Electric Hotplates

Electric hot plates create extra cooking space when you're preparing meals for large groups and catering special events. These portable devices work wherever there is electrical power, which makes them ideal for travel or outside on a patio or deck. They come with single or multiple burners and have several different features to choose from. Staples® carries a variety of popular hotplates and small kitchen appliances for making professional and home-cooked meals.

Considering the Types of Electric Hot Plates
There are two main types of electric hot plates: induction hotplates and traditional electric hotplates. Traditional designs have a standard iron coil or plate that heats up, and then transfers the heat to the skillet or other cooking mediums. They're easy to clean and can be used with any type of cookware. Induction plates cool down very quickly, making them convenient to use. They require cast iron or stainless steel cookware to generate the magnetic field required to heat, and the flat surface wipes down easily once it has cooled. Because there is less loss of heat and food cooks quickly, induction hot plates are more energy efficient, which is ideal for the environmentally conscious user.

Additional Options for Electric Hot Plates
One of the most common options to consider when purchasing a hot plate is the number of available burners. Single plates work well in busy kitchens that need a little extra space for boiling water, cooking sauce, or heating leftovers. Outfit a dorm room with a single hot plate to help feed a student, or place in a company breakroom for heating employee lunches. Double hot plates with different watt burners make it possible to cater small events on location and to keep soups and other items warm during long presentations. Front controls are easy to reach, and a hot plate with a non-skid base keeps the device in place while you're ladling out food or stirring the contents.

What’s the Optimal Way to Clean Electric Hot Plates?
Unplug the device and allow it to completely cool before trying to clean it. To remove baked-on food, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on top of the cooking surface and spray a small amount of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a scouring pad. Rinse the surface with a clean, wet cloth. For tiny cracks and crevices, scrub with a toothbrush or small cleaning brush.

Can You Remove Rust Stains From Electric Hot Plates?
To remove any rust on a hot plate, cut a lemon in half and coat it with non-iodized salt. Scrub the rust until it is completely gone. Wipe the hot plate with a clean, wet towel.

How Long Does It Take to Boil Water on Electric Hot Plates?
The amount of time required to boil water on an electric hot plate depends on the wattage of the burner. A hot plate is just as powerful as the burner on an electric stove and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to bring water to a rapid boil.