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If you enjoy Chinese-style food and plan to make it at home, the best electric hot pots can do it easily without you having to sweat over a stove. The pot is used for grilling meat and veggies and slow cooking scrumptious stews. You can also steam food and opt for other healthier cooking methods, such as poaching. Hot pots are also a great way for cooking noodles and dumplings, shallow frying, and grilling meat, fish, and fruits.
Here are some of our recommended electric hot pots available online. The post also gives some safety measures to follow when using the appliance and a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
Safety Tips For Using A Hot Pot
The best thing about a hot pot is its versatility. But you should be aware of these safety tips when buying and using one.
- Don’t overfill it: It is vital that you know the maximum cooking capacity of the hot pot. Do not go beyond it, as it could result in water and food overflowing into the heating element.
- Be careful when pouring out liquid: Buy a hot pot with an inbuilt spout if you plan to use it for boiling water or noodles. If it does not have a spout, ensure you are pouring the hot pot’s contents into a wide vessel as this will reduce the chances of spilling.
- Do not allow it to boil dry: Boiling a hot pot when it is dry can result in the device overheating and becoming a fire hazard.
- Ensure food is heated until the boiling point: When cooking meat in a hotpot broth, you have to ensure that the pieces are thin, and the water is boiling to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
Top Picks
The 13 Best Electric Hot Pots
1. Best Heat-Resistant Exterior:Aroma Housewares ASP-137 Super Pot with Grill Plate
This three-in-one hot pot functions as a slow cooker, a grill, and a steamer. You can use it indoors and still create food that tastes like it’s made on an outdoor barbecue grill. It is also perfect for cooking pot roasts and soups and is designed to be an attractive addition to a table. It also has a wide mouth and is ideally suited for use in a party setting where several guests can access the food with ease. Have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Temperature control up to 450°F
- 10” grill and deep aluminum pot
- Model designed to drain excess fat
- Heat-resistant exterior
- Durable glass lid
- Pot can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher
Cons
- Black, rust-like residue in the hot pot
- Shuts down suddenly and repeatedly
"Its shallow and wide design ensures even heat distribution and easy stirring, enhancing my cooking experience. I also like that it is dishwasher-safe. I’m yet to test the durability of its nonstick coating, but so far, it is intact."
Point to consider2. Best Heat-Adjusting:Proctor Silex 32oz Adjustable Temperature Electric Hot Pot
This is a handy and compact cooking pot-cum-kettle and a good choice for a college dorm room. It can be used for warming canned food and cooking oatmeal and noodles. The key feature of the noodle hot pot is that it is ideal for cooking small meals for an individual or two, and its spout allows for boiling water for tea and coffee too.
Pros
- Large-capacity model
- Knob for adjusting the heat
- Heats up faster than a microwave
- Non-stick coating on the interior
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Exterior and lid get very hot
- Steam could scald the hands of the person holding the handle.
"It lets me whip up a simple meal of noodles and veggies when pressed for time. The lid is not heatproof, but handling it with a mitten protects my fingers. Its overall efficiency makes it a winner for me."
3. Best Non-Stick:Maxi-Matic 32-Ounce (1-Liter) BPA Free Electric Kettle Hot Pot
This ETL-certified steaming hot pot has a capacity of 32oz/1l. Its usual hotpot design makes it an ideal choice to cook soups, steam vegetables, or boil eggs in your kitchenette. The lid can be removed easily and provides easy access to the interior when cooking. The spout is designed to minimize spilling when the hot pot is being emptied.
Pros
- Steaming and egg cooker racks included
- Adjustable temperature control
- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning
- Cool-touch handle
- Power indicator and pop-up lid
Cons
- Heating plate turns brown
- Leaks water
"Whether it's the simple task of boiling water or brewing an instant soup, this efficient hot pot has got me covered. I also use it to steam my veggies and boil eggs, as it comes equipped with appropriately designed racks."
