Have you ever had trouble keeping the food hot for the guests? Or how to cook something or heat up something when camping or at a picnic? I sure have. It really is a daunting task that when you should be playing a good host at a party or a dinner, all you are doing is warming up the food for the guests again and again. I came across the perfect solution for my misery when I visited a friend who lived in a hostel and had no proper kitchen. She had a small electric stove-type thing which I later came to know was a hot plate.
In pursuit of finding the best hot plate for me, I discovered several exceptional models. I have prepared a list of the 10 best hot plates that I explored. You will surely find them interesting and worth your time.
Our Top Selections of Best Hot Plates in 2020
| PRODUCT | NO. OF BURNERS | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
 Chefman Glass Top |
1 | Best Overall |
|
 Proctor Silex 34103 |
1 | Best Budget Pick |
|
 SUNAVO Infrared Burner |
1 | Best For Outdoor Activities |
|
 Cusimax Electric |
1 | Best For Safety |
|
1. Chefman Glass Top
Highlighted Features
- Sleek design
- Adjustable Temperature
- Safety fuse feature
- Aluminum cool-touch handles
Elements: Chefman hot plate consists of a family-sized warming tray that can accommodate several dishes at one time. This single burner tray has a sleek design with black tempered glass and stainless steel features. Therefore, it looks great when displayed on any countertop, table or buffet. The hot plate is equipped with cool-touch aluminum handles for easy transport. It comes with an adjustable temperature control that makes it easy to heat up the food quickly.
The safety feature of the fuse prevents the tray from overheating, keeping your food warm throughout the day. You can adjust the temperature as desired by either keeping it low to make food stay warm all day long or use high heat to heat up your appetizers in a jiffy.
Performance: The suitable size and temperature control settings make it befitting for family dinners, gatherings of friends, holiday celebration or other such events. You can use any heat-safe cookware and bakeware for cooking on this hot plate. This hot plate works like a charm, from keeping your food like steaks warm on a dinner plate to making your roasted potatoes stay warm and crisp on a baking sheet.
Cleaning it is not a cumbersome task due to its tempered glass top and stainless steel features. However, in order to avoid any kind of hassle, clean the surface immediately if something spills. Do not let the spills cook on the surface or they’ll take some time to remove.
Safety: The hot plate provides added safety with cool-touch aluminum handles that allow you to transport the tray conveniently. The safety fuse feature prevents the plate from overheating. Anyhow, do not leave it on for longer than 72 hours.
Pros
- Suitable, large space for heating
- Black tempered glass surface
- Stainless steel features
- Safety fuse
- Aluminum handles for safe transport
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Glass top prone to breakage
2. Proctor Silex 34103
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel drip tray
- Adjustable temperature knob
- Built-in safety features
- Light indicating power on
Elements: Proctor Silex hot plate has a small, compact size enabling you to transport it anywhere you need. It features a variable temperature knob that allows you to adjust the temperature between low and high heat. The feet of the burner are firm so there is no danger of slipping or skidding. The burner coil lifts up to give you access to the stainless steel drip tray that collects any spills or tip-overs.
Performance: The compact, lightweight and portable burner is perfect for preparing food when an extra cooktop is required or when you are tailgating or for on-the-go chefs. You can very easily prepare enough food for a single person or a group of 4 people with quick and sustained heat due to the temperature control feature. You can use this appliance for boiling water for pasta, making eggs or even stew.
The cleaning part is pretty easy as the burner coil lifts up to let you reach the stainless steel drip tray. You can use a damp cloth or a soft sponge to clean the drip tray.
Safety: It has a built-in safety feature of a light on the front that indicates to you that the appliance is powered on. Also, the sturdy feet of the appliance ascertain that the burner does not slip.
Pros
- Compact and portable appliance
- Temperature adjustment control
- Built-in safety feature of light
- Non-skid feet to prevent slipping
- Drip tray for easy cleanup
Cons
- Temperature controller knob stays on unless plugged out
3. SUNAVO Infrared Burner
Highlighted Features
- Provides rapid heating
- 6 power levels
- Efficient & energy-saver
- Heatproof handles
Elements: Sunavo electric hot plate functions on infrared burners. It has 6 power levels to control temperature and you can adjust the temperature according to your requirements. This hot plate accommodates cookware with an 8-inch bottom and is convenient for daily use. The plate has handles that are insulated for safety and enable you to transport the plate easily.
