Hot plates are portable cooking units great for meal prepping on the go or for use in small cooking spaces without traditional kitchen access. With a hot plate, users can cook a meal from scratch, warm leftovers, or keep food hot for an extended duration. A portable hot plate can be used in small living spaces, small kitchens, offices, and vacation spaces.
But hot plates aren’t only ideal for small spaces. Even larger, fully equipped kitchens may require an extra cooktop area in conjunction with food preparation for parties and holiday dinners. So in addition to cookware and bakeware, adding a portable hot plate to the cooking arsenal isn’t a bad idea. Commercial units are also available for catering and professional use.
- BEST OVERALL: Duxtop 1800-Watt LCD Portable Countertop Burner
- RUNNER-UP: Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner Hot Plate
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Elite Cuisine Countertop Burner
- UPGRADE PICK: Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop
- BEST FOR SAFETY: Techwood 1800-Watt Double Infrared Ceramic Hot Plate
- BEST DOUBLE BURNER: Cusimax 1800-Watt Dual Infrared Ceramic Hot Plate
How We Chose the Best Hot Plates
We researched the best hot plates in a variety of categories with high customer satisfaction. The list factors in material, number of burners, wattage, temperature settings, and special features provided by the top brands.
When selecting the top hot plates, we focused on models made with durable stainless steel and cast iron. The featured picks include both 1-burner and 2-burner units for different cooking needs. The top picks each produce 1,300 to 1,800 watts for ample cooking power with multiple preset temperature settings. Some models on the list also contain extra features including nonslip rubber feet, auto shutoff, child safety locks, and stay-cool handles.
Our Top Picks
To help choose the best hot plate for their cooking needs, shoppers will want to check out the list of hot plates below that have the above features in mind.
Photo: amazon.com
The Duxtop Countertop Burner Induction Hot Plate has one burner and features an LCD screen with sensor touch panel for straightforward use. Its nonstick glass surface is easy to clean. This induction cooktop keeps safety a priority with a child safety lock button, automatic shutoff when not in use, 60-second auto-pan detection, and overheat protection. Additionally, induction plates mean no open flames or toxic gas fumes.
The Duxtop is designed with two types of cook modes, power and temperature. In power mode, 20 preset power levels ranging from 100 to 1,800 watts give users control over how quickly the plate heats. In temperature mode, 20 preset temperature settings, from 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, allow precise temperature settings for common cooking methods, such as frying or sautéing.
The automatic timer can be set from one minute to 10 hours. As a bonus, it also has boil and keep-warm buttons for convenience. Be sure to use magnetic-bottom cookware designed for induction heating. Measuring 11.41 inches by 14.05 inches, this burner’s compact, lightweight design makes for easy transport, use, and storage.
Product Specs
- Model: 9600LS/BT-200DZ
- Dimensions:14 inches wide by 11.4 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall
- Burners: 1
- Wattage: 100 to 1,800 watts
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy transport, use, and storage
- 20 preset temperature settings allow for precise temperature settings
- Automatic timer can be set from 1 minute to 10 hours
- Features convenient boil and keep-warm functions
Cons
- Must use induction-compatible/magnetic-bottom cookware
Get the Duxtop 1800-watt hot plate at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Built by a household name in cookware, Cuisinart’s Cast-Iron Single Burner is designed with stainless steel and equipped with a heavy-duty cast-iron plate for durability and easy cleanup. The cast-iron plate provides even heat distribution that ensures the cookware’s bottom maintains an all-over consistent temperature for cooking accuracy.
The hot plate’s six-setting temperature control allows for low to high heating options and uses 1,300 watts of energy. The unit measures 11.5 inches by 11 inches and features “ready” and “on”indicator lights and nonslip rubber feet.
Product Specs
- Model: CB-30P1
- Dimensions:11.5 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall
- Burners: 1
- Wattage: 1,300 watts
Pros
- Stainless steel and cast iron offer durability and even heat distribution
- Easy-to-clean cooking surface
- 6 temperature settings for low to high heating options
- Nonslip rubber feet ensure stable support
Cons
- Some older customer reviews reveal complaints about quality
Get the Cuisinart hot plate at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Photo: amazon.com
The Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Countertop Electric Hot Burner is a great option for use in a dorm room, RV, or office kitchen space, where users are likely to need to boil water or reheat leftovers. The unit has low, medium, and high settings. The cast-iron heating plate can accommodate a variety of cookware types, including nonstick pans, and is itself nonstick for easy cleaning. The hot plate features a cool-touch base, indicator light, and nonskid rubber feet for safety and stability. The unit has 1,000 watts of power, so users can boil water quickly. It measures 9 inches by 9 inches and features a white base.
