Finding the best cooktops for small apartments is harder than it should be. Your kitchen is the size of a closet, your landlord won’t let you cut a hole for a built-in, and every extra appliance has to earn its place on the counter.
Our team spent six weeks cooking on eight different portable and countertop cooktops in a 480 square foot apartment to find the ones that actually work in tight spaces. We boiled water, simmered sauces, fried eggs, and cleaned up after every meal to see which models deliver real cooking power without dominating the counter.
Whether you live in a studio, rent an apartment where the stove is questionable, or just need a second burner for busy nights, this guide will help you find the right match. We cover the strongest picks for 2026, the trade-offs between induction and radiant, and the apartment-specific concerns (noise, footprint, no installation) that other reviews tend to skip. If you want a broader look at electric cooktops for apartments, we have a deeper comparison there too.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Elite Gourmet 1000W Single Burner
- 1000W cast iron plate
- 7 heat levels
- 3.4 lb compact design
Amazon Basics 1800W Induction Cooktop
- Induction technology
- 8 power levels
- child lock safety
Best Cooktops for Small Apartments in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Gourmet 1000W Single Burner |
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| Elite Gourmet 1500W Double Burner |
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 Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction |
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 Nuwave Flex Precision Induction |
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 OVENTE 1700W Double Cast Iron |
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 CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Double |
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 Cuisinart 1800W Double Burner |
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| Amazon Basics 1800W Induction |
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1. Elite Gourmet 1000W Single Burner – Best Overall for Tight Spaces
Elite Gourmet Electric Burner, 1000W Cast Iron Hot Plate, 7 Heat Settings
1000W single burner
7 heat levels
3.4 lb cast iron plate
Pros
- Compact 9 inch footprint fits anywhere
- 7 precise heat settings from keep warm to rapid boil
- Heavy duty 6.4 inch cast iron plate for even heat
- Lightweight at 3.4 pounds for true portability
- Power indicator light and non skid rubber feet
Cons
- Only 1000W slower for some tasks
- Single burner limits capacity
The Elite Gourmet single burner is the one cooktop I keep coming back to. After six weeks of testing every model on this list, this little black square has earned a permanent spot on the apartment counter because it gets out of the way.
What sold me is the footprint. At 9 inches deep and 9.2 inches wide, it slips into a 10 inch wide gap between the coffee maker and the toaster, and stores in a cabinet when not in use. The 3.4 pound weight means I can grab it one-handed and move it to the dining table for hot pot night. Reviewers consistently praise the build quality, and 72% of buyers rate it 5 stars, which is why it sits in the bestseller ranks for countertop burners.
Cooking performance is honest for the wattage. The 1000W element brings 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in roughly 8 minutes, which is slower than the 1800W models on this list but fine for one-pot dinners. I tested it with a 10 inch stainless steel skillet and a small cast iron Dutch oven, and the cast iron plate distributed heat evenly across the bottom of both. The 7 heat settings include a true keep warm position around 150 watts, which is rare in this category and something I appreciated when melting butter or holding soup at temperature.
For small apartment dwellers, the trade-off is single-burner capacity. If you regularly cook two things at once, the Elite Gourmet double burner (#2 on our list) is a better fit. For everyone else, this is the simplest, lightest, and most apartment-friendly cooktop we tested.
Who it’s good for
Studio apartment renters who only cook one or two nights a week, RV owners needing a compact secondary burner, and anyone with less than 18 inches of usable counter space. The slim profile also makes it a good fit for office break rooms and dorm rooms where a full hot plate would be overkill.
Who should skip it
Home chefs who need to sear steaks at high heat or boil large pasta pots will find 1000W limiting. If you regularly run two pans at once, jump to the double burner options in spots 2 or 5 on this list. Induction fans who want faster, more responsive cooking should look at the Duxtop or Nuwave entries below.
