The Portable IKEA Appliance That's Great For Small Kitchens, According To Buyers

Tiny kitchens and nomadic lifestyles are a reality for a growing number of people. As such, homeware manufacturers like IKEA have evolved to provide clever solutions that make the most out of minimal space. Among the best IKEA buys to optimize a small kitchen is the TILLREDA portable induction cooktop. This 10 ⅝-inch wide by 12 ¾-inch deep appliance adds cooking space to virtually any room, as long as there's a flat, stable surface and a nearby electrical outlet. 

Loved by shoppers — who have collectively given it a four-star rating after over 100 reviews — this portable cooktop could be a game changer for people with roommates, dorm dwellers, van and boat travelers, camping enthusiasts, or anyone who simply needs more stove burners in their kitchen. Though it only provides one cooking zone, it's one of the most affordable appliances of its kind, costing only $59.99 compared to similar models from brands like iSiLER ($69.99), Hamilton Beach ($79.99), and Duxtop ($83.99). And the modest price doesn't compromise its performance, either. Most reviewers describe it as being "quick" and "efficient." 

The IKEA TILLREDA portable induction cooktop should be a non-negotiable for those with reduced budgets. First off, its compact size helps make the most of a small kitchen. Not only that, but induction cooktops are also much more energy efficient than gas and electric alternatives, which is sure to have a positive effect on both the environment and your electricity bill at the end of the month. Even if you're just thinking about getting rid of your gas stove, this appliance can help you get acquainted with induction cooking before any definitive changes. 

"I've been using it multiple times a day as my only cooktop for three years and it hasn't missed a beat," hailed one buyer, with another praising its responsiveness and even conductivity. This means that cookware quickly heats up and cools down when managing the controls, and that the energy transfer happens uniformly across its entire surface. What's fascinating about induction stoves is that they rely on electromagnetic fields to send currents through the pots and pans placed on them, heating them in the process. As a result, you can only use ferromagnetic cookware like cast iron and stainless steel, which may require an additional investment if those pieces aren't already part of your kitchen arsenal.

Apart from that, the main downside of this IKEA cooktop seems to be the loud noise it may produce. A handful of customers also reported it malfunctioning after a few uses, with one cautioning peers to "wait until the display is completely off before unplugging it" to avoid damage, as advised in the instruction manual.