Best 6 Cheap Hot Plates: Cook Favorite Meals Without Breaking Your Budget

Do you really need to spend a fortune to get a good one or are cheap hot plates enough?

Money isn’t the most important factor in picking up a hot plate. What are the things you need to conisder, how to get a good product without having to spend a fortune and why should you conisder opting out for a cheaper model are only a few things we covered in this post.

The Rundown

What Does “Cheap” Mean?

If you’re on a budget, you can still find a great hot plate that provides durability and efficiency, as well as good safety specifications and features. Cheap only means that you’re not ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a simple kitchen appliance.

How Much Does a Hot Plate Cost?

The market offers models with a price ranging from $10 to $100. However, many efficient models can be found at affordable prices under $50.

“Cheap” Defines The Number Of Burners

Cheap appliances usually mean you will end up with a single burner, however, there is a possibility that you will find some double burners too. Basically, you will get a good unit for a lot less money.

Does Low Price Mean Less Efficiency?

Absolutely not. You will get a decent model that will do its job – cook simple meals, warm food, or boil water.

Price Doesn’t Affect Features

You may get a model that doesn’t have a modern control panel, but a simple control knob. Also, you can expect onla basic safety features such as non-slip feet or light indicators, but that’s it. However, that’s all you need for safe cooking performance.

What Models Come At a Low Price?

The market offers coilless models, also known as cast-iron hot plates, and exposed coil models. Cast-iron metal burners
have a modern design and a nice flat surface, while models with exposed coils are old-fashioned burners.

Cast-Iron VS. Coiled

Besides the design, there are some differences in each of these models. Cast-iron plates spread heat evenly across the surface so you can cook more precisely and without any cold patches. This model is also rather durable. Coiled plates may not be as durable as cast-iron models, but they are efficient and usually have a drip tray for collection food spillage.

Can I Get a Hot Plate With Two Burners For Less Money?

Rarely, but you can. Coiled hot plates under $50 usually have double burners, however, keep in mind that they aren’t as durable as cast-iron models with a single burner. Sometimes one burner made of cast iron is a better option regarding durability and strength.

What Cookware Can I Use With These Models?

Both cast-iron models and coiled hot plates are suitable with any type of cookware, so you don’t need to worry about that.

Can a Budget-Friendly Unit Be Durable?

It can, but it all depends on its material of making. We already said that cast iron is one of the materials that provide great durability. You will rarely find a stainless steel model, however, it is great if you choose the one that is made of cast iron and features some stainless steel elements such as a drip tray. Aluminum is also okay material.

Can You Use Them Every Day?

If you plan on using your hot plate as much as possible, go with a cast-iron single burner. It is strong and efficient, as well as durable so it can withstand regular usage. If you really need a model with double burners, you can get an affordable one, however, keep in mind that when we’re talking about cheap options, such burners come with coil plates and they are not as durable as other models.

Less Money But Decent Functions

The most common question when we’re talking about these appliances is whether “cheap” also means less efficient, less power, and no adjustable temperature range. But the answer to all these questions is no. Just because you want something for less money, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be as efficient as possible.

Is “Cheap” Connected To Wattage Power?

No. Cheap models can be found with a power of between 1,000 and 1,500 watts which is rather high. Usually, most standard ones have power up to 1,800 watts so a cheap model definitely doesn’t mean less power. The mentioned power range is rather good for every type, not only for those with low prices.

High Temperature Range Is a Must

They may cost less money, however, they come with a great temperature range. They have a wide range of heat settings from 200 to 720 Fahrenheit degrees. This range is great for various cooking options.

Labeled Temperature Levels?

Yes. Unlike pricey models that let you choose between labeled heat and control panel with precise temperatures, affordable models only have labeled temperature levels with low, medium, and high scale.

Burner Size Defines Whether You’re Cooking Or Boiling

The cooktop or the heating area with a burner decides whether you will warm up leftovers in a small bowl, make a full meal in a big pan, or just have enough room to boil water. Have in mind that the hot plate must have a burner or burners that are big to fit all types of cookware. Or just cookware you wish to use on such a model.

Best 6 Cheap Hot Plates

IMUSA USA GAU-80305 Single Burner

1000-Watt Coiled Burner
This model comes in black color and features a heating element with exposed coils, a stainless steel drip tray under it, and a power indicator light next to the temperature control knob. The heating element has a 1,100-Watt power supply and can be regulated with the turning knob to set the desired temperature. Even though it has 3-level knob, you can set the temperature between those 3 points too.