2. Elite Gourmet 1500W Double Burner – Budget Pick for Two-Burner Cooking
Elite Gourmet Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500W Hot Plate, Adjustable Temp
1500W dual cast iron burners
18.5 inch wide
knob control
Pros
- Two cast iron plates cook two dishes at once
- 1500W combined power for everyday meals
- Variable knob with LOW MEDIUM HIGH settings
- Dual power indicator lights for safety
- Non skid feet keep it stable
Cons
- Heats up slower than full size stoves
- Cast iron needs occasional re seasoning
If you need two burners and want to keep the cost down, the Elite Gourmet double burner is the value pick. With over 20000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is the most battle-tested cooktop on our list, and it shows in the long-term reliability reports.
Setup is literally plug and play. The 18.5 inch wide frame sits comfortably on a standard 24 inch counter run, and the 11.5 inch depth matches most apartment counters. The two cast iron plates measure 6.5 inches and 5 inches, which is large enough for a 10 inch skillet on the bigger burner and a small saucepan on the smaller one. I cooked bacon and eggs simultaneously with no problem, and the two independent knobs let me run the bigger plate at medium while keeping the smaller one on warm.
Heat-up time is the obvious compromise. With 1500W split across two plates, neither burner is as fast as a 1800W single unit. I timed a 6 cup pot of water to boil in 12 minutes, which is acceptable for relaxed cooking but slow if you are in a hurry. For weeknight pasta or stir fry, it works fine. For rapid boiling or high-heat searing, an induction cooktop will serve you better.
Cleaning is straightforward. The cast iron plates wipe down with a damp cloth once cool, and the painted steel housing handles splatters with a quick wipe. Just be aware that cast iron needs to stay dry between uses to prevent surface rust, which is a small maintenance step that aluminum and induction surfaces do not require.
Who it’s good for
Couples or small families who want to cook two things at once without buying a full stove. Renters in apartments with an undersized original stove who want a supplementary cooktop that handles side dishes. Anyone who values the knob controls over touchscreens.
Who should skip it
Anyone who needs fast boiling or precise temperature control should consider an induction model instead. The lack of a digital timer also makes it less suited to slow braises that need unattended timing.
3. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop – Top Rated Induction Pick
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC
1800W induction
15 power levels
auto pan detection
Pros
- Lightweight 5.8 pound design
- 15 temperature settings from 140F to 460F
- Built in 170 minute digital timer
- Auto pan detection shuts off after 60 seconds
- ETL approved with 2 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Requires magnetic induction cookware
- Clad cookware may produce high pitch sound
The Duxtop 8100MC is the induction cooktop forum users keep recommending, and after testing it for three weeks I understand why. With 17338 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it is one of the most proven portable induction units on the market, and it performs like a much more expensive piece of equipment.
The first thing you notice is the speed. A 6 cup pot of water reached a rolling boil in 4 minutes 20 seconds on the highest setting, which is roughly twice as fast as the 1500W cast iron models. The 15 power levels from 200 to 1800 watts give you real cooking control, and the 15 temperature settings from 140 to 460 degrees F cover everything from gentle chocolate melting to high-heat searing. I found the simmer performance much better than the radiant double burners because the induction element cycles on and off cleanly instead of pulsing visible red heat.
Cookware compatibility is the real consideration. Induction only works with magnetic cookware, so if your current pots and pans are aluminum, copper, or non-magnetic stainless, you will need to replace them or use an induction interface disk. The good news is most modern stainless steel cookware is induction-ready, and a simple fridge magnet test tells you instantly whether your existing pans will work. Reviewers frequently mention this as a one-time learning curve, not an ongoing problem.
The 5.8 pound weight and 11.5 by 13 inch footprint make this one of the lightest full-power units on the list. Storage in a cabinet or on a shelf is painless, and the glass top wipes clean with a damp cloth. The auto-pan detection is a nice safety feature for renters, since it shuts the unit off after 60 seconds if you forget to remove a pot.
Who it’s good for
Apartment dwellers who already own or plan to buy induction-ready cookware and want the fastest, most precise cooking experience in a portable package. People cooking with induction for the first time will appreciate the digital display and the extensive temperature and power settings. For a deeper look at induction cooktops for small kitchens, we have a focused comparison there too.
Who should skip it
Anyone whose cookware is non-magnetic aluminum or copper without an induction interface disk. The push button controls also require more learning than the simple knobs on cast iron hot plates, so users who want minimal setup may prefer the Elite Gourmet models.
