Best 6 Infrared Hot Plates: Prepare Every Meal Quick, Easy & Safe

Undecided about which infrared hot plate to get?

This article will help you make a decision on which features to keep in mind when buying such a product. Moreover, in this article, you can check for reviews of best models, including single and double burners, portable models, and even cheap options.

The Rundown

What Is An Infrared Hot Plate?

That is a classic electric coilless hot plate with a flat, smooth surface. The heating area of such a plate is covered in glass. Infrared models produce more radiant heat which is transferred through heat waves onto the food product.

How Does It Differ From A Classic Model?

Classic models have single or double cast-iron burners, they are efficient and fast. However, infrared options have a modern and innovative design and they are much faster. For comparison, they need no more than 4 minutes to boil water. Classic electric hot plates need up to 7 minutes.

Infrared vs. Induction

Induction models heat up the magnetic bottom of stainless steel or cast iron cookware placed on the heating surface, and they do it fast. Infrared uses radiation and vibrate the molecules inside the food. This way, food retains more moisture.

Which Is Better: Induction Or Infrared?

The induction hot plate is more energy-efficient as it heats up the pot magnetically. Such a model requires special cookware to work with so it comes with rather high expenses. Infrared cooktops are more effective in equally cooked foods. They offer more practical, exact, and speedy heat while cooking. Plus, they are more affordable and can work with any type of cookware. Due to all that, infrared models are a better option.

Energy-Efficiency: Additional Details

The annual costs can be up to 14% lower compared to the infrared one, according to the study from 2021. This option needs to be taken into consideration too.

Why Should Someone Get This Burner?

These hot plates use technology that is incredibly effective. If you want to get the most efficient model with a fast-heating up process and modern design, the infrared option is ideal for you.

Budget-Friendly Models

These models can be found for $30, as well as for $100. The choice is yours, but you will definitely be able to fit a new hot plate into your budget.

Ideal For Your Kitchen & Backyard

They need electricity to work. However, if you have an available power outlet in your backyard, you can easily use it there too. Since it can be used both indoor and outdoor, this is a rather versatile model.

Before Buying It, You Need To Know These Details

As with any other kitchen appliance, there are some key specifications and functions you need to know about before you decide to get one.

How Do They Work?

They do not need gas or flame to be able to cook food. They rely on the infrared light bouncing off of molecules that make them vibrant and thus produce heat. The heating surface glows a radiant red color as the halogen lamps inside are combined with radiant coils to transfer the heat to the cookware placed on top.

Is It The Same As Microwave?

Both these units and microwaves transmit waves of heat, however, microwave radiation involves a specific frequency of bands while infrared has a wider range. That means that microwave radiation is more specified, while infrared rays are less controlled.

Do These Models Have Strong Housing?

Yes. Most of them have units made of a sturdy metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. These materials are not only strong but durable too.

Variety Of Sizes

There are great compact and portable models, as well as bigger designs that are perfect for commercial use. Most infrared models’ size varies from 9 inches to 20 inches. Commercial models can get a bit bigger than that too.

Cooktop Surface Specifications

These hot plates come with a glass cooktop surface. Thanks to that, the heat spreads quickly and evenly, and it ensures precise cooking.

Single Or Double Burners

If the model you want has a single burner, then its heating area is usually around 7 inches in diameter. In the terms of double burners, if both burners are the same in size, then they are usually 7-inch big in diameter. If they have different sizes, then one is usually around 6 inches, while the other is around 7 inches.

How Powerful Are Such Models?

If you go for a single burner, the wattage range goes from 100 watts to 1,500 watts. If you want a double burner, the power range goes from 1,000 watts to 1,800 watts.

Adjustable Temperature Goes Up To 500°F

The temperature range usually goes from 100 to 500 Fahrenheit degrees. They can come with two types of temperature control. They can either have a classic turning knob or a touch screen. Whichever your choice may be, you can easily regulate the temperature and choose between different heat settings.

Compatible Cookware: Which Can I Use?

