Best 6 Metal Hot Plates In 2022: Made Of Cast Iron, Stainless Steel Or Aluminum




Keen on buying a metal hot plate?

Hoping to learn more information about this kind of hot plate?

Then check out the models of single and double burners with metal surfaces on the heating elements and read their reviews to compare their features and characteristics. Moreover, you can also learn about the things to look out for when buying such kitchen appliance to make sure it fits your needs and your space.

The Rundown

Cuisinart CB30 Hot Plate RundownCuisinart CB30 Hot Plate
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Housed in a durable stainless steel body, this single burner can obtain 6 different levels of heat for cooking in any small space.
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DULONG Griddle Stainless Steel RundownDulong Grill Hot Plate
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
A large 22-inch griddle cooking surface is ideal for preparing a variety of foods at temperatures up to 572°F.
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Sunavo Hot Plate RundownSunavo Hot Plate
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
Designed for durability, it lets you cook 2 meals at once with independent temperature adjustments and is ideal for iron skillets.
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Metal Hot Plate: What Is It?

These are models that are constructed of strong, sturdy, and durable metal such as cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

So This Model Comes With Metal Housing?

Yes. When we’re speaking of metal appliance, we’re talking about its housing and construction. People often mistake such a model with ones that have metal burners.

Why Exactly Would I Need It?

For its great strength and durability. But besides that, these models will give you what they’re designed for – a great cooking operation.

Private Or Commercial Use

They are ideal for both home and commercial use because they can withstand continuous usage of a professional kitchen, as well as preparing dinner every night in your backyard.

metal hot plate

Electric Models Are Great For Use Anywhere

Speaking of various usage options, electric hot plates with metal construction can be used both indoor and outdoor, which is great because then you don’t need to get a big grill for your backyard.

What To Know About Hot Plates With Metal Construction

We already mentioned that these models are strong and durable, but what about their other specifications and functionalities? Here is what you should know.

2 Types Of Models

Besides the mentioned electric option, you can go for a gas model too. Unlike electric models that depend on the available power outlet, gas hot plates can easily be used in your backyard or on a camping trip. All you need is a gas fuel canister and that’s it. However, they are for outdoor use only.

Great Weight Limit & Strength

These hot plates are specific due to their strength. They can withstand up to 100 pounds, while other models can hold up to 50 pounds.

Wattage vs. BTU Power

Most electric units with metal construction come with power between 1,000 and 2,000 watts. Gas models can have up to 100,000 BTU. However, have in mind that the total power of watts or BTU is divided equally to each of the burners. 1 watt is equal to 3.41 BTU.

what to cook on metal hot plate

High Heat Regulations

No matter the type, they all have a temperature range between 100 and 600 Fahrenheit degrees. That is the same heat range has other hot plates and you can adjust the temperature to your needs.

Housing With Metal Or Ceramic Burners

All these models don’t only have strong construction but also sturdy burners. Most of them come with cast iron or ceramic heating areas. You can choose electric models with single or double burners or gas models with up to 4 burners.

Cast Iron & Ceramic Burners: What’s The Difference?

Cast iron burners use simple electric operation, they are sturdy and long-lasting. Ceramic burners use infrared operation, they are scratch-resistant, and they heat up quicker than cast iron ones. However, ceramic burners can withstand less weight (up to 50 pounds) and they are easier to break.

Cookware Restrictions – What To Know?

Hot plates with cast-iron construction don’t require special cookware to work with. You can use any type of cooking pot and pans with a flat bottom. However, for optimal cooking results, do not use cookware that is larger than the burner itself.

Budget-Friendly Or Pricey?

Electric hot plates with metal housing can be found at prices between $20 and $60. Gas models on the other hand are a lot more expensive and their price can go up to $500 and more.

Best 6 Metal Hot Plates

Cuisinart CB30 Hot Plate

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 11.5 x 11 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 6.85 Pounds
Heating Element: 1
Controls Type: 6 Levels Knob
Power: 1,300W

This hot plate features an electric single burner with a cast-iron construction and uses 1,300 Watts for cooking. A turning knob for temperature regulation is located on the front side of the body along with the ‘ready’ and ‘on’ indicator lights. The lights will warn you when the heating element is on and when it reaches the set temperature.

Cuisinart CB30 Hot Plate

The overall measurements are 11.5 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 2.5 inches in height. It is small enough to use it in any space without taking up too much room. You can use it as an extra burner in the kitchen, or take it with you when you are traveling and living away from home.

