Top 5 Best Hot Plate Reviews 2021 (With Easy Buying Guide)

Carrying the best hot plate for cooking is a more thoughtful way to enjoy a good meal no matter where you are. With one, you can easily fix yourself a quality gourmet dish while on the go. Or, you can keep your dip or soup warm throughout an event.

Most of the best countertop burners are incredibly small, making them highly portable and ideal for camping and use in tiny spaces such as dorm rooms and RVs.

However, also finding the professional hot plate can be a crapshoot considering the vast number of products currently available on the market. I mean, there are several things you have to pay attention to while buying a hot plate, such as plate type, burner, size, and others. Right?

All these can be somewhat confusing, especially to the inexperienced buyer. Luckily, I have done all the hard work for you and come up with a list of kitchen hot plates on the counter. If this sounds good, get ready to simply peruse our list and choose the item that appeals the most to you!

Just in case if you’re in a hurry….

What Is A Hot Plate?

Also called a countertop burner, an electric hot plate is typically portable cookware that usually comes with a flat surface. You can power it either by gas or electricity, depending on the model.

Although hot plates are commonly used as movable and quick heating sources, they could also serve as a suitable replacement for convection ovens and traditional stoves. They usually come in different sizes with one or more burners depending on the size and purpose.

How Does A Hot Plate Work?

Except for the ceramic hot plate, using this is very similar to using a traditional stove.

• To commence cooking, just place your pan or pot on the plate, then go-ahead to turn on to high heat.
• If required, apply your cooking spray to the pan while it’s still cold before you start heating.
• While the pot or pan is heating, add the food you want to cook.
• When you are done, reduce the heat level of the plate from high to medium to allow for steady cooking.
• To prevent burning, use a good spoon or any other suitable utensil to stir the food while it’s on fire.
• Once the food is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a plate. And yeah, don’t forget to switch off.

How I Picked The Best Hot Plate? ( My Top Picks)

After a thorough research and user experience analysis, I was looking forward to top-graded products on Amazon. I have come up with total 10 products, all of which belong induction, electric, or cast-iron category.

The manufacturers are different. Some may offer easy-cleaning, and some are perfect for quick-heat up. Some may match with the decoration, or some may have sturdy features. According to the customer ratings, these 10 are quite trust-worthy and durable products.

So, choose one according to your preferences and thank me later!

Do you want to get it as a kitchen accessory or for camping equipment? In which way you are going to use the hot plates will be the greatest factor in determining what you purchase

1. DUXTOP LCD PORTABLE – Best Overall With Quiet Feature And Intuitive LCD Panel

The Duxtop Induction Cooktop is a high-quality product from Duxtop that brings a lot to the table. Highly rated in terms of efficiency, this unit delivers enough power to meet most of your cooking needs, whether in your kitchen or on the road.

With a potential voltage of 120 volts and a current stream of 15 amperes, you will agree that this model can fit into any home. You will be impressed by the self-adjusting feature of the burner, which makes it possible to automatically detect the base of your pot or pan and adjust accordingly. The compact design and excellent build of this model is another thing to be intrigued by.

The hot plate includes child safety locks, adjustable heat settings, power level, and automatic shut-off. You can set temperatures ranging from 140 ̊ F to 464 ̊ F, while the power level can be between 200 to 1800 watts. There are ten power levels and temperature settings altogether, which enable you to cook with the required amount of heat for your dishes.

Many users have come back to say they found it convenient and space-saving. All these combine to make this appliance excellent and extremely suitable for home use. However, it can still be used outside on your patio, cabin house, or even in your office.

In other words, you can carry this induction hot plate to any place of choice and create that cooking space you need to get. These exclusive features make this Duxtop Portable the best induction hot plate.

Things I like

This cooktop is easy and safe to use. The adjustable temperature and power, automatic pan detection, low power consumption, automatic shut-off feature after 60 seconds when not in use – all of these aspects are praiseworthy. It has the necessary safety feature and is suitable for all homes.

Things I don’t like

This unit is a little noisy.

2 . Cuisinart Cast-Iron – Affordable Cast Iron Single Burner Hot Plate

In your quest for the best kitchen hot plate, especially for your best skillet, if you’re particularly obsessed with endurance and durability, you might not find a better option than the Cuisinart Cast-Iron CB-30.