Infrared appliances are suitable for any type of cookware. From glass and metal to stainless steel and cast iron. However, the cookware needs to have a flat bottom.

These Models Have Glass Cooktop. What Is Their Weight Limit?

Most glass models can hold up to 7 pounds of weight. However, this can vary from one model to the other, so make sure to read the manual.

Best 6 Infrared Hot Plates

Ovente BGI101S Countertop Burner

Stainless Steel & Ceramic
This Ovente comes in a flat stainless steel housing and is equipped with a crystallite ceramic glass cooking surface. It weighs only 3 pounds and is slim so it does not take up a lot of space on any countertop. Likewise, it is also suitable for travel as it is easily portable.

7-Inch Cooking Surface
The 7-inch unit does not have any cookware restrictions and can be used with any kind of heat-resistant pots and pans. For the best results, however, it is recommended to use it with flat cookware with a diameter close to 7 inches. Apart from using this unit to help you in the kitchen, you can also take it with you camping, cooking in studio apartments, or RVs.

Heats Quickly & Evenly
The infrared technology warms the surface very quickly and evenly for fast and precise cooking. Using a clean damp cloth to wipe the unit will be enough to keep it clean. The 1,000-Watt model features a temperature knob and a power indicator light. The thermostat knob lets you choose the heat setting for precisely cooking a certain meal.

Safe To Use
The non-slip feet make it safe for any countertop without sliding while you are stirring the food, etc. Its sleek and modern design fits into almost any kitchen interior and even in front of guests. As it has no open flame, it is also easy and safe hot plate.

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Cukor Ceramic Hot Plate

Ceramic Glass Burners
This double burner is equipped with a 7.1-inch and a 5.9-inch ceramic glass cooking surface with a durable stainless steel body. Separate temperature knobs and power indicator lights for each burner are located in front of the unit. It is 10.2 inches long and 17.5 inches wide and can even be transported if needed.

Cookware Restrictions
The 1,800-Watt power supply is enough to perform different cooking needs such as frying, slow cooking, boiling water, barbecuing, etc. You can use it with any type of cookware, as long as its diameter isn’t more than 7.1 inches and it doesn’t weigh more than 22 pounds.

For Kitchen & Smaller Spaces
This type of appliance can be used in the kitchen when you need an extra cooktop surface whilst preparing a lot of food. Moreover, it can also be used in smaller spaces without a stove, like kitchenettes in studio apartments, or on boats and other recreational vehicles.

Even & Quick Heat Distribution
The built-in thermal fuse protects the unit from overheating. It cycles on and off to keep the cooking surface at a set temperature. The energy-efficient infrared technology spreads heat evenly and quickly without producing any smoke as there is no visible flame.

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Techwood Infrared Plate

LED Touch Display
This single cooktop has a 1,500-Watt power supply and features a front turning knob for settings. The LED touch display lets you adjust the temperature, while you can also change the power level and set a timer with the turning kob. You can choose between 6 power levels from 400 to 1,500 Watts, and set up the timer between 1 and 180 minutes.

Durable & Stylish 
The model is safe to use and comes with brushed stainless steel housing for durability. The stylish design is a great addition to any kitchen or space without one. Unlike induction models, this model can be used with any kind of cooking pots and pans, including glass, ceramic, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Maintains The Desired Temperature
The unit heats fast and evenly without any cold spots for delicious cooking. You can easily control the food you’re making with the adjustable timer to make cooking easier and more precise. The desired temperature will stay obtained as the unit will cycle on and off with an automatic safety shutoff function.

Packed With Safety Features
For fast dissipating of the heat, the built-in fan works to keep you safe by preventing the temperature levels from getting out of hand. In case that should happen, there is a feature that will safely prevent overheating. You can use this single burner safely as it won’t slip around the countertops thanks to non-skid feet. It is also small in size and can be used for travel and in confined spaces.

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Cusimax Infrared Cooktop

Two 900-Watt Burners
A stainless steel body houses double crystallite glass plates with independent temperature knobs and power indicator lights. Each burner has a 900-Watt power supply and measures 7.1 inches in diameter. It works with any type of cookware and should ideally be used with pots and pans that have a smaller diameter than the burners.

