When you’ve got limited space but still need to cook meals on your own, a hot plate becomes the natural solution to your problem.
They make it easy for you to still cook amazing meals while living in a small apartment, studio, dorm room, RVs, and lots of other similar situations.
This hot plates review makes your life easier by presenting you with a list of the top hot-plate offers in the market and additionally offering you a buying guide, so you can make an informed decision.
In this post:
- What To Check While Choosing the Best Hot Plates?
- 10 Best Hot Plates Reviewed
- 1. Duxtop 8100MC (Best Overall)
- 2. WalterDrake Cast-Iron (Best Budget)
- 3. Secura 9100MC (Most Energy-efficient)
- 4. Cosmo COS-YLIC1 (Most Stylish)
- 5. Cuisinart CB-30 (Sturdy Hot Plate in Classic Design)
- 6. Cuisinart CB-60 (Double Burner Hot Plates in Classic Design)
- 7. Ovente BGI101S (Modern Glass Ceramic)
- 8. Cadco CSR-3T (Heavy-duty Electric Coil)
- 9. Aroma Housewares AHP-303 (Simple & Compact)
- 10. Cusimax CMHP-C180 (Elegant Two-burner)
- Conclusion
What To Check While Choosing the Best Hot Plates?
Different manufacturers have their own ideas about what a good hot plate should look like and how it should work. This has led to a range of offers in the market, with nearly every hot plate offering something unique.
It’s necessary, therefore, that you understand the important features of a hot plate, so you’ll be able to choose correctly and be happy with your choice.
These important features are as follows:
1. Material
The manufacturing material is important when it comes to hot plates because it determines its features to a great extent. This includes both the type of materials used and how thick they are.
Thicker materials create a more stable hot plate and allow you to cook larger meals.
Insulation is also important because the use of proper insulating material will prevent the rest of a hot plate from getting too hot during use.
2. Heat Source
Hot plates are generally categorized according to their method of heat generation. This refers to both design and the use of materials. Following is a closer look at the major types of hot plates out there.
– Electric hot plate
This is the traditional electric hot plate and can either refer to a hot plate which has a visible coil that glows red when hot or those that have their coils covered.
Electric hot plates also the most popular type of hot plate that you’ll find. They use simple and affordable technology to work, and they are also dependable and easy to use.
– Infrared glass-ceramic hot plate
This is a newer technology than the standard electric hot plate, and it’s known for being sleek, modern looking, and absolutely beautiful.
Although it still uses a metal coil to generate heat, cooking with glass ceramic is a beautiful experience, especially because you can see the red-hot coil through the glass.
– Induction hot plate
The induction technology is also a newer one that continues to gain popularity. Here, the hot plate stays cool, while the pot on top gets hot and boils.
The secret lies in the use of electromagnetism to excite the metal at the base of the pot. The catch here is that the pot must be induction-ready, which means it must have a magnetizable metal at its base.
– Gas hot plate
Hot plates also exist which use propane as an energy source, although they are rarer than electricity-dependent models, which have become the most popular.
4. Size & Portability
The major idea behind hot plates is providing a heat source for cooking in an area that has limited space. This means that a hot plate needs to be as small as possible to always fit in.
Another important feature is portability. How is it shaped, and how much does it weigh? Is it easy to pack into your luggage for a trip, and will it resist damage during the trip?
5. Temperature Range
Some hot plates just come with a simple temperature control system that allows you to select from low to high heat, while others come with more advanced controls that allow you to select your desired temperature range.
For those which offer temperature choices, you’ll typically get 10-15 temperature ranges to choose from, between 140 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Ease of Use
You also need to consider how easy it is to use the hot plate based on its design and extra features, such as a digital control, a timing function, safety features, and accessories.
