Best Hot Plates For Cooking

Hot plates are useful in all sorts of spaces, including a kitchenette, dorm, den, RV, and guest house. Many commercial kitchens even use hot plates for additional stove space. (They're also great if you're making Tasty-style recipe videos.) With the right appliances, you can set up a makeshift kitchen anyplace with a power source. There are, however, plenty of dinky hot plates that won't heat a pot or pan evenly and effectively. Such poorly made portable burners will simply take up space while you order takeout. To help steer your mini kitchen in the right direction, here's a list of strong and reliable hot plates available today.

Most versatile: iSiLERPortable Induction Cooktop

Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER 1800W Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooker Cooktop with Kids Safety Lock, 18 Power 17 Temperature Setting Countertop Burner with Timer

Digital Buttons

Despite its large coverage, this device is light and portable. Amazon

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This 1800W glass surface hot plate has nine power levels for different styles of cooking such as simmering, frying, and steaming. There are also eight preset temperature levels, though you can also manually set it to your specific desired temperature up to 460°F. The iSiLER has a wide heating zone that fits pots and pans as wide as 22 cm.

Twice the fun: Cuisinart CB-60P1 Cast-Iron Double Burner

Two Separate 6-Setting Adjustable Temperature Controls

This item is slightly heavier than other options but it is still definitely portable. Amazon

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This 1800W Cuisinart double hot plate is heavy duty and reliable. Its cast-iron plates help it cook evenly and at high heat. Each burner has six power settings on a dial, functioning more like an electric stove than a temperature-specific induction burner. It has safety features like LED lights to let you know it is switched on and non-slip rubber feet for stable cooking.

Great value: Elite Gourmet Countertop Electric Hot Burner

Elite Gourmet Countertop Electric Hot Burner, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Single, Black

Right Light Indicates The Device Is On

Nicely compact and portable. Amazon

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This is a high-value item for its cost. With 1000W of power, it heats to four settings: warm, low, medium, and high. It has few frills but works effectively and is easy to clean due to the sturdy non-stick cast-iron burner. It also has rubber non-slip feet for safety. The red LED will tell you that it is turned on.

Lightest: Ovente 7 Inch Single Hot Plate

Ovente 7 Inch Single Hot Plate Electric Glass Infrared Stove, 1000 Watt Portable Cooktop Countertop Kitchen Burner with Adjustable Temperature Control & Stainless Steel Base Easy Clean

Bring It With You

Weighs under 3 pounds! Amazon

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This tiny 1000W burner cooks with infrared technology on a ceramic glass plate for even temperature control. You can set it to 5 different temperatures up to just above 212°F. Measuring 7 by 9.5 inches, this is especially suited to small spaces or road-trippers. The Ovente also features an LED light and nonslip feet. It is suitable for all types of cookware.