Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop proposes you another way to learn how to cook! (Review)

Do you have a small cooking space and is it necessary to find solutions in terms of cooking tools? Certainly, many of us deal with this problem; also, if you like going camping or hiking, it is important to take with you some cookware and cooking devices that will make your stay more comfortable.

Hamilton Beach 34102

And as a gas stove is impossible to find in those places, it is time for you to meet Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop.

As other handy induction cooktops, Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop is great if you intend to use the cooktop to steam, boil, fry or sauté. In three words, this device is safe, portable and energy efficient.


1. Controls

The unit can be turned on or off touching On/Off button. In case you need to adjust the cooking temperature, you have to touch – or +. Once you have your pan on the burner, just touch start and the cooktop will start heating.

The Timer button is very useful: you can increase time by 10-minute increments for a maximum time of 120 minutes. You cannot imagine how quickly you will cook a healthy breakfast.

2. Surface

Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop has a glass surface with a burner at the same level as the control panel. On the control panel, you will see that the temperature levels are low, medium, high, but pay attention to the fact that the cooktop has 6 settings. All the buttons of glass surface are touch sensitive.

Hamilton Beach 34102 eggs

The main advantage of this surface consists of the fact that it is easy to clean. Instead of others cooktops with plastic-feeling top or surface and controls with joints or crevices, Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop is very easy to operate.

3. Heating Elements

With only one heating element of four inches back from the front edge of the cooktop, Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop is exactly what you need if you are leaving in a small apartment or if you just want an extra cooktop. You can set the device according to its 6 heat settings.

4. Power/Watts

It is a 1300 watts cooktop as Big Boss 9147 1300-watt Induction Cooktop Compatible with Induction Cookware, Black. But it has something extra: a timer in order to forget that you are cooking, a lock and an expensive glassy top that assures an easy cleaning.

Hamilton Beach 34102 pot

5. Sensors

As there is no pot on burner, the cooktop will not heat, and the device initiates a turn-off while there is water on the glass surface.

6. Ventilation

In terms of ventilation, Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop has a fan: once you turn off, it will continue to run for several seconds, but keep calm, there is no problem. Customers say that the cooling fan is a little bit noisy, but you will get used to as soon as possible.

7. Safety Features

Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop is safe: being an induction cooktop, you have nothing to worry about open flame or hot coils. So, let’s say goodbye to burns or other kitchen accidents!

Once you remove the pot, the cooktop will not continue to heat: there is a same control if you do not use proper pans. And of course, it will not get hot if there is no pan on the burner.

Hamilton Beach 34102 red

8. Accessories

This product can be purchased without any accessories (just the power cord): it is up to the buyer to assure that he has the appropriate cookware: some stainless steel, cast iron, emanel on steel and emanel cast iron.

9. Dimensions

2.68 H x 11.73 W x 13.88 D
Weight: 8.1 pounds
Shipping Weight: 8.5 pounds


10. Pros

This product is very good for small family (3-4 persons) or for students

Easy clean up (after it cools, of course) with a damp cloth

The cooktop heats water quickly

You can set the timer to cook in 10-minute increments up to 120 minutes then unit turns off automatically

Fast heat response is good for boiling a pot of water or bringing food to a desired temperature quickly

Water on the glass surface initiates a turn off

11. Cons

The sign telling “put cookware on” keeps beeping.

It burns easily even at the lowest settings and using pans made for induction cooktops

The control buttons are finicky and not always responsive

Delay in control panel response can cause confusion, frustration and pressing the

buttons hard which can ruin the unit

12. Consumer Ratings

Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop is a good unit as the consumer rating is 3.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Those who are unsatisfied with this product do not know to deal with the temperature buttons as they are sensitive, the chiming bell that is rather loud or the power button that has to be held down for several seconds in order to turn off the unit.

Even so, if you choose this cooktop, you will have a great device for a place where there is no stove: boat, dorms, camping cabin, etc.

13. Where to buy Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable

It is possible to buy Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop from Amazon , it is a great chance for you to purchase a product that can be used on your patio for canning. And those who like to have another cooking area, want to cook in different rooms or even outdoors can do it using this cooktop.

14. F.A.Q

1. Can you use this unit at a food show on a card table?

Yes, this is possible with a Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop. It should work quite well in that situation, but it is recommended to bring an extension cord, as the cord with the cooktop is fairly short. In this way, you can promote yourself and of course, your delicious meals.

2. How can you turn on this cooktop?

In order to turn on the cooktop, you have to press the start button and so, the induction coil will only work if a pan is on it. If you pull the pan off it will shut itself down. Of course, it requires compatible pots; otherwise, it doesn’t get hot.

15. User Manual

Let us know in comments and will send it by email.


16. Summary

Hamilton Beach 34102 Portable Induction Cooktop
Manufacturer Hamilton Beach
Destination use Home
Controls 5 (On/Off, – and +, Start, Timer, Lock)
Control Panel Digital
Functions Power, Timer, Temperature, Lock
Surface NA
Color Black
Power Source 120V
Output Power 1300W
Power levels NA
Temp Levels Low, Medium, High
Temp step increment Yes
Programmable Time 0-120 minutes
Function Lock Yes
Warranty 1 year
Acoustic warnings Yes
Weight 8.1 pounds
Shipping Weight 8.5 pounds
Dimensions 2.68 H x 11.73 W x 13.88 D
Cord Length 30″
Led Display NA
Safety Feature It does not continue to heat if pans are removed and will not work without the proper pan.There is also a lock feature
Error Codes NA
Pan size (bottom diameter) 5 to 10 inches (13-25 cm) in diameter.
Cookware material stainless steel, enamel cast iron, enamel on steel, cast iron
Free PAN NA
Around Clearance NA
Made In China
Price AMAZON DISCOUNT LINK

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