Best 6 Ceramic Hot Plates: Infrared & Induction Models For Faster Meal Prep

Looking for a ceramic hot plate for cooking?

Then look no further, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we singled out the best models you can use for cooking. Check out the reviews of induction and infrared models to learn more about what the market has to offer. Also, read about the features to consider when purchasing to end up getting the best hot plate available.

The Rundown

Ceramic Hot Plate: Definition

This model comes with ceramic burners. This type of surfaces provide resistance to chemicals and corrosion, as well as the ability to handle higher temperatures.

Ceramic vs. Cast-Iron

The ceramic model is quicker to heat up than a classic electric hot plate, it has a smooth cooktop and a more appealing design. On the other hand, electric models have more durable surfaces.

Modern Design Suitable For Travel

There are a couple of specifications that make this model stand out.

What Makes It So Special?

Ceramic cooktops have excellent chemical resistance, they heat up quickly, and offer a high-temperature range. With their modern and pleasing-to-the-eye design, they are easy to use, clean, and maintain.

Can I Travel With Such A Model?

You can definitely travel with it. However, you need to pack it properly and safely since it is more breakable than standard cast-iron models.

Suitable For Every Budget

Ceramic cooktops come in many sizes and designs, and they can be priced at $40 or $100. So there are options you can choose from according to your budget and preferences.

Heaters With Ceramic Cooktops: What To Know?

Before you go and invest money into your new ceramic model, you need to know which model you’re actually buying so you go for the one that will meet your needs, as well as preferences.

2 Types: Induction & Infrared

There are two types – induction hot plates and infrared models. Induction plates use special electromagnetic induction to make the cooking pot or pan the source of heat. Such models are energy efficient. Infrared plates use infrared technology to heat up the ceramic surface. They make less noise and can achieve higher temperatures in less time for fast cooking.

Is An Induction Better Than Infrared?

Both models provide efficiency and durability. However, induction hot plates require cookware with a magnetic bottom. Infrared plates are not restricted by cookware type so you can use them with any type of cooking pot and pan. Even though induction units are great, infrared models are quieter and faster, and they do not need any special cookware to work.

Is The Unit Strong?

Yes. They are usually constructed from stainless steel, a sturdy material that guarantees amazing durability.

Burners’ Specifications

Like other models, ceramic ones can also have single or double burners. Most single-burner models have around 7 inches big cooking area. Models with double burners have 2 heating areas that are 7 to 8 inches big in diameter.

Power Range Of Up To 2,000 Watts

Most single and double burners have a power supply between 1,000 and 2,000 watts. This makes them powerful enough to cook full meals. What is great is that some models let you choose between different power levels depending on what and where you’re cooking.

High-Temperature Settings

The most common temperature range is between 100 and 450 Fahrenheit degrees, which is good enough for versatile cooking. That means that you can boil water, cook pasta and vegetables, fry and deep fry. Ceramic units have a turning knob or a control panel for controlling the heat.

What Cookware To Avoid?

Rough-bottomed cookware can damage the ceramic surface. Skillets and pans with flat bottoms work best on both ceramic and glass cooktops. Do not use rounded bottoms either as they will not let the heat distribute evenly.

What Features Guarantee Safety?

Meeting the highest demands of safety is an important factor of any hot plate, not only of ceramic models.

What Is The Function Of Lights?

The lights indicate when the hot plate is on and in operation. Some models use indicator lights for alarming you when the appliance has reached a set temperature.

What Features Ensure Stability?

Either well-designed bottom or non-slip rubber feet. Some models have both features to ensure even higher stability and security.

Overheating Protection

Appliances with ceramic cooktops are usually equipped with a thermal fuse that protects the unit from overheating.

Additional Safety: Child Lock

If you have kids, a child lock is a great feature for additional safety. It locks the control panel so your kids can’t play with it and change the cooking settings.

Best 6 Ceramic Hot Plates For Cooking

Cusimax Ceramic Top Hot Plate

Double Infrared Burners
This double burner large hot plate features two cooking zones which include separate temperature knobs and indicator lights. The burners are constructed from ceramic material and work with infrared technology to cook food. The stainless steel housing is easy to clean along with the burners and is also durable even for everyday use.

1800-Watt Power Supply
The non-skid rubber feet prevent sliding on busy kitchen and other countertops, including small spaces without a kitchen. The power lights indicate when the burners are turned on for added safety. Each burner uses a power supply of 900 Watts and can be used with pots and pans up to 7.1 inches in diameter.

Cooks Various Meals
By adjusting the heat and setting it to the desired temperature, you can cook a variety of meals, including sauces, vegetables, steak, soup, pasta, or boil water, etc. You can use it as an extra surface for cooking when you need more burners in your kitchen, or in dorm rooms, studio apartments, and RVs where you usually don’t have access to a regular cooking stove.

Space-Saving Design
This model is also compact enough to store away when not in use with the space-saving design that lets you cook proper meals without being large and heavy. It is compatible with all cookware types and suitable to use in any space with access to a power outlet.

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Techwood 1800 Hot Plate

Two 900-Watt Ceramic Burners
The double crystallite glass cooking surface with a stainless steel body and individual temperature knobs is easily portable. It is 22 inches wide, 11 inches long, and 4 inches high. Each burner has a power supply of 900 Watts and has individual temperature selectors. The turning knobs for heat adjustments give you control overcooking.

For Indoor & Outdoor Use
Once you choose the desired temperature, the travel hot plate will cycle on and off to maintain that temperature, so that it also doesn’t overheat. It works with any type of cookware. The unit is portable so you can use it both indoor and outdoor, in your kitchen, in your backyard, or recreational vehicle, among other spaces. Its stylish design will fit into any space.

