Best 6 Low Wattage Hot Plates: Perfect For Preparing Simple & Quick Meals

Need a low wattage hot plate to take along on your travels?

Keen on learning more about them?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Continue reading this article to find out about different types and where you can take it with you. Here you can also find out about other features so you can choose the best model for your needs.

The Rundown

What Is A Low Wattage Hot Plate?

It is a small, portable model primarily made for usage in dorm rooms, boats, RVs, and other recreational vehicles. Models like this usually come with a wattage range between 50 and 1,000 watts.

Is It Better To Buy a Standard Model?

These two can’t really be compared since they have different purposes. A standard model is made for classic kitchen use, while a low-wattage option is made for living on the road and for preparing simple meals.

Are There Appliances With Adjustable Wattage?

Yes. There are many units that come with adjustable wattage power. That means that you can set your desired wattage level, in this case, a low power, and use it while you’re on the road. The wattage range varies from one model to the other, but it usually goes from 100 or 200 watts and up.

Do Electric Models Use A Lot Of Power?

Typically, that depends on their wattage. Smaller power models use less than 1 kW on full power. Plug-in plates may use even less as they are limited by the standard breaker.

How Many Amps Can It Draw?

A 1,000 watt hot plate draws approximately 8 amps, while a 500-watt model 4 amps. With that being said, almost any type of power station will have enough power for running a low-wattage unit.

Can It Boil Water?

That depends. Models that are on the higher end of the wattage power, between 700 and 1000 watts, need less than 7 minutes to boil water. Hot plates with lower wattage than that will take a bit more time to boil water. 50 watts models probably won’t boil it, only warm it up.

Perfect For Recreational Vehicles & Adventurous Living

These models are designed for a specific purpose – to meet the needs of everyone who live on the road or just love camping as such people do not have a powerful outlet available all the time.

What Can It Do?

Most models, despite the fact that they have low-wattage, can cook pasta, soup, and vegetables, warm food and sauces, fry eggs, steam, grill, and simmer. It will only take a few minutes longer to do those cooking operations, but they will do it.

Low-Powered Hot Plates: Functions & Specifications

Before you get a burner that has less wattage power than a standard appliance, here are the functions you can count on in such a model.

Plate Type: Hidden Or Exposed Coils

If an electric model has hidden coils it is called a coilless hot plate. A model with exposed coils is known as a coil stove. This model actually heats up faster, while on the other hand, a coilless option is easier to clean and comes with a modern and innovative design.

3 Different Cooking Operations

They can have a classic heating operation, induction process, or infrared cooking function. Classic operation is used on cast-iron burners. The induction model comes with a glass cooktop, while infrared has a cooking surface made of a combination of ceramic and glass material.

Which Operation Is The Best?

Every model has its own advantages, for example, a cast-iron hot plate is suitable for any type of cookware, while induction is expensive but heats up really fast. Infrared models are both efficient and fast, but they are also a bit pricey. In the end, every model will provide you with an excellent cooking operation.

Adjustable Temperature Level

Most “weaker” hot plates have a temperature range between 100 and 450 Fahrenheit degrees. The temperature adjustments are done by turning the knob or using the temperature buttons on the control panel.

Compact Design

Since these models are designed for travel, they also need to come in a portable size. Most of them come with 10 to 15 inches big bodies. Some can reach up to 21 inches, but those models are rare.

Durable Construction

As low-wattage models are carried around all the time, they have a strong and sturdy construction which ensures incredible durability. Most models are made of stainless steel, aluminum, cast-iron, or some other sturdy metal.

Compatible Cookware

Hot plates with cast-iron burners and those that use infrared operation are suitable for any type of cookware, including copper, cast-iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Models that have induction cooking operations need special cookware made of a magnetic-based material such as cast-iron or stainless steel.

Best 6 Low Wattage Hot Plates

Maxi-Matic ESB-300X Hot Plate

Coils Above A Chrome Tray
This ESB-300X electric burner hot plate features coils fitted above a chrome dip tray with a control knob that lets you choose the temperature level. You can place it on any countertop because it has non-slip feet that will keep it stable and protect it from slipping.

Low, Medium & High Temperatures
The heating element with coils heats up the cookware according to the temperature level set on the control knob. It allows you to choose between low, medium, and high levels for different types of cooking. It should be easy to clean as the coils are lifted off the drip tray that collects any spillage.

Ideal For Small Spaces
It comes with compact and portable design so that you can use it while traveling, spending time in your boat or recreational vehicle. It is also great for use in other confined spaces without a kitchen, such as dormitories, offices, and studio apartments.

Convenient Cool-Touch Handles
As the coils can be lifted off for convenient cleaning of the drip tray once they are cool. Cleaning should be done by using a warm damp cloth. The handles are located on the side of the single burner and stay cool so that you can adjust the position even during cooking.

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Haofy 500-Watt Hot Plate

5 Temperature Levels
It is powered by electricity and should be plugged out of the power outlet after switching the unit off. The red indicator light shows when the plate is heating and turns off once it acquires the wanted temperature. This model comes with a turning knob that adjusts the temperature in 5 levels.

Fast Heating 500-Watt Model
The unit uses 500 Watts to heat up fast. It can be used on the go when traveling for work, camping, staying on a boat, or other recreational vehicles. Thanks to its compact size, it can even be used in spaces without a kitchen, such as student dormitories. The 3.9-inch cooktop surface comes built into a 2.95-inch high housing that is 5.3 inches wide.

Overheating Protection
This small and safe hot plate can work with any kind of cookware, including copper, aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. The built-in thermal fuse protects the unit for overheating to prevent injuries and damage. It does so by automatically cutting off the heat for a few seconds when it reaches the set temperature and then continues the heating process.

