Best 6 Commercial Hot Plates: Appliances For Professional Kitchens

Are you looking for the best commercial hot plate for cooking?

In this article, you can read about hot plate models made for professional use to find out more information about their characteristics. Moreover, you can read the reviews of gas and electric single and double burners, as well as induction units.

The Rundown

What Is This Hot Plate?

Commercial plates are specially designed models meant for industrial use. They are characterized by big capacity, high wattage power, and big heating surface. Thanks to that, they are suitable for preparing larger amounts of food at the same time.

Who Needs Such A Professional Model?

This specially designed appliance is commercially graded and made for professional use only.

Restaurants

A professional kitchen in a restaurant is a place where you need to be quick and efficient. And sometimes, an additional burner is the key to maintaining a high level of guests’ satisfaction.

Sandwich Bars

These places need to keep some sauces and ingredients warm all the time. And that’s why a hot plate is more than welcomed there.

Coffee Shops

Shops with coffee don’t use hot plates that often, however, they do need an additional burner from time to time to heat up milk or some other beverage.

What Can I Do With It?

Basically, anything you want, as with any other hot plate model. You can cook, fry, deep fry, steam, or warm-up only. For example, a commercial model needs up to 10 minutes or less to boil water, depending on the water quantities.

Industrial Hot Plates: Gas vs. Electric Models

Both models have some specific factors which make them stand out. Here are the functions and specifications you need to have in mind while deciding on which model to get.

Is An Electric Option Better For Commercial Use?

This depends on your needs and preferences. What is great about electric units is that they are more modern and perhaps easier to handle, however, they do depend on the accessibility of a power outlet. Commercial models that use gas as power can be used anywhere and anytime.

Electric Models Can Be Powered In 2 Ways

They can come in a classic burner design, but they can also use induction operation. Induction hot plates use electromagnetic induction to turn cookware into a source of heat for cooking food. Classic models heat the food, not cookware.

What Fuel Do I Need For A Gas Hot Plate?

A gas hot plate is fuelled by combustible gas such as propane, butane, syngas, natural gas, or some other flammable gas.

What To Consider Before Buying? Here Is The Key Info!

To find the right hot plate for your needs, you need to know all the possibilities, functions, and specifications these models can offer you and your business.

High Wattage Power

When it comes to the power of these kitchen appliances, electric models usually have up to 3,500 watts of power supply.

Does This Appliance Use A Lot Of Electricity?

Medium-sized single burners use up to 54 kWh, while a large one 75 kWh or more. Double burners use a bit more kWh, but that depends on their wattage power which is divided on each of the burners.

Gas Hot Plates For Are Powerful Too

Gas models have a power of up to 25,000 BTU. For comparison, 1 BTU is equal to 0.293 watts. That means that 25,000 BTU equals 7,325 watts.

Heavy-Duty Construction

With the industrial design comes strong and durable construction. These models are constructed of strong and heavy-duty metal materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum.

In What Size Do They Come?

The size varies from one model to the other. You can find compact and lightweight hot plates, as well as large ones with adjustable feet. Electric units can be up to 25 inches big, while gas models up to 30 inches.

What Is The Temperature Range?

Most industrial models come with a temperature range from 140 to 580 Fahrenheit degrees.
It needs to have a wide range of heat so it can provide different cooking options.

How Can I Adjust The Temperature?

Electric models have a control knob with different heat levels or a control panel for more precise temperature settings. Gas models usually come with a control knob only. For adjusting, you just need to set the desired temperature and let the burner heat up.

Are These Models Suitable For Any Type Of Cookware?

Most of them are suitable for any type of cookware. Only induction appliances need special cookware with a magnetic bottom.

How Many Burners Do These Models Have?

As with any other type of hot plate, this option varies from model to model. Commercial models can have up to 4 burners.

If It Has 2 Or More Burners, How Does The Power Work?

In this case, the power is equally divided amongst the burners. The total amount of used power will equal the total power of the model.

Even-Heat Distribution

One of the most important factors every hot plate needs to provide is even-heat distribution so that the entire heating surface is efficient and works the best in the cooking operation.

Hot Plate Weight Capacity

Most of them can easily withstand more than 150 pounds.

Is It Suitable For Home Use Too?