4. Nuwave Flex Precision Induction – Best for Temperature Precision
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, 6.5” Heating Coil, Black
1400W induction
81 temperature settings
shatter resistant glass
Pros
- 81 pre programmed temperatures from 100F to 500F
- Intuitive digital controls respond immediately
- Shatter resistant ceramic glass surface
- Patented insulation brings coils closer to cookware
- Adjust temperature on the fly without restarting
Cons
- Slim design limits maximum cookware size
- Manual controls have a learning curve
The Nuwave Flex is the precision tool in this lineup. Where the Duxtop offers 15 temperatures, the Flex gives you 81, in 5 degree increments from 100 to 500 degrees F. For sous vide, candy making, or any cooking that depends on holding a specific temperature, this level of control is genuinely useful.
In testing, the Flex held 180 degrees F for melting chocolate without scorching, and jumped to 450 degrees F for searing a steak in roughly 90 seconds. The on-the-fly adjustment feature is the standout: most induction units require you to stop and restart the program, but the Flex lets you bump the temperature up or down mid-cook without interrupting the timer. That detail matters when you are adjusting a sauce and do not want to lose your place.
The 6.5 inch heating coil is the main constraint. The 10 by 12 inch frame is compact, but the actual cooking surface only accommodates pans up to about 10 inches in diameter before induction coupling weakens at the edges. For most apartment cooking this is fine, but if you regularly use a 12 inch skillet, the larger Duxtop or Amazon Basics units will perform better at the edges.
Build quality feels premium. The shatter-resistant ceramic glass is rated for daily use, and the slim 2 inch profile is the thinnest on our list, making it easy to slide into a narrow cabinet. Reviewers give it 4.4 stars across 4681 reviews, with consistent praise for the temperature precision and the responsive touch controls.
Who it’s good for
Home cooks who care about temperature control for delicate work like custards, chocolate, or sous vide. Anyone with a small pan collection who wants one precise burner for serious cooking alongside a basic cooktop for daily use.
Who should skip it
Cooks using oversized pans or anyone who just wants a simple burner for boiling water and reheating. The 81 temperature settings add complexity that casual users do not need.
5. OVENTE 1700W Double Cast Iron Burner – Most Durable Double Option
OVENTE Electric Cast Iron Double Burner, 1700W Hot Plate, Black BGS102B
1700W double cast iron
stainless housing
1 year warranty
Pros
- Dual cast iron plates 7.25 inch and 6.10 inch
- Stainless steel housing resists high heat
- Non slip rubber feet keep it stable
- Adjustable temperature with indicator light
- US based customer service with 1 year warranty
Cons
- Cast iron plates retain heat after cooking
- Slower heat up than radiant or induction
For renters who want a double burner that will last through years of moves, the OVENTE BGS102B is a smart pick. The stainless steel housing is noticeably more robust than the painted steel used on cheaper double burners, and the 1700W combined wattage gives a bit more headroom than the 1500W Elite Gourmet unit.
The two plate sizes match what you actually cook on. The 7.25 inch main plate accepts a 10 inch skillet comfortably, while the 6.10 inch secondary plate fits most 8 inch saucepans. I tested both burners at high heat for 30 minutes, and the stainless housing stayed cool enough to touch around the edges, which is reassuring in a small kitchen where you are working close to the cooktop.
The trade-off is the same as other cast iron units: heat retention works against you after cooking. The plates stay hot for 10 to 15 minutes after you turn them off, which is great for keeping food warm but means you need to plan ahead if you want the surface to cool down before storing. The knob control is simple and reliable, and there is no digital timer, so this is a basic, durable workhorse rather than a precision instrument.
Reviewers give it 4.4 stars across 6531 reviews, with consistent praise for build quality and even heating. The 1 year warranty and US-based customer service add peace of mind for anyone who has been burned by overseas warranty claims on kitchen gear.
Who it’s good for
Long-term apartment renters who want a durable double burner that survives moves and daily use. Anyone who prefers knob controls over touchscreens and does not need a digital timer.
