5 Best Hot Plate for Camping of 2022

Camping season is coming soon. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just think it would be fun to try one time, chances are you’ll be packing some food and cooking gear along with your tent, sleeping bag, and hiking boots.

Given that portable stovetops are not always an option when camping, especially if you want to keep things as light as possible, a hot plate can be a great alternative.

In this article, we’ll explore what you should look out for when buying a new one. Also, we offer our own tips on how to pack and use your hot plate on your next camping trip. Plus, we’ll also provide sample recipes for a perfect stove-top meal!

Why a hot plate is the best option for camping?

One of the entire points of camping is getting closer to nature and lessening our reliance on modern conveniences. The necessity of cooking at a campsite means that more than anything, you’ll want equipment which can cook up plenty of meals in only a few minutes.

A hot plate is, therefore, an ideal option for campers because it takes up little space, can be used with a variety of cookware, and typically heats up quickly.

Tips on how to pack and use your hot plate on your next camping trip

When packing your hot plate for a camping trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, as each model may be slightly different. But generally, here are some tips to follow:

• Make sure your hot plate is completely clean and free of food debris or grease before packing it away.
• If your hot plate has a cord, coil it up and pack it away in a designated place.
• The best way to pack a hot plate is to put it in a sturdy container such as a carrying case or backpack. This will help protect it from bumps and scratches.
• When you’re ready to use your hot plate, set it up in an open area away from flammable materials.
• Be sure to have a pot or pan to place on top of the hot plate, as it will get very hot!

Buying Guide for Hot Plate for Camping

Analyzing popular brands

Before buying a hot plate for camping, you should emphasize renowned brands. A low-class tool will prove itself a waste of money. So, choose the best hot plate from authentic manufacturers. This will ensure quality, quantity, and credibility.  

Suitable cooking space

Whenever you look for buying a cooking tool, space means a lot. Try to ensure enough space on your desired hot plate. You need to select the material and space according to your comfort, budget, and preferences.

Structural quality, portability, and sturdy level

Strong and high-quality materials will give a hot plate long-lasting status. Besides compact size is necessary for portability. Make sure the structure is made of the best things and the tool should be light with multi-functionality. A strong, stable sturdy bottom is a valuable fact of such a gadget.

Temperature controlling feature

While buying a hot plate, you cannot but emphasize the heating feature rightly. Controlling the heat properly is important not only for the food but also for the machine itself.

Cleaning options

For ensuring regular cleaning management, there should be the benefit of easy access to the parts like grip pan, coils, and nonsticky surface so that they can be cleaned comfortably.

Warranty and product review

A warranty can be very handy for such a gadget. Ensure your warranty benefit for the worry-free investment. Go through customers’ and researchers’ reviews to understand the product’s true value and functions.

Best hot plate for camping

IMUSA Electric Single Burner

The IMUSA is a single burner hot plate with many features. It can be used for cooking outdoors or in the office and it has a temperature regulating knob with heat distribution coils to make sure you get even heating. The power indicator light lets you know when the unit is on and the non-slip rubber feet prevent the hot plate from sliding. Additionally, the slim space-saving design is great for small areas. This particular model also has a one-year warranty.

Pros:

• perfect for a camping trip
• compact and lightweight
• heats up quickly
• adjustable temperature

Cons:

• not for use with large pots or pans
• can only be used for 60 minutes at a time

Duxtop Portable Hot Plate with LCD Sensor Touch

The Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is a great choice for anyone who wants the convenience of a stovetop while camping or traveling. It’s lightweight and compact, It has a touch-sensitive control panel with 20 preset power levels and temperature settings. The Duxtop also has a timer that can be set for up to 10 hours.

The Duxtop is compatible with induction cookware having a diameter of at least 5 inches. This ensures a large and uniform heated area. The auto-pan detection will shut the unit off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware or the incorrect cookware is detected.

