10 Best Camping Hot Plates (for 2023)

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Camping is a fun way to spend some time outdoors with your friends and family, but what if you want something more than a snack? Then, a camping hot plate is your answer.

My Top Picks:

After extensive research, I have compiled a list of the 10 best camping hot plates money can buy in 2023. Here’s a quick look at the best 3 of the bunch:

Black And White Drawing Of Mountains

Best 10 Camping Hot Plates

1. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop: Best Overall

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight, and portable induction cooktop, the Duxtop is ideal. This little stove is perfect for camping, cooking in your home kitchen, or using it outdoors or in your RV or boat.

Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop - Best Camping Hot Plates
Duxtop Portable Induction Camping Hot Plate | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • 15 Temp settings
  • Easy to clean
  • Highest Rated

CONS

  • 5″ heating element
  • Middle very hot

The induction burner is extremely easy to clean – all you need is a damp towel. In addition, the angle control panel with the large display screen makes it easy to see, even from a distance.

When using an induction stove, it’s important to choose cookware with a magnetic bottom diameter of at least 5 inches.

If the wrong cookware is detected, the unit will automatically shut off after 60 seconds.

VERDICT: The Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is one of the most highly rated camping hot plates on Amazon. It has 15 pre-set power levels and temperature ranges, a built-in timer, an LED display, and a control panel – making it simple to cook whatever you need.

2. CUSIMAX Double Burner Hot Plate: Best 2-Burner

Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be limited to a one-pot meal. The Cusimax Portable Stove with 2 Burners is perfect for those who want to cook two different dishes at once, without any hassle.

Cusimax 1800W Double Burner Hot Plate
CUSIMAX 1800W Dual Camping Hot Plate | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Small
  • Use any kind of cookware
  • Inexpensive

CONS

  • Metal body can get hot
  • Low temp too low
  • No room for large pans

It takes seconds for this stove to heat up, so your food will be ready faster than you can say, “I’m hungry.” And two temperature control knobs mean that you won’t over or undercook anything.

The Cusimax Dual Burner Hot Plate is perfect for any large event or occasion where you want to whip up some delicious food quickly. And there’s also an automatic safety shut-off to prevent overheating!

Best part is, this guy doesn’t take up too much room on the picnic table!

VERDICT: The Cusimax is one of the best camping hot plates on the market today. With 2 burners and a compact design, you can use this to cook two different dishes simultaneously!

3. Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner Hot Plate: Great for DJs

The Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner Hot Plate is a must-have for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. The 2 cast-iron plates are heavy-duty, making them great for cooking everything freshly hunted venison steaks.

Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner Best Camping Hot Plate
Cuisinart Cast-Iron Double Burner Hot Plate | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Two-burner stove
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Slow to heat up
  • Slow to cool down

This 1800-watt appliance has two heating elements: a 1300-watt large plate and a 500-watt small plate. Both heat up quickly, so you can cook multiple items at once, and they retain their high heat throughout cooking.

And cleaning is simple. The “coil-less” cast iron plates make cleanup a breeze. You don’t have to spend hours cleaning your cooktop – just wipe them down with a wet cloth.

VERDICT: The Cuisinart is perfect for those who love camping or just want to have an outdoor cooking option! And it’s great for people who live in small spaces like boats or RVs.

4. NuWave Pic Flex Hot Plate: Smallest

The NuWave Pic Flex Induction Camping Hot Plate is the perfect travel stove. It’s small, lightweight, and easily packable. This makes it painless to take wherever your culinary adventures may lead.

Nuwave Pic Flex Induction Camping Hot Plate - Best Camping Hot Plates
NuWave Pic Flex Camping Hot Plate | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Compact
  • Heats up Quickly
  • Presets

CONS

  • Only 1 burner

Also, the temp setting range goes up to 500 degrees, so you can cook whatever dish you want. And because its digital display makes controlling the heat a breeze, cooking has never been so delicious or straightforward!

With the NuWave, you can fry up some eggs or bacon in no time. It also comes with a 9-inch frying pan to make cooking on the go even easier.

VERDICT: The NuWave is perfect if you need something small but mighty. It’s ideal for small areas like dorms, hotels, RVs, and cabins.

5. SPT Sunpentown Induction Cooktop: Slimmest

Suppose you’re looking for an induction hotplate that can be stored away discreetly and quickly. In that case, the slim 4.5-pound Sunpentown Induction Cooktop is your best bet.