Heats Quickly For Cooking
You can use it for preparing a variety of meals, including steak, fried rice, and vegetables, pasta, soup, grilled cheese, etc. You can use only one burner at a time, or even both at once, depending on your needs. The surfaces heat quickly and waste minimal energy and take about 15 minutes to cool down after they are turned off.

Even-Heat Distribution
The premium model is easy to clean. The ceramic material spreads heat evenly throughout the burner so you can cook food precisely and without cold patches. As each burner has a diameter of 8.4 inches, it gives the best results when used with pots and pans with a maximum diameter of 7.1 inches.

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CUKOR Ceramic Cooktop

Stainless Steel Body
This hot plate features one infrared burner fit into a stainless steel body that is durable for frequent use. With a 1,200-Watt power supply, it uses infrared technology to cook food. It comes with a power indicator light and a thermostat knob for controlling the temperature of the burner.

Compact For Confined Spaces
The single electric hot plate is compatible with any type of cookware as long as the diameter doesn’t go over 7.1 inches and doesn’t weigh more than 22 pounds. You can use it for slow cooking, fry, deep frying, cooking soup, and many other meals. As it features only one burner, it won’t take up a lot of space in your busy kitchen. It is also great for cooking in confined spaces of dorm rooms, studio apartments, and recreational vehicles.

Easily Wipes Clean
Infrared radiation distributes heat evenly on the ceramic top surface so that there are no cold patches. It takes only a few seconds to heat up so you can enjoy faster cooking. After you are done with cooking, leave the unit to cool down and then wipe with a damp cloth to keep it clean.

Safety Features
The unit automatically turns on and off to maintain the set temperature and has a built-in thermal fuse to protect it from overheating. Upon first time use, a protective coating on top may cause a little smoke, but after one use, it should be gone.

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Cusimax Infrared Hot Plate

No Noise Or Radiation
The 1800-Watt hot plate features two ceramic burners that take only several seconds to heat up, compared to cast-iron electric models. This unit has no radiation as it works with infrared technology to cook food without making any noise. It also works with all types of cookware with a maximum diameter of 7.1 inches.

Space-Saving Size
Even though the unit features two burners that let you cook two meals at once, this model has a compact size that doesn’t take up too much space. Thanks to that, it is ideal for adding more cooking surface to busy kitchens when entertaining guests to be able to cook more food at once. It is also great for offices, camping sites, RVs, and dorm rooms.

Sleek & Stylish Design
This hot plate takes about 15 minutes to cool after it is turned off and can then be cleaned with a damp cloth. The black stainless steel design with sleek ceramic burners is stylish enough to complement any interior design. It measures 23.11 inches in width, 9.26 inches in length, and 3.12 inches in height so that it is suitable for any countertop.

Safe To Use
Designed to prevent overheating, it is equipped with a thermal fuse and features a cycling function that turns the unit on and off automatically to maintain the set temperature. By adjusting the heat of the burners individually, you can cook different things at different temperatures at the same time.

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NutriChef PKSTIND48 Double Burner

Digital Control Panel
Compared to the above-reviewed models, this 1,800-Watt unit works with electromagnetic induction to be able to produce heat and cook food. It features a ceramic surface with two burners and two individual control panels for setting adjustments. The digital LCD screen display is easy to use to control the settings.

Included Preset Cooking Modes
Both control panels feature a child safety lock for added safety. They also feature preset cooking modes that let you boil water, fry, steam, or keep food warm with one click. The controls have a sensor touch and also lets you set a timer and adjust the temperature level to your liking.

Cookware Restrictions
This unit has a non-stick coating that is resistant to stains. It can be used with special induction-ready cookware with a magnetic bottom. The minimum cookware diameter is 12 centimeters, and the maximum is 26 centimeters. It can be used both indoors and outdoors to prepare homemade food.

Energy-Efficient Model
This commercial electric hot plate is 23.6 inches long and 14.2 inches wide so that it saves space while providing you with two burners for cooking. It is very energy efficient and doesn’t waste a lot of energy as the heat is usually not lost between the burner and the cookware.

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Ovente Single Hot Plate

7.3-Inch Induction Cooktop
A 7.3-inch diameter of the induction cooktop with a ceramic surface comes with a power supply of 1,800 Watts. It measures 11 inches in length and 13.8 inches in width for taking up minimal cooking space on any countertop surface. It is only 2.5 inches high to also help save space.

8 Temperature Presets
The induction cooktop comes with a control panel that features a setting display along with buttons such as a child safety lock, a timer button, and an on and off button. The temperature can be adjusted in 8 preset settings from 140 to 460 Fahrenheit degrees. It also features a diagnostic error system and is protected from overheating.

Portable Size
It is easily portable and can be used in any space with a power outlet. The unit is also very easy to keep clean thanks to its material. The ceramic material also makes sure the heat is spread evenly across the cooking surface. It can work with any cookware with a magnetic bottom.

Time Your Cooking
This induction mini hot plate cooks food faster and can be used in the house, as well as in some small spaces, such as dorm rooms and offices. By controlling the temperature, you can cook precisely and not burn your meals. You can even set up a timer between 1 minute and 3 hours.

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What Is A Proper Way To Clean & Maintain?

Cleaning these modern models with a flat cooktop surface is really easy. All you need to do is to wipe it after every use. You can use a damp cloth or soft sponge with a mild detergent or soap. Make sure to dry the cooktop afterward and then store it in a safe place.

My Cooktop Has Burn Marks. How To Remove Them?

First, you need to scrape off the stain with a silicone spatula, and then you can make a baking soda paste and smear it over the burned area. Cover the paste with a damp cloth for 30 minutes, then wipe it away.

Do Ceramic Cooktops Scratch Easily?

Yes, however, if you use the proper cleaning solution and wipe away the dirt carefully, they won’t get scratched. Make sure to use compatible cookware too.