First-Time Use
When using this model for the first time, make sure to burn off the protective film on the surface by putting the temperature on setting 5 for about 10 minutes. It will produce a small amount of smoke and then be able to work normally.

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Cusimax Infrared Low Wattage Plate

Ceramic Glass Cooktop
This countertop apppliance features an infrared single burner with a ceramic glass cooktop. It is compatible to use with any type of cookware with a maximum diameter size of 7.9 inches. This 1,500-Watt model lets you adjust the power so that it can be used in different spaces and for different meals. The power levels can be adjusted between 100 and 1500 Watts.

Control Panel With LED Screen
It comes with a built-in fan that helps to cool down the unit faster and prevents overheating. The model also has a control panel with an LED screen where you can adjust the power and set up the timer from 1 to 180 minutes. It has an oval shape and measures 4.13 inches in depth, 18.5 inches in width, and 12.13 inches in length.

Portable With Handles
Because of its compact size, it can be used in any space and stored when not needed. The feet allow stability on any countertop. It is easily portable with handles located on the sides of the stainless steel housing. It heats up fast and can be used to cook pasta, soup, vegetables, warm sauces, etc.

User-Friendly
The ceramic glass surface is easy to clean by wiping a damp cloth over the cool surface. Unlike induction models, this electric countertop hot plate has no radiation and is thus harmless. It is also quiet during use. Place it on any countertop surface and you can cook a variety of meals with different power settings.

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SPT Low Wattage Cooktop

Black With Silver Details
This model comes in black color with silver details and has a sleek design. It can be used as an extra burner in the kitchen or taken with you on trips for cooking in small spaces even without a kitchen. It will easily fit into any decor and can also be stored when not in use.

Induction-Capable Pots & Pans
It is powered by electricity and features an induction cooktop surface. It requires induction-capable cookware to be able to function properly. If you are not sure whether your pot is suitable for it, there is a trick you can do. In case a magnet sticks to the bottom, it can be used with this cooktop surface.

7 Power Levels 
This unit offers 1300 Watts of power, but lets you adjust it between 7 levels. You can choose between 100 and 1300 Watts in 200-Watt increments. The temperature can also be adjusted between 100 and 390 Fahrenheit degrees.

Control Panel With Auto-Lock
Both the power and temperature adjustments can be done by touching the buttons on the control panel. It also features a timer that can be set up to 8 hours which is also convenient for precise cooking. It is also safe to use even around the kids as it has an auto-lock on the touch buttons.

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Aroma Housewares 1000W Hot Plate

Matte Black Finish
This single burner is powered by electricity and uses 1,000 Watts. It comes in matte black color and features a round cooktop built into a squared housing with 10-inch long sides. It is compact for portability or using as an extra burner in the kitchen when needed.

Four Temperature Settings
The cooking surface is constructed with a die-cast metal so it is durable and easy to keep clean. It features a control knob with an off switch and four temperature settings. It lets you choose between warm, low, medium, and high levels. The indicator light warns you when the unit is on and heating up.

For Travel & Small Spaces
Its compact design makes it easy to transport from one place to the other. You can take it on trips with you in your recreational vehicle, boat, or even use it in your hotel room while traveling. Moreover, it is suitable for studio apartments and door rooms or even cooking while camping.

Straightforward Maintenance
After you are done with cooking, you should let it cool down and then clean it. It is made for convenient cleaning and easy maintenance with hard surfaces so food doesn’t get stuck. This way this budget hot plate is more hygienic to use.

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Chefman Electric Hot Plate

For Warming Food
Unlike the rest of the models in this article, this appliance is designed to keep food warm, rather than to cook food. It consists of a warming tray 21 inches wide and 16 inches long with a glass surface on top. The housing features an indicator light and two handles on the sides for carrying.

Protected From Overheating
The turning knob offers low, medium, and high levels of temperature up to 265 Fahrenheit degrees. You can use this hot plate warmer to heat up the food or keep it warm throughout the day. It is protected from overheating so that you can use it all day long. However, it should not be used for longer than 72 hours at once.

400 Watts
The side handles are convenient for storing or transporting the unit from one place to another. It uses 400 Watts and is suitable for any kind of heat-resistant cookware and bakeware. This includes glass and aluminum pans, pots, casseroles, and baking trays.

For Parties & Holiday Meals
The handles are constructed from aluminum so that they can stay cool to the touch for safe carrying. The hot plate is large enough to fit several dishes at once, which makes it ideal for party food or holiday meals. As it keeps food warm or quickly warms it up, you can always have food ready for serving at the perfect temperature.

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Less Power But High Safety

As with any other type and model, this one also meets the highest demands of safety and security. Most models in the offer have light indicators and a well-designed bottom with non-slip rubber feet which ensure stability.

Built-In Fan & Thermal Fuse

These features cool down the cooking appliance and protect it from overheating.

Let A Plate Cool Down

Make sure that your hot plate is all cooled down before you even think of storing it! A hot unit may be a fire hazard if it isn’t handled properly.

Cleaning Is Easy But It Depends On The Type

Cleaning is relatively simple and easy, however, it does differ depending on the position of the models’ coils.

Coilless Hot Plate

This model is a bit easier to clean since it has a flat cooktop. All you need is a wet cloth and some mild detergent. Wipe the cooking surface and dry it with another cloth.

Coil Model

Hot plate with exposed coils is just a little bit harder to clean, but we’re talking about minutes of cleaning differences. Here is how you clean this model.

Step 1. Lift up the coils.
Step 2. Make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
Step 3. Use a toothbrush to get to all the parts from the cooking surface.
Step 4. Wipe the appliance with a dry cloth or gentle sponge.