Aroma Housewares ASP-137 Super Pot with Grill Plate Best Heat-Resistant Exterior | Proctor Silex 32oz Adjustable Temperature Electric Hot Pot Best Heat-Adjusting | Maxi-Matic 32-Ounce (1-Liter) BPA Free Electric Kettle Hot Pot Best Non-Stick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4 pounds | 1.75 pounds | 1.7 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1200 watts | 1000 watts | 1500 watts |
| Dimensions | 12.8"D x 13.38"W x 7"H | 6.5"L x 9"W x 6.7"H | 1 x 8 x 5 inches |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic | Metal-White |
| Color | White | White | White |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,567 | 1,905 | 825 |
| Price | $33.57 | $20.99 | $44.98 |
4. Best For Faster Heating:Sonya Shabu Hot Pot
This large electric hot pot stove has an internal divider and a capacity of five liters. The rapid heating hot pot is perfectly sized for cooking hotpot broth for a family of five. The family-sized hot pot has an elegant design, with excellent power draw and a durable welded internal divider for incredible functionality to cook two dishes at the same time. To know more, checkout this review video showcasing a tester’s experience with the kitchen appliance.
Pros
- 1500W power draw allows for faster heating
- Anti-skid feet minimize accidents
- Internal divider for creating two dishes
- Glass lid allows for easy visualization
- Heat-proof handle
- Adjustable temperature control
- ETL-certified high-performance model
Cons
- Very noisy when in operation
- Tends to leak
"I finally found a hot pot sans the toxic nonstick coating with this option. I’ve noticed it produces a slight sizzling sound, but this doesn’t interfere with its ability to heat up efficiently. I also like its 2-in-1 split design."
Remember5. Best Compact:Dash DMC100RD Dash Express Electric Cooker Hot Pot
This is the best electric hot pot if you are looking for a versatile appliance for a small kitchen, an RV, or a college dorm room. It has a 1500W power draw and is a perfect option for cooking rice and pasta. The soup and stew hot pot is ideal when cooking for one or two people, and it boils water at a faster pace when compared to a stovetop. The spout of the electric cooker is an additional feature that allows for water or soup to be poured easily.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design
- 1.2l capacity is ideal for two people
- Easy-to-use temperature knob
- Indicator light
- Heat-proof handle
Cons
- Not easy to clean
"Thanks to this easy-to-use pot, I don’t need a microwave. The temperature can be a bit high even at the lowest settings, yet it does not hamper the cooking process if constantly monitored. All in all, I can vouch for it for its simple design and compact size."
6. Best With Fondue Forks: Hamilton Beach 3QT Copper Electric Fondue Pot Set
The compact electric hot pot by Hamilton Beach, a time-tested brand, lets you prepare a wide range of sweet and savory dishes, making it a good option for an interactive dining experience. The three-quart fondue hot pot allows you to adjust the temperature from 150°F to 400°F to instantly warm up the oil or broth to cook vegetables or meat.
Pros
- Includes six color-coded fondue forks
- Non-stick interior
- Elegant design
- Easy-to-clean
- Includes a detachable magnetic cord
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Cord might not be long enough
- May not be scratch-resistant
"I love fondue, and this pot has brought the delicious meal right to my home. The non-stick interior makes it easy to clean, and the temperature control is super convenient. It has also been great for impressing my guests."
7. Best Easy-To-Clean:Shabu-shabu & Multi-cooker
This is a small electric hot pot that can be used in a kitchen or on a dining table when you are cooking a Chinese-style broth. The Shabu-shabu hot pot has a durable build and can be used for easy steaming and grilling. This stainless steel electric hot pot utilizes energy efficiently and cooks food quickly. You can also easily check the food through the glass lid and ensure the water does not dry out.
Pros
- Temperature control knob
- Indicator light
- Durable steel build
- Grill, steam rack, and strainer included
- Sturdy glass lid
- East-to-clean interior
Cons
- Does not heat up to a high temperature
- Shuts down repeatedly
"It comes to my rescue when all my stove burners are booked. It's also quite versatile, as I can use it as a grill and steamer too. I wish its cord were longer, but the overall convenience it offers me is impressive."