Product Specs
- Model: ESB-301F
- Dimensions: 9 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 3.25 inches tall
- Burners: 1
- Wattage: 1,000 watts
Pros
- Compact design fits well on smaller cooking surfaces; ideal for traveling
- Affordable price point compared to similar models
- Smooth surfaces are very easy to clean
Cons
- Lacks a safety-click feature on the controls; can be turned on accidentally
Get the Elite Cuisine hot plate at Amazon or Elite Cuisine.
Photo: amazon.com
The Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop features two burners, each with independent heating controls and 20 preset heat levels. The LCD display is easy to read and provides precise temperature measurements so users can accurately control the cooking temperature. Users can choose from either power mode or temperature mode, depending on whether the plates are needed to simply heat quickly or want to maintain a specific temperature to avoid overcooking or burning a favorite dish.
The unit has a power-sharing feature that automatically adjusts the power usage of one burner when both are in use to prevent the unit from overheating. Safety features include a child safety lock system and skid-resistant rubber feet. It utilizes 100 to 1,800 watts of energy, measures 25 inches wide by 17 inches deep, and the burners are compatible with a variety of magnetic bottom cookware.
Product Specs
- Model: 9620LS/BT-350DZ
- Dimensions: 25 inches wide by 17.1 inches deep by 4 inches tall
- Burners: 2
- Wattage: 100 to 1,800 watts
Pros
- 20 preset temperature settings with an easy-to-read LCD display
- Features child-safety lock and nonslip rubber feet
- Automatically adjusts power usage to prevent overheating
Cons
- Must use induction-compatible cookware
- Doesn’t reach as high of temperatures when both burners are in use
Get the Duxtop double induction hot plate at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Techwood Double Infrared Ceramic Hot Plate is a great choice when shoppers are looking for a safe, versatile alternative to a gas hot plate. The plate’s infrared heating mechanism and cast- iron plate ensure quick heating with consistent temperature output. The adjustable thermostat controls enable users to warm or cook their favorite sauces and foods with precise temperature control.
The ceramic plates are compatible with all types of cookware. It’s equipped with stay-cool handles for easy transport, and the brushed steel body is easy to clean. The feet are slip-resistant for safe use on smooth surfaces. It features 1,300 watts of power and measures 16 inches by 12 inches. A single-burner unit is also available.
Product Specs
- Model: Not specified
- Dimensions:16 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 7 inches tall
- Burners: 2
- Wattage: 1,300 watts
Pros
- Durable stainless steel and cast iron for quick heating and consistent temperature output
- Stay-cool handles offer easy transport
- Also available as a single burner unit
Cons
- Some reports of manufacturing defects
- Can be difficult to get the temperature low enough to maintain only a simmer
Get the Techwood hot plate at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Cusimax double hot plate’s simple but modern design is suitable for a kitchen or dorm room and is compatible with all types of cookware, including glass. The ceramic plates heat quickly and evenly, and users control the temperature with an adjustable thermostat knob. The unit’s safety features include an automatic safety shutoff, nonskid feet, and an indicator light that illuminates when the plate is on.
The Cusimax’s adjustable heat settings make it easy to cook anything from eggs over easy to a favorite fettuccini dish. The stainless steel body and crystalline glass plates are easy to clean.
Product Specs
- Model: Not specified
- Dimensions:21.5 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep by 4 inches tall
- Burners: 2
- Wattage: 1,800 watts
Pros
- Durable stainless steel body with easy to clean ceramic plates
- Safety features include automatic shutoff, nonslip rubber feet, and indicator light
- Compatible with all types of cookware, even glass
- Also available as a single burner unit
Cons
- Some complaints of manufacturing defects
- Smaller burners take a little longer to heat up
- Not powerful enough for a pressure cooker
Get the Cusimax hot plate at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hot Plate
There are a few things to consider before buying a hot plate––primarily heating type and temperature control. Portability may also help guide a shopper’s choice if they plan to use their hot plate for outdoor activities or in a variety of locations. Also, what are the preferences when it comes to versatility and durability? How many burners might be needed, and are there plans to purchase a more expensive model that offers a greater degree of temperature versatility and safety features?
