Best 6 Korean Hot Plates: Prepare Tasty Meals Surrounded By Loved Ones

Searching for a Korean hot plate that allows you to enjoy preparing and eating food with your family and friends?

Then keep reading!

Here you can read about their features find out about which ones are popular on the market. This article includes different types like electric, indoor, models for gas stoves, as well as different sized ones.

The Rundown

What Is A Korean Hot Plate?

It is an electric or a gas grill plate used to make different Korean BBQ-style meats and vegetables. It usually involves a group of people preparing food together, so that each individual can cook their food to their liking.

Classic vs. Modern Design

A classic Korean grill is powered by coal, while hot plates use electricity or gas. The classic grill creates the smoky aroma of wood so it can’t be used indoors. Gas ones are a bit tricky too – they have an open flame and make too much smoke. Electric models are certainly the best as they do not smoke and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Why Is Such A Model So Popular?

Because of its unique style. Besides the fact that people have an intimate experience while preparing food and control of the entire process, the food prepared this way is exotic, tasty, and delicious, while the prep operation provides a unique cooking experience.

Can You Use A Regular Grill For Korean BBQ?

Well, not really. The point of a Korean BBQ is to be portable and used on the table so everyone can sit around it, prepare food, and dine. The classic grill isn’t designed to be used that way.

Is This Model Worth It?

It definitely is. Not only does it ensure great efficiency, but it also provides with incredible cooking experience you can really get from any other type of hot plate.

What Can This Model Do?

It is suitable for preparing different types of meat and vegetables by using the grilling cooking operation.

Restaurant Experience At The Comfort Of Your Home

Usually, Korean BBQ is prepared in a restaurant, but with these models, you can easily enjoy the unique preparation of food in the comfort of your home and backyard.

Do You Want One? Here Is What You Should Know

To understand what it can do, we have listed all the specifications and functions so you can see how efficient operation such a model provides.

Different Types

There are classic electric ones and models that need fuel to work. Electric ones are easier to use and they do not depend on fuel. They can be used both outdoors and indoors, depending on the model. Other hot plates are powered by gas, charcoal, or pellets. They create a lot of smoke so they are used only outdoors.

Which Electric Model Is Suitable For Indoor Use?

If you want to use a hot plate indoors, it needs to be a smokeless model. These types come with a special design that minimizes or neutralizes the smoke during the cooking process. Some models can be smokeless if their catch basin is filled with water.

Wattage Power

Hot plates designed for this dish are rather powerful. They usually come with power between 1,300 and 2,300 watts. That power range needs up to 10 minutes to grill both meat and vegetables.

How Powerful Are Gas Models?

They can have a power range from 7,000 BTU to up to 12,000 BTU. Those are powerful units as 1 watt equals 3.41 BTU.

Temperature Settings & Adjustment

Most appliances come with a temperature range between 150 and 450 Fahrenheit degrees. Electric models usually come with a control knob that lets you adjust the temperature level. Gas ones don’t have this option but you can always adjust the flame.

Plate Capacity

If you want to prepare food for a smaller family, a small-sized grill with a 12 to 14-inch plate is perfect for you. If you have a large family with more than five members, go with a grill that comes with at least a 15-inch big plate.

What Is It Made Of?

It is usually made of strong and sturdy metal materials such as heavy-grade aluminum, titanium, and cast iron. These materials guarantee great durability.

Can I Use A Griddle For Korean BBQ?

You definitely can. A lot of models can easily be converted into a griddle. Some of them come with an additional griddle you can use. You can also use your own small griddle and place it over a hot plate if the surface of it allows you to do so.

How Much Is This Model?

As with any other type of hot plate, this model’s price varies from $40 to up to $100. Thanks to that, you can get a model that is suitable for your budget.

Best 6 Korean Hot Plates For BBQ

TECHEF Korean Food Hot Plate

Teflon Non-Stick Pan
This Korean hot plate for BBQ includes a grill pan with a portable single burner gas stove. It is also available to purchase separately without a gas stove set. The grill pan is made with Teflon so it is not sticky for stress-free cooking and cleaning. It also features a swirl design on the cooktop surface, which helps to slowly drain oil for delicious Korean BBQ food.

Butane Gas Stove
This portable model features a compartment with a butane cylinder that can be easily accessed and replaced when needed. Igniting the burner can be done by using a knob and turning it clock-wise in one quick motion. The gas canister has to be 8 ounces to fit the compartment. The stove works with the help of a magnetic lock and can be automatically shutoff for safety.

