How to Choose the Best Hot Plate and Burner
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Finding the perfect hot plate and burners is not that complicated. You just have to be clear about how you cook, the kind of dishes you prepare, how many you are at home, what time you have, and choose according to your needs.
The number of options varies. Therefore, we have prepared the most relevant information over low simmering heat so that you can choose wisely.
Editor’s Choice – Duxtop 1800-watt Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop
Best Electric Burner – CUSIMAX Electric Burner Hot Plate
Best Portable Burner – Salton ID1350 Portable Electric Cooktop
Best Induction Burner – Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Countertop Burner
Best Dual Electric Burners – Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner
Best Dual Ceramic Burners – NUTRICHEF PKSTIND48 Double Ceramic Burners
Best High-end Full Glass Burner – Duxtop Countertop Burner
Best Digital Cooktop – Nutrichef PKSTIND24 Single Digital Portable Countertop Burner
This Secura Duxtop portable induction hob is a countertop burner that meets the standard for energy consumption in all homes with its 15 amps and 120 Volts of power.
Light and compact at the same time, it is easy to handle and transport everywhere while being usable both indoors and in the garden. It has a digital control panel that allows you to adjust the cooking temperature to your liking.
Even better, the digital timer is made to make your everyday life easier. The 5-minute increments, ranging from 0 to 170 minutes, the 10 power levels that are adjustable between 200 and 1800 watts as well as the 10 temperature ranges from 60°C to 237.8°C will allow you to set your induction hob to your convenience.
Moreover, its long cord of 1.8 meters will give you more freedom. Also, note that this model has an automatic shut-off system that is triggered after about sixty minutes of non-use of the device. Note, moreover, that the product is compatible with saucepans and other induction cooking utensils.
For those who want a hob with a single plate, this model from Cusimax benefits from the expertise of the brand. With a weight of 5.68 pounds, the diameter of the plate is 7.4 inches, perfect for pots of the same size and below.
With a power of 1500 watts, it only takes a few minutes to boil water with this device. Regarding the external condition, the structure is designed with stainless steel, completely rust-proof with the proper maintenance. The quality also goes through the integration of a knob that allows you to adjust the temperature according to the cooking required by the recipe.
The portable induction cooktop from Salton has 8 temperature settings. The LED display will make it easy for you. It allows you have precise control as well as an ecological cooking method. This model is undoubtedly ideal for reducing your energy bills.
With high power of 1800 Watts, this product is quick to heat up. You can use it to boil water quickly. The timer, on the other hand, allows you to organize the cooking time up to 3 hours as you wish.
Moreover, the device has an automatic shutdown system that will avoid possible accidents while ensuring energy saving. You can use it indoors or outdoors. The features are easy to understand and operate. Moreover, the tool is supplied with a user manual.
This9100MC model is a high-performance burner with power adjustable from 200 to 1800 Watts. You just have to choose one of the 15 levels as well as the 15 temperature ranges, from 140 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit to cook your dishes. The induction hob is made from cast aluminum, enameled cast iron, steel, stainless steel with a magnetic bottom.
In addition, the digital control panel is there to help you with this step. Compact and light, this induction hob is easy to handle and take anywhere. The features make its use more than easy, in particular the digital timer, the dish recognition system, the automatic sending of error messages, low and high voltage alerts, etc.
Supplied with a 1.8-meter long cord, the product meets North American electrical standards with its 120V 60Hz ratings. It can be used with Duxtop pans as well as other induction cookware.
This model incorporates 2 hotplates with solid cast iron plates which allows optimal heat distribution. The thermostat offers temperature adjustments with an indicator light indicating power on. To lift and move the burner, the presence of plastic handles underneath on both sides will save you the risk of burns.
At the front of the burner, there are two temperature controls, one for each burner, that light the plates once the cable is connected and the knob is turned clockwise. And to make it more practical, the temperature setting is done separately for the two burners.
This portable induction hob from Nutrichef consists of two cooking zones. It fully meets the specific requirements of professionals with its large digital LCD screen and its many cooking modes. A simple touch of a button is enough to exit one cooking mode and switch to another.
But the device still offers a manual cooking function for fried foods. It also allows you to boil water or steam. The automatic warming system, as for this feature in its own right, helps keep food warm. As for the temperature adjustment, the action can be done independently for the two panels.
The lock function guarantees the safety of the little ones. It saves them from burns. Compact, the product can be used anywhere. Moreover, it is versatile. It is therefore compatible with kitchen utensils made of steel, enameled iron, stainless steel, cast iron, etc.
This portable hob from Duxtop offers 15 power levels ranging from 200 to 1800 W. It also has about fifteen temperature ranges from 140°F to 460°F. If the material is easy to store and handle, it is mainly thanks to its light and compact characteristics. To let you adjust the setting to your liking, it features a digital control panel.
