Judge Portable Induction Hob Review

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to slum it. Gillian Hook brings refined cooking and fine dinnerware to the table

Traditional gas camping cookers tend to have two settings: off and I’ve-burnt-the-beans-again. But if you’ve got electric hook-up, an induction hob could extend your campsite cuisine repertoire.

The Judge portable induction hob measures about a foot square and has just one ring, but is more controllable than your average camping gas stove and has a built-in safety feature: it can’t heat up until a suitable pan is placed on the ring.

The science bit

The Judge Portable Induction Hob

Plugged in, a strong magnetic field is created under the ceramic plate and the resulting induction current generates heat in pans capable of being magnetised. Remove the pan from the hob and the current – and heat – vanish instantly. This means no scorched fingers and spilt food spilt won’t burn onto the surface.

There are ten different heating levels, ranging from 60degC (ideal for simmering) up to 240degC, and it can be altered by simply pressing plus and minus buttons. The digital display shows the temperature and is also a timing feature.

You have to use pans that are capable of being magnetised – if a fridge magnet sticks to the base, it’ll work – so the only drawback could be that you have to fork out for new cookware.

If you do, a steamer would work well with this hob, giving you a tasty, healthy meal that’s a million miles from slightly burnt beans.