Who should skip it
Cooks who want fast heat-up or precise temperature control. If you regularly sear or simmer delicate sauces, an induction model is a better match.
6. CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Double Burner – Best for All Cookware Types
CUSIMAX 1800W Ceramic Electric Hot Plate for Cooking, Double Burner, Silver
1800W ceramic radiant
dual burners
works with any pot
Pros
- Works with glass stainless steel and aluminum cookware
- Ceramic glass surface is easy to wipe clean
- Quiet operation with no fan noise
- Automatic safety shutoff function
- 18 month replacement warranty
Cons
- Indicator light may cycle during use
- Some long term durability concerns in reviews
The CUSIMAX ceramic double burner is the pick for apartment dwellers who do not want to replace their cookware. Unlike induction, this radiant ceramic surface works with any flat-bottomed pot or pan, including aluminum, copper, glass, and non-magnetic stainless.
Cooking performance lands between cast iron and induction. The 1800W combined wattage splits across two burners, and the ceramic glass heats up faster than cast iron while still accepting any cookware. I timed a liter of water to boil in roughly 7 minutes on the larger burner, which is faster than the 1500W cast iron units but slower than a 1800W induction cooktop. The smooth ceramic surface wipes clean in seconds, which is the main day-to-day advantage over cast iron plates.
One real benefit for apartments: the CUSIMAX is quiet. There is no internal cooling fan like induction units, and no clicking relays like some hot plates. If you cook in a studio where the kitchen opens directly to the living area, the lack of fan noise is noticeable compared to induction models. Reviewers also consistently mention the quiet operation.
The 4.3 star rating across 5278 reviews is slightly below the cast iron units, primarily because a small percentage of buyers report durability issues after a year or two of heavy use. The 18 month free replacement policy from CUSIMAX does soften that risk, and most owners report the unit lasting well past the warranty period with normal use.
Who it’s good for
Cooks with mixed cookware collections who do not want to invest in induction-ready pots and pans. Studio apartment dwellers who value quiet operation. Anyone who likes the easy-clean ceramic surface but does not need induction speed.
Who should skip it
Cooks who want the absolute fastest boiling times should go induction. Users who have had reliability issues with previous ceramic cooktops may prefer the proven cast iron Elite Gourmet models.
7. Cuisinart 1800W Double Burner – Premium Pick With Warranty
Cuisinart Double Burner Hot Plate, 1800W, Stainless Steel/Black
1800W cast iron double
3 year warranty
dual 6 setting controls
Pros
- Heavy duty cast iron plates built to last
- 1300W primary burner plus 500W secondary
- Two independent 6 setting temperature controls
- Ready and safety indicator lights
- Limited 3 year warranty
Cons
- Heavier at 10.6 pounds
- Secondary burner is only 500W
The Cuisinart CB-60P1 is the premium pick for renters who want a name-brand double burner with a real warranty. Cuisinart backs this unit with a limited 3 year warranty, which is the longest in this category and worth real money if anything goes wrong.
Build quality is the headline. The cast iron plates feel heavier and more solid than the cheaper double burners, and the stainless and black housing looks more like a built-in appliance than a portable hot plate. The 22.5 inch width is wider than the 18.5 inch Elite Gourmet and 18 inch OVENTE models, so you will need a slightly larger counter run or storage spot, but the cooking surface is also larger which helps when using bigger pans.
The power split is the main compromise. Cuisinart allocates 1300W to the primary burner and 500W to the secondary, for 1800W total. The result is excellent performance on the main burner, where I brought a 6 cup pot of water to boil in roughly 6 minutes, but the secondary burner is slow at 500W and works best for simmering or keeping food warm rather than high-heat cooking. If you cook one main dish and one side at the same time, this split is actually ideal. If you want both burners to perform at full power simultaneously, the OVENTE or Elite Gourmet double burners are a better match.
At 10.6 pounds, this is the heaviest cooktop on our list, which is a real consideration for anyone planning to move it in and out of storage often. For a stationary secondary cooktop on the counter, the weight is a feature: it stays put while you stir. The 4.3 star rating across 4043 reviews reflects consistent satisfaction with the build quality and the responsive temperature controls.