Swirling Design With Drain Hole
As it is made in South Korea, you get a premium quality authentic product. The swirling design features a small draining hole on the edge of the pan so that you can use any small bowl to collect the draining oils and juices. It is ideal for pork belly and other types of meat used for Korean BBQ.

Portable Design
As it comes with a portable gas stove, you can use it separately as well for some other cooking needs. The travel hot plate has a grill pan with slots on the back so that it stays stable on the gas stovetop. You can enjoy your time cooking Korean barbecue with your loved ones in any space thanks to this non-stick grill pan with a portable gas stove.

Buy On Amazon

Zojirushi EB-CC15 Electric Hot Plate

For Indoor Countertops
This countertop unit works with the help of electricity and it is safe to use indoors. It is designed to grill chicken, vegetables, steaks, burgers, as well a fish and can be used for a fun evening of a Korean meals with family or friends. It is easy to take apart for cleaning and the included drip tray is even dishwasher-safe so you can clean it easily.

176 To 410 Fahrenheit 
The dimensions are 12.625 inches in width, 18.75 inches in length, and 3 inches in height. The non-stick grilling surface is 12.5 inches long and 9.25 inches wide. It has a 1300-Watt variable heat control element and allows you to adjust the temperature between 176 and 410° Fahrenheit. It includes plastic housing and is also constructed from aluminum material.

Drip Tray For Excess Oils
When grilling food, all the excess oils drip through the holes into the drip tray underneath for healthier meals. The handles are cool to the touch, as well as the base so that you can use it on the countertop and move it easily when needed. You can use it inside your house which is especially convenient for colder weather and restricted outdoor options for enjoying a Korean BBQ even in your house, without going to the restaurant.

Preparing & Eating Food Together
As the love for Korean barbecue is a growing trend that involves a group of people preparing and eating food together, this unit lets you do just that. You can enjoy preparing food close to the dining table and enjoy the healthy food anytime you want. It can be a fun experience that involves a group of people preparing and eating food together.

Buy On Amazon

SEAAN Hot Plate Korean

Hotpot & Grill Sections
The SEAAN model comes in black color and includes a baking tray separable from the electric cooking base. The baking tray includes a hotpot and a grill section so that you can enjoy all food with side dishes. The cooking base features two control knobs so that you can adjust the temperature for the hotpot and the grill separately.

Non-Sticky Material
It has a circle ring for collecting heat and takes 8 seconds to heat up. The baking tray for the grill is separated from the pot with the embedded design. It is great for separate washing and is non-sticky for easy maintenance.

Hotpot With A Divider
The various uses allow you to boil, simmer, as well as fry and stir fry, and roast food at once. Its circular shape is ideal for a real experience of a group of people preparing their own food while hanging out and enjoying the food together. The hot pot features a divider inside so that you can make two different hotpot meals at once. It is enough for preparing food for up to 6 people.

Oil Draining Drawer
The base has a cooling bottom for dissipating heat to prolong the lifetime of the unit. The waste drawer is perfect for draining oil from the tray into it to keep the food healthy. After this unit reaches the set temperature, it will automatically turn off and then reconnect after the temperature goes lower.

Buy On Amazon

Elite Gourmet Grill Hot Plate

14-inch Grill Plate
This Elite item features an electric non-sticking grill with a transparent lid and is available in black color. The 14-inch grilling plate lets you prepare a variety of foods at once. The thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature from 250 to 450 Fahrenheit in 5 settings. The 1300-Watt heating element works to evenly spread the heat.

Glass Lid Prevents Splashes
The edge around the grilling plate grants all the juices and oils can drip away from the food and keep it healthy and delicious. The non-stick hot plate can also be removed from the unit for easy cleaning with a removable drip tray, as well. The domed transparent glass lid is also included so that you can cook without oil splashing.

Dishwasher-Safe Parts
The glass lid, along with the grill and the drip tray, is dishwasher-safe for convenient and easy cleaning after each use. As it is powered by electricity and suitable for inside, you don’t have to wait for the nice weather to be able to enjoy your Korean barbecue.

Affordable Price
The cool-touch base and handles let you transport it at any time without burns and injuries. Another great thing about it is its price as it is considered a cheap hot plate. At an affordable price, you can get an appliance that will make cooking fun and easy.

