Hot Pot Holders: What To Use And What To Avoid

A trivet is a small plate or stand placed under a hot dish to protect the table from burning or melting. Trivets are typically made from solid/hard materials such as wood or metal, and they often have three legs. They are commonly used for hot pots, pans, and serving dishes.

Trivets

Materials

Design

Functionality

The primary function of a trivet is to protect your surfaces from hot dishes and pots. They are heat-resistant and insulated, providing an essential layer of protection for your tabletops. Some trivets are also multi-purpose, serving as jar openers, spoon holders, or even wall decor.

Examples

• Silicone trivet mats, which are heat-resistant, non-slip, and flexible, making them ideal for hot pots, pans, and dishes.
• Cast iron trivets, which are heavy-duty and often feature rubber pegs to protect your surfaces and prevent slipping.
• Wooden or bamboo trivets, which offer a natural and sustainable option, are durable and heat-resistant.
• Cork trivets, which are lightweight, easy to store, and won't adhere to or damage your surfaces.
• Ceramic, glass, or metal trivets, which can feature intricate designs and solid colours, adding elegance to your table setting while providing functionality.

Electric hot pots

Dezin Electric Mini Pot

The Dezin Electric Mini Pot is a great budget option, perfect for a dorm room or any situation where you have access to electricity but not a full kitchen. It looks like a small saucepan and can be plugged in to boil broth for hot pot, cook noodles or ramen, or be used like a non-stick skillet to scramble eggs, sauté chicken, and more. It has a capacity of 1.5 litres, which is enough for two people. The major downside is that it only has two temperature settings: low for simmering/slow cooking and high for boiling/sautéing. However, for its price and versatility, it is an excellent value.

Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill

The Aroma Housewares Grillet is a versatile option that can be used for hot pot, fondue, stewing, steaming dumplings, and grilling. It has a capacity of 3 quarts and a 10-inch diameter, making it suitable for multiple diners. It features adjustable temperature control up to 450 degrees and an automatic shut-off feature for safety. The non-stick pot, grill plate, and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot

This traditional dual-bowl hot pot is perfect if you want to cook two types of soup at the same time