Performance: This innovative, aesthetically pleasing appliance has a burner that is compatible with all kinds of cookware that are flat and heat-resistant. It provides rapid heating and under maximum power, you can boil 1000ml of water in just 5 minutes. With adjustable temperature control, you can make a variety of dishes according to your requirements. This ceramic glass hot plate is ideal for parties, camping, hostel-use or for providing decoration to your kitchen. Also, it is easy to use, store and clean.
The Sunavo hot plate uses the technique of far-infrared energy assembly to get vertical heat induction and uniform heating. This heating efficiency reduces heat loss and saves energy. You can assess its energy efficiency with the fact that the use of 1200W of ordinary hot plate is equivalent to 900W of electric infrared burner.
Safety: This burner provides safety as it has handles that are insulated to protect you from getting blisters and also to transport it easily anywhere.
Pros
- Infrared burners for rapid heating
- Adjustable temperature control
- Good for flat cookware
- Works with heat resistant cookware
- Great for boiling water
- Energy efficient
- Insulated handles for safety purpose
Cons
- Makes snapping sounds while operating
4.Cusimax Electric
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel body
- Safety shutoff feature
- Heating light
- Non-slip rubber feet
Elements: Cusimax electric hot plate is a convenient single-burner with a black stainless steel body and a cast-iron hot plate. It has 7 heat settings controlled by a thermostat to help you cook a variety of dishes. There is also a safety shutoff feature in combination with thermostat that regulates temperature. Also, it has a heating light that indicates appropriate temperature maintenance.
Performance: This single burner has a powerful motor to provide heat quickly and uniformly with minimum heat loss and saves energy as well. This hot plate is so strong that it can be used as an extra burner to boil water, keep the sauce warm, make soups, cook pasta or vegetables, make scrambled eggs, grilled cheese and a lot more just like a normal stove. You can use a variety of pots and pans with a maximum size of 7.1inches. The cookware, whether of glass or aluminum, is heated efficiently with minimum heat loss.
You can easily transport it as its compact size makes it portable. It is perfect for hostels, offices, camping or recreational vehicles. Cleaning this appliance is also very easy. You can simply use a damp cloth to wipe it off when it cools down.
Safety: The temperature is adjusted with the help of a thermostat connected to a safety shutoff feature. The continuous on and off blinking of heating light is normal as it indicates that appropriate temperature is being maintained. A stainless steel body gives it the durability to withstand constant use. The non-slip rubber feet provide protection against slipping or toppling of the appliance.
Pros
- Durable and strong with powerful motor
- Temperature control with thermostat
- Can be used as an extra burner
- Works with cookware of glass/aluminum
- Does not slip or skid due to rubber feet
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Entire appliance gets too hot
5. Cusimax 1800W Electric
Highlighted Features
- High-quality cast-iron plates
- Adjustable thermostat control
- Indicator light
- Non-slip rubber feet
Elements: Cusimax double hot plate highlights the compact and portable design with a stainless steel body. It has a durable cast iron cooktop with double burners. There are 11 heat settings regulated by a thermostat. It also has stylish knobs.
Performance: This magnificent hot plate can provide you the convenience of cooking a variety of foods like scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, pasta, vegetables, making soup and even keeping the sauce warm. You can use aluminum, glass, ceramic, stainless steel or metal cookware that has a maximum size of 7.4 inches or 6.1inches efficiently with minimum heat loss. It also provides you the facility of boiling water quickly and with great ease. It is great for daily use or hostels, offices, camping or recreational vans.
Cleaning it is also very easy. You have to let it cool and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Safety: It has an automatic safety shutoff feature or a thermofuse to prevent overheating or any possible hazards. It will automatically shut off for a few seconds when the set temperature is reached and then goes back to the original setting. There is a continuously blinking indicator light that shows that the appliance is in working condition. This hot plate has a 1-meter cord which also prevents any potential hazards. Cast iron cooktop and stainless steel body gives it the durability to tolerate continuous use.
Pros
- Made of cast iron and stainless steel
- Protection against overheating
- Compatible with a variety of cookware
- Long length of cord for safe use
- Non-slip rubber feet for stability
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Temperature knobs get hot
6. Duxtop Induction Cooktop
Highlighted Features
- Portable induction burner
- High energy efficiency
- Digital LCD sensor
- Auto-pan detection feature
Elements: Duxtop hot plate has an induction cooktop with preset power levels ranging from 100W to 1800W and 20 temperature settings as well. It is compact and lightweight that makes it portable, easy to handle and store. There is a touch control panel as well to prevent accidental change in timer settings. It also has a 5-foot long cord.
