Best 6 Small Hot Plates: Mini Designs With Great Cooking Abilities

You have room only for a small hot plate?

Then take a look at this in-depth article where you can check out the reviews of many models we chose after researching hot plates. As they are available in different designs and with different features, you can also learn about the things that are important to focus on when buying one.

The Rundown

What Makes a Hot Plate Small?

You can define it as a reduced-size model with a single burner. It is specifically designed as a portable option, one that is easy to carry, move, and store. Also, it is usually used as an additional burner.

What Size Do These Models Have?

In order to be considered small, heating plates need to measure between 5 inches and 9 inches. For comparison, classic models have units around 10 inches and up.

Mini In Size With Great Advantages

If you’re wondering whether or not you should get one, here are some of the advantages of such a model.

Multifunctional Appliance That Saves Space

As these models are small in size and save space, you can use them in your kitchen when you need an extra burner. At the same time, you can take your it with you to the office or your studio apartment. Likewise, they are a great option for students in dorm rooms or when traveling and camping.

What Can I Use It For?

Tiny heating plate can be used as an electric stove and a heater. With that in mind, it is good to know that it has almost the same functions like any other bigger model. You can use it for cooking simple meals or to just warm up food, leftovers, and coffee.

Budget-Friendly Models

Most of them come with prices between $10 and $35 so they won’t eat up all of the budget. Of course, there are some model options with a higher price, but they are rare.

What To Know Before You Buy Mini Hot Plate

Besides being special by their size, these models also have good functions and specifications which will meet the needs of every person.

2 Options: Electric & Non-Electric

They can be electric or non-electric. Electric models can have coils, be coilless, and use infrared or induction technology to cook. A heating model is a non-electric option. That means it needs to be heated up in the oven, microwave, or on the open flame, and once you remove it from the heat, it will retain it. However, you can only warm food on it.

Induction vs. Infrared: What’s The Difference?

The infrared hot plate functions as a microwave – it moves warmth to the cookware by direct infrared radiation. It is fast, efficient, and budget-friendly. The induction model uses an electromagnetic field that transfers the heat to the magnetic cookware. These hot plates are energy-efficient.

Are Mini Versions Strong Enough?

Yes. Despite being small in size, they usually come with 500 and 1,000 watts of power which is great because they are meant for on boats, recreational vehicles, and/or dorm rooms.

Good & Adjustable Temperature Range

Most models come with a temperature range from 100° to 500° Fahrenheit which then allows you to control the heat needed for cooking, boiling, steaming, grilling, and frying.

What Temperature Does A Small Heating Stone Retain?

Most stones are designed to hold the heat of up to 450 Fahrenheit degrees. The stone holds the heat for up to 20 minutes. After that time, it gradually cools down faster with every minute.

Are There Any Cookware Restrictions?

For a heating stone, no. For electric hot plates, there are restrictions only if you’re using an induction model. It is suitable only for specific cookware that features magnetic bottom. Other electric models are compatible with any type of cookware.

What About The Size Of A Cookware?

This depends on the model. Some have around 4 inches big cooktops, while others can have 7-inch cooktops. Those sizes are suitable for most pans and pots. However, have in mind that you shouldn’t use cookware that is bigger than a heating ring.

Do These Models Use Less Power & Electricity?

A bit, yes. However, do not mix low-wattage hot plates with small models. Low-powered models use the least power and electricity. Small models have almost the same functions like any other big model, they are just smaller in size but have a rather powerful unit.

Best 6 Small Hot Plates

Elite Gourmet ESB-301F

Heavy-Duty Construction
This unit comes in the white color of the housing and features a flat single burner with cast-iron construction. The base is cool to the touch for safety and rubber feet on the bottom make sure it is stable on countertops. The front side of the housing features an indicator light and a turning knob for temperature adjustments.

For Versatile Cooking
The 1000-Watt plate offers warm, low, medium, and high-temperature levels for versatile cooking. The heavy-duty heating element spreads heat evenly and is compatible with any type of cookware. It is easy to maintain and keep clean.

Compact Size
This travel hot plate measures 9 inches in length and width and is 3.25 inches high. As such, it can be used in any space with a power outlet, bringing a cooking surface to spaces without a kitchen, which is ideal for travel. You an use it in RVs, dorm and hotel rooms, or offices.

Non-Stick Surface
Its space-saving design makes it ideal for small kitchens and otherwise confined spaces where a regular stove would take up too much space or wouldn’t even be able to fit in. This mini model has a non-stick surface so that you can easily clean it after every use.

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Proctor Silex 34103 Hot Plate

1000-Watt Coil Burner 
This electric model features a coil burner with a stainless steel drip tray built into the white housing. It has a control knob for temperature and a power indicator light. The coils heat up according to the temperature set on the turning knob, from low to high temperatures.

For Home & Away
It can be used for preparing meals anywhere with a power outlet as it is powered by electricity. It can be used as an extra burner in the kitchen when cooking holiday meals or entertaining larger groups. However, it can also be used on the go in spaces without a kitchen. After you are done cooking, wait for the coils to cool down, then lift them to clean the drip area.

Restrictions Of Use
This cheap heating plate is powerful enough to cook meals and compact enough to store away and use on the go. You can use it on holidays in hotel rooms without a kitchen, small studio apartments, and other confined spaces. However, this model should not be used for longer than 60 minutes in 2 hours.

User Manual
It intended for indoor use and must not be left turned on unsupervised and close to flammable materials. When placing it on any countertop surface, make sure it is flat and heat-resistant. It is advised to use the user manual to be able to operate it safely and properly.