Size and Weight
Hot plates are designed with saving space and ease of transport in mind. However, body composition and the type of cooktop surface affects each unit’s size and weight. Stainless steel bodies and cast-iron cook plates will make the units a little heavier, but also provide extra stability. Whether the hot plate features one or two burners will determine the unit’s size. One-burner units average around 9 inches by 9 inches, and two-burner units are approximately double that in length.
Power
Electric hot plates can require from 750 to 1,800 watts of power, depending on the size and heating element type. Whether a hot plate has one or multiple burners will also factor into the unit’s wattage use. If shoppers plan to use an electric hot plate, rather than one powered by gas, they’ll also want to make sure that they have access to a 120-volt electrical outlet or generator.
Single vs. Multi Burner
Single burners are a convenient cooking option for individuals or couples with low-maintenance cooking needs. Single burners are also small and lightweight, making them easy to store and transport. Multi-burner hot plates allow users to cook more than one course at a time—boil spaghetti while the sauce is simmering, for example. However, shoppers will want to be aware that some double burner hot plates include a regular heating burner with the second serving only as a warming plate.
Cook Surface
Hot plates are available with several plate types, including glass, coil, or cast iron. Traditional coil surfaces are lightweight but more difficult to clean. Glass and cast-iron cook surfaces offer a more modern appeal and are easier to clean. However, it is useful to note that not all cook surface types are compatible with all cookware.
Heat Controls
Hot plates are available with a variety of heating control options. Some have mechanical knobs to adjust the temperature, while other units feature digital temperature controls and displays, which may be preferred if temperature precision is a priority.
Stability
The low-profile design of hot plates makes them relatively stable; however, features like heavy stainless steel bodies and slip-resistant feet ensure safety is a priority. It’s recommended to use hot plates on flat, fixed surfaces for maximum safety.
Safety
Hot plates can come with a variety of safety features. Some have an automatic shutoff feature that turns the unit off if a pan is not detected on the plate’s surface (this is also referred to as auto-pan detection). Units with two burners can come with overheat protection to prevent the unit from exceeding its maximum wattage while both burners are in use. Another important safety feature is child safety locks that prevent little fingers from turning the burners on. While safety features vary from unit to unit, most come with nonslip pads on the feet to prevent the unit from slipping around on smooth surfaces while in use.
FAQs
Getting familiar with the specifications of a hot plate can help you get the most out of it. Here are a few common questions and answers about hot plate features and operation to get you on your way.
Q. Is a hot plate the same as a stove burner?
While a hot plate and a stove burner are similar in function, hot plates tend to be less efficient in terms of energy use and heating capacity. The type of heating element a hot plate uses determines its efficiency (e.g., traditional coil is slower than induction). Additionally, hot plate burners tend to be smaller than stove burners, so it’s important to consider whether you have the right-sized cookware for a hot plate.
Q. How do you choose a hot plate?
Choosing the best hot plate for your cooking needs depends on how and where you plan to use the plate. You’ll also want to consider what type of cooking you intend to use it for as well as what type of cookware is compatible with the model you choose.
Q. What can you cook on a hot plate?
As long as your cookware matches the size of the hot plate, you can cook almost anything. Keep in mind, however, that some cuisines require specific temperatures, so a hot plate with precise temperature control might be the best option depending on your cooking needs. If you only need to boil water or keep food warm, there are options for that, too.
Q. How hot are hot plates?
The maximum heating temperature of a hot plate will depend on the type of heating element the plate utilizes. Some plates are designed only for warming, while others can reach temperatures optimal for boiling and frying.
Q. Does a hot plate use a lot of electricity?
Electric hot plates can use anywhere from 750 watts to 1,800 watts of electricity, depending on the size of the unit and the number of burners included. How often you intend to use the hot plate and the type of cooking you want to do with it can help you determine which wattage is right for you and what the average energy consumption might be.
Q. How long does it take for a hot plate to cool?
Most hot plates require about 20 minutes to cool. But, prior to handling, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cooling recommendations after use. Wearing oven mitts can help prevent unwanted burns if you need to handle a hot plate before it’s completely cooled.
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