Performance: This stylish appliance adds a modernistic touch to your kitchen. You can use this versatile-featured hot plate not only as an extra cooking stove but also for outdoor parties. The energy generated by the cooktop directly reaches the cookware by a magnetic field.
To ensure that there is minimal wastage of energy during cooking, the electrical induction cooktop adjusts the magnetic field generated automatically to the size of the base of the cookware. The electrical induction uses standard energy consumption of 15 amps. You can plug it in any household outlet and, with the 5-foot cord, move it anywhere you like.
With 20 power levels and 20 temperature settings, an induction burner is more energy-efficient than normal gas or electric stoves. You can use it on a daily basis, for picnics or camping, in hostels or offices, etc. cleaning it is also very easy. You need to let it cool first and then wipe it clean.
The digital LCD touch control sensor provides a child-safety lock and keeps the timer settings in check as well. Timer-setting buttons include a fast-boil button, keep-warm button, and up to 10-hour timer button. The cookware needed for this burner should have a magnetic bottom with at least a 5-inch diameter to access the large and uniformly heated area. You can use cast-aluminum enameled iron and steel, stainless steel with magnetic bottom or cast iron. If you do not place any cookware or incorrect cookware on the induction stove, the auto-pan detection will automatically shut it off after 60 seconds.
Safety: Auto pan detection feature is present for the detection of the proper cookware otherwise it will automatically shut off. Child-safety lock is designed to prevent accidental change in settings. It has a low and high voltage warning system.
Pros
- Magnetic induction burners
- Efficient energy saver
- Child-lock safety design
- Timer settings for desired heating
- Auto pan detection for cookware
- 5-foot cord for easy portability
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Cookware makes noise
- Special cookware required
7. Aroma Housewares AHP-312
Highlighted Features
- Die-cast metal construction
- Cast-iron burners
- 4 temperature settings
- Transportable
Elements: Aroma housewares double-burner hot plate has a die-cast metal construction giving it extra durability. Both the burners are made of cast-iron and have separate temperature controls. There are 4 temperature settings available.
Performance: With this hot plate, you’ll find it easy to entertain a large group of friends or family, make lunch at the office, take it to the beach or for camping. It has the capability to hold large or small dishes. Therefore, it modifies your kitchen and gives you the flexibility to expand your cooking experience. It easily transports to anywhere you like.
You have four temperature settings to cook your dishes at a particular temperature.It is also durable due to cast-iron burners and die-cast metal construction so it will not wear off easily even after frequent use. Cleaning it is also quick and easy. After you are done with the cooking, let it cool and then wipe the surface off and it will be spick and span.
Safety: This appliance provides variable heat settings but it does not have any safety shut off feature.
Pros
- Durable as it is made of die-cast metal
- Four temperature settings
- For large or small groups
- Easy to transport
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No safety shut off button
- Entire frame becomes very hot after a few seconds
8. Home leader For Electric Cooking
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- 5 thermostatically controlled heat settings
- Overheat protection
- Power indicator light
- Non-slip rubber feet
Elements: Homeleader hot plate has a stainless steel construction. It has a large and small burner with separate 5 heat settings controlled by a thermostat. The cord is of a sufficient length of 27.5inches. It also has non-slip rubber feet.
Performance: This electric hot plate is compatible with all types of pots and pans. In order to get the best results, use flat cookware almost equal to the size of the plate of the burner. With the strong power of double burners and 5 heat settings controlled by a thermostat, you can use this hot plate for boiling water, grilling cheese, making scrambled eggs, cooking pasta and vegetables, making soup or keeping the sauces warm. You need to take precautions when using it for the first time. Turn the settings to the highest for 3 to 5 minutes to condition the protective coating. It is a wonderful companion as an extra cooking appliance in the kitchen.
Stainless steel build helps you clean this hot plate quite easily. Let it cool first and then wipe the surface off with a damp cloth. It will be as good as new.
