adjustments, with presets for Boil, Hot Pot, Stew, and Keep Warm simplifying common tasks.
- Timer: A 3-hour timer with 1-minute increments supports multitasking, with one user noting, “The timer helps a lot, especially when I’m multitasking.”
- Safety Features: The child lock prevents accidental activation, and the waste heat reminder alerts users to a hot surface, enhancing safety. Some users note that the temperature display is in Fahrenheit only, which may inconvenience those preferring Celsius.
Ease of Cleaning
The black ceramic glass surface is easy to maintain:
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth or mild detergent, with users stating, “It’s very easy to clean.”
- The smooth, flat surface has no crevices to trap food, unlike gas burners.
- The granular texture of the glass may require occasional polishing to remove smudges, but it resists scratches and wear.
Durability
The cooktop is built for reliability:
- The ceramic glass surface is high-temperature resistant and ETL-certified for safety.
- The stainless steel frame (in some models) adds durability, with one user noting, “Build with good quality materials and elegant design.”
- The cooling system (dual fans and heat dissipation openings) prevents overheating, extending lifespan. Some users report fan noise, though it’s described as “not bothersome” or “extremely quiet” by others.
Versatility
The cooktop supports a variety of cooking tasks:
- Cooking Modes: Suitable for boiling, simmering, frying, steaming, roasting, and hot pot cooking, with presets for common tasks.
- Portability: Ideal for small kitchens, RVs, dorms, or outdoor use, with one user stating, “I can take it outside and cook my beer in the garage.”
- Cookware Compatibility: Works with magnetic cookware (cast iron, steel, enameled iron) from 4 to 10 inches. Non-magnetic cookware (e.g., aluminum) triggers auto-shutoff. The single-burner design limits simultaneous cooking, unlike dual-burner models like the AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rapid Heating: Boils water in ~2.5 minutes, faster than gas or traditional electric cooktops.
- Precise Control: 20 power and temperature levels ensure accuracy for diverse cooking tasks.
- Energy Efficient: Induction technology minimizes energy waste, reducing utility costs.
- Portable and Compact: Lightweight (5.5 lbs) and slim (1.8 inches), ideal for small spaces or travel.
- Easy to Clean: Smooth ceramic glass surface wipes clean effortlessly.
- Safety Features: Child lock, waste heat reminder, and auto-shutoff enhance safety.
- Affordable Price: At $79.99, it offers excellent value for a feature-rich induction cooktop.
- High Customer Satisfaction: 4.5/5 stars from 193 Amazon reviews, with praise for speed and ease of use.
- Reliable Support: 1-year warranty and lifelong technical support from AMZCHEF.
Cons
- Single Burner: Limits simultaneous cooking compared to dual-burner models.
- Cookware Compatibility: Requires magnetic cookware, excluding aluminum or glass.
- Fan Noise: Some users report audible fan noise, though opinions vary on its intensity.
- Fahrenheit-Only Display: Lacks Celsius option, which may inconvenience some users.
- Limited Weight Capacity: Supports up to 25 lbs, less than some competitors (e.g., Duxtop 9100MC).
- Centralized Heat: Some users note heat concentration in the center for larger pans.
- No Plug-and-Play for 240V: Optimized for 110–120V, limiting use in some regions without adapters.
Comparison with Competitors
To contextualize the AMZCHEF cooktop’s value, we compare it with two similar portable induction cooktops: the Duxtop 9100MC and the CUSIMAX 1800W Induction Burner.
| Feature | AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop | Duxtop 9100MC | CUSIMAX 1800W Induction Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $81.99 | $69.99 |
| Power | 90W–1800W (20 levels) | 100W–1800W (20 levels) | 200W–1800W (9 levels) |
| Temperature Range | 120°F–465°F (20 levels) | 100°F–460°F (20 levels) | 140°F–460°F (10 levels) |
| Dimensions | 13.8” x 11.0″ x 1.8″ | 11.4″ x 14.0″ x 2.5″ | 11.3″ x 13.3″ x 2.3″ |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs | 5.8 lbs | 5.7 lbs |
| Cookware Size | 4″–10″ | 4.7″–10.2″ | 4.7″–10.2″ |
| Timer | 3 hours | 10 hours | 3 hours |
| Safety Features | Child lock, waste heat reminder, auto-shutoff | Child lock, auto-shutoff, keep-warm | Child lock, auto-shutoff |
| Presets | Boil, Hot Pot, Stew, Keep Warm | Boil, Keep Warm | None |
| Customer Rating | 4.5/5 (193 reviews) | 4.6/5 (2,500+ reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,714 reviews) |
| Unique Features | 20 power/temperature levels, ultra-thin design | 10-hour timer, boil button | Budget-friendly, simple interface |
Analysis
- AMZCHEF vs. Duxtop 9100MC: The AMZCHEF offers more presets (4 vs. 2) and a slimmer design, but the Duxtop’s 10-hour timer is better for slow cooking. Both have similar power and temperature ranges, but the Duxtop has a slightly higher customer rating and weight capacity (25 lbs vs. 25 lbs).