Pros

• the standard for North American kitchen
• portable and lightweight
• LCD touch sensor control
• 1800 watts
• 20 preset power levels and temperature settings
• 10-hour timer
• magnetic cookware compatible

• may have high-pitched sounds from the cookware.
• a bit pricy

Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner Adjustable Temperature Hot Plate

This proctor silex electric single burner hot plate is a great choice for camping. It is portable and compact so it is easy to take with you on your trip, and it has an adjustable temperature so you can use it with all types of cookware. The plate is easy-to-clean, and the hinged heating coil makes it simple to access and clean.

Pros

• 1200 watts for quick cooking
• portable and lightweight for traveling and camping
• adjustable temperature for all types of cook
• easy-to-clean plate and hinged heating coil

Cons

• It Maybe too small for a large batch of cooking

Elite Gourmet Electric Hot Burner

If you’re in the market for a new hot plate, we’ve got just the thing. Our top-rated Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF Countertop Single Flat Burner is perfect for camping trips and more. With a 1000 wattage, this bad boy can handle all your cooking needs! Plus, it comes with adjustable temperature controls to help you reach and sustain the perfect cooking temperature.

Pros

• 1000 watt power with temperature control
• Cast iron cooking plate is nonstick
• easy to clean
• Compact size for easy portability
• 6.4 inch flat cooking space
• Power indicator for saety features

Cons

• May not be ideal for large pots or pans

Ovente Electric Single Burner Cast Iron Hot Plate

The Ovente Electric Cast-Iron Burner is perfect for small spaces. It comes with a durable stainless steel housing that resists high temperatures and fire. With an adjustable temperature control knob, this burner can accommodate all your cooking needs while camping or at home. The indicator light will let you know when the burner has reached the desired temperature, so you can cook with ease. With a 7.25” cast-iron plate, this burner is just the right size for weekend camping trips and studio apartments. It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly without any hot or cold spots.

Pros

• 1000 watt power with 7.25 inches cooking surface
• Cast iron cooking surface is nonstick and easy to clean
• 5 adjustable temperature levels
• Durable stainless steel housing resists rust and high temperatures
• Small and lightweight for easy portability
• US-based customer service with 1 year warranty

Cons

• It is not ideal for large pots or pans

FAQ

What is a cooking hot plate?

A cooking hot plate is a gadget that may have a single, double, coil, cast iron, or glass surface plate. It can be induction or infrared-based. It is a specialized tool that cooks your food by using powerful wattage or volt.

Temperature management and cookware compatibility are two important facts about this type of cooking tool.

What are the ideal features of the best hot plate for camping? 

A hot plate for camping should be compact, sturdy, lightweight, and structured with all portable features. The heating capability and cooking space must have a modest level to facilitate the foods we require while on a camp. There should be enough safety-related functions as well.

What is the cooking versatility of a hot plate?

A hot plate works with the high-temperature distribution. It generates a well-controlled and processed heat that is safe to use in a small place. The heat is held on the cooktop plate which can be used for cooking different foods like meat, vegetables, rice, fries, warm sauces, pasta, grilled foods, and several other tasty items.

What are the ideal processes to cook on a hot plate?

Cooking on a hot plate requires some specific methods. In most of cases, you may require to preheat the gadget for 10 to 15 minutes. Then you must set the temperature based on the timing you want to maintain.

Be sure about the compatibility of your cookware with the hot plate. You will need to give the tool enough time to cool down after finishing the cooking for cleaning and storing.

Which is the best hot plate for camping?

There are different famous manufacturers who are producing portable, compact and multi-functional hot plates of excellent quality. All of them come with several best features.  

There are differences in burners’ style, controlling systems, and price value. You can analyze all those items to choose the best one suits your different cooking requirements and budget preference. 

Final Thoughts

There are so many hot plates that are invented with the intention of facilitating different requirements. Many of those hot plates are designed to be your camping cooking partner. But which one is the best and worth the investment? Without proper information and guidance, your choice may go wrong.

These hot plates have all those functions and features which you are likely to seek for comfortable cooking. There are differences in heating styles, expenditure, and compatibility. You can go through our analyses and put your trust in any of the ten brands.