Cuisinart CB30 Hot Plate Review

This unit is encased in a stainless steel body for durability and has rubber feet to prevent slipping on surfaces. As the burner has no visible coils, it is easy to keep clean. By adjusting the heat from low to high, you get to cook a variety of meals in any type of cookware, while the unit stays stable and safe on the counter. It will look stylish in your kitchen, dorm room, office, etc, and be easy to maintain clean.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★★
Capacity: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $50 to $70 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts

Short Description:

  • metal single electric burner
  • uses a power supply of 1300 Watts
  • 11.5 inches long, 11 inches wide
  • durable brushed stainless steel housing
  • 6 temperature settings on the dial

Dulong Grill Hot Plate

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 21.65 x 16.93 x 8.27 inches
Weight: 46.8 Pounds
Heating Element: 1
Controls Type: Adjustable
Power: 3,000W

If you are searching for a hot plate with a cast-iron surface to use for grilling food, this model can do just that. It has a large 22-inch cooking surface that is half flat and half groove for cooking many different meals. A waste tray located under the griddle is connected to the hole on the surface by a grease channel for draining the excess oils and grease.

DULONG Griddle Stainless Steel Review

The temperature of the griddle can be adjusted up to 572 Fahrenheit degrees for barbecuing different meats and foods. You don’t have to worry about hot oil and grease splashing around it comes with back and side splash protection. The waste tray is easily removable by sliding it out to clean it quickly and effectively.

This griddle for BBQ can be used to make different breakfast meals, pancakes, pizza, bacon, cheese, and much more. The griddle hot plate uses 3,000 Watts of power for cooking and needs a layer of cooking oil to make delicious food. After you clean the unit, you should also apply cooking oil to the griddle to prevent rust.

DULONG Griddle Stainless Steel

The stainless steel housing makes this product durable and it can even be used commercially. With a wide temperature range, you can use it for preparing a variety of foods without it sticking to the plate thanks to the non-stick coating.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★★
Capacity: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $200 to $500 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 22-inch half flat, half grooved griddle
  • temperature adjustments up to 572°F
  • removable waste tray for easy cleaning
  • uses 2000 Watts of power for cooking
  • features back and side splash protection
  • for breakfast, pancakes, bacon, cheese, etc

Sunavo Hot Plate

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Cast Iron
Dimensions: 20.9 x 8.86 x 3.2 inches
Weight: 9.58 Pounds
Heating Element: 2
Controls Type: 5-level settings
Power: 1,800W

This cast-iron model features two burners with independent temperature dials that both feature 5 heat settings for various cooking needs. You can use them to keep food warm or cook steaks, kinds of pasta, and much more. The large burner uses 1,000 Watts, while the smaller one uses 800 Watts.

Sunavo Hot Plate Review

It can be used to cook food in any type of cookware, including cast iron skillets. It is only important that cooking pots and pans have flat bottoms for maximum contact with the heating surface. With the overheating safety protection, this product turns on and off to prevent the temperature from getting too high.

The body is constructed from stainless steel for durability and ease of maintenance. It is compact and easy to transport so that you can use it even in dorm rooms, RVs, when camping, and cooking on the go. The smaller burner has a diameter of 6 inches while the bigger one is 7.1 inches.

Sunavo Hot Plate

The unit is 8.86 inches wide, 20.87 inches long, and 3.15 inches high. It has no electromagnetic radiation and makes no noise for safe and comfortable cooking. As it has two burners, you can use this model with a cast-iron skillet on one burner, and use the other burner for something else.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Quality: ★★★★★
Capacity: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $50 to $80 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 6-inch and 7.1-inch cast-iron burners
  • 20.87 inches long and 8.86 inches wide
  • each burner has 5 temperature settings
  • ideal for cookware with flat bottoms
  • safety features including overheating protection
  • easy-to-clean stainless steel housing
  • ideal for cooking pasta, steaks, and much more

Durabold Metal Hot Plate

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Cast Iron
Dimensions: 19.5 x 11.2 x 3 inches
Weight: 7.68 Pounds
Heating Element: 2
Controls Type: 5-level settings
Power: 1,700W

This hot plate features two burners constructed to deliver even heat distribution across the heating elements. The burners are encased in a stainless steel body for durability and easy cleaning. The coil-less burners are also easy to keep clean compared to the coiled heating elements.

Durabold Plate

The bigger burner has a 7-inch diameter and uses 1,000 Watts, while the smaller burner has a 6-inch diameter and a power supply of 700 Watts. The burners are spaced apart enough to fit two cooking pots and pans at once while the unit stays stable thanks to the non-slip feet.

Each of the two burners has an individual temperature dial where you can choose between lower and high heat levels for cooking. Choosing the lower heat is ideal for keeping food warm and simmering, while higher temperatures will let you boil and fry.

Durabold Metal Hot Plate

The unit is small enough to use it in recreational vehicles, dorm rooms, offices, or take it out occasionally to use it in the kitchen. It will save space in busy kitchens and won’t take up a lot of space when stored. Choosing between warm, low, medium, and high options, you can also use this electric double burner outdoors.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Quality: ★★★★☆
Capacity: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $50 to $65 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • cast-iron burners deliver heat evenly
  • the 6-inch burner uses 700 Watts
  • the 7-inch burner uses 1000 Watts
  • independent heat controls for each burner
  • warm, low, medium, and high settings

Elite Gourmet Maxi Matic ESB-301F

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Metal
Dimensions: 10.62 x 3.25 x 9 inches
Weight: 3 Pounds
Heating Element: 1
Controls Type: Adjustable
Power: 1,000W

This single burner model uses 1,000 Watts to let you cook different foods faster.The burner can withstand different cookware sizes and materials for making delicious meals in the kitchen or spaces without one. Also, it is good to know that the flat hot plate is made for easy cleaning.