- AMZCHEF vs. CUSIMAX: The AMZCHEF provides more precise control (20 vs. 9 power levels) and preset modes, while the CUSIMAX is cheaper but lacks advanced features like presets or a waste heat reminder.
User Feedback and Ratings
Based on Amazon reviews, the AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop has a 4.5-star rating from 193 reviews, with strong positive feedback. Common themes include:
Positive Feedback
- Speed and Efficiency: Users praise the rapid heat-up time, with one stating, “It heats up very fast and works great.”
- Ease of Use: The touchscreen and presets are intuitive, with comments like, “Easy to control the temperature.”
- Portability: Ideal for small spaces or travel, with one user noting, “Perfect for my small kitchen.”
- Customer Service: AMZCHEF’s support is exceptional, with one user reporting, “They offered to send me a replacement at no cost” after a glass crack.
- Cleaning: The ceramic glass surface is easy to clean, with users stating, “A simple wipe with a damp towel keeps it pristine.”
Common Complaints
- Fan Noise: Mixed opinions, with some finding it “extremely quiet” and others noting it’s “extremely loud.”
- Fahrenheit-Only Display: Users in Celsius-preferring regions find this limiting.
- Cookware Limitations: Non-magnetic cookware doesn’t work, with one user stating, “I wish more of my pots were induction compatible.”
- Centralized Heat: Some report uneven heating for larger pans, with one noting, “The heat concentrates on about 4” in the center.”
Practical Use Cases
The AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop is suitable for various scenarios:
- Small Kitchens: Compact size fits dorms, apartments, or tiny homes.
- RV and Camping: Lightweight and portable for outdoor or mobile cooking.
- Supplemental Cooking: Adds an extra burner for parties or heavy kitchen use.
- Health-Conscious Cooking: Induction efficiency supports precise, low-oil cooking.
- Emergency Replacement: Ideal when a main stove fails, with one user noting, “Our stove went out and this burner is everything it says it is.”
Buying Guide: Is the AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop Right for You?
Who Should Buy This Cooktop?
- Small-Space Cooks: Perfect for apartments, dorms, or RVs due to its compact size and portability.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $79.99, it offers premium features at an affordable price.
- Precision Cooks: 20 power and temperature levels cater to those needing exact control.
- Eco-Conscious Users: Energy-efficient induction technology reduces utility costs.
- Travelers: Lightweight design suits camping or temporary setups.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Multi-Burner Needs: Those cooking multiple dishes simultaneously should consider dual-burner models like the AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop ($159.99).
- Non-Magnetic Cookware Users: Requires compatible cookware; aluminum or glass users need new pots.
- Celsius Users: Lack of Celsius display may be inconvenient.
- Heavy Cookware Users: Limited to 25 lbs, less than some competitors.
Tips for Maintaining the Cooktop
- Clean Regularly: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent after cooling to maintain the ceramic glass.
- Use Compatible Cookware: Test with a magnet to ensure pots are magnetic (cast iron, steel, etc.).
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Prevent scratches on the glass surface.
- Store Properly: Cover when not in use to protect from dust.
- Check Power Supply: Ensure a 110–120V outlet to avoid performance issues.
FAQs
1. Is the AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop compatible with all cookware?
No, it requires magnetic cookware (cast iron, steel, enameled iron) with a diameter of 4–10 inches. Test with a magnet; if it sticks, the cookware is compatible.
2. Can it be used in a 240V environment?
It’s optimized for 110–120V North American outlets. Using it in 240V regions requires a voltage converter.
3. How noisy is the cooling fan?
Opinions vary; some users find it “extremely quiet,” while others report it as audible but not disruptive.
4. Is it safe for households with children?
Yes, it features a child safety lock and waste heat reminder to prevent accidental burns or activation.
5. How fast does it boil water?
It boils 2 cups (473 mL) of water in approximately 2 minutes 26 seconds, faster than a gas stove.
6. Is it easy to clean?
Yes, the ceramic glass surface wipes clean with a damp cloth or mild detergent.
7. What is the warranty?
It comes with a 1-year warranty and lifelong technical support from AMZCHEF.
8. Can it be used for pressure canning?
Yes, with induction-compatible canners, it supports pressure and water bath canning due to its rapid heating and timer.
Conclusion
The AMZCHEF Portable Induction Cooktop 20 Temperature & Power Levels is a versatile, efficient, and affordable solution for modern cooking. Its 1800W power, 20 adjustable settings, and preset modes make it ideal for precise tasks like boiling, simmering, or roasting. The ultra-thin, lightweight design suits small kitchens, RVs, or travel, while safety features and easy cleaning enhance usability. Despite limitations like single-burner capacity and cookware compatibility, its 4.5-star rating from 193 reviews and exceptional customer service make it a standout choice. For those seeking a reliable, portable induction cooktop under $100, the AMZCHEF delivers excellent value. Visit the Amazon product listing for more details or to purchase.
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