User Manual Oster® CKSTPIC1000-BK Portable Induction Cooktop

Yes, this does need to be plugged into a wall outlet for operation.

I can't find that info anywhere. However, the lowest temp on my Nuwave is 100 F and they both seem to perform the same at that setting.

The burner does not have a programmable timer. Once you are finished cooking, you will need to press the on/off button to turn the unit off. It has an auto shut-off feature which will turn the burner off after 2 hours of continuous use.

This is not a mini unit. Its footprint is basically the same size as regular induction plates. I wish someone would make a mini just for coffee or tea cups, Ramen bowls etc.

We used ours with our Lodge cast iron. The only issue may be the size of your pan. The area over the element heats up very quickly. But since cast iron takes a long time to conduct heat anything not above the element will take a long time to heat up.

The cord is approximately 37 inches long, measuring from the unit to the end to the end of the plug just before the prongs. I hope this helps. I very much like this cooktop.