Elite Cuisine Electric Burner Review

The power light indicates when the burner is turned on for safety so you don’t have to be guessing when the kitchen appliance is turned on and heating to prevent burns. The turning knob lets you choose between different temperature settings from warm, low, to medium and high levels.

This cooking appliance is designed for countertop use and won’t slide on the surface with anti-slip rubber feet. The electric countertop burner is 9 inches long and wide, and 3.25 inches high so it doesn’t take up a lot of space for cooking anywhere with access to electricity.

Elite Cuisine Electric Burner

No Cookware Restrictions
The cast-iron heating surface is non-sticking and spreads heat evenly for more precise cooking without cold spots and patches. It works with any type of cooking pots and pans without restrictions, such as glass, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and much more.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Quality: ★★★★★
Capacity: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $20 to $40 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 9 inches long and wide, 3.25 inches high
  • cast-iron burner spreads heat evenly
  • 1000-Watt power supply for faster cooking
  • warm, low, medium, high-temperature options
  • anti-slip rubber legs for safety and stability
  • works with all types of cooking pots and pans

CUSIMAX B101 Electric Hot Plate

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.79 x 2.71 inches
Weight: 5.66 Pounds
Heating Element: 1
Controls Type: 7-level settings
Power: 1,500W

This model has a power supply of 1,500 Watts to operate a 7.4-inch single cast-iron burner. It comes in a black stainless steel body and features two turning knobs on the front side. One turning knob is used to turn the unit on and off, while the other lets you choose between 7 heat levels when cooking.

CUSIMAX metal Burner

To cook on it, you can use any type of cookware as long as it is not bigger than 7.1 inches in diameter. By adjusting the temperature, you can boil water, cook pasta, soup, vegetables, steaks, make warm sauces, or grill cheese, and more.

The dimensions are 7.79 inches in width, 11.6 inches in length, and 2.71 inches in height. The compact design is made for cooking in confined spaces, such as dorm rooms, recreational vehicles, offices, and more. This travel hot plate is ideal for use on the go as it is easily portable and doesn’t take up a lot of space.

CUSIMAX metal Burner Review

After cooking, this product should be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. Placing it on any countertop will be safe as the rubber feet will make it stable and thus safe to use. Apart from traveling, it can be used in the kitchen when you need an extra burner for cooking from time to time.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★☆
Capacity: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $40 to $50 depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 7.79 inches wide, 11.6 inches long
  • temperature knob with 7 heat levels
  • single 7.4-inch cast-iron burner
  • saves space for storage and portability
  • all types of cookware under 7.1 inches
  • easy-to-clean black stainless steel body
  • cooks different food at different temperatures

First Use: Easy & Without Panic

These models are like any other – simple and easy to use with only one control knob for adjusting the temperature. And that’s it. But here are two more factors which can confuse you.

Is It Normal That My Hot Plate Smokes & Smells?

If it’s the first usage, yes. The first time you turn on your new kitchen addition, the unit needs to burn off the protective film. After that, the appliance shouldn’t make any smoke or smell.

Can I Use A Metal Model On The Countertop?

Yes, you can. It won’t scratch your countertop. But if you want to be sure, you can add an additional mat on the countertop and then place your the cooking plate on it.

clean metal hot plate

Materials & Constructions You Should Avoid

Most metals, especially the ones we already mentioned like cast iron and stainless steel, are great materials for hot plate construction. On the other hand, make sure to avoid plastic or too cheap models since they can be made of cheap and too thin metal materials which aren’t safe and won’t last.

Standard But High Safety Features

Like any other hot plate, a metal model also comes with classic safety features which meet the needs of every safety regulation.

Are Metal Hot Plates Safer Than Other Models?

Every type has great components of safety, so no, metal models aren’t considered safer than others. In the terms of hot plates, they all need to meet the highest safety regulations and measurements.

What Safety Features Do They Have?

These models come with overheating protection and light indicators. They also have anti-slip rubber legs for stability. Gas hot plates also come with wind protection.

To Wrap It Up

Finally, the Cuisinart hot plate stands out among the rest. It has a durable design and lets you cook on 6 different temperature levels that you can choose from by turning the heat control knob. For other durable options powered by electricity, you can take a look at this article about infrared hot plates. If you are interested in using a hot plate outdoors, check out this list of the best outdoor hot plates on the market.



Meghan
Meghan began her career as a journalist in 2016 after graduating with a Master’s degree. Through her work as a journalist, she has built relationships with many industry leaders, including experts in cooking which prompted her interest in cuisine. In 2018, she joined a cooking course where she explored many tips and tricks she presents in her articles and reviews. Meghan joined the Kitchentoast team in 2020 and since then, she has been focusing on writing about cooking, baking, design, kitchen appliances, and more.