Making purchases at Amazon.com and other website funds this website by generating revenue. Any help is appreciated and supports both me and content like this.
Best Electric Hot Plate for Cooking
Hot Plates are electric burners designed to heat up pans. They offer portability and convenience from a traditional stove. While the performance might not be as good as gas stoves, they are the best alternative. There are some things to consider when buying a hot plate, size wattage, and even type will affect the performance. Today, the Best Electric Hot Plate for cooking uses induction technology, however, you can argue that they are not true hot plates.
What are Hot Plates
Hot plates are electric stove tops. They work by running a electric current through the coil. As it heats up, it turns red and glows. This designed can be seen in a lot of electrical appliance such as electric grills and waffle irons. What might surprise most people is that this technology has been in use since the early 1900’s.
Some hot plate will have the coil covered so that it looks like a nice round plate.
Hot Plate vs Stove vs Induction
Induction use magnetic field to create heat. They alternate magnetic field to run a electric current through the metal. This design produces quicker and more even heat. In terms of performance, its hard to beat induction. However, the issue is that it cost significantly more than your standard hot plate. You also need pans that have a magnetic pull. Aluminum and copper pan wont work because of the weak magnetic attraction.
Stoves are still the preferred choice for heating pans. Since they radiate heat, even if your pan is warped, it can still heat it up. Plus, the heat generated from a stove is significantly higher than a hot plate. This is evident when you boil a pot of water. Gas stoves are that much more powerful.
Can you cook on a Hot Plate?
Yes, you can cook on a hot plate. While I wouldn’t use it to sear a steak, they are great for light task such as sauteing vegetables. As long as you dont overcrowd the pan you can get decent results.
Interesting enough, hot plates are also common in laboratory. Although theirs will usually have a metal covering on top. Its also used for other chemistry experiments…
How to Use
To use a hot plate, just place a pan on the plate and set your desired temperature setting. If you start out with a lower setting then gradually raise it, you will get the best results. However, setting it on high will produce the fastest result. Just expect some heat spots on the pan.
What to Cook
Since the heat output is low, its better suited for some task over other. Bacon, Pancakes and eggs are good options. Sauteing vegetables and light stir frys can be done as well. I would avoid trying to cook a steak, the heat output is too weak and you just steam it instead.
Below, you will find a list of some of the Best Electric Hot Plate for Cooking on the market. There are a few different models on the market, choose one that best suits you.
Cusimax Hot Plate Electric Burner Single Burner Cast Iron Heating Plate Portable Burner 1500W (Best Single Burner Hot Plate)
Cusimax hot palte is the best single burner hot plate on the market. Unlike the other model this unit draws 1500 watts of power. This means that your pan can get hotter and sear better than other models. The temperature can be easily controlled via a knob.
Techwood 1800W Hot Plate Portable Electric Stove Countertop Double Burner (Best Dual Unit Burner)
Techwood uses a full 1800 watt to heat up your pan. These are great if your cooking for more than one. You can even boil water and fry something at the same time. The two knobs control the individual burner. Instead of a coil plate, this model has a solid plate. This lets you easily clean it unlike the coil one.
Max Burton #6450 Digital LCD 1800 Watt Induction Cooktop Counter Top Burner (Best Induction Coutertop)
If you have the money and want the extra performance, than consider induction. It heats up faster and more evenly. And you can really dial in the temperature. Just be aware that you need to get the right stove in order for it to work. Pans that has a stainless steel lining will work.
Thoughts
Hot Plate wont replace a stove top anytime soon. But they are great if you are low on space or just need something portable. They work well for cooking breakfast and cooking lighter items. Generally hot plates with higher wattage are better. They heat up faster and sear better. Dual units are good but the power are usually spread out. But its good if you want to boil water and cook at the same time. If you have the money, I recommend trying to get a induction stove top. It just cost more money.