Spt Sunpentown Induction Cooktop
SPT Sunpentown SR-964TB | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Heats up Quickly
  • Slim design
  • Presets

CONS

  • Small burner
  • Low temp is pretty hot

Not only does it fit almost anywhere, but its sleek design will complement any decor. With its all-digital display and seven power settings, the SR-964TB lets you cook your food faster while keeping it safe with a touch-control lock.

Plus, with 390°F heat reach, this sleek stove quickly heats up so you can have your meal ready in no time.

VERDICT: With the Sunpentown Cooktop, you get the best in hot plate performance. Heat is generated to the pan only, so no heat is lost. Once the cookware is removed, heating is stopped immediately.

6. Hamilton Beach Induction Cooktop: Hottest

Suppose you’re looking for an affordable and reliable single burner induction cooktop. In that case, the Hamilton Beach Induction Cooktop is a great option.

Hamilton Beach Portable Single Induction Cooktop
Hamilton Beach Portable Single Induction Cooktop | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Heats up Quickly
  • 10 Heating levels
  • 6 Cooking Modes

CONS

  • Hotter than expected
  • Turns off after extended use

It’s Amazon’s choice for this type of appliance, and it has 10 heating levels and six cooking modes. The control panel is super easy to operate. And its smooth glass surface means that it’s easy to clean.

The compact design makes it easy to pack up and take on the go. It’s convenient for RVs, tiny campers, and other small spaces.

Cook your meal with the precise temperature control settings or choose from one of the many pre-set cooking modes.

VERDICT: Although the Hamilton Beach temp control is not very precise, it still gets the job done. After extended use, it can turn itself off, which is annoying. That said, it’s great for basic camping needs.

7. Rosewill Induction Cooktop: Best for Pots

The Rosewill 1800-Watt Induction Cooker Cooktop is an excellent starter portable induction cooktop. It’s compact and affordable, and it comes with a 10-inch stainless steel pot!

Rosewill Induction Cooktop
Rosewill 1800W Electric Induction Cooktop | Image © Walmart

PROS

  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a pot
  • Touchscreen

CONS

  • Uneven Heating
  • Timer is confusing

This no-frills hot plate is perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-use and lightweight cooking appliance. Plus, it has touch-control operation for easy use. You can’t beat the value!

It has a large LED display, eight temperature settings that reach up to 450˚, eight power levels, and a built-in timer with a safety lock feature. Plus, the fan on the bottom prevents it from overheating, making it safer and easier to clean.

VERDICT: If you’re looking for a compact and affordable induction cooktop, the Rosewill is a great option! It’s small enough to pack but powerful enough to handle large pots (1 included) and pans.

8. Duxtop Portable Cooktop w/ Sensor Touch: Most Bells & Whistles

Duxtop has been a top brand in induction cooktops for over 10 years, and this latest sensor-touch version is no exception.

Duxtop Portable Cooktop W/ Sensor Touch
Duxtop Portable Cooktop w/ Sensor Touch | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Tons of features
  • Powerful
  • Easy to use

CONS

  • 5-inch coil
  • Loud fan

The Duxtop Portable Induction LCD Sensor Touch Cooktop has 20 preset power and temperature levels, shown on an all-digital touch screen.

Duxtop’s induction cooktop is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It’s sleek, well-designed, and super powerful. It has thousands of positive reviews from customers who appreciate its quality and ease of use.

VERDICT: The coil is only 5″, so you’re limited to medium-sized pots and pans. Also, the fan can be a bit loud. But, if you’re looking for a high-tech induction cooktop that won’t break the bank, the Duxtop is perfect.

9. ISiler Portable Induction Cooktop: Most Child Safe

Even though induction cooktops are typically safer than electric or gas-burning stoves, it’s still important to take precautions. That’s why Isiler designed this model with a child-proof safety lock. This way, you can feel confident that your family is safe while using the cooktop.

Isiler Portable Induction Cooktop
iSiLER Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooker Cooktop | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Child safe
  • 8 temp settings
  • 9 power levels

CONS

  • Temp adjustment difficult
  • Heats center of pan

This multipurpose hot plate is perfect for a variety of cooking needs. It has eight temperature settings and nine power levels, so you can use it for whatever you’re in the mood for.

Plus, its digital touch-control display ensures that the device never exceeds your selected temperature, and overheating protection prevents any accidents.

