The hot plate is a simple alternative to a stove or other cooking surface. You know them well if you’ve ever tried to cook dinner in a dorm room.
Typically, hot plates comes in a few different styles — with the difference based on the way they create heat. Below, each recommendation will discuss how the plate is heated.
One thing to note is that hot plates are, well, hot. Alway exercise caution when using them!
Electric hot plates are often the simplest to use, but there are many options for different circumstances, like hot plates for the outdoors, dorm rooms, and so on.
The Best Hot Plates Explained
Our guide to hot plates and what makes each special…
10/4
Best Induction Hot Plate
This sleek counter top burner is our choice for best induction cooktop. (Induction cooktops use magnets to heat food instead of a gas burner.) The superflat design makes cleaning very simple
Reasons We Love These Jeans
Fast heating for quickly preparing food, with larger burners. , Digital touch controls for controlling temperature, Testing magnet for when you are first using
Things to Look Out For
Not suitable for outdoor use…like when camping, but can be used in an RV or Camper, Fan noise has been mentioned but I didn’t notice it when reviewing
10/4
Best Hot Plate For Cast Iron
PCR-1B Professional Cast Iron Range from $124.00
A durable cast iron hot plate that looks awesome and works very well. This 9 lbs plate grips the counter top well and provides a steady surface for your pot or pan. The heating surface heats evenly so you will be able to cook your food throughout.
What We Love
Things to Look Out For
10/4
Best Hot Plate For A Dorm
Ovente Countertop Burner from $53.00
This is an induction hot plate that doesn’t have the same restrictions against certain pots and pans that many do. In other words, its more versatile than your typical induction top.
Beyond that, the heating is very fast and even, so this hot plate provides much of the benefit that a microwave does but with the same taste that comes from cooking.
The best feature is its light weight design, which makes storage and moving very easy. This is why the Ovente would be perfect for a dorm room.
What We Love
Things to Look Out For
10/4
Best Hot Plate On A Budget
Of all the hot plates mentioned, this is the most portable. With a single burner and 3lbs or weight, it’s very easy for preparing meals and then storing out of the way.
That compact size and light weight make this burner an ideal choice for camping.
What We Love
Things to Look Out For
10/4
Best Hot Plate For Camping
From fiestas to sporting events to large holiday gathering, this electric single burner lets you cook anywhere you have a plug. Its compact and portable size also makes it ideal for the office, dorm rooms or small apartments.
What We Love
Things to Look Out For
Tips For Using A Hot Plate
Remember a few key things when you start using you hot plate. If you’ve had one in the past and are just looking for the best of newer hot plates, skip to the review below.
Most appliances are treated with many smells and solutions during their manufacture. It always a good idea to “dry run” your appliances before you cook anything.
The hot plate is certainly no exception. Run it outdoors or in a well ventilated space for a few minutes before using.
Temperature Control
Like a I mentioned above, hot plates have a reputation for problems due to the heat they give off. Many newer models have an automatic shut off feature, which eliminates much of the problem. There are other built in features that control temperature, such as a thermal fuse, which prevent overheating.
If you have any worries about overheating, make sure you buy a hot plate that has these safety features.
When Will I Need a Replacement?
Hot Plates lack the durability of other kitchen equipment, so don’t expect your hot plate — even if you choose the best one — to last indefinitely. Hot plates are really meany for lightweight cooking use, so plan accordingly.
Do Hot Plates Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Relatively speaking, hot plates do tend to use more electricity compared to other ways of cooking food.
Are Hot Plates Dangerous?
Hot plates are considered relatively more dangerous because of having more exposure to the heat source. They need to be watched closer than a regular stove as well.
Is Hot Plate Good For Cooking?
Yes, you can cook anything on a hot plate that you can on a stove.
Hot Plate Trend
Hot plates have been steadily increasing popularity for years.