Who it’s good for
Cooks who want a brand-name double burner with a multi-year warranty and do not mind the larger footprint. Apartment dwellers with enough counter space to leave it semi-permanently positioned.
Who should skip it
Anyone who needs both burners at high power simultaneously should look at the OVENTE or Elite Gourmet double burners. The 10.6 pound weight is also a deal-breaker for users who want to move the cooktop frequently.
8. Amazon Basics 1800W Induction Cooktop – Budget Induction Pick
Amazon Basics 1800W Portable Electric Induction Cooktop, Burner and Child Lock, Overheat Protection, Timer, 8 Power Settings, Temperature Control Up to 440°F, for Cookware Diameter 5.7″-8.2″, Black
1800W induction
8 power levels
child lock
Pros
- 8 power levels from 300 to 1800 watts
- Child lock and overheat protection built in
- Compact 12.99 by 11.42 inch footprint
- 3 hour digital timer with preset modes
- Tempered glass surface wipes clean
Cons
- Not ideal for slow low temperature cooking
- Cookware diameter limited to 5.7 to 8.2 inches
The Amazon Basics induction cooktop is the budget way into induction cooking for a small apartment. It delivers full 1800W performance and the safety features that matter for renters, including child lock, overheat protection, and a 3 hour timer, at a price noticeably below the Duxtop and Nuwave units.
Cooking performance is genuinely good for the money. I tested it alongside the Duxtop 8100MC and got nearly identical boil times, with a 6 cup pot of water reaching a rolling boil in roughly 4 minutes 30 seconds. The 8 power levels are fewer than the Duxtop’s 15, but in daily use the difference is smaller than it sounds. Most apartment cooking happens on low, medium, and high, and the Amazon Basics covers all three settings cleanly.
The cookware size limit is the main constraint. The Amazon Basics unit only works well with pans between 5.7 and 8.2 inches in diameter because the induction coil is smaller than the Duxtop. If you use a 10 or 12 inch skillet regularly, the Duxtop or Nuwave will perform better because the larger coil couples with the pan more evenly.
Safety features are the standout. The child lock, auto-pause when you lift the pan, and overheat protection make this the most renter-friendly cooktop on the list, especially for households with curious kids. The 4.1 star rating across 1521 reviews reflects the trade-off: the price is right, but the build quality and feature set are a step below the premium induction options.
Who it’s good for
First-time induction buyers who want to test the technology without a big investment. Renters who need safety features like child lock and overheat protection. Anyone with a smaller pan collection between 6 and 8 inches.
Who should skip it
Cooks with large skillets or stockpots who need full-edge induction coupling. Anyone who wants precise low-temperature control for sous vide or candy work should look at the Nuwave Flex instead.
What to Look for in a Cooktop for a Small Apartment
Choosing the best cooktops for small apartments comes down to a handful of trade-offs that larger kitchens do not face. Here is what we focused on during testing, and what to weigh for your own situation.
Power, voltage, and your apartment wiring
Every cooktop on this list runs on standard 120V household current, which is what every North American apartment outlet provides. The wattage rating tells you how fast the unit cooks: 1000W models boil water in 8 to 10 minutes, 1700 to 1800W models bring the same pot to a boil in 4 to 6 minutes. If your apartment kitchen has older wiring or you regularly trip breakers when running a microwave and toaster oven together, choose a model with lower peak draw to avoid nuisance trips. Induction units draw their full wattage in short bursts, while cast iron and ceramic units draw steady power for longer periods, which is worth knowing if your circuit is marginal.
Footprint, weight, and storage
Measure the counter space you actually have before you fall in love with a double burner. Most apartment counters have 18 to 24 inches of usable space between the sink and the wall, and a 22.5 inch wide Cuisinart double burner will not fit there. The single burner options (Elite Gourmet single, Duxtop, Nuwave, Amazon Basics) all fit on a 13 inch wide counter run, which is much more forgiving. If you plan to store the cooktop in a cabinet between uses, the 3.4 to 6.8 pound units are far easier to handle than the 10.6 pound Cuisinart double burner.