Its sturdy cast-iron plate features more than the other countertop burner you come across in the market. It works with 1300 watts of power that is responsible for its fast heating and its ability to retain the heat longer than usual. Interestingly, this burner comes with indicator lights for safety and temperature control in the form of a knob.

The cast iron hot plate has up to 6 different cooking cook settings, making it possible for you to adjust the plate temperature to suit your needs. Thanks to its coil-less surface for easy cleaning. And since you won’t ever need to detach any coil, you can worry less about damage.

However, compared to the operation of other burners, the Cuisinart CB-30 is a little bit slower. So, we do not recommend it for canning or pressure cooking. The burner is equipped with four rubber legs to prevent skidding. Now, it won’t slide all over the place while in use.

Overall, the Cuisinart CB-30 cast iron hot plate is a compact, sturdy and versatile product that promises to make a great value buy. The brushed stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean and will fit almost any kitchen décor. So, don’t hesitate to put out your money for it if this catches your fancy.

Things I like

These electric hot plates are easy to clean and convenient to use. It doesn’t slide while you’re using it. It is also safe to use as the sides stay relatively cool. And you can carry it on-the-go.

Things I don’t like

It is a little slower for pressure cooking. Since the cord is too short, it is recommended to get an extension cable.

3. CADCO CSR-3T  -Durable and quick heating burner

The Cadco CSR-3T Countertop Hot Plate is a high-ranked modern single burner that makes it easy to conveniently add cooking space to any place without the luxury of a kitchen or any kitchen that needs pimping with an extra burner.

With a powerful 1500 watts and a large 8-inch tubular heating element, this appliance is one of the most potent cookware available for fast-to-heat. Thanks to its solid, simple construction, this appliance is both easy to use and maintain. The clean premium brushed stainless steel housing also blends into any setting. The housing is very well ventilated.

Its compact size makes it portable and ideal for small spaces. So, if you need to add cooking space to your RV, boat, or small cottage house in the woods, then the Cadco CSR-3T hot plate will make a perfect choice.

The inclusion of a Robertshaw thermostat allows for infinite incremental heat controls, which gives you total flexibility in deciding the amount of heat you need. The ON/OFF rocker switch and power light allow you to safely operate the hot plate and know when it’s in use. The housing is easy to clean, but getting under the coil burner for complete cleaning might be tough.

Overall, the Cadco CSR-3T is an incredible single-burner countertop stove that is ultra-powerful and can deliver high-speed cooking. It may come with a high price tag, but the feature speaks of its price.

Tip – You need to plug in and heat it on high for 10 minutes with no pan on the burner to seal the heating element coating.

Things I like

This elegant and compact-design hot plate allows quick heating. It is quite powerful and space-saving. It holds temperature well and the body stays relatively cool.

Things I don’t like

It is not suitable for large, heavyweight pots. It would be best if you chose cookwares below 8-inch.

4. CUISINART CB-60 – Double Burner Induction Hot Plate With Temperature Control

When it comes to stability, very few burners can compete with the Cuisinart CB-60 Cast-Iron Double Burner Hot Plate. Choose this if you are looking for a movable cookware heating source to provide an extra cooking surface for your heavy dishes.

This double cast-iron induction cooktop is basically the same as the CB-30 except for adding an extra 500 watts plate. So, the unit has 1800 watts of power that splits between two burners. Both plates come with their switch and indicator light. Remember turning both of them off after every use.

Though the CB-60 is designed to support two pots at once, the plates are a little close to each other, which can be a problem if you’re using two bigger pots simultaneously. However, the appliance should serve well for one large bowl and a small pot.

I advise using a larger electric hot plate for your main cooking, including boiling water and the smaller burner for keeping your food warm (after preparation) or other simple applications where a steady temperature is required.

Similar to the cookware, it also comes with rubber to keep it fixed in one place even if you’re using it in a moving vehicle.

If you have a long history with two burner hot plate, you will agree that uneven conduction of heat is a major problem with most models. Luckily, you won’t experience this problem with this contender. The choice of cast iron for the plate surfaces also helps to ensure even distribution of heat, which will help you prepare beautiful dishes.

Though the cords get really hot when cooking, they should cool within 15 minutes. So, be careful while cooking with it and store it away only after it’s completely cooled. Overall, this is one of the hot plates as it overcomes the Cuisinart single burner’s limitation, such as pressure cooking.