8. Best For Boiling Eggs:Joyfulsky Electric Hot Pot 1 Liter
This mini electric hot pot is a perfect option for people who don’t have access to a stovetop. Despite its limited cooking capacity, it can be used to make tasty dishes and boil eggs. With an ergonomic design, this hot pot is easy to handle. This kitchen appliance also has a safety feature—a hole in the good-quality glass lid—which allows excess steam to escape, and this keeps your fingers from scalding when you open it. It also works as a rice cooking hotpot or a porridge cooking hotpot
Pros
- Rack for supporting eggs
- Durable 304 stainless steel construction
- Removable electrical cord
- Slow/fast cooking switch
- Heat-resistant PP handle/lid
- Sturdy tempered glass lid
Cons
- Lightweight base may not be sturdy
- Interior stains easily
- Hard-to-detach interior pot
"I love how quickly this pot heats up, and I've used it for various cooking scenarios, from hot pot to boiling eggs. I wish the liner were removable, as it would make cleaning easier, but its functionality and ease of use have made it a good buy."
9. Best Ergonomic:Dezin Electric Hot Pot
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 2,991 good reviews on Amazon.
This elegantly designed non-stick electric hot pot is the right size for a kitchenette, a college room, or an RV when camping and has a capacity of 1.5l. It can be used to sauté meat and boil pasta, rice, or eggs. The hot pot’s coating allows for less oil usage when cooking, making it one of the best sautéing hot pots.
Pros
- Egg rack and silicone spatula
- Protection against overheating or boiling dry
- Low and high temperature-control settings
- Long handle with ergonomic design
- Detachable power cord
Cons
- Uneven interior surface
- Difficult to insert the power cord into the handle
- Handle makes the hot pot unsteady
"This compact cookware has impressed me with its rapid heating and easy-to-clean non-stick surface. I live alone, and it helps me effortlessly cook single-portion meals. I've even carried it for camping as its compact design makes it portable."
10. Best BPA-Free:Food Party 2-in-1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,983 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This electric hot pot is a great pick for its incredible functionality and performance. The dual bowl cooking pot comes with a silicone brush and tongs and is perfect if you are hosting a medium-sized dinner gathering with an Asian touch. The slow cooking hot pot also has a design and technology that allow for easy cleaning. It can, therefore, be immersed completely into the water in a sink to ensure that oil and food residue is removed.
Pros
- BPA- and PFOA-free model
- Hotpot and grill can be used concurrently
- Grease trap provided
- Stylish design
- Separate BBQ and hotpot controls
- Non-stick cooking surface can be easily cleaned
- UL-certified plug and cord
Cons
- Frequently cuts off
- No adapter included
"This versatile hot pot and grill combo heats up quickly and has served me well during dinner parties with friends. The controls are easy to use, and the non-stick surface makes cleaning a breeze."
11. Best With Tempered Glass Lid:Brentwood SK-72BK Electric Non-Stick Hot Pot
The Brentwood Shabu electric pot is divided into two sections, allowing you to cook two separate broths for your hotpot meal. This hot pot comes with a durable tempered glass lid that allows you to keep an eye on the cooking process, and the nonstick surface makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros
- Lid has a vent for steam
- Non-slip feet
- Has cool-touch handles
- Adjustable heat control
- Elegant design
- Large six-quart capacity
Cons
- Cord may not be long enough
- Divider is not removable
"This hot pot saves me a substantial amount of time as I can cook two separate dishes simultaneously. The cord length is a bit restrictive, but its rapid heating feature and quick-to-clean surface make it a functional product for me."
12. Best Versatile:Drizzle Foldable Electric Hot Pot Cooker
This is an incredible electric hot pot that can be folded down for easy transportation. The mini electric hot pot is made of durable silicone that is safe for cooking and can be used when traveling worldwide. This versatile electric hot pot meal maker also comes with a handy plug that allows for the hot pot to be used with different electrical sockets that are employed in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Pros
- Conversion plug allows for use anywhere in the world
- Detachable power cord
- Temperature control knob
- Durable construction with food-grade steel
- Lightweight and collapsible
Cons
- Cooks very slow
- Instructions are not clear
"As an avid traveler, I often have to prepare meals on the go, and this collapsible pot has been ideal for my cooking needs. I use it for boiling water and preparing soups and noodles. It's quick to heat up and very portable."