This item allows you to count down with ranges from 1 min to 170 min. The device still includes elements guaranteeing optimum safety of use. They include automatic shutdown after 60 seconds of non-use, diagnostic error message system, low or high voltage warning, etc. This model goes with all Duxtop brand pans.
The PKSTIND24 is a portable induction hob from Nutrichef designed in ceramic tempered glass. It is highly efficient while remaining aesthetic with its thin and compact style.
When placed in your kitchen, it can serve as a decorative object that makes the whole room more modern. Its various functions, such as temperature and power, are easily adjustable, thanks to its LCD screen with a digital display.
With this model, you will not have to worry about possible accidents during use. It has an incorporated child safety lock. Even better, it saves you from the drudgery of maintenance, being stain-resistant and easy to clean. It’s a portable induction hob made from ceramic tempered glass. Available in black color, it has a power of 1500 watts.
To avoid hearing, you say “if only someone had told me before”, here are some tips that are outside the box. This information will be able to guide you to the best choice of a cooktop that meets your needs:
Whether induction, vitro, or gas, each type of cooktop has its user base. Keep in mind that what we call “traditional” does not have to be outdated or rudimentary. Today, all systems incorporate surprising innovations that make them more comfortable and safe to use.
In short, choosing one type of plate or another is a matter of everyday needs, cooking styles, and the chef’s tastes!
In an induction plate, the container is heated directly, not the glass. Barely any residual heat is generated, and it disappears quickly after turning off the plate.
You can find induction plates in metallic gray, black, and white, 60, 80, and 90 cm wide, with 2, 3, 4, or 5 cooking zones. If you usually cook for many, you can find models with 32 cm extra giant area: the solution to family meals.
Induction technology is very efficient: it uses more than 75% of its energy to produce heat (while a conventional ceramic hob does not reach 50%). This translates into lower electricity expenditure.
They are very easy to clean. The glass reaches a much lower temperature than the glass-ceramic plates so that the dirt does not stick. Also, these types are the fastest. They reduce the preheating time to half, compared to the ceramic hob.
Finally, they are very precise. Thanks to their reduced reaction time, they pass from a power level 9 to a level 1 in a few seconds.
The ceramic hob is one of the most popular types. Although it consumes more energy than induction, it allows you to take advantage of the residual heat once the bulb is turned off, either to continue cooking or to keep food warm.
As in the induction range, there are several varieties in size: 60, 80 and 90 cm wide ceramic hobs, with 3, 4 or 5 cooking zones. And, in some models, you can find an extra-large 32 cm zone.
The glass-ceramic plates have become a safe bet to gain comfort today. In addition to the above, they incorporate a wide variety of functions such as scheduling cooking time in each zone.
They are easy to clean, thanks to their smooth surface. Also, they offer great stability for the cooking containers. In addition, they are very safe to use. Heat is produced only in the designated area, and the light stays on while the area is hot.
They have novel functions, such as the oil temperature control that warns when it is time to introduce food, to cook safely and healthily.
Current gas cooking options will surprise you with three concepts: their functionality, safety, and design. The last generations incorporate a self-ignition device. Now, you can only restrict the matches and lighters to light your birthday candles or to puff your cigs.
The design has also evolved a lot over the years. You can choose between the classic stainless steel for the base or impressive finishes in black glass. In addition to providing an unbeatable aesthetic, this facilitates the cleaning of the device.
As an added value, some gas plates incorporate powerful wok burners. This allows regulating the intensity of the fire to cook efficiently and quickly, from a sauce or chocolate to grilled meat.
To look at everything with more perspective, here is a brief resume of gas burners and hot plates to see at a glance:
Depending on whether you cook a little or a lot, but also depending on the space available, the hob will offer a number of burners or cooking zones varying from 2 to 6. Generally, the most common models are 3 or 4 cooking hobs.
The 2-burner hob, also called domino, is a small model that is ideal for small kitchens. Its width varies from 30 to 40 cm, which allows it to be placed everywhere. This reduced size also allows the installation of several plates side by side, which allow mixing various functions: gas, induction, glass-ceramic but also teppanyaki, wok, plancha, etc.
The 3 or 4-burner hob is the classic model. Generally 60 or 65 cm wide, it often shares, in an induction version, its surface between a large fireplace on one side and two smaller ones on the other. On the gas side, there are four of various sizes and powers. It is possible to find rectangular devices of large width (80 to 90 cm) and reduced depth, with 3 aligned foci. This is a practical solution when the worktop is not of a standard depth. It allows working side by side.
The 5-burner hob or more is the perfect companion for food lovers. Its size varies from 70 to 90 cm, sometimes more, and offers a large space for cooking. In the induction version, this can have specific fireplaces in length, perfect for a fishmonger, for example. In the gas version, it can have a Triple Crown hearth which offers great power.