VERDICT: With more than 1,500 five-star ratings and hundreds of glowing reviews, the iSiLER is a must-have addition to any camping trip.

10. Aobosi Induction Glass Cooktop: Most Glass Surfacey

The Aobosi Induction Hob Cooktop is one of the most highly-rated camping hot plates. With over 1,000 five-star ratings and reviews, this cooktop is known for durability. It has crystal glass-ceramic plate materials which resist any scratches and damage.

Aobosi Induction Glass Cooktop
Aobosi Induction Glass Cooktop | Image © Amazon

PROS

  • Scratch-proof
  • Glass cooktop
  • Auto shut-off

CONS

  • Loud
  • Thicker than most

The Aobosi Induction Glass Cooktop is quickly becoming a favorite because of its many features. It has nine power levels, 10 temperature settings, an automatic shut-off timer, a child safety lock, and a sleek touch screen display.

The glass surface means you’ll never have to worry about ugly scratches, and the many presets make it easy to cook your food just the way you like it.

VERDICT: The Aobosi is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a hot plate that looks great and performs even better. This is an ideal choice for camping trips – it heats evenly and quickly!

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Camping Hot Plate Comparison Table

HOT PLATEPRICEBURNERSTEMP
SETTINGS
Duxtop 1800W Cooktop$70115
CUSIMAX 2 Burner$5927
Cuisinart 2 Burner$7926
NuWave Hot Plate$8016
Sunpentown Hot Plate$7716
Hamilton Beach Cooktop$77110
Rosewill Induction Cooktop$80110
Duxtop Cooktop Touch$109120
ISiler Induction Cooktop$70117
Aobosi Induction Cooktop$62110
Camping Hot Plate Comparison Table

If you’ve read this blog post and have decided you also need a list of the best camping stove, you’re in luck! Check out my list of the Top 10 Camping Stoves (for 2023).

5 Types of Camping Stoves

When looking for the best method for cooking while camping, you first need to decide on your camping style.

  • Are you going to be near electricity?
  • Are you camping off-grid?
  • Are you camping at high altitudes?
  • Are you cooking for large groups?

These questions will help narrow down your options, as each fuel type has distinct benefits and drawbacks.

  1. Induction Hot Plates
  2. Propane Stoves
  3. Butane Stoves
  4. Liquid Fuel Stoves
  5. Wood-Burning Stoves

1. Induction Hot Plates

If you’re camping at a site with access to electricity, the camping hot plate is a convenient cooking option. It’s simple to use, and there’s hardly any learning curve.

In fact, if you can use a burner on an electric range, you can use a camping hot plate without any trouble.

Camping Induction Hot Plate Sitting On Bench
Camping Induction hot plate boiling a liter of water.

The major drawback of using a camping hot plate is that it requires electricity. This can be a challenge if you’re not near a reliable source, especially when camping.

Additionally, powering a camping hot plate with battery power is usually not viable, as even lower wattage models will still use too much electricity.

Upsides to Camping Hot Plates:

  • No fire
  • Lightweight
  • No fuel needed

Downsides to Camping Hot Plates:

  • Need to plugin
  • Can’t use in remote locations

VERDICT: While hot plates may be a great option for some campers, I don’t recommend them for everyone. They’re limited because you have to have access to an electrical outlet.

2. Propane Stoves

Camping stoves can use a variety of fuels, but propane is the most common. That’s because propane is easy to find and relatively affordable.

Most propane stoves have 2 burners. The heat these burners give off is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit). BTU burners come standard on all types of camping stoves.

You often see models that use a small green fuel canister these days. The most popular are Coleman 16oz Cylinders.

Coleman Propane For Camping - Best Camping Hot Plates
Coleman Propane gas, 16 oz cylinders.

If you want to use your stove with a refillable propane tank, you’ll need the correct adapter and hose. I recommend the DozyAnt Propane Appliance to Bulk Tank Hose, compatible with most stoves.

Most freestanding stoves have an adapter for a larger propane tank.

Upsides to Propane Stoves

  • Widely available
  • Propane is affordable and efficient
  • Used in many applications
  • Powerful burners

Downsides to Propane Stoves:

  • Performs poorly in cold weather
  • Performs poorly at higher elevations
  • Performs poorly in windy conditions (a built-in wind guard helps)

VERDICT: Propane stoves are an excellent choice for camping and even better for people who live off-grid. They’re reliable and easy to use, making them popular among campers.