13. Best Convenient:Greecho 1.5L Electric Hot Pot
The Greecho 1.5L electric hot pot with grill is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance for any home. The multi-function hot pot is suitable for boiling eggs, cooking noodles, making soups, and grilling meat, fish, and vegetables. The non-stick interior is easy to clean and can heat up to four different temperatures within moments. This compact electric hot pot can quickly become expert-approved as it comes equipped with a disconnect-type design for the heating base and ramen cooker.
Pros
- Compact, space-efficient, and stylish design
- Travel-friendly model
- Dishwasher-safe
- Four heat settings
- Safety feature includes anti-scalding handles
Cons
- Heating process may be cumbersome
- Exterior body may seem flimsy
"I like this hot pot for its versatility, as I can also use the lid as a cooking pot. The detachable power cord and lid offer me the convenience of space-efficient storage. I also approve of its travel-friendly design, allowing me to enjoy home-cooked meals even on the go."
How To Choose The Right Electrical Hot Pot For Your Needs?
Choosing the best electric hot pots does not have to be complicated if you follow these tips.
- Check the maximum capacity of the hot pot. Ensure that the hot pot has a capacity that suits your needs, as some are designed for one person, and others are suitable for large families.
- Find a hot pot with a divider if you want a versatile option. A hot pot with a divider will allow you to cook two curries, soups, or stews in one go, and is ideal if you want to save time when cooking.
- Check the temperature control. All hot pots do not have the same temperature controls. If you want to use it for steaming, boiling, grilling, and slow cooking, check if the temperature knob can be adjusted.
- Pick a wide pot if you want to use it for a party: If you plan to use the hot pot for serving at parties, pick a wider and shallow hot pot that allows people to access food easily.
- Ensure the exterior and handles are heat-resistant and durable. The exterior of the hot pot should be made of durable, heat-resistant materials. This will keep the exterior from heating up and keep the handles from breaking easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many watts does an electric hot pot use?
Electric hot pots generally work at 1000-1500 watts. Power consumption also depends on the capacity of the electric hot pot. Power consumption increases with the increase in the capacity of the electric hot pot.
2. How long do I cook in an electric hot pot?
It depends on the temperature provided by the electric hot pot. The higher the temperature, the faster the food will be cooked. An electric hot pot generally takes 15-20 minutes to cook food.
3. How do I know when an electric hot pot is done?
Most electric hot pots automatically turn off when the food is cooked because of the signal provided by the pressure sensor in them.
4. Can I use my instant pot instead of an electric hot pot?
You can use an instant pot instead of an electric hot pot if you want to cook a larger quantity of food. However, an electric hot pot is much faster than an instant pot.
5. Can I use a slow cooker instead of an electric hot pot?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of an electric hot pot if you want less power-consuming cookware. A slow cooker runs on very little electric power, somewhere between 50 and 300 watts, but as the name suggests, it takes much more time to cook than an electric hot pot.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is a writer who is passionate about presenting well-researched recommendations related to household products and kitchenware. She has curated this list of the best electric hot pots based on user reviews and product features to help you choose the right one. She has also included a buying guide with the required information. These hot pots will help you cook easily using various methods, such as grilling, steaming, and slow cooking.
The Bottom Line
Electric hot pots are an efficient cooking companion if you enjoy Chinese food and love traveling or camping. Whether you are a student staying away from home or an adventure junkie hoping to streamline your meal plans, the best electric hot pots listed above will help you grill meat and veggies while slow-cooking delicious stews. This list includes the dishwasher-friendly Aroma Housewares Super Pot, the Sonya Shabu Hot Pot with internal dividers, and the non-stick Hamilton Beach Fondue Pot Set. However, while choosing one, make sure to check the maximum capacity and pick something versatile, heat-resistant, and durable. Steam, boil, or grill veggies and meat to perfection regardless of where you are with this handy kitchen accessory.
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