10 Best Hot Plates Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Duxtop 8100MC (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. WalterDrake Cast-Iron (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Secura 9100MC (Most Energy-efficient Induction Design) |
|
 | 4. Cosmo COS-YLIC1 (Most Stylish Induction Design) |
|
 | 5. Cuisinart CB-30 (Sturdy Classic Design) |
|
 | 6. Cuisinart CB-60 (Classic Design with Double Burner) |
|
 | 7. Ovente BGI101S (Modern Glass Ceramic Design) |
|
 | 8. Cadco CSR-3T (Heavy-duty Electric Coil Hot Plate) |
|
 | 9. Aroma Housewares AHP-303 (Simple & Compact) |
|
 | 10. Cusimax CMHP-C180 (Elegant Two-burner Design) |
|
1. Duxtop 8100MC (Best Overall)
Photo: Duxtop
- Material: Glass top
- Power Source: Induction
- Cooking Surface: 8.5 inches
- Temperature Range: 140-460° F
Duxtop’s sleek hot plate is a stylish and modern device in both looks and functionality. With its glass top, you get a powerful and efficient unit that’s one of the best electric hot plates on offer.
Another lovely feature is its digital control system. This includes a countdown timer between 1 and 170 minutes, 10 temperature range selections between 140 and 460° Fahrenheit, and 10 power levels from 200 to 1,800 Watts.
There are three color variations, but the differences are too little to make a big difference. This is because the entire cooking surface features a black glass top.
You’ll also need a magnetizable or induction-ready pan to cook with this hot plate.
On the brighter side, it’s very easy to use and the controls are easy to use, plus a fan also goes on for cooling once you switch on the cooker, and the entire thing comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Modern and stylish glass top induction cooker
- Digital controls help make it a top hot plate offer
- Uses 1,800 Watts to produce up to 460° F
- Duxtop backs it with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- There are not many variations in color
- You need to have induction compatible pans
2. WalterDrake Cast-Iron (Best Budget)
Photo: WalterDrake
- Material: Steel
- Power Source: Cast iron
- Cooking Surface: 7.5 inches
Meet the cheapest hot plate in this review. It’s simple and straight to the point and while some people may feel that it looks too basic or too cheap, its low price, however, makes a strong case for it.
It’s the perfect hot plate for anyone on a budget, like students for instance. Its burner measures 6 inches in diameter and can comfortably hold pots as wide as 7.5 inches.
For cons, it just looks basic and cheap. There are also no extra features except the 5-temperature control knob and an indicator light.
The package however, includes rubber feet and a 32-inch cord. These are enough to get most cooking done easily, but there are no automatic settings, so you’ll need to always keep watch.
Anyway, it’s the best single burner hot plate for those on a budget.
Pros:
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- Comes in a white finish that’s easy to clean up
- It’s offered at a low and attractive price
- The package includes rubber feet and a 32-inch cord
Cons:
- It looks basic and cheap
- There are no automatic functions
3. Secura 9100MC (Most Energy-efficient)
Photo: Secura
- Material: Glass top
- Power Source: Induction
- Cooking Surface: 8.5 inches
- Temperature Range: 140 to 460° F
The Secura 9100MC is an average looking induction hot plate when compared to the foregoing Duxtop 8100MC cooker. But this one offers 15 power levels, which is 5 levels more than the Duxtop’s 10 power levels. Mind you, Secura is Duxtop’s parent company.
Without a doubt, you’ll get the best use of this hot plate if you need a higher degree of precision in your cooking. It offers the same 200 to 1,800 Watts of energy consumption and 140 to 460° Fahrenheit of temperature.
There’s also the digital control system, which includes a countdown timer, settable between 1 and 170 minutes in 1-minute increments, plus warning and safety functions which help to make it a top-rated hot plate.