Things I like

The rubber legs help the induction cooktop not to slide. It also supports pressure-cooking compared to the single burner one. Moreover, it offers quick and even heat distribution with an easy cleaning advantage. The durable construction is highly sturdy and stable.

Things I don’t like

The plates are closely placed together, and the cords can get too hot. Again, it will take time to heat if you want to use both burners simultaneously.

5. OVENTE COUNTERTOP – Infrared Hot Plate

Indeed, the Ovente Countertop Burner will make a value for you with its high performance and durability. This plate features a stainless steel and glass construction which guarantees its longevity and sturdiness.

The unique design of these cheap hot plates for cooking will serve you well on busy days so that you never starve for a good meal. More so, this unit comes with a glass top which makes it easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about crumbs or rust.

As earlier indicated, the Ovente hot plate provides steady and even heat, primarily because its heating elements are made of ceramic and glass. This is important, especially when you need to maintain a precise temperature, for instance, in making candy.

But the major downside of this portable hot plate is that it takes a little more time to heat up, which can be bothersome if you’re in a rush. However, despite the slight limitation, the Ovente countertop burner still makes a good deal considering its quality and general performance. Don’t hesitate to go for it as this is one of the ideal hot plates with infrared technology.

Things I like

The unique construction of it makes it easier to clean. You will be done with your kitchen work quickly. Not only that, the structure is long-lasting and comes with an excellent quality range. But the best part is, you can get it at an affordable price.

Things I don’t like

The Ovente electric heat plates have one significant drawback of being slow.

Which Hot Plates Do You Need?

When choosing the right one for you, you need to decide which type you should go for. Many people get confused between electric cooktop vs induction. Again, should you go for the single burner hot plate or double burner? Let’s check out the several types of hot plates and their features.

Electric Cooktop vs Induction

This type comes with two broad categories: exposed coil or radiant coil and integrated coil or smooth top. Their features are given below –

Exposed coil

These burners have a coil-style heating element such as Cadco CSR-3T, that usually sits atop a drip tray for easy cleaning.

The temperature is generated via a wire embedded inside the metal coil. It works electrically and brings the electric hot plate to the desired cooking temperature. These are less costly than the smooth-tops but can be peskier to maintain since they require removing the coil cautiously and cleaning it and the drip pan separately.

Integrated coil

An integrated coil is encased in some kind of material and provides a completely flat, unbroken surface. However, radiant-heat smooth-top cooktop take longer to heat, but cleanup can be as easy as a swipe with a damp sponge. And the plate, such as Ovente 1000W, reaches the proper cooking temperatures and cools down much more quickly than other models.

Induction hot plates

These types use electromagnetic fields to quickly generate direct heat and cool down much faster than other models. They are far more efficient than others, using less energy to cook the food. Induction burners like the Duxtop Portable need induction-capable cookware, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel, or place an induction disc under a non-compatible pot. They also don’t get hot to the touch and don’t come with the same fire hazard as gas plates.

Gas Hot Plates

These hot plates are usually self-contained, and the fuel container exists within the hot plate’s housing. Most models use propane fuel.

Gas hot plates can be heavier than electric hot plates for the location of the fuel container. These burners cook food more evenly than electric burners. Since these require no electricity and are incredibly handy, they are a great travel hot plate.

Ceramic Hot Plates

Ceramic hot plates are less accessible and involve heating a ceramic stone plate in a microwave before placing it underneath the item you want to cook. They are mostly used in laboratories.

Single vs. Multiple Burners

How mostly you will use these hot plates determines whether you should go for a single burner or a dual-burner hot plate.

Single-burner hot plates will suffice your needs for one or two people. They are extremely portable, lightweight, less expensive, and easy to store. If you are not going to use your hot plate regularly, a single portable one will be an ideal choice. In contrast, double-burner hot plates allow you to cook food on two pans at once, such as cooking the main course on one cooktop and a side dish on the other.

Why Should You Buy Hot Plate?

No matter how many kitchen tools you have, that is not enough for time efficiency. Oven or stove may come in handy, but it can be an expensive option for some individuals. So what can you do in this place?

A hot plate is a system that you can use for cooking or heating food. It comes with a flat surface and an internal electric heating unit. If you are not using a stove or need extra burners, one or more hot plates can be a better option. Why should you use them? Because of the compact design and easy storage construction! Also, you can work faster. And the uses of a hot plate are endless for traveling or dorm rooms. Try some of our recipes.

