Regular gas stoves have been a staple in homes worldwide for decades. This is how we have seen things growing up; it is how our parent’s generation cooked, and also how our grandparent’s generation cooked before them.
However, as time passed and technology evolved, we have now come to a point where there are more efficient ways for us to cook. One of these ways is the tried and tested hot plate.
The Hot Plate – What Is It?
A hot plate or electric plate is an electric heating tool designed to mimic a stovetop. However, instead of a gas burner, hot plates have a glass panel with an electric heating wire under it. When turned on, an electric current is passed through this wire, and it heats up, which is then used to cook food.
This appliance is often made of stainless steel or ceramic with the wire enclosed inside it and wrapped in an insulating material. There are no loose wires, no gas leakages, and no smells, which make it a clean and efficient way to cook food. Furthermore, hot plates also look nice and have a significantly smaller footprint than regular stovetops.
Different Types of Hotplates
There are three different types of hotplates to choose from. All three types have a coil at the center of the device. When an electric current is passed through it, the coil will heat up, and then the hot plate can be used. The three types of hot plates are induction, gas, and electric how plates.
Induction Hot Plate
This hot plate uses an electromagnetic power field and is considered the most efficient of the three. You are recommended to use nonstick or induction-suitable stainless steels cookware for an induction hot plate to make the most of it. An induction hot plate can cook your food quicker than an electric or gas hot plate.
Gas Hot Plate
As the name suggests, this hot plate uses gas to send power to the heating coil. To power this hot plate, people often use propane gas cylinders, making it one of the staples for outdoor activities such as camping. Compared to the other two, gas hot plates are the most energy-efficient.
Electric Hot Plate
This hot plate uses electricity to power the coil inside it. Electric hot plates have two types of coils: integrated and exposed. The former can distribute heat more evenly in the hot plate, so it is a favorite amongst chefs. Electric hot plates also allow you to use the device on multiple settings, making it easier for you to control the heat you want to come out of it.
Benefits of Hot Plates
Cooking and eating food is one of the most important parts of our lives, and we want to make sure we have a safe, reliable, and efficient method of cooking our food. Hot plates have become quite common because of the several benefits that come as part of the package.
1. Portability
Hot plates are a lot smaller than traditional stovetops. They are often available with a single burner on them, making them smaller and lighter. You can move a hot plate around the house with ease, but you can also even take it to other places if the need arises.
2. Camping Companion
One of the concerns when going out and camping is what we are going to eat. There is nothing to worry about with a hot plate because you have a stovetop with you, which makes it possible for you to cook just about anything you want. However, make sure you have enough fuel to keep it running because the last thing you want is a half-cooked meal.
3. Easy to Use
If you are someone who lives all on their own, a hot plate might be the way to go. You only have to cook or heat food for one, and a hot plate does that perfectly. Instead of having a full-size stovetop that requires you to clean it and keep it well-maintained, having a single stove hot plate makes all this a non-issue. You will be able to save on gas and electricity, which makes it the perfect appliance for someone living on their own.
4. Safe, Secure, Sturdy
Hot plates are safer than conventional stovetops because there is no chance of gas leaking as a result of a loose or damaged pipe. Furthermore, you can very easily stay in control of it, and most hot plates only turn on when there is something on it. This makes it safe around children who might find the hot plate intriguing and want to turn it on.
Hot plates are built using the best materials to ensure the components stay inside and are immune to the outside environment. Most hot plates are built using steel or ceramic, making them durable and long-lasting, so you don’t need to worry about your hot plate giving up on you after a few tries.
Final Thoughts
Food is a crucial part of our lives. We cannot live without it and need it multiple times every day. If you are someone who wants a cleaner, safer, and more efficient way to cook your food, then there is nothing better out there compared to a hot plate. A hot plate is the very embodiment of “big things come in small packages,” making it one of the best appliances in your kitchen – certainly something you won’t regret buying.