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NuWave Pic Flex Heating Plate

For Precision Cooking
This 1300-Watt hot plate is designed for precision cooking with touch buttons on the control panel. It requires induction-ready cookware so that the coils inside the surface can create a magnetic field to heat the pot or the pan. With the purchase of this product, you will also get a 9-inch fry pan suitable for induction hot plates.

100 To 500 Fahrenheit Degrees
The control panel lets you adjust the temperature, set the timer, and choose between different power levels while cooking. The range of temperature is between 100 and 500 Fahrenheit degrees, all in 10-degree increments, and can easily be set by using a button on the panel. You can choose between 3 power settings of 600, 900, and 1300 Watts.

Saves Energy & Money
Thanks to the power levels and the temperature range, you can use this appliacne to boil, simmer, grill, or deep-fry. It is a great energy-efficient unit that saves you money on the energy bill by wasting less energy than other electric models. Without the open fire, there is also less risk of burn and damage. It also automatically shuts off when cookware is removed for safety reasons.

Portable Size
This model is 10.25 inches long, 11.95 inches wide, and only 2.35 inches high. This compact design saves space and lets you use it in any small spaces for cooking, such as RVs, studio apartments, dormitories, etc. You can take this 12-inch hot plate with you when camping and traveling. With adjustable power and a high range of temperatures, you can use this for versatile cooking.

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DasMarine 500W Small Heating Plate

Lightweight & Space-Saving
This tiny model features a 3.9-inch cooktop surface and is 3 inches high. It weighs only 1.94 pounds so you can take it anywhere with you and use it without taking up a lot of space. It can be used with any cooking pot or pan that is compatible in size and flat-bottomed for easy contact with the cooking surface.

5 Temperature Gears
The knob for controlling the temperature has 5 gears so you can cook small meals, make coffee, tea, or heat up milk and wine. When you are not using it, you should turn it off and unplug it from the power outlet. Moreover, it should not be immersed in water or other liquids for cleaning.

Portable Mini Stove
This hot plate for coffee is easily portable, so you can take it anywhere with you. It is ideal for offices, dorm rooms, and other small spaces without a kitchen. As it is extremely lightweight, you can even place it in your carry bag and take with you to use anywhere with access to electricity.

Ideal For Coffee & Tea
When not in use, this 500-Watt coffee hot plate will take up minimal space for storage. This unit is not intended for cooking large meals, but can efficiently boil water for coffee and tea, as well as prepare soup and porridge meals.

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Chef Buddy 82-2005 Stone Plate

Non-Electric Model
Unlike the rest of the models in this article, this one is intended to keep food warm, rather than cook it. It also works differently than the rest of the electric hot plates. You have to heat up because it features a stone center and side handles.

Stone Center Transfers Heat
The stone plate to keep food warm is constructed from polypropylene and granite materials. The length measures 9 inches, while it is 10.25 inches wide and 1 inch high. The stone center is fitted into a base and keeps the heat for longer after it is heated up. The warm granite core transfers the heat to the cookware to keep the meal inside warm.

Heats Up In The Microwave
To warm it up, you will simply have to put it inside the microwave for a few minutes. It can be safely taken out of the microwave, as the handles stay cool to the touch. As it is non-electric, you can use it in any indoor or outdoor space.

For Indoors & Outdoors
It fits nicely with any interior or exterior, as it features a granite insert and white plastic base. For cleaning, you can take out the granite core that measures 7.75 inches in width and length. It is safe to use because it requires no batteries or cords.

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Ovente BGI101S Tiny Heating Plate

Stainless Steel & Ceramic Glass
This unit comes in silver color with stainless steel housing and a crystallite glass infrared burner. The indicator light and the control knob are located on the front side of the unit that can be used on any countertop surface. The non-slip feet with rubber keep it stable so it doesn’t slide while cooking.

Safe To Use
The 1000-Watt countertop burner features a thermostat for temperature control, letting you adjust the heat by turning the knob. The ceramic glass cooking surface spreads heat evenly and works with any type of cookware. It is safe to use as it has no open flame, doesn’t slide on the countertops, and warns you when it’s on with the indicator light. After unplugging and letting it cool down, you can use a damp cloth to clean it.

7-Inch Burner
The 7-inch cooktop is ideal for use in any small space where it will easily fit in thanks to its modern and sleek design. As it weighs only 3 pounds, this slim hot plate can be used in dorm rooms, offices, RVs, at a camping site, etc. You can even use it in your kitchen when you are entertaining and need more cooktop surface.

For Small Spaces
The compact and lightweight size makes it ideal for small spaces without kitchens. If you travel for work, love camping, or simply need an extra burner in the kitchen from time to time, this model will help you cook with temperature control.

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How To Use: Electric vs. Non-Electric

Hot plates with decreased size come with a simple user-friendly design. However, the usage depends on the type you choose.

Electric Hot Plate

Electric models, no matter the type and size, are all used the same way. Just set the temperature, place the pan or pot, and you’re good to go. Simple as that!

Heating Stone

To use a stone, first, you need to heat it in the oven at 500 Fahrenheit degrees and for up to 30 minutes. You can also use a microwave and heat the stone for about 5 minutes. Once your stone is ready, take it out and place the food you wish to warm up.

Small But Safe

Size doesn’t really affect the safety options of any hot plate. So as with any other model, mini options can have automatic shut off, indicator lights, rubber feet for stability, and a cool-to-touch base for additional safety.

Safe Storage

As these models are perfect for traveling, just make sure you pack your it well and safely, whether in your RV cabinet or a backpack. Safe storage is a good maintaining tip too.

Cleaning How-To Guide

Both electric and non-electric models are cleaned the same way.
Step 1. Let it cool down.
Step 2. Use a damp cloth and wipe the cooktop surface or a heating stone.
Step 3. Dry it with another cloth.
Step 4. Store it in a dry and safe place.