The power of the hob is also important. Indeed, this offers the possibility of varying the types of cooking (whether it’s to simmer or sear the meats) in the style of a real chef. Each appliance has its own power which is expressed in Watts (W). It is always better to choose the maximum power available. You can always lower the intensity of cooking, but you cannot increase it beyond the capacity of the chosen appliance.
For gas, there are hot plates and burners with powers varying from 1000 to 5000 W. To cook in a wok, opt for a double or even Triple Crown hearth offering two or three circles of fire. The burners vary in size to accommodate containers of various sizes. To withstand high temperatures, choose cast-iron grates.
For induction, this same principle also applies. It varies from 50 to 3000 W for a fireplace in the range of the induction versions. With the Booster function, it is possible to increase the power temporarily and very quickly. It’s a practical aspect of boiling water at an incomparable speed, for example. Sometimes, like double or triple gas crowns, some large hobs can reach 5000 W.
Effective for searing food, induction is just as effective for simmering gently, for hours. No more bain-marie to melt the chocolate!
In recent years, several innovations in hotplate and designs have appeared. Some premium ones are equipped with an intelligent and ultra-precise auto-detection system that recognizes the position of dishes. They instantly follow their movement in the area without interrupting cooking for maximum comfort of use.
To simplify use, some manufacturers offer appreciable functions. Following the example of Neff, who developed the TwistPad, there’s a single magnetic and removable button that allows you to adjust all the cooking zones of an induction hob.
For gas, the brand has also created FlameSelect, which offers 9 gas intensity settings, for greater precision.
There’s also the latest innovation from AEG: SensePro. It is an induction hob that has a multi-point, connected wireless cooking probe! Like oven probes, it measures the temperature of food at its core.
Once the desired recipe and cooking have been selected, the probe takes over by controlling the table to modulate the power, adjust the temperature, stop cooking, etc. This precise temperature control to the nearest degree guarantees perfect results: from cooking potatoes in water to cooking meat, simmering a sauce without overflowing.
Opt for multifunctional plates and burners for open and pleasant living spaces. Today’s users want a fluid arrangement of spaces that facilitates movement between rooms and activities.
The glass-ceramic hob is discreet and almost perfectly aligns with the worktop. It offers a welcoming space to eat, check emails, receive friends and cook.
In addition, some induction models incorporate Flex Induction zones, an area for cooking as freely as possible. You can prepare coffee, milk and make pancakes at the same time. It allows you to cook simultaneously in cooking containers of different sizes and shapes without wasting any energy.
The best hotplates offer indicator lights that give warnings when an element is too hot to touch. Also, a safety lock prevents children from turning on an item and allows you to clean the hob without turning on an item by mistake.
Induction models are very safe to use. They are automatically disconnected at a certain time if you forget to put the container, for example.
The advantages of instant heating, precise temperature control, and easy cleaning are attractive to cooks looking for healthy solutions to replace fast food and takeouts. If you prefer to cook on gas, you will appreciate the performance of the ceramic glass and the ease of cleaning compared to a traditional stove.
Gas plates require more effort when cleaning them. The burners must be completely free of debris so that they are not clogged and, therefore, the fire goes out properly. You should use a soft damp sponge and soap, ensuring that there is no water left in the burners.
The glass-ceramic hot plates must be cleaned with a damp cloth, which does not scrape. Special scrapers for electric plates can be used to remove debris that is embedded.
Induction plates are cleaned like in vitro-ceramics, but they are cleaned more easily. This is because, by not heating the surface, the remains or splashes do not burn or remain stuck on the plate.
No matter how much space you have in your kitchen, you will surely find a place for a burner. Its size is not so bulky especially since you can store it after using it. They are usually available in different types. You can find gas burners, electric burners, and induction burners on the market. The CUSIMAX Electric Burner Hot Plate is one of the best electric burners on the market while our best induction burner is the Secura 9100MC. However, the overall best model is the Duxtop 1800-watt Portable Induction Cooktop.
Your choice about the number of heating elements depends on several things:
Although the best hotplates often have four heating elements, many cooktops today offer five or more burners.
On power, electric types have a capacity of approximately 2,500 watts; and gas stoves of 15,000 Btus (both are roughly equivalent). The ceramic induction hobs can go up to 3,700 watts. Note that cooking appliances fitted with ceramic hob go perfectly with the aesthetics of modern kitchens.
If you still cannot choose between gas and induction, choose a model that combines the two. There are very practical models of mixed induction gas hobs on the market. They are an option that combines different cooking systems such as induction, gas, hob, Teppan Yaki or barbecue, to suit the user.
This post was last modified on February 28, 2023 4:04 pm