Safe To Use
This mini hot plate can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is easy to use it by regulating the temperature for cooking many different foods. The rubber feet work to prevent sliding on the surfaces while cooking for extra safety. The power light indicates when the unit is turned on for safety, too.

Slim & Saves Space
It is small in size so that you can use it in your office, busy kitchen, dorm room, etc, without taking up a lot of space. It can be used in any space with access to a power plug. The slim design will also save space while storing this unit when it is not in use.

Affordable Price
Before using this product, it is advised to read the manual. Cleaning should be done after the unit cools off and the stainless steel tray can be wiped by elevating the coils above it. It is not advised to use this unit for more than 60 minutes in a 2-hour period.

Buy On Amazon

Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Dual Flat Burner

Durable Material
Featuring two burners, this model lets you cook two meals at once. The burners come in 6-inch and 7-inch diameters and are constructed from durable cast-iron. They are non-stick and easy to keep clean. This unit uses 1,500 Watts of power and features separate heat controls to cook at 7 different temperature settings if needed.

Low, Medium & High Settings
This safe hot plate is 11.5 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 3 inches high. It can be used with any type of cooking pots and pans and can cook food at low, medium, and high heat. The two power lights indicate when each burner is turned on to avoid damage and injuries.

For Versatile Cooking
The rubber feet lift the body off the countertop and make sure the unit can’t slide while you are cooking for safety reasons. You can cook soup, vegetables, make breakfast, or even grill steaks on a skillet and make pasta meals. It is ideal for cooking while spreading heat evenly across the cast-iron surface.

Cheap Option For Small Space
The 12-inch hot plate with two burners lets you cook two meals at once, using different temperature settings. You can use it in your office, dorm room, kitchenette in a studio apartment, etc.

Buy On Amazon

Elite Gourmet Coiled Electric Hot Burner

1000-Watt Cast-Iron Plate
This single burner uses a power supply of 1,000 Watts and has an adjustable control knob that lets you choose between off, warm, low, medium, and high levels of temperatures. The heavy-duty cast iron hot plates are very durable and easy to maintain clean after each use. It also distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface.

Cooks & Keeps Food Warm
The non-slip legs prevent the unit from causing trouble by sliding while you are cooking. Apart from cooking in your kitchen or other space, this unit can also be used to keep food warm at a buffet station. To avoid any injuries, it comes with an indicator light that shows when the plate is turned on.

Various Uses
When you need an extra cooking surface in your kitchen or plan to cook while traveling, or want to make food in your dorm room, recreation vehicle, etc, this model lets you do just that. It won’t take up a lot of space so that it can also be easily stored away when you don’t need it.

No Cookware Restrictions
You can buy this product on Amazon or other online retailera as it often has a reduced price. It is 9 inches long and wide, and 3.25 inches high. Works with all types of cookware so that you don’t have to also invest in special pots and pans to be able to cook on this model.

Buy On Amazon

CUSIMAX 1500W Electric Hot Plate

For Home & Away Cooking
This cheap electric ountertop hot plate lets you make your favorite homemade foods even when cooking in small spaces away from your home. A stainless steel body houses a cast-iron cooking surface suitable to use with any type of pot and pan with a diameter under 7.4 inches.

Wide Temperature Range
The adjustable temperature control and the indicator light are also located on the upper side of the model. The control knob has 11 temperature settings with an off position to easily turn it on and off. You can cook breakfast, pasta, grill steak, make soup, and so much more.

Space-Saving Design 
After cooking, let it down and then simply wipe it clean for storage. It won’t take up too much space on your countertop, but can also be put in a kitchen cupboard or pantry. It is 14.37 inches wide, 13.39 inches long, and 4.13 inches high. You can use it in the kitchen or backyard when cooking for parties, in RVs, at camping sites, etc.

Corrosion-Resistant Material
To use it safely on any tabletop or countertop, this unit has anti-slipping legs that prevent moving and make it stable while cooking. The durable materials make it suitable for everyday use with resistance to corrosion. It uses 1,500 Watts and is very efficient as it heats quickly.

Buy On Amazon

CUSIMAX Electric Hot Plate Single Burner

From 200 To 720°F
A power supply of 1,500 Watts and a cast-iron construction with a 7.4-inch diameter makes this unit good to cook food at many different temperature levels. A thermostat knob with 7 temperature levels offers a wide range of heat settings. You can use any pot or pan with a flat bottom that doesn’t have a diameter larger than the hot plate.