Safety: This appliance is equipped with overheat protection. It also has non-slip rubber feet that keep it firmly in its place. A power indicator light indicates that the burners are on and working. The appliance gets very hot after use so unplug it after you are done with your cooking for safety.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- 5 heat settings
- Overheat protection
- Power indicator light
- Non-slip rubber feet
Cons
- Appliance gets too hot after use
- The casement also gets too hot
9. Techwood Electric Cooktop
Highlighted Features
- Infrared cooktop
- High efficiency
- Thermostat control knob
- LED touch display
- Overheat protection
- Built-in fan
Elements: Techwood hotplate has a stainless steel body and a crystallite glass surface. According to crystallite Bohemia, crystallite glass is lead-free, has a long life and is dishwasher safe. The plate uses infrared cooktops. It is also equipped with an adjustable timer for the desired timer setting. There are knobs in the front as well for the timer and power change. It has an automatic shutoff feature and a built-in fan. It also has an LED touch display for easy operation. This appliance has non-slip feet for stability.
Performance: This stylish, portable burner uses infrared electric burners that can heat cookware very efficiently with minimum heat loss. It is compatible with any type of cookware like aluminum pans, cast-iron frying pan, and stainless steel pans. You can cook a variety of food including pasta, vegetables, eggs, soup on it or keep sauces warm. There is an adjustable timer for you to set the desired time from 1 minute to 180 minutes. It also has different power levels from 400W to 2000W. Its compact and flat design enables you to use it in a hostel, office, while camping or as an extra kitchen stove.
LED touch display lets you control the temperature for safe cooking. The built-in fan prevents the temperature from getting high and dissipates heat easily. It is also easy to clean.
Safety: It has a variety of safety protections. Basically, it has an infrared heating system that is flameless and harmless. It also has an overheat protection that prevents the appliance from getting too hot. The automatic safety shutoff button with a thermostat is there to maintain temperature during the cooking process. It is equipped with a built-in fan for faster cooling, non-slip rubber feet for stability and LED display for safe operation.
Pros
- Infrared cooking tops
- Portable and easy to use
- Adjustable timer
- Multiple safety features
- Compatible with all cookware
- Different power levels
Cons
- Cookware makes noise
10. Techwood ES-3103
Highlighted Features
- Portable design
- Double-burner
- Fast heating with cast-iron
- Adjustable thermostat
- Non-slip rubber feet
- 1-meter cord
Elements: Techwood hot plate electric burner has double cast-iron burners to provide heat efficiently. It has a compact and flat design and a powerful heating plate that heats up your food faster than usual cooking stoves. It has a brushed stainless steel built, non-slip feet, and stainless steel riveted handles. Also, it comes with a 1-meter cord.
Performance: The user-friendly design of this hot plate makes it easy for you to cook a variety of food efficiently with minimum heat loss. Heating is faster in this hot plate as electric heating is carried out with cast-iron material. You can cook food in it or keep your food warm. You can keep the temperature in check with the adjustable thermostat. You can take it anywhere like in a hostel, office, camping or use it as an extra stove due to its flat and compatible design. It is compatible with all types of cookware whether aluminum, stainless steel or cast-iron pots and pans.
It is easy to clean as well. Black cast-iron design also makes it easy to clean. Let it cool and then wipe the surface off with a clean cloth.
Safety: This appliance achieves stability due to non-slip feet. Solid stainless steel riveted handles provide safety as they remain cool during the cooking process and help you cook dishes comfortably. 1meter cord not only makes its plugging easy but also prevents the danger of slipping.
Pros
- Cast-iron for faster heating
- Works with a variety of cookware
- Non-slip feet for stability
- Handles remain cool for safe usage
- Sufficient length of cord for safe plugging-in
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Knobs can get hot while cooking
Things To Look For Before Buying!
When you are looking to keep your food warm for a long time or even cook as desired you need a perfect hot plate. Though, everybody knows what they want when they think of a hot plate.
But the following features will assist you further in searching for the best among the best!
- Type of cooktop and surface material
- Number of cooktops
- Adjustable heat setting
- Cord length
- Safety feature
- Portability
Buying Guide
A Hot Plate — What Is It?
A hot plate is a heating instrument with a circular or a rectangular surface. It comes in various sizes and with single or double burner facility. It is a portable appliance that is used as a stove or a replacement of gas burner or an oven where facilities of kitchen are not there.
Types of hot plates: There are mainly 5 types of hot plates; ceramic, induction, infrared, electric and gas.
