I don't have enough stove space to host a crowd this holiday season, but this luxe new appliance from SMEG could be a game-changer

I make a traditional roast every holiday season, which means I need a lot of stove space. There’s the gravy, bread sauce, vegetables, cauliflower cheese, you name it, but that quickly turns into kitchen chaos.

Extra burners are a lifesaver, but let’s be honest: nobody wants an ugly, clunky induction plate ruining the festive aesthetic. Enter SMEG’s Portable Induction Cooktop – a chic, minimalist solution that gives you extra stove space without sacrificing style.

This little appliance is sleek enough to sit on your counter without standing out like a sore thumb, yet sturdy enough to handle your best induction pans and powerful enough to simmer delicate sauces to rapid boils.

The SMEG Portable Induction Cooktop has nine (yes, nine) temperature levels, so you can simmer, sear, or boil from anywhere around the kitchen. Compact and lightweight, it weighs just 7.3 pounds, making it pretty easy to move around, creating a functional kitchen island idea.

I like the modern touchpad controls, which allow you to switch on the heat levels effortlessly. There's also a power boost, meaning no more waiting forever for water to boil before tossing in your pasta or prepping vegetables. We have this function on the cooktop in the test kitchen, and trust me, it's an efficiency game-changer for the busiest meals of the year.

The included temperature probe is a small but thoughtful addition. It plugs directly into the side of the cooktop and allows you to monitor the temperature of your food from 104°F up to 210°F.

Even better, the probe can clip onto the top edge of your best induction pans, letting you keep an eye on sauces, gravies, or any delicate dish without hovering over the stove.

The only caveat? It's pricey, but in all the SMEG appliance reviews I have written, I rave that they feel durable and well-made. You can surely turn to this cooktop year after year – definitely read my SMEG countertop oven with air fry review, if you are looking for reliable, extra oven space, too.

Alternative portable cooktops under $100

If the $465 price tag feels a little too steep, I've found some more budget-friendly alternatives to give you some perspective.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen with an extra induction stove this holiday season, experts urge people to try this simple magnet trick to check if your pan will be compatible.

If you're in the market for new cookware too, I've tested and reviewed the best induction cookware and the best non-toxic cookware, too.