Sleek & Portable Design
To adjust the temperature, simply turn the knob so that you can cook a variety of meals, from warm sauces, soups, vegetables, to meats and steaks. Its sleek design is modern to fit into any cooking area. As it measures around 13 inches in width and 11 inches in length, it is convenient for transporting from site to site.

For Indoor & Outdoor Use
Its compact size makes 1500-watt hot plate a great cooking solution for camping sites, and other outdoor uses, as well as indoor uses in small kitchens of studio apartments, dorm rooms, boats, and recreation vehicles. Although small, it can be used for a variety of cooking applications, including simmering, frying, deep-frying, boiling water, etc.

Overheating Protection
For safe use, this model cycles on and off to maintain the set temperature but avoid overheating at the same time. It is ideal choice to use on the go and its compact size makes portability its best feature.

Buy On Amazon

IMUSA USA GAU-80306 Double Burner

Independent Temperature Settings
With a great price this unit features two burners with exposed coils. It uses 1,750 Watts so you can cook two meals at once. Each burner has its own temperature regulator in the shape of a turn-knob. It is safe to use on any countertop without sliding thanks to the legs attached to the bottom.

Convenient Side Handles
Each burner comes with a power light that shows when it is turned on to avoid burn injuries and accidents. The handles are located on two sides to help with storage and transport. It is designed for use in offices, dorm room, as well as in busy kitchens when entertaining large groups of people.

Easy To Keep Clean
This large hot plate can be used in any space as long as it can be plugged in. As it comes in black color, it can complement any space without trouble. For cleaning, lift the cool coils up to get better access to the stainless steel drip tray underneath.

Cooks Two Meals At Once
At such great deal, you can get rid of your cooking problem in small spaces of your studio apartment or craving homemade food when living in a dormitory. This appliance is big enough to offer you two cooking zones with individual temperature while staying compact enough for easy handling and convenient storage.

Buy On Amazon

Safety Isn’t Determined By The Money

Whether you go under your budget or you want one that is on the expensive side, it doesn’t matter because the safe operation and safety features that provide such an operation are a must with any model, no excuse.

Rubber Reet

The non-slip feet or rubber feet prevent the unit from causing trouble by sliding while you’re cooking. They keep everything stable, safe, and secure.

Power Light Indicators

To avoid injuries, a lot of budget-friendly options have indicator lights that show when the plate is turned on for safety precautions.

Automatic Temperature Shut-off

This feature is also known as overheating protection. For safe use, some models cycle on and off to maintain the set temperature but avoid overheating at the same time.

How Long Can I Use It In a Day?

This depends from one model to the other, however, it is not advised to use a budget-friendly solutions for more than 60 minutes in a 2-hour period.

Low-cost Models With Easy-to-clean Design

They need a little bit of maintenance so cleaning is a breeze, especially if you go for a model that has a well-designed surface made of a non-stick material. Also, most hot plates do come with this option which eases up the cleaning process.

How To Clean a Hot Plate?

Before cleaning, both coilless and coil burners should be left to cool down. Once it is safe and cold, you just need to wipe it and store it. And that’s it. You can use a damp cloth for cleaning too.

What About a Drip Tray?

Coil models usually come with a stainless steel drip tray. This feature collects all the possible dirt, grease, and liquid that may possibly fall down during the cooking. To clean the tray, you can easily lift up the coils and wipe the tray.

Where Can I Find a Budget-Friendly Option?

When looking for cheap and affordable models, we would suggest you check out Amazon and other large online retailers. Such markets have a wide choice of models with different features and for a lot less money.

Why Amazon?

Amazon offers a wide range of quality models and lets you read customer reviews to see the verdict of the people who bought the product. Another advantage of Amazon is that it usually offers free delivery.

What Other Retailers Besides Amazon Offer Good Models For Less Money?

Online stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have a great choice of budget-friendly, efficient, and durable hot plates and burners.

Can I Find a Model With a Reasonable Price In The Local Store?

Rarely, but you can definitely give it a try. But have in mind that local stores usually don’t have such a wide choice of different models with affordable prices like Amazon does.

What About The Flea Market?

We wouldn’t recommend you to buy a used hot plate, even if it works perfectly fine while cooking. Why? Because you never know if its safety features work as well as they should be. Sometimes a device can work perfectly fine but its safety isn’t at the top level.