Buy On Amazon

Iwatani Hot Plate BBQ

Designed For Gas Stoves
This model differs from the previous models in this article as it requires a gas cooking stove to work with. The 12-inch diameter is designed to support gas stoves with a perfect size to fit different food on at the same time. It comes in grey color.

Removable Handle
The overall measurement are is 13.6 inches by 2.2 inches and it weighs 2.16 pounds. It is not suitable for dishwashers. It can be removed from the ring that has slots to fit the stove hob for stability. The removable handle is included to help you take it off the base.

For Three People
The large hot plate is designed with die-cast aluminum with fluorine processing and a steel saucer. It is enough to cook food for three people and drains the oil and fat away from the meat for healthy eating. The smokeless design is great for use in the kitchen without setting the smoke alarm off.

Non-Stick Material
The non-stick surface needs to be washed carefully to prevent scratching of the material. However, washing should not be a hassle as the oil and fat are drained away and it prevents sticking of the food. It is ideal for smaller gatherings or small families.

Buy On Amazon

CookKing Plate For Cooking

Aluminum Non-Stick Plate
This model is suitable to use with a gas stovetop as it features a special design on the bottom that fits the gas cooktops for stability. It is made in Korea and constructed from aluminum material and features a non-stick layer for stress-free cooking. As it can be used both indoors and outdoors, so it is suitable for all kinds of barbecue parties.

Sloped Design Drains Fats
Its sloped shape makes sure all the fats and oils drain away from the food and is ideal for cooking different types of meat pork belly, chunks of beef, and even seafood like fish and shrimps. It can also be used for vegetables. The separate compartments alloq you to cook different foods at once, including runny food and garlic which is a tradition in Korean cooking.

Handles For Portability
The 12.25-inch diameter measures an additional 3.5 inches with compartments around the edge of the plate. There are two handles so that you can easily transport and position it on the stove. With the handles, it measures 17 inches. As it is sloped, it is 2 inches high on one side, and 1.5 inches on the other side.

For Traditional Korean BBQ
As it can cook various dishes at once, this gas hot plate is ideal for several people to each cook their own food while spending time together. That way you can enjoy a real Korean barbecue party, whether it be inside or outside. You can enjoy your favorite food without having to go to a restaurant.

Buy On Amazon

How To Use This Type Of Hot Plate?

It actually depends on the way it is powered, so electric models work differently than gas-powered ones. Here is what you should know about the usage.

Fuel-Powered Models

The unit should be stabilized over its fuel source. Adjust the flame and preheat it before you put any meat on the surface. Make sure to always keep an eye on the meat that you’re grilling. Once the food is cooked, place it on the sides so they remain hot.

Electric Models

Place a hot plate on the flat surface, turn it on, set the temperature, and you’re good to go.

Features For Safety & Stability

Since they come with a rather unique purpose, they must be designed to offer the highest level of safety. Most models come with overheating protection, automatic shut off, and well-designed bottom which ensure stability and security.

Table Specifications

The appliance is usually placed on the center of the table, so make sure that table is big enough so people around it aren’t too close. This way, they can safely eat without worrying about getting hurt.

Are They Safe To Use Indoors?

Gas hot plates are suitable for outdoor and professional spaces such as restaurants that have all the right safety conditions and measurements. Electric models are great for both indoor and outdoor use at home.

How To Clean It? Here Are The Instructions!

Don’t worry – cleaning is a breeze! Here are the 2 easiest ways to clean your new hot plate.

Baking Soda Mix

Sprinkle baking soda on the plate. Spray small amounts of water over it. Rub the surface with a soft cloth and wipe everything off.

Vinegar & Water

Mix vinegar and water. Spray the mixture on the surface and let it rest for 15 minutes before you scrub the grill clean.

Are All Korean Grills Dishwasher Safe?

No. This mostly depends on the model you go for so check the user’s manual for details.

Drip Tray For Excess Oils

To save time cleaning, go for a model that has a drip tray. All the excess oils drip through the holes into the drip tray placed underneath. This part is usually dishwasher-safe.

What Meat Type Is Perfect For It?

Not all types of meat and ingredients are ideal for preparing on it. But here are the details to help you out on planning your first such barbecue.

Short Ribs

These ribs are specifically cut for Korean BBQ. They are cut thinly across the bone.

Pork Belly & Jowl

Pork belly is prepared marinated or plain, it can be thick or thin. You can also grill pork jowl, as this part is juicy, chewy, and perfectly marbled.

Chicken

Chicken is not that often prepared this way, however, chicken thighs may be marinated in spicy flavors and then grilled.