← Back to Blog · Updated 24 August 2026

🏬 Kmart Induction Cooktop vs Branded: Worth the Upgrade?

Written & fact-checked by the Induction Cooktop Australia research team, using published manufacturer specifications and Australian retail pricing — see our editorial process.

"Induction cooktop Kmart" is one of the most searched terms in this category — for good reason. Kmart's portable induction cooktops are cheap, easy to find in-store across Australia, and cover the basics well. Here's when that's genuinely enough, and when it isn't.

What a budget portable unit does well

• Single-zone cooking for under $50–$80
• Good enough for boiling, simmering, and basic frying — the bulk of everyday cooking
• Zero installation — plug into any power point and go
• Ideal as a spare burner, for students, or occasional/backup use

Where budget portable units fall short

• Lower maximum wattage — searing and wok-level heat can feel noticeably underpowered against gas or a dedicated wok burner
• Fewer, coarser temperature increments than premium models, making fine simmer control harder to dial in
• Shorter typical lifespan under daily heavy use, particularly the touch controls and internal fan
• More basic pan-detection and safety cut-off behaviour compared to branded units built to a higher spec

When to upgrade to a branded portable or built-in unit

If you cook daily, want precise temperature control for things like candy-making, sous-vide-style searing, or delicate sauces, or plan to use it as your primary cooktop rather than a backup, a branded portable option like Tefal or Breville — or a proper built-in cooktop — will noticeably outperform a budget single burner in day-to-day use, not just on a spec sheet.

Our take

A budget portable unit is a genuinely good buy for occasional or backup use, and there's no shame in starting there. For daily cooking, the jump to a branded model or a budget built-in cooktop pays for itself in reliability and control within a year or two of regular use — the cost difference is small relative to how much time you'll spend using the appliance.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kmart sell built-in induction cooktops?

Kmart's induction range is portable countertop units — for a built-in cooktop you'll be looking at the branded manufacturers covered in our brand ranking.

Is a $50 induction cooktop safe to use?

Products sold in Australia must meet relevant electrical safety standards regardless of price point — the difference between budget and premium is mostly in durability, control precision and features, not baseline electrical safety.

How long does a budget portable induction cooktop last?

With occasional use, several years is realistic; with daily heavy use, expect a shorter service life than a mid-range or premium unit built for sustained daily cooking.