hotplates

Hotplates are portable electric heating devices used for cooking or laboratory heating. They consist of a flat, usually metal housing with an integrated heating element and a smooth cooking surface. The surface may be a metal plate or a ceramic or glass-ceramic top that transfers heat to cookware placed on it. Heating is achieved by electric resistance; the element may be coil-based, solid ceramic, or, in induction models, use eddy currents in ferromagnetic cookware. Controls vary from simple dial wattage settings to digital thermostats.

Most household hotplates are coil or ceramic-top units rated between 900 and 1500 watts, with some higher-end models reaching 1800–2000 watts. Induction hotplates require compatible cookware and deliver efficient heating with fast response times. Some units include a built-in stirrer and temperature probe or auto shut-off for safety.

Hotplates are commonly used in small kitchens, dormitories, offices, or as portable staging for temporary cooking needs. In laboratory settings, hot plates are used to heat liquids and solids in beakers or flasks and may be combined with magnetic stirring to form a hot plate stirrer. Lab models often include insulation, heat-resistant handles, and precise temperature control.

Safety considerations include the surface remaining hot after use, the risk of burns, electrical faults, and the need for stable cookware, especially on coil or ceramic tops. Users should avoid placing flammable materials on hot surfaces and ensure ventilation as required. Induction models reduce the risk of open flames and heat transfer primarily to ferrous cookware.