Where it falls short is in looks, as it’s not so beautifully-designed as the Duxtop offer. Still, it’s equally high-quality and comes backed by a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Energy efficient induction hot plate
- Features 15 power levels and temperature ranges
- Comes with a digital control plus timer & error management
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- You need induction-compatible cookware for it
- It’s costlier than the foregoing hot plate
4. Cosmo COS-YLIC1 (Most Stylish)
Photo: Cosmo
- Material: Glass top
- Power Source: Induction
- Cooking Surface: 10.5 inches
- Temperature Range: 140 to 464° F
Few hot plates are stylish and powerful at the same time, but that’s what this Cosmo COS-YLIC1 offers you. It comes with 1,800 Watts of power and lots of nice features.
You get 9 power levels to choose from between 200 and 1,800 Watts. Plus 10 temperature levels to select between 140 and 464 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a timer, allowing you to set your cooking time between 5 minutes and up to 3 hours.
Downsides include using only induction-ready cookware and cheaper hot plates being available.
Other features include safety functions like child safety lock and automatic shutoff after a minute of no use. Cosmo also reports that this hot plate can boil water in 50 seconds flat and backs it with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact, sleek, and modern design
- High-powered for fast cooking
- Includes safety features to prevent accidental burns
- Comes backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- There are lots of cheaper options
- You’ll need to have induction-ready cookware
5. Cuisinart CB-30 (Sturdy Hot Plate in Classic Design)
Photo: Cuisinart
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power Source: Cast-iron electric plate
- Cooking Surface: 7.5 inches
There are situations when you need something sturdy and dependable. Coming to hot plates, this offer is the solution for such situations. It’s well-built and includes a cast-iron plate, so it can withstand more rough use than the other glass-top models.
Although this hot plate comes from Cuisinart, it lacks the stylishness that Cuisinart products are known for. It’s, however, presented in a nondescript, classic style.
Asides from aesthetics, it comes with a simple temperature control knob and two indicator lights that let you know when the hot plate is on and when it’s ready.
It weighs only 8 pounds, is 11.5 inches long and 11 wide, making it ideal for any place without a kitchen, such as an RV, a dorm room, boats and much more.
Pros:
- Sturdy and dependable cast-iron design
- Powerful 1,300 Watt heating system
- Includes a 6-setting temperature adjustment control
- Includes ‘On’ and ‘Ready’ indicator lights
Cons:
- The aesthetics are horrible
- Its temperature control is comparatively basic
6. Cuisinart CB-60 (Double Burner Hot Plates in Classic Design)
Photo: Cuisinart
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power Source: Cast-iron electric
- Cooking Surface: 7 inches and 6 inches
Cuisinart also has the CB-60 on offer, which is a double burner version of the forgoing Cuisinart CB-30. This one uses a maximum of 1,800 Watts, with 1,300 Watts for the larger plate and 500 Watts for the smaller.
Given the lesser power of the smaller plate, it’s ideal for warming foods or keeping things warm while making food on the larger burner. Also, its stainless steel housing and sturdy build make it one of the best double burner hot plates in this review.
The larger plate measures 7 inches in diameter while the smaller one measure 6 inches. Each side has 6-setting temperature control and two indicator lights to show ‘On’ and ‘Ready’.
It’s obvious, however, that this offer isn’t for everyone because of its largeness. Its design is also basic and unexciting.
But if you’ve got enough space for it and could really use both burners, then this is a great buy.
Pros:
- A double burner system for faster cooking
- Heavy-duty design for durability
- Features ‘On’ & ‘Off’ indicator lights for both burners
- Cuisinart backs it with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s too large for certain people
- The design is very basic
7. Ovente BGI101S (Modern Glass Ceramic)
Photo: Ovente
- Material: Stainless steel & glass
- Power Source: Infrared glass ceramic
- Cooking Surface: 7 inches
- Temperature Range: 105-212° F
Weighing only three pounds and measuring about 9 inches in length and width, this Ovente hot plate is a great offer for people who want the best hot plate when it comes to portability.
It’s also modern, being made of stainless steel and a 7-inch wide glass ceramic top. There is temperature control, although it only offers five settings and the maximum temperature is 212° F.
In addition to its 212° F temperature limitation, this hot plate is also not the sturdiest you’ll find. So, it’s ideal for those who cook small meals sparingly.