You need to see the features of temperature setting and precautions. Many electrical hot plates or induction hot plates would have an automated shut-off option to stop overheating or injuries when cooking.

Another bonus feature is a thermal fuse that resists overheating. Look for durable and non-slip feet, particularly if you intend on taking hot plates on a boat, RV, or other moving venues. On the other hand, if you are on a budget, go for induction-based hot plates. Also, those are faster than non-induction ones.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER (BUYING  GUIDE)

When you get your feet into the market, you are prone to become confused. To make sure you end up with the right product here are some things you need to check.

Portability

Don’t forget the reason why you want to buy in the first place – portability! This is essential, especially if you’re planning to travel with the device.

For instance, a double burner plate might not be a convenient electric tabletop stove for travel since it will likely occupy a lot of space in your luggage. However, it could make a perfect choice for your RV or as a supplement or backup for your kitchen stove.

Also, a glass-top burner might be lightweight for travel, but it may break easily when carelessly handled. Though ceramic hot plates are strong and less prone to damage, they tend to weigh more than other models. It would help if you considered all these before choosing a hot Plate that fits your needs.

Temperature Control

It is crucial that you buy a countertop burner that will give you adequate control over temperature. A burner that’s difficult to control could affect your meals’ quality or would be very difficult and unsafe to handle.

You could choose a model that doesn’t overheat or take a lot of time to warm up. Since the wattage of the device greatly determines this, it is better to go for a burner that can progressively attain high temperatures.

In this case, if you’re buying a double burner, you might want to choose a model that comes with a large and a small burner.

Power

The first thing (and probably the most important factor) to look out for when buying a hot Plate is wattage. This will go a long way in determining the efficiency and usefulness of a particular model. Burners that take too long to boil usually come with heat settings that are underpowered. To save yourself long hours of waiting, you need to go for a wattage rating helpful to you.

For preparing meals or boiling water, high wattage is generally preferred to get the work done in less time. Nonetheless, it’s also important not to go too high. Hot plates that carry a lot of wattages consume a lot of power generally and can quickly burn your food.

Stability and Safety

Features such as heavy stainless steel bodies and slip-resistant feet ensure safety. It would be best if you used hot plates on flat, fixed surfaces for maximum security.

Some hot plate automatic shut-off feature turns the hot plate off if a pan is not detected on the surface. The child lock safety feature is worth-mentioning for preventing little fingers from turning the burners on.

Easy-to-clean design

The countertop hot plates are more straightforward to wipe down than gas or coil-electric burners as they usually consist of one smooth surface. It is good to have minimal grooves and crevices on the burners.

Questions to Ask (FAQs)

Does a hot plate use a lot of electricity?
The electric usage depends on the size of the unit and the number of electric plate cooker. It can use anywhere from 750 watts to 1,800 watts of electricity.

How long does it take for a hot plate to cool?
Most hot plates require about 20 minutes to get cool.

What are the common sizes for a cooking hot plate?
The most common sizes are ranging from 30 inches to 36 inches. The cooktop also come in 12-inches.

What pans don’t work on induction two burner hot plate?
Aluminum, glass, and copper pans don’t go with an induction cooking plate. However, if there is a layer of a magnetic material on the bottom, they can be used.

Can you boil water on a hot plate?
Yes, you can boil water on a hot plate. Moreover, most of the hot plates are the efficient for boiling water up to 50% faster than the traditional ones.

How hot does a hot plate get?
The hot plate surface temperature can reach up to 540°C.

Are hot plates safe?
Yes, the hot plate is relatively safe. There is no risk of the open flame. When preparing a meal, there is a balance of energy. If you keep in mind the caveats, these cooktops will serve you properly. Also, check out the safety features of your chosen one.

Final Words

So, which one is your best hot plate?

The hot plate cooker is a small, standalone heating device that takes the place of a traditional stove in the kitchen. You can keep this in your living arrangements, which allows the residents to heat up their food and beverages.

If you keep in mind the caveats during use and be sure to turn it off when you’re done, it is a perfectly safe appliance. Let me know in the comment section which one type is your favorite among – 4-burner electric hot plate stove or 4-burner induction hot plates stove!