You can use them, however, that is not recommended. Such models are rather expensive, and they use a lot more electricity and power, which isn’t safe for household.

Best 6 Commercial Hot Plates For Cooking

Waring WDB600 Hot Plate

1300 & 500-Watt Burners
This commercial 2-burner hot plate features a brushed stainless steel body with two cast-iron cooking surfaces. The heavy-duty housing is built to withstand frequent use and is easy to keep clean. The two burners come in different sizes and use 1300 and 500 Watts of power for cooking and simmering food respectively.

Even-Heat Distribution
Each burner has a ‘ready’ and ‘on’ indicator light as well as a turning knob for temperature adjustments with off, minimal, and other 5 level positions. The bigger burner measures 7 inches in diameter, and the smaller 6 inches. The cast-iron burners deliver heat evenly so that there are no cold patches on the surface.

Safe For Countertops
The ready indicator light will let you know when your desired temperature has been reached to avoid guessing and allow precise cooking. The rubber feet are great for cooking on any countertop without slipping. After you are done cooking, unplug the unit from the power outlet.

Heavy-Duty Construction
Cleaning is easy as the heavy-duty construction is meant for everyday use. Simply wipe it clean after it cools down. It won’t take up too much space but will let you cook food fast, while also giving you a hot plate for warming and simmering food.

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Star 502FF Hot Plate

Solid Cast-Iron Burners
This appliance is equipped with two burners and two infinite control knobs for individual adjustments for each burner. The French-style burners are constructed from cast-iron and allow even distribution of heat across both burners. The turning knobs are made of heavy-duty metal.

Adjustable Legs 
The two burners are fit into a unit that measures only 12 inches in length, 28 inches in width, and 11.69 inches in height. The front and the top are constructed from stainless steel with sides made of aluminum. The 4-inch legs are also adjustable for fitting into kitchen countertops.

Compact Design Saves Space
The solid burners prevent spillage to go into the equipment and the cleaning of the unit is simple once it cools down after use. The compact design is ideal for when you need an electric unit in your commercial kitchen zone without taking up too much space.

Individual Temperature Levels
By adjusting the heat of the burners individually, it is convenient to cook two things at once. Increasing the level of heat can be done by turning the knob from the off towards the on position. This model is durable and made to last for frequent commercial use.

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DULONG Commercial Electric Griddle

22-Inch Cast Iron Griddle
This BBQ hot plate has a 22-inch griddle that is half flat and half grooved for preparing different foods. The griddle features splash guards on the back and the sides to prevent hot oil and grease from splattering around. The cooking surface is made from cast iron and has a non-sticking layer for mess-free cooking.

Temperature Up To 572°F
The temperature of the griddle can be changed by turning the knob so that you can cook different food on it more precisely. The heat can be adjusted up to 572 Fahrenheit degrees and distributed evenly across the whole griddle. The stainless steel body is made to endure constant heavy-duty use.

Excess Grease Drainage
The 2000-Watt commercial hot plate griddle also features a hole connected to a waste tray by a grease channel. That way all of the excess grease and oil are drained from the meats to leave food tender and delicious. The tray is easily removed from the unit for fast and convenient cleanup.

Versatile Use
Designed for both home and commercial use, it can be used to make breakfast, BBQs, pizza, grilled cheese, pancakes, etc. Before, apply cooking oil to the griddle, and after cleaning the griddle, as well. It will help to protect the griddle from rust.

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Warmfod Countertop Range Burner

Requires Compatible Cookware
Compared to the above-reviewed models, this hot plate uses electromagnetic induction to heat cookware and cook food. Because of this, it needs special indication-ready cooking pots and pans that have flat and magnetic bottoms to be able to induce the electromagnetic field.

Digital Control Panel
The 3500-Watt unit features a digital control panel with an LED screen for setting adjustments. An on and off button, as well as a timer, a power button, and buttons with up and down arrows, are available on the panel. You can choose between 8 preset temperature and power settings between 140 and 465 Fahrenheit degrees, and 500 to 3,500 Watts.

For Restaurants & Caterings
If you are more comfortable working with Celsius degrees, you can switch from Fahrenheit measures on the digital panel, as well. The dual fan system helps to dissipate heat more efficiently for a quicker cool down. The stainless steel body is constructed to endure everyday use in industrial restaurants, catering services, etc.