Suitable For Small Spaces
You can use it to cook vegetables, grill cheese, make eggs, fry foods, boil water and pasta, and more. Once you finish cooking, give it about 15 minutes to cool off and then wipe with a clean damp cloth. It is great for everyday use as it is durable, but can also be used for travel or in small spaces where there is no room for a regular stove.

Cooks Two Meals At Once
By adjusting the temperature between low and high options, you get to cook more precisely. It measures 13 inches in length, 19.7 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in height. It is big enough to let you cook two things at once, but also compact enough to use on the go and in small spaces.

Modern & Stylish
For safety during operation, there is an automatic shutoff function. The design with ceramic and stainless steel materials makes it a stylish choice for any kitchen, giving off modern vibes. You can use it in the office or studio apartment, but even at home when entertaining a lot of people.

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Cusimax Glass Single Burner Plate

LED Screen With Touch Buttons
This portable model features a glass surface with a single burner and an LED display screen with touch buttons. The burner is fitted into a stainless steel body and features side handles. The unit lets you adjust the temperature and the power level on the touch screen while also allowing you to set up a timer.

Adjustable Power Levels
The available power range is between 100 and 1,500 Watts and the plate takes only a few seconds to heat for faster cooking. The oval ceramic portable plate can be used with any type of cookware with a diameter under 7.9 inches. You can cook pasta, boil water, make warm sauces, cook vegetables, etc. The cooking timer can be set between 1 and 180 minutes.

Portable & Compact
The Cusimax burner is 18.5 inches long, 12.13 inches wide, and 4.13 inches high. The weight of 1.13 pounds makes it ideal for travel and use in confined spaces. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat and there is an automatic safety shutoff function, as well. The fan is built-into the unit to help cool it down quickly.

Safe For Countertops
The legs on the travel hot plate help with security so that the unit doesn’t slip on tables and countertops while you are cooking. You can use it in your kitchen or pack it in your suitcase to use on your boat, recreational vehicle, hotel room, etc.

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Sunavo Infrared Burner

1200-Watt Power Supply
This single burner comes in silver and black color and is powerful enough to boil one liter of water under 5 minutes. The 1,200-Watt unit allows you to choose between 6 levels of power supply to better control temperature for precise cooking. The temperature knob has a minimum temperature option along with 6 other levels.

Suitable With Flat Cookware
The unit is suitable to use with flat cookware and the 7.5-inch burner can be used with pots and pans with a maximum diameter of 7.9 inches. It is 10.12 inches long, 11.1 inches wide, and 2.52 inches high. Thanks to its small and compact size, you can use it any big or small cooking space.

Energy-Saving & No-Noise
The handles on the sides are installed for safe moving of the unit, letting you use it in your RVs or while living without a kitchen, in dorm rooms, studio apartments, etc. Without noise and with fast heating, you can save energy while cooking on this model.

Durable & Easy To Clean
This cheap burner hot plate is protected from overheating and automatically turns on and off to maintain the desired set temperature. With a durable design, you can use it for extra help in the busy kitchen or small spaces. It is easy to keep clean, after you are done with cooking, by simply wiping the surface.

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Are These Models Safe To Use?

Yes. However, as with any other hot plate, you should take proper precautions. The surface gets hot and it can burn you if you do not use gloves. Monitor your children if they are nearby and never leave it unattended during cooking.

What Safety Features Are A Must?

The automatic shut-off function, overheating protection, and child lock are some of the features you must consider while looking for your new hot plate.

Does It Have A Fan?

Most of them do come with built-in fans which help to dissipate heat faster. This is also one of the safety components that provide safer use.

Are They Stable Too?

Yes. These models can have well-designed bottom and/or non-slip rubber feet. Both features ensure stability and security.

Design Made For Easy Cleaning

With such a flat surface, cleaning is really a breeze. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe it, dry it with another cloth, and that’s it. Simple as that.