If you don’t mind its limitations, then this is a great hot plate at a great price. It’s additionally the second cheapest in this review and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- It weighs only three pounds
- Infrared glass ceramics work with all cookware
- Fast heating time using 1,000 Watts
- Fast and easy cleanup
- Offered at a low an attractive price
Cons:
- Its maximum temperature is only 212° F
- It’s not ideal for cooking large meals
8. Cadco CSR-3T (Heavy-duty Electric Coil)
Photo: Cadco
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power Source: Electric coil
- Cooking Surface: 8 inches
Many of the hot plates in this review can only carry so much weight because they are for single people like students who cook in their dorm rooms.
With this Cadco CSR-3T, you get a hot plate that’s designed to take a lot more weight. It’s built using heavier-gauge stainless steel and designed to last longer.
What it lacks, however, is finesse and nice looks. This hot plate is simply ugly and definitely not a great sight for many kitchens, but if you’re looking for the best hot plate for cooking large meals, then you’ve got it.
Although it’s the costliest item on this list, it does have its reason. And this is its quality build. It’s also easy to clean up, comes with rubber feet for stability, features variable temperature control, and Cadco backs it with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Comes in a stainless steel housing for easy cleaning
- Offers an 8-inch wide tubular element
- Control surface includes a switch, thermostat, & indicator light
- It’s backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It looks ugly
- The controls are not temperature specific
9. Aroma Housewares AHP-303 (Simple & Compact)
Photo: Aroma Housewares
- Material: Die-cast
- Power Source: Cast iron electric
- Cooking Surface: 6 inches
- Temperature Range: Up to 560° Fahrenheit
If you’re not cooking for an entire clan, and you don’t need to fancy features, then this offer from Aroma Housewares might be of interest to you.
It’s simple and compact, plus it comes at a low and attractive price, which makes it a great buy. Cleaning it is easy as well because it comes with an easy to clean finish.
The control panel is simple, includes a knob to select any of its four temperature settings, and there is also an indicator light.
For downsides, it only offers four temperature levels, and it’s not designed to handle heavy pots.
Aroma Housewares adds rubber feet to the package and backs this hot plate with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Very simple and cute design
- Comes in an easy to clean finish
- It’s compact and easy to take anywhere
- Also available with a double burner
- The manufacturer backs it with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s not meant for very heavy pots
- There are only four temperature settings
10. Cusimax CMHP-C180 (Elegant Two-burner)
Photo: Cusimax
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power Source: Cast iron
- Cooking Surface: 7.4 and 6.1 inches
If you need more than a single burner cooking capacity, and you’ve got enough space, then this double burner hot plate from Cusimax could be the best hot plate for your situation.
It comes with two cast-iron burners, each with a 900-Watt power consumption. This allows you to cook more food at a go, saving some precious time thereby.
Both burners are not equal anyway, one is 7.4 inches wide and the other 6.1 inches, and since they are cast-iron electric burners, you are free to use all types of cookware that you like.
Keep in mind that it’s not as portable as other single-burner offers and there are no fancy features.
One nice thing though, is the 18-month manufacturer warranty that covers this hot plate. It’s the longest in this review and combines with its elegance to make this hot plate an irresistible offer.
Pros:
- Lovely and elegant stainless steel design
- Double burner makes cooking easier
- Works with all types of cookware
- It’s backed by an 18-month Cusimax warranty
Cons:
- It’s not as portable as a single burner
- There are no automatic functions
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this hot plates review and you’ve seen all the great offers out there. This includes the single and double burners, as well as those with stainless steel finishes and those for budget shoppers.
Coming to the choosing part, you’ll have to do it on your own because these offers are very varied in design, price, and features.
You can go with the overall best offer, the Duxtop 8100MC induction plate, if you’ve got no special needs. Else, the Cadco CSR-3T is perfect as the compact but heavy-duty hot plate.