Valera's portable range of stainless-steel counter-top induction units - which offer instant control from boil to simmer in seconds - are said to save energy because they use power only when a pan is in contact with the tough, scratch-resistant Ceran glass cooking surfaces (which are 4mm or 6mm thick for medium- and heavy-duty models respectively).

The medium-duty models (which measure a compact 100mm high x 328mm wide x 422mm deep) come with rotary or touch-pad controls, a 2,500W power consumption, nine power levels, five or seven temperature settings, and LED power and temperature displays.

Heavy-duty models offer one, two or four 3,500W outputs to allow multi-pan cooking from a single unit, rotary controls, 19 power levels and (on the largest two models) four preset buttons.

The largest unit measures 178mm high x 900mm wide x 735mm deep. Completing the range are specialist wok units in medium- and heavy-duty versions, which have power consumption of 2,500W or 3,500W and nine or 19 power levels respectively.

To buy it, call Valera 0845 270 4321 www.valera.co.uk