25 Best Hot Plates for Camping: Top Picks for Outdoor Cooking
When you’re camping, preparing a hot meal can be a challenge. If you’re tired of eating cold sandwiches or canned food, then a hot plate might be the solution you need. A hot plate is a portable electric stove that you can use to cook or heat food while you’re on the go. It’s a great option for camping, road trips, or even for cooking in small apartments.
When choosing the best hot plate for camping, there are a few things to consider. First, you want to make sure that it’s lightweight and easy to carry. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy stove while you’re hiking or setting up camp. Second, you want to look for a hot plate that’s durable and can withstand the elements. Third, you want to make sure that it’s easy to clean and maintain.
We spent hours researching and testing various hot plates to find the best one for camping. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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Buying Guide for the Best Hot Plate
When selecting the best hot plate for camping, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Size and Capacity
When choosing a hot plate for camping, size, and capacity are some of the most important factors to consider.
If you’re camping with a large group, you’ll need a hot plate that can accommodate more pots and pans. On the other hand, if you’re camping alone or with a small group, a smaller hot plate will likely be enough.
Power Source
Hot plates for camping can be powered by electricity, propane, or butane.
Electric hot plates are more convenient, but they require a power source. Propane and butane hot plates are more portable, but they require fuel canisters.
Consider your camping location and power source availability when choosing a hot plate.
Cooking Surface
The cooking surface of the hot plate should be non-stick and easy to clean. Some hot plates have removable cooking surfaces that can be washed separately.
The best hot plates for camping come with a cooking surface that is large enough to accommodate your pots and pans.
Portability
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a hot plate for camping is its portability.
You need to choose a hot plate that is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. After all, you don’t want to be lugging around a heavy stove while you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
A small hot plate that can fit into your backpack or camping gear is ideal for camping. If you have limited space in your camping gear, consider a foldable hot plate that can be easily stored.
Temperature Control
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a hot plate for camping is its power and temperature control. Some hot plates have adjustable temperature settings, while others have fixed temperature settings.
Adjustable temperature settings give you more control over the cooking process – and is one we recommend for camping.
Material & Durability
The material of the hot plate can affect its durability and heat distribution. You need to choose a hot plate that is made of durable materials that can withstand cold weather and outdoor use.
Stainless steel hot plates are durable and distribute heat evenly. Cast iron hot plates are also durable and retain heat well, but they can be heavy and difficult to transport.
Price
Hot plates for camping can range in price from under $20 to over $100 – some even more. Consider your budget when choosing a hot plate, but also consider the features you need.
A more expensive hot plate may have more features and be more durable, but remember that not all features may be necessary for your camping needs.
Brand and Warranty
When purchasing a hot plate for camping, it is important to choose a reputable brand that offers a warranty. A brand that offers a warranty ensures that you are getting a quality product that is backed by the manufacturer.
| Feature | Importance |
| Size and Portability | Very Important |
| Power and Temperature Control | Very Important |
| Material and Durability | Important |
| Price | Moderately Important |
| Brand and Warranty | Moderately Important |
Best Hot Plates for Camping
When you’re out camping, cooking can be tricky. But if you have a portable stove, you can make all kinds of food!
My favorite ways to use a portable hot plate is to fry up some bacon and eggs, cook a pot of chili, or boil water for coffee. Here are our top picks for the best hot plates for camping.
Techwood Hot Plate
If you’re looking for a compact and portable hot plate for camping or everyday use (even for use in the dorm room), the Techwood Hot Plate is a better choice than most. It’s easy to use, heats up quickly, and can be used with any type of cookware.
Pros
- Portable and compact design makes it perfect for camping and small spaces
- Can be used with any type of cookware, including non-magnetic stainless steel pans
- Heats up quickly with 1500 watts of power
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- The small size may not be ideal for cooking large meals
- The temperature control knob may be difficult to read in low light conditions
- The small size may make it difficult to balance larger pots or pans
The Techwood Hot Plate is a versatile and reliable option for those in need of a portable stove solution. Its compact size and compatibility with all types of cookware make it a great choice for camping or small living spaces.
However, its small size may not be ideal for cooking larger meals, and the temperature control knob may be difficult to read in low light conditions. Additionally, the small size may make it difficult to balance larger pots or pans. Overall, the Techwood Hot Plate is a great option for those in need of a reliable and portable cooking solution.