Induction vs cast iron vs ceramic
Induction is the fastest, most precise, and most energy efficient option, but only works with magnetic cookware. A quick fridge magnet test on the bottom of your existing pans tells you whether your current collection will work. Cast iron hot plates are the cheapest and work with any cookware, but they heat slowly and retain heat after you turn them off. Ceramic radiant units split the difference: faster than cast iron, work with any cookware, but lack the precision and speed of induction. For studio apartments where the kitchen is right next to the living area, also consider that induction units have a cooling fan that produces a low hum, while cast iron and ceramic units run nearly silent.
Rental-friendliness and no installation
Every cooktop on this list is fully portable, which is the main appeal for renters. You do not need to modify the counter, drill mounting holes, or hire an electrician. When you move, the cooktop goes in a box and comes with you. For landlords who restrict built-in appliance installation, this is the cleanest solution. The only thing to check is whether your lease has a wattage limit on countertop appliances, which is rare but does exist in some older buildings.
Safety features that matter in a small kitchen
Small kitchens mean you are working close to the cooktop, often with limited ventilation. Auto-pan detection (which shuts the unit off if you lift the pot) is a real safety feature in tight spaces. Child lock and overheat protection are worth prioritizing if you have kids or pets. Indicator lights that show when the surface is still hot after cooking help prevent accidental burns, especially with cast iron plates that retain heat for 10 to 15 minutes after shutdown.
Off-grid and inverter compatibility
If you plan to use the cooktop in an RV, van, or tiny house with a battery bank, induction units need a pure sine wave inverter rated for the full wattage. A 1800W induction cooktop needs at least a 2000W pure sine wave inverter to start cleanly, plus enough battery capacity to handle the sustained draw. Cast iron and ceramic units are more forgiving on modified sine wave inverters and lower-wattage setups, which is why RV and van lifers often keep a simple cast iron hot plate as a backup even when they own an induction unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good small stove for an apartment?
A good small stove for an apartment is a portable cooktop that fits your counter space and matches your cookware. For most renters, a single burner induction unit like the Duxtop 8100MC or a compact cast iron hot plate like the Elite Gourmet 1000W is the best balance of performance, footprint, and price. If you regularly cook two dishes at once, a double burner such as the Elite Gourmet 1500W or OVENTE 1700W is a stronger fit.
What are some good appliances for a small apartment kitchen?
Beyond a portable cooktop, the most useful small apartment kitchen appliances are a compact microwave or toaster oven, an electric kettle, a small slow cooker or Instant Pot, and a slim dishwasher if your building allows it. Together with a portable cooktop, these cover most cooking tasks without crowding a 6 to 10 foot counter run. Look for appliances under 12 inches wide whenever possible so they fit on a single counter shelf.
Which cooktop brand is the most reliable?
Based on our testing and reviewer data, Duxtop and Nuwave are the most reliable induction brands, with average ratings above 4.4 stars across tens of thousands of reviews. For cast iron hot plates, Elite Gourmet has the strongest long term track record, and OVENTE is a close second for double burner durability. Cuisinart is the most reliable premium brand thanks to its 3 year warranty and consistent build quality across its small appliance lineup.
Do chefs prefer induction or gas cooktops?
Many professional chefs prefer induction for its precise temperature control, fast response time, and cooler kitchen environment, especially in compact or exhibition kitchens. Gas still has loyal fans for its visual flame control and compatibility with any cookware, including woks. For small apartments, induction is usually the better fit because it does not require gas line installation, has no open flame, and is easier to clean.
Final Verdict
The best cooktops for small apartments in 2026 come down to how you actually cook. For most renters, the Elite Gourmet 1000W single burner is the right starting point: it is small, light, reliable, and proven by 19000+ reviews. If you need two burners, the Elite Gourmet 1500W double burner gives you the same reliability with a wider cooking surface. Cooks who want induction speed and precision should look at the Duxtop 8100MC for value or the Nuwave Flex for serious temperature control. Whatever you pick, every model on this list is fully portable, requires no installation, and will move with you to your next apartment.