Gas hot plates: Gas hot plates provide instant heat and distribute it evenly across the bottom of the pan. They have the capability of achieving high heat quickly as compared to electric hot plates and turn off immediately when energy supply is stopped. Gas plates are professionally used by cooks but are being replaced with induction cooktops rapidly.
Ceramic hot plates: These plates are electric and have a smooth, easy to clean surface. They do heat up quickly but do not provide desired even distribution of heat to the bottom of the pan.
Induction hot plates: Induction plates use electricity as a fuel source and create a magnetic field between the induction element and the pan. This means that there is no flame and the surface does not heat up but the pan does. Induction hot plates heat up faster than the other hot plates. They are also energy-efficient as they only use the precise amount of energy that’s needed. Only magnetic-based cookware can be used for cooking on induction plates.
Electric hot plates: Electric hot plates use electric plates for heating the pots and pans. They have a unique metal coil through which the current flows. The cooktop usually comprises of ceramic glass. Heat is limited to the bottom of the cookware and the surrounding area remains relatively cool. The ceramic cooktops remain hot and continues the cooking process even after the energy transmission has stopped. This is visible through the lights on the stove that indicate the cooking process is in progress.
Infrared hot plates: Infrared hot plates are made of quartz infrared heating lamps encased in a metal dish that is corrosion protected. These lamps emit radiant heat and are usually surrounded by illuminated coils. The infrared heat is directly transferred to the pan or pot. They have as much as 3 times higher energy efficiency than electric coils. You do not need any special cookware either which you need with induction cooktops.
What Safety Measures Can You Take Around A Hot Plate?
As opposed to cooking in a microwave, cooking on a hot plate poses many more risks as it is an exposed expanse of hot metal/ceramic/glass, etc. As such, you need to be a lot more careful when using one. Some safety measures that you can take while using hot plates are:
- Make sure the cookware you are using has a dry surface otherwise both the pan and the hot plate will be damaged gradually.
- Avoid putting anything on the hot plate that is not heat-resistant.
- Do not forget to use gloves while using the hot plate and the hot cookware.
- Make sure there are no flammable or volatile objects near your hot plate when you are using it.
- In case your hot plate has cracks on the cooking surface, avoid using it without repair or without consulting the manufacturer.
- Let your hot plate cool before you clean or store it.
How To Cook On A Hot Plate?
You should know how to cook on a hot plate in a safe, proper manner so you don’t end up with injuries, or a burnt-up mess of a meal. This is especially pertinent if you are new to cooking on a hot plate. Following is a step-by-step process of how to go about using your hot plate:
- Place a heat-resistant pan on the hot plate. Ensure that the bottom is dry.
- Plug the hot plate in and set the temperature you want to keep. Never let the plate stay on without placing a pan on it.
- When the pan is getting hot, start adding the ingredients.
- Wear protective gloves while using the pan. Do not touch the pan while it’s hot.
- Remove the pan from the plate when you have prepared your dish.
- Unplug the plate. Do not let it stay plugged in if you are not using it.
How To Clean A Hot Plate?
If you want to keep your hot plate good as new, you need to clean it properly after every use. If you don’t clean it routinely, it will form rust with the passage of time due to the sticking of dirt, oily remains or food particles. Frequent habitual cleaning is easier than spending long hours getting rid of the rust accumulated over a long period. It is not only harder to clean but also affects the life of your hot plate. Hence, proper and timely cleaning can help you maintain the quality of your hot plate.
You can clean the hot plate in many ways:
- Simply wipe off any material on the surface with a damp cloth if there is not much residue on it.
- You can use oven or glass cleaner as well. Spray it on the plate and let it stay for 30mins. Then wipe it clean with a towel or a soft cloth.
- Particular hot plate cleaners are also available. You can try them as well.
- For harder stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle some baking soda on the hot plate. Then spray vinegar on it. Use a soft scrubber for cleaning. Then rinse off with water.
Conclusion
Finally, You can give your kitchen an extension by renovating it with a remarkable hot plate. It not only provides you the comfort of an extra stove but helps you keep your food warm for the guests staying for late-night parties or dinner. My personal favorite is the Chefman hot plate that has a stylish, sleek design that instantly catches the eye. It’s large surface area that accommodates several dishes at once, temperature control, durability, safety features, and extended handles make it an exceptional appliance to possess. You should take into consideration your preferences and make a choice of selecting a hot plate that best suits your needs. So go ahead and get yourself a hot plate to enjoy your hot food!