Elite Gourmet Hot Plate
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient hot plate for camping, the Elite Gourmet Electric Single Buffet Burner is the best option for a portable electric burner on a very low budget.
Pros
- The non-stick cast iron hot plate is easy to clean with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
- The adjustable temperature control allows you to quickly reach and sustain the desired low, medium, or high heat settings.
- The compact size of the burner makes it easily accessible to take on the go wherever an extra cooking device is needed.
Cons
- The power cord is quite short, so you may need to use an extension cord if you’re not cooking near an outlet.
- The temperature control knob can be a bit tricky to adjust, especially if your hands are wet or greasy.
- The heating plate is relatively small, so you may need to cook in batches if you’re preparing a meal for a larger group.
- It can take a long time to heat up.
If you’re looking for a hot plate that’s easy to clean and provides reliable heating, the Elite Gourmet Electric Single Buffet Burner is a great choice. With its adjustable temperature control and non-skid rubber feet, this hot plate is perfect for camping trips or home use. And at just 1000 watts, it won’t put too much of a strain on your electrical system. Overall, we highly recommend the Elite Gourmet Electric Single Buffet Burner for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient hot plate for camping or everyday use.
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient hot plate for camping or any outdoor activity, Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF is a great option. It is compact, easy to clean, and offers adjustable temperature settings to keep your food warm or boil hot water.
Pros
- The two cast iron flat cooking plates are nonstick, easy to clean, and ensure even cooking.
- The dual adjustable temperature knobs offer Low, Med, and Hi settings for quick and reliable heating.
- The dual power indicator lights on the front of the burner remind users when the item is powered ON; non-skid feet ensure the burner remains stable during use.
Cons
- The burners are a bit slow heating up, but once they reach the desired temperature, they retain heat very well.
- The short AC cord might be inconvenient if you don’t have a nearby outlet.
- The burners might stain if you don’t clean them immediately after use.
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF is a great hot plate that offers efficient power and reliable heating. It is compact, easy to clean, and perfect for camping, office, or home use. The non-skid feet ensure that it remains stable during use, and the dual power indicator lights add an extra layer of safety. The two cast iron flat cooking plates are nonstick and ensure even cooking, making them a great addition to any cook’s collection.
Whether you need an extra heat source for holiday cooking and entertaining or simply to keep food warm at a buffet station, the Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF is a great option. It is compact enough to be stored in a cabinet, yet stylish enough to leave out for everyday use. With a combined wattage of 1500W, dual hot plates and individual temperature controls, delicious meals can be cooked simultaneously.
Get the Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner today and take your camping experience to the next level!
Cusimax Double Hot Plate
Looking for a portable and convenient way to cook while camping? The Cusimax Double Hot Plate is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of foods without having to rely on a traditional stove.
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of cookware, including glass and aluminum
- Equipped with a thermostat for easy cooking
- Conveniently powered by 120V and 900-Watts (left plate) + 900-Watts (right plate)
Cons
- Cooktop takes minutes to heat up and 15 minutes to cool down
- Doesn’t get as hot as some users would like
- Control knob can get extremely hot
The Cusimax Double Hot Plate is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of foods while camping. It’s compatible with a variety of cookware, heats cookware efficiently with minimal heat loss, and is powered by 120V and 900-Watts (left plate) + 900-Watts (right plate). However, the cooktop takes minutes to heat up and 15 minutes to cool down, and some users have reported that it doesn’t get as hot as they would like. Additionally, the control knob can get extremely hot, so caution is advised when using it.
Overall, the Cusimax Double Hot Plate is a solid option for anyone looking for a portable and convenient way to cook while camping. Its compatibility with a variety of cookware and easy-to-use thermostat make it a great choice for cooking a variety of foods.
Cusimax Portable Electric Stove
If you’re looking for a portable hot plate that heats up quickly and works with all types of cookware, it’s easy to see why the Cusimax Portable Electric Stove is one of the best camping hot plates.
Pros
- Heats up in seconds with infrared technology
- Works with all types of cookware, including glass and copper
- Small and portable, making it great for camping or small spaces
Cons
- Temperature control can be a bit tricky to get used to
- May not be as durable as some other hot plates on the market
- Some users have reported issues with the plug burning out after extended use
The Cusimax Portable Electric Stove is a convenient and reliable option for anyone in need of a portable hot plate. With its infrared technology, it heats up quickly and efficiently, making it easy to cook a variety of foods – good news for when you’re super hungry.
Plus, it works with all types of cookware, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. However, some users have reported issues with the plug burning out after extended use, so it may not be the most durable option on the market. Additionally, temperature control can be a bit tricky to get used to, so it may take some practice to get the hang of it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable hot plate that’s easy to use and works with all types of cookware, the Cusimax Portable Electric Stove is worth considering. Just be aware of its potential durability issues and take care to use it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
If you’re looking for a portable hot plate that is energy efficient and easy to use, the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is an excellent choice.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space, which makes it easy to handle and store.
- With 20 preset power levels and temperature settings, you can easily adjust the heat to your desired level.
- The digital LCD sensor touch panel ensures that you can easily set and monitor cooking times and temperatures.
Cons
- You need to use cookware with a magnetic bottom to use this hot plate, which may limit your options.
- Although the induction process is quiet, there may be high-pitched sounds from the cookware due to multiple layers of metals sandwiched together.
- The auto-pan detection may shut the unit off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware or incorrect cookware is detected.
The Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is a great option for those looking for a portable and energy-efficient hot plate. It’s perfect for camping, dorms, RVs, and boats. The touch control panel is easy to use and allows you to set cooking times and temperatures with ease. The only downside is that you need to use cookware with a magnetic bottom, which may limit your options. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient hot plate, the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is a great choice.
It’s important to note that although the induction process is quiet, there may be high pitched sounds from the cookware due to multiple layers of metals sandwiched together. Additionally, the auto-pan detection may shut the unit off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware, or the incorrect cookware is detected. However, these are minor issues that can be easily remedied by using the correct cookware and ensuring that it is properly placed on the hot plate.
If you’re in the market for a portable hot plate, the Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is definitely worth considering. Its energy efficiency and ease of use make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile hot plate.
CUSIMAX Double Hot Plate
Looking for a portable hot plate that can work with all types of cookware? Look no further than the CUSIMAX Double Hot Plate. With its cast-iron burners and easy-to-use thermostat, this hot plate is perfect for camping trips, dorm rooms, and more.
Pros
- Works with all types of cookware, including glass and aluminum
- Equipped with thermostat for easy cooking
- Portable and ideal for dorm rooms, offices, and camping
Cons
- Takes minutes to heat up and 15 minutes to cool down
- Doesn’t get as hot as some users would like
- Control knob can get extremely hot, so use caution
The CUSIMAX Double Hot Plate is a convenient and easy-to-use option for anyone looking for a portable cooking solution. With its compatibility with all types of cookware and easy-to-use thermostat, this hot plate is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. However, it does take some time to heat up and cool down, and some users have reported that it doesn’t get as hot as they would like. Additionally, the control knob can get extremely hot, so be sure to use caution when using this hot plate.
If you’re looking for a portable hot plate that is versatile and easy to use, the CUSIMAX Double Hot Plate is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and use caution when handling the control knob.
Overall, this hot plate is a great option for anyone who needs a portable cooking solution, whether for camping trips, dorm rooms, or everyday use.
NUWAVE Flex Precision Induction Cooktop
If you’re looking for a portable and efficient cooktop, the NUWAVE Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is a great option. It’s easy to use and has a wide range of temperature settings that make it versatile for a variety of cooking needs.
Pros
- The digital controls make it easy to adjust the temperature and cooking time on-the-fly.
- The 45 pre-programmed temperature settings and ability to fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 500°F in 10°F increments allow for precise temperature control.
- The heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass heating surface is safe and durable.
Cons
- Induction ready cookware is required for use with this cooktop.
- The loud beep when first plugged in can be annoying.
- The price point may be a bit high for some consumers.
The NUWAVE Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is perfect for dorms, RVs, campsites, and smaller apartments. Its slim design and patented insulation technology bring the induction heating coils closer to your cookware than the competition for faster and even heating, ensuring no hot or cold spots for an optimal cooking experience. It’s also one of the safest cooktops on the market with built-in safety features that prevent burns and fires. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient cooktop, the NUWAVE Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is definitely worth considering.
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop
If you’re looking for a portable and efficient cooktop, the Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is a great choice. It’s perfect for camping, RVs, and dorms, and it comes with a 4QT induction-ready healthy ceramic non-stick frying pan with a lid.
Pros
- Adjust temperature on-the-fly
- 45 pre-programmed temperature settings
- Shatter-proof ceramic glass heating surface
Cons
- Special cookware required
- Can be annoying to clean if something spills onto it
- Boiling time could be faster
The Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is incredibly easy to use. You can adjust the temperature on-the-fly, so if you need a hotter temperature or need to cook something for longer, it’s no problem. The heating surface is made of heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass, making it one of the safest cooktops on the market. It also has 45 pre-programmed temperature settings, or you can fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 500°F in 10°F increments. The cooktop is fast and efficient, heating the pot directly and transferring 85%~90% of its electro-magnetic energy to heat energy. It’s also incredibly safe, with no hot coils or open flames reducing the risk of burns and fire.
The only downside is that you need special cookware to use it, but most expensive cookware should work. It can also be annoying to clean if something spills onto it, but that’s a minor inconvenience. Boiling time could be faster, but overall, this is a great product for anyone who needs a portable and efficient cooktop.
SUNAVO Hot Plate
A must-have for any camping trip or outdoor adventure, the SUNAVO Hot Plate is a reliable and efficient cooking tool that will make your life easier.
Pros
- 1500W high power with 6 levels of precise temperature control
- Works with all types of flat cookware
- Exclusive heating tube technology for improved heat efficiency and longer service life
Cons
- May emit slight odor during first use
- Heating level may take longer to reach maximum temperature
- May be slightly heavier than other camping hot plates
The SUNAVO Hot Plate is perfect for cooking anything from steaks to pastas with its 6 levels of precise temperature control. Its exclusive heating tube technology is more stable and anti-rust, ensuring a longer service life and shorter cooking time. It’s also easy to move around with its heat-insulated and portable handles, making it perfect for camping, RVs, or dormitories. However, it may emit a slight odor during the first few uses and may take longer to reach maximum temperature. It’s slightly heavier than other camping hot plates, but its efficiency and durability make up for it.
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient hot plate for your camping trip or outdoor adventure, the SUNAVO Hot Plate is a great choice.
Coleman Portable Butane Stove
This lightweight and compact hot plate one of the best portable burner powered by butane fuel. It’s perfect for camping trips and has a convenient carrying case for easy transportation.
Gas ONE GS-1000 Portable Butane Gas Stove
This sturdy and reliable hot plate has a built-in safety mechanism and adjustable flame control. As long as you remember to bring butane canisters to operate, it’s one of the best camping stoves!
Cusimax Electric Hot Plate
This electric hot plate has two burners and adjustable temperature control, making it great for cooking a variety of dishes while camping.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
This portable cooktop uses magnetic induction technology to heat the cookware directly, making it more energy-efficient and safer than traditional hot plates.
SUNAVO Electric Infrared Burner
This electric hot plate has a unique infrared heating technology that heats up quickly and evenly, and it is also easy to clean.
Ovente Electric Hot Plate
This electric hot plate has a single burner and adjustable temperature control, making it a great option for camping or for use as an extra burner at home.
Techwood Electric Hot Plate
This electric hot plate has two burners and an easy-to-use temperature control dial, making it a great option for cooking meals while camping.
Imusa Electric Single Burner
This compact and lightweight electric hot plate is perfect for camping trips, and it has a durable stainless steel design.
NutriChef Electric Induction Cooktop
This portable cooktop uses induction heating technology and has a sleek and modern design.
Cadco CSR-3T Countertop Hi-Power Single 120-Volt Hot Plate
This heavy-duty hot plate has a high-powered heating element and is great for cooking meals while camping or for use in a commercial kitchen.
Oster Single Burner Hot Plate
This electric hot plate has adjustable temperature control and a durable die-cast construction.
Dometic ORIGO 5100 Alcohol Stove
This lightweight and compact alcohol stove is perfect for camping trips and uses denatured alcohol as a fuel source.
Chefman Electric Glass Top Stove
This electric hot plate has a sleek glass top and adjustable temperature control, making it a great option for cooking meals while camping.
Durabold Kitchen Countertop Cast-Iron Double Burner
This heavy-duty hot plate has two burners and adjustable temperature control, making it great for cooking a variety of dishes while camping.
BroilKing Professional Portable Nonstick Griddle
This portable griddle has a nonstick surface and adjustable temperature control, making it a great option for cooking breakfast or other meals while camping.
Which one of these options do you think is the best hot plate for camping? Are there other ones we should include in this guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
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