The best hot plate – often a hot plate known as a burner, is a portable cooking device. It may have one, two, or more burners (some have up to six), and you can use one to replace or supplement your regular stove. Hot plates are gaining popularity among today’s customers since they take up little space and are easy to store.
On the market, there are several types and brands of hot plates. Determine how your hot plate will be mostly utilized before purchasing. Will it function as a camping stove? Will it be the major source of cooking in a dorm or an efficient apartment? Will it provide you with more cooking room while you’re making huge meals? There are several options available. This is where we step in.
Continue reading our buying guide for more information about the best hot plates and how we chose them. When you’re ready to purchase, take a look at the product list above for our top picks.
ELECTRIC HOT PLATES
Although their function is the same, electric hot plates may be classified into three types.
- Exposed-coil hot plates: A heating coil is seen on these hot plates. The pan sits directly on the coil and is cooked in the same manner as a standard burner would – by direct contact and ambient heat. Unless heavy-bottomed cookware is utilized, cooking might be uneven.
- Integrated-coil hot plates: These hot plates also cook using heating coils. The distinction is that the coils are enclosed in a substance, which is often normal aluminum, anodized aluminum, or ceramic. Hot plates with integrated coils cook more evenly than hot plates with exposed coils, although they take longer to heat up.
- Glass hot plates: Glass hot plates are similar to exposed-coil hot plates, but the coils are protected by a layer of heat-tempered glass. The smooth glass surface is simple to maintain.
GAS HOT PLATES
These popular hot plates are often self-contained, with the fuel canister housed inside the hot plate’s housing.
- The majority of gas hot plates run on propane.
- Gas hot plates are heavier than electric hot plates due to the position of the fuel canister.
- Gas burners distribute heat more evenly than electric burners.
- Gas hot plates do not need power and are incredibly portable, making them an excellent alternative for campers.
INDUCTION HOT PLATES
Induction cooktops generate a powerful electromagnetic field. They are significantly more energy-efficient than electric hot plates, using far less energy to heat the meal. However, induction burners need the use of specialized cookware, which may be costly.
Some individuals prefer induction burners since they do not emit heat or flames.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
ONE BURNER OR TWO?
The majority of hot plates have one or two burners.
Single-burner hot plates
Single-burner hot plates are ideal for preparing light meals for one or two people. They are very portable, lightweight, and simple to store. They are also often less costly than two-burner stoves, so if you do not intend to use your hot plate much, a single burner will most likely suffice.
Double-burner hot plates
Hot plates with two burners enable you to heat up two pans at the same time, allowing you to prepare more complicated dishes. For example, you may cook the main item on one burner while preparing a side dish on the other. Buyer beware: one burner may be more powerful than the other in certain circumstances. In this case, you effectively get one burner and one warmer. If this is not what you are looking for, search for a device that can boil water on both sides. This implies that both of the burners are strong enough to accomplish some serious cooking.
HOT PLATE PRICES
In general, single-burner hot plates are less expensive than two-burner hot plates. Electric hot plates are also less expensive than gas and induction hot plates.
The following pricing recommendations offer a broad notion.
- $10 to $40: in this price range, you may obtain a tiny, electric single-burner hot plate. It will most likely be built of stainless steel and will have limited power. This kind of burner would be ideal for a dorm room or recreational vehicle.
- $40 to $100: If you’re ready to spend this much money, you can choose between an excellent single-burner hot plate and a rather remarkable two-burner hot plate. This is also the price range where gas burners and a few induction burners become available. Some devices include a cast iron plate.
- Over $100: If you’re willing to pay more than $100, you’ll find top-of-the-line hot plates in a variety of sizes and materials here. It’s a lot of money, but if you intend on using the hot plate often, it could be worth it. Look for a hot plate with rubber legs to prevent it from sliding around while in use.
1 FAQ
Q. What’s the biggest difference between cooking on a hot plate and cooking on a stovetop?
A.Hot plates need time to cool. When you switch off the hot plate, the heat steadily diminishes. To avoid overcooking, remove the pan from the hot plate. On a cooktop, though, you may nearly instantly halt the flow of heat to the burner by twisting a knob.Q. How much power does a hot plate use?
A. It is determined by the kind and brand. Some electric single-burner devices utilize as little as 750 watts. Larger induction hot plates may use up to 1,800 watts.The main thing is to know how you want to use the hot plate and to get one with sufficient – but not excessive – power.
Q. How can I make sure my hot plate is safe to use?
A. Underwriter’s Laboratory should stamp your hot plate (UL). This indicates that it has been tested and fulfills electrical safety requirements by a third-party laboratory.
