If you live in a studio apartment, a dorm room, or if your kitchen isn’t big enough, you need a hot plate. Hot plates are light, portable, and convenient to use. Similar to stovetops and electric burners, hot plates come in various materials and sizes. However, each model may vary in terms of power levels and safety features. Wattage is another important consideration when shopping for a hot plate. The higher the wattage, the quicker your food will cook. Let’s look at the top five hot plate brands.
1. CUSIMAX 120-N
The CUSIMAX 120-N works with all kinds of cookware. It is made of robust stainless steel and the safety shutdown feature makes it stand out. This hot plate is portable, durable, and versatile. It has a decent 4.4-inch diameter, which makes it the perfect cooking equipment for small and medium-sized pots. The plate is made of ceramic glass, and is easy to clean. You can easily wipe down the plate with a damp cloth when the machine isn’t in use.
As discussed above, the machine comes with an automatic shutdown feature controlled by the thermostat. It keeps you safe while keeping the machine from overheating. It also contains a power indicator light and non-slip feet. This equipment is powered by 1200 watts. However, some users complain it takes time before heating up. Furthermore, it has a compact footprint, and it weighs 4 pounds. Its dimensions are 13 x 11 x 3.5 inches. The CUSIMAX is portable for RV trips and camping. You can easily cook some black beans and eggs on it when you are on the road.
2. Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Countertop Cooking Burner
This single burner by Ovente combines the precision of induction cooktops and the versatility of the standard electric model. This machine uses infrared technology, which is good for two reasons. First of all, it cooks food quickly, and secondly, it is conducive to all kinds of cookware. The Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Countertop weighs 2.6 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest hot plates out there. Interestingly, it offers a decent 7.5-inch diameter, which makes cooking convenient, combined with six different heat settings.
However, some people complain that it takes some time before the machine can switch temperatures. For example, if you cook something that requires lowering the heat, this machine may take some time to cool down. The surface is made of crystalline glass, and the dimensions are 11.1 x 9.8 x 3.2 inches. Moreover, it uses a wattage of 1000 watts.
3. Cuisinart CB-60 Cast Iron Double Burner
In a large household, you need to cook large batches of food. Therefore, extra burners are needed. Usually, when cooking for a medium to large-sized family two burners are used. The Cuisinart CB-60 Cast-Iron Double Burner is just the machine for cooking big batches. It comes with a small and a big burner. The small burner is six inches in diameter and it requires 500 watts. On the flip side, the bigger burner is 5.5 inches in diameter, and to power it, you need 1300 watts.
The combined wattage of this appliance is 1800 watts. Both burners have five different heat settings and indication lights. Therefore, it is easier for you to know when to place a pot on the burner. The surface is made of cast iron and the dimensions are 11.5 x 19.5 x 2.5 inches. However, according to some users, it is difficult to use both burners simultaneously.
4. Duxtop E210C2 Portable Induction Cooktop
If you already have an induction-friendly cookware set in your kitchen, the Duxtop E210C2 Portable Induction Cooktop will be a great addition to your kitchen items. It is suitable for cookware made of cast iron, stainless steel, and some magnetic materials. Unlike other cooktops, this machine transfers electricity directly to heat the cookpots, which keeps the area cooler. Luckily, the surface area doesn’t get too hot when it is not in contact with cookware. As a result, it proves to be a safer option.
Unlike gas-based and electric stovetops, induction cooktops tend to heat up much quicker, which makes cooking faster. Moreover, they offer better heat distribution, something electric stovetops lack. With a cooler surface, these induction hot plates are easy to clean. Luckily, food doesn’t stick to the surface, even if it is something as sticky as a butterscotch sauce. Wiping it down is only a matter of minutes.
This unit offers a surface area of 8.5 inches and the dimensions are 16.3 x 12.7 x 3.8 inches. It has a wattage of 1800 watts, and the surface area is made of glass. Apart from a smaller burner diameter and the high price, this hot plate is the perfect choice for your kitchen.
5. Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF
The Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF may not be the fanciest looking item on this list, but it is portable, and it gets the job done. This machine is versatile, easy to clean, and packed with safety features. It has non-slip rubber feet that prevent sliding, and a cool-touch base that keeps injuries at bay.
Speaking of versatility, this machine is perfect for a variety of materials such as cast iron, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Furthermore, the heating plate is extremely easy to clean.
This machine is equipped with a 6.4-inch burner made of cast iron. Moreover, the burner has seven different power levels. Like any high-quality hot plate system, the Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF is a compact appliance that saves significant space.
However, it doesn’t offer an auto shut-down feature so you have to be careful when cooking. The only downside is, it heats slowly and isn’t suitable for cooking big batches. The dimensions are 10.7 x 9.2 x 3.7 inches, and the wattage is 1000 watts.
The Final Word
Each hot plate in the market has its own upsides. For example, the induction equipment by Duxtop offers better heating precision, but they are only suitable for specific materials. On the contrary, the electric models by Elite Gourmet are affordable and versatile, but they take longer to heat. When buying a hot plate pay close attention to power usage, burner size, and safety.
A decent hot plate needs 1000-1800 watts. Similarly, an appropriate burner diameter is 5-8 inches. Speaking of safety, before using the hot plate makes sure to read the manual that comes with it.