Safety Features
This commercial induction hot plate is safe to use and packed with features such as overheating protection, as well as low and high voltage warning, and a diagnostic error message system. This unit is 15.2 inches long, 12.6 inches wide, and 3.4 inches high so that it doesn’t take up too much space on the countertops.

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Atosa ATHP-12-2 Hot Plate

Two Gas Burners 
This model features two burners with a power of 25,000 BTU per burner. The burner grate and the burner are both removable when needed for thorough cleaning. For easy maintenance, the body is built from heavy-duty stainless steel that prolongs run time, as well. The unit also comes with 4-inch legs.

Suitable For Commercial Kitchens
To fit it into a commercial kitchen more easily, you can adjust the legs on this model. Each burner has an individual thermostat knob for temperature adjustments so that you can cook two things at once. The commercial kitchen appliance comes in stainless steel color so that it easily fits the other appliances and the overall design.

Designed To Save Space
This gas hot plate measures 27.6 inches in length, only 12 inches in width, and 13.1 inches in height. As it is only 12 inches wide, it won’t take up too much space in the cooking zone. That way it can be incorporated into kitchens while also saving space, especially in busy kitchens.

Hygienic & Durable
This hot plate gas model is powerful and well built to last and endure frequent use. It is resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain clean for hygienic cooking. Apart from supplying sanitation standards, it is also safe to use in the foodservice industry.

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CookRite ATHP-24-4 Four Burner

Four Gas Burners
This impressive model is ideal for restaurants and powered by liquified petroleum gas. Each burner has an independent control knob for adjusting the heat by turning it to increase and decrease the level. The total power of 100,000 BTU means that each burner has a power of 25,000 BTU.

Suitable For Countertops
The open-style tubular burners are made from stainless steel and come with cast-iron grates to support cookware of different sizes. With four adjustable stainless steel legs, this unit can be placed on top of kitchen counters for various cooking needs. It is 24 inches wide, 27.6 inches long, and 13.1 inches high.

For Indoor Commercial Use
The liquid propane range is ideal for restaurants where various meals have to be prepared at the same time and each at a different temperature level. This model is made for professional kitchen use, and perfect for concessions stands, diners, and food trucks. It is water and oil proof for easy cleaning.

User-Friendly
A waste tray is located under it and it collects excess oils and grease so that cleaning can be done more easily at the end of the day. Sliding the pots and pans from one burner to another is also easy and spill-free as they are all connected and equally high.

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Safe Handling For Business

These models are used in professional kitchens so they need to be not only efficient but safe too.

Indicator Lights

This feature lets you know when the cooking surface is warming up, as well as when your desired temperature has been reached so you can avoid guessing and allow precise cooking.

Rubber Feet

Due to the busy atmosphere around them, they need to be safe, stable and secure while in use. Rubber feet provide just that.

Overheating Protection

This feature identifies an overheating of the heating bar surface and allows you to use it precisely and safely.

Is A Gas Plate Safe For Indoor Use?

Under the right circumstances, yes. Professional gas hot plates meet all the needs, preferences, functions, and specifications required by law. However, have in mind that gas models have an open flame, so your kitchen needs to have the right ventilation, also required by law. Gas hot plates usage is possible only in professional kitchens that meet all the safety criteria and have a permit for using such a gas model.

How To Clean Them?

These hot plates are designed for easy maintenance and cleaning, however, they need to be regularly cleaned in order to meet the hygienic standards of the professional industry.

What Is The Best Way To Clean?

Mix water and a mild detergent. Use the mixture to coat the top surface. Use a non-abrasive scrubby pad to clean the surface. Scrape the remaining debris. Remove the detergent with water and squeegee.

What Do I Do With A Waste Tray?

Some models come with a waste tray. This feature is located under the griddle and it collects the grease and oils. To clean the tray, you can easily remove it, clean it, wipe it, and it’s good to go.

How Do I Maintain A Hot Plate?

Just make sure you clean it regularly, after every day of its service. Once in a while, you can use natural degreasers such as vinegar or lemon to clean the cooking surface.

What If My Hot Plate Is Broken?

Don’t do anything by yourself. Call the manufacturing company and listen to their instructions. They will send a professional handyman in order to make your hot plate not only functional but safe to work with too.