Buying guide for best electric hot pots
Boiling water on your stove or in your microwave isn’t difficult, but if you’re frequently making hot beverages or other warm liquids like soup, you can benefit from having an electric hot pot. Not only does a hot pot fit easily on any kitchen countertop, but it also works well for a dorm room, office, or hotel room where you don’t have access to a kitchen.
An electric hot pot is a compact appliance that can be used to prepare a variety of beverages and foods. Some have a spout to make it easy to add boiling water to a cup or bowl. Others are more elaborate and can also function as a grill and electric frying pan, so you can prepare meat and other dishes.
If you really want to up your cooking game, it all comes down to choosing the right electric hot pot. You have to decide on the capacity, function options, temperature settings, and other features that would make it easy for you to prepare your favorite foods and beverages. Read on to learn all you need to know about choosing the right electric hot pot for you.
Key considerations
Capacity
Electric hot pots come in a variety of sizes, so you should choose a model with a capacity that best matches the type of recipes you’ll be preparing and how many people you cook for. The smallest electric hot pots hold 32 ounces to a liter. This size is suitable for those who mainly want to prepare hot beverages, instant soup, oatmeal, and similar recipes.
The largest hot pots hold up to five quarts and are suitable for uses beyond boiling water, such as grilling, slow cooking, steaming, simmering, and stir-frying.
If you’re not sure what size electric hot pot to choose, a four-quart model can usually work for up to four people, so assume you need one quart for every person you’ll be cooking for.
Functions
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When you choose an electric hot pot, it’s important to consider how you plan to use it. Not all electric hot pots can perform the same cooking functions, so make sure the model you choose is suitable for the kitchen tasks you want to use it for.
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All electric hot pots can effectively boil or heat water, but some other functions you may want to look for include:
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Grilling
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Steaming
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Sauteing
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Stir-frying
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Slow cooking
Temperature range/settings
Electric hot pots usually have fixed temperature settings, so you’re only able to select certain temperatures, such as 212°F for boiling. Models with more setting options obviously offer greater control — choose an electric hot pot with as many different temperature settings as you think you may need.
It’s also important to consider the maximum temperature an electric hot pot can reach. Models meant for boiling and heating water have a lower max temperature setting, usually topping out at 212°F to boil the water. However, hot pots with multiple cooking functions can often heat up to 450°F to increase the appliance’s versatility.
Features
LCD display
Many electric hot pots have simple dial controls you use to choose a temperature setting or a cooking function. However, some models have an LCD display which may be easier to read. You can tell the pot’s temperature setting at a glance so you’re always sure you’re cooking or boiling at the right setting.
Water gauge
If you’re purchasing an electric hot pot primarily to boil water for beverages and instant soups, noodles, and oatmeal, a water gauge can be a handy feature. It’s usually situated on the front of the pot so you can clearly see how much water is inside and if you have enough hot water for whatever beverage or food you’re preparing. Models with a wide water gauge window are easiest to read.
Boil dry protection/auto shutoff
If your electric hot pot continues to heat when there’s no longer any water inside, it can “boil dry,” which causes the appliance to overheat and often results in damage to its heating component. Fortunately, some pots offer boil dry protection, turning the power off when there’s no more water left inside, preventing any risk of damage to the pot.
Detachable power cord
Because they’re electric, all hot pots have a power cord that must be plugged into an outlet. To make it easier to store the pot, some models offer a detachable power cord that can be removed and placed inside the pot for storage.
For electric hot pots you’ll be pouring water from, you may prefer a model with a power cord that connects to a separate base. This allows you to pour from the pot easily without the cord getting in the way.
Ease of cleaning
To make sure an electric hot pot is as easy to clean as possible, choose a model with a wide opening so you can get your hand inside to scrub it without any difficulty. If your hot pot offers multiple cooking functions, opt for a model with non-stick surfaces that can be wiped clean.
Electric hot pot prices
Electric hot pots vary in price based on their size, cooking functions, and the special features they offer. Models range from $15 to $144.
Inexpensive: The most affordable electric hot pots are typically models meant for boiling water and that feature pouring spouts. They’re usually three quarts in size or smaller and have just a few special features. Most pots in this range cost between $15 and $35.
Mid-range: Mid-range electric hot pots are intended for boiling or simmering ingredients. They don’t have a pouring spout, can hold up to three quarts, and offer some special features, including grilling and steaming functions. They usually cost between $35 and $85.
Expensive: The most expensive electric hot pots are usually extra-large boil models or multipurpose pots with a variety of cooking functions. Boil models can hold up to five quarts, while multipurpose pots offer up to five or six different cooking options. Hot pots in this price range typically have plenty of special features and cost between $85 and $144.
Tips
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Hard water can leave a residue behind in an electric hot pot. If you live in an area with tap water that has a high mineral content, you’re better off using bottled, purified, or filtered water in your pot.
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If you’re using your electric hot pot to make a traditional Asian hot pot, cut your meat of choice into pieces no more than a quarter inch thick. This helps the meat cook more quickly. If you have trouble cutting it, try partially freezing the meat first.
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Avoid filling your electric hot pot more than two thirds full with broth when you’re preparing for an Asian hot pot. When you add the meat, vegetables, and other ingredients, the liquid level will rise.
FAQ
Q. How long does it take to boil water in an electric hot pot?
A. It depends on the power of the hot pot’s heating element. Some models only offer 500 watts, while others provide up to 1,500 watts. Less powerful electric hot pots can take as many as 10 to 15 minutes to heat the water, while more powerful models can boil water in as little as three to four minutes.
Q. What’s the best way to clean an electric hot pot?
A. You should always consult the owner’s manual for your particular electric hot pot model to determine the proper cleaning method. However, most hot pots can be cleaned with a wet sponge and some mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive cleansers and brushes to prevent damage to the lining.
Q. Do electric hot pots provide warranty protection?
A. Some electric hot pots do include warranty coverage, which usually covers damage due to defects in workmanship or materials for one year from the date you purchased the pot. Not all hot pots are protected by a warranty, so be sure to read the product specifications carefully to know if yours is covered.
