Cooking on a budget with a portable induction plate
A portable induction plate is one of the most versatile and energy-efficient tools for anyone cooking without a full kitchen.
Key points
- Inexpensive to buy and cheap to run
- Heat up faster than a gas or electric cooktop
- Safe to use in small spaces
- Require flat-bottomed magnetic pots or pans
Induction cooking saves money, because the plates heat fast and don’t use as much power as conventional cooktops. Many home cooks use them already, and they are an especially good solution for anybody without access to a full kitchen.
The only limitation is that induction plates require cookware with a flat magnetic bottom.
Because induction plates work with pots and pans, preparing budget meals is easy, with almost limitless options. The internet is full of recipes for one-pot or one-pan meals that star low-cost staples. They don’t need to be followed to the letter. It’s easy to swap ingredients for cheaper alternatives or skip some altogether.
Here are some ideas for inspiration:
Soups:
- Black Bean Soup by Country Living
- Vegetable Barley Soup by Budget Byte$
- Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup by Country Living
- Chicken Noodle Soup by Big Bear's Wife
Pasta:
- Easy-Peasy Mac 'n Cheesy by Country Living
- Ground Meat Spaghetti Skillet by Taste of Home
- Cheesy Gnocchi Skillet by Budget Byte$
Rice:
- Easy Fried Rice by The Recipe Critic
- One-Pot Chicken and Rice by Budget Bytes
- One-Pot Veggie Rice Bowl by Budget Byte$