3. Butane Stoves

Butane stoves aren’t as popular as propane stoves, but they are still a decent option for tabletop stoves. Most butane models are single-burner stoves, making them relatively powerful and efficient.

Butane Fuel is also pretty cheap, so you won’t have to break the bank to use this type of stove.

Heating Up Water Using Butane Gas
Heating up water using Butane gas | Photo by Sage Friedman on Unsplash

However, like propane models, butane camping stoves suffer from performance problems in chilly weather. They’re a great way to cook on the go, but they don’t perform well in cold weather.

Plus, butane canisters are just as easy to come by as propane canisters, so you’ll never be without fuel.

Upsides to Butane Stoves:

  • Inexpensive
  • Most affordable fuel type
  • Best fuel efficiency

Downsides to Butane Stoves:

  • Performs poorly in cold weather
  • Not as common as propane

VERDICT: With the right gear, camping can be a cheap and enjoyable experience. Butane stoves are a good option if you’re on a budget since they’re cheaper than propane models.

4. Liquid Fuel Stoves

White gas, also known as Coleman fuel or naphtha, is the most common liquid fuel used in portable camping stoves. Liquid fuel stoves are among the most reliable types of stoves available.

They have the best performance and safety. As a result, they’re preferred by outdoors folk who love to cook in cold weather or when they’re at a high elevation.

Coleman Liquid Fuel
Coleman liquid fuel

In addition, liquid fuel stoves are often refillable, which minimizes their environmental impact because consumers don’t need to buy an entirely new canister for every trip.

Liquid gas camping stoves have disadvantages, the most glaring being their cost and weight. They cost more and are heavier than other types of camping stoves. This can make them difficult to transport between hikes or campsites. Plus, they’re harder to start.

Upsides to Liquid Fuel Stoves:

  • Dependable
  • Outstanding performance in cold weather

Downsides to Liquid Fuel Stoves:

  • Challenging to use
  • Low demand

VERDICT: A liquid fuel stove is an excellent option for camping in all seasons, but it’s especially well-suited for winter trips. Yet, finding models that are designed explicitly for liquid-gas-camping can be challenging.

5. Wood-Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves for camping are perfect for using wood as your only fuel source. There are various ways to heat your model, whether using fuel tablets, pellets, or even firewood.

My Daughter Admiring The Takibi Snow Peak Fire &Amp; Grill
My daughter admiring the Takibi Snow Peak Fire & Grill

You can bring your own firewood for larger models that need more heat. Twigs and sticks gathered in the forest are often enough for smaller models that don’t require as much heating power.

Although I think wood-burning camping stoves are a neat idea, they’re not the most efficient or highest performing. You must also be wary of restrictions on burning wood in certain areas due to burn bans.

Upsides to Wood-Burning Stoves:

  • Comparable to a BBQ
  • The forest is your fuel

Downsides to Wood-Burning Stoves:

  • Inconsistent heat
  • Use can be prohibited

VERDICT: While wood-burning stoves may be a great option for some campers, I don’t recommend them for beginners. There are many different types of models out there, but propane is still the most popular choice.

Black And White Drawing Of Campfire

Differences Between Camping Stoves & Hot Plates

The most significant difference between hot plates and portable stoves is that hot plates need to be plugged in. This makes it impossible to venture out into a remote area and cook with a hot plate.

Oster Camping Hot Plate
Oster Camping Hot Plate

Propane, butane, and liquid gas stoves are the best option if you’re roughing it. A hot plate is a great option if you’re camping near an outlet or in an RV.

A camping hot plate is the best option for most car campers. They’re more efficient and powerful than a gas stove, and they can handle a wider assortment of cookware.

They also don’t take up as much space as a gas stove. Plus, if car camping is your main mode of outdoor travel, then it only makes sense to have one of these bad boys with you!

Most if not all of the camping hot plates on my list are made in China. This means they’re only gonna last you a few years before they fall apart. Alternatively, most camping stoves are sturdy, rugged, and American-made. So they’ll last you quite a long time.

Black And White Drawing Of Mountains

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it helped you make an educated purchasing decision! I mainly write recipes on this blog. But, since you’re here already, give one of these bad boys a read!

Avatar Of Kelsey Todd
Kelsey may not know everything about coffee, but after two decades as a barista in Seattle and Santa Barbara, he knows a thing or two. When he's not obsessing over the perfect cup, you can find him hanging out with his wife and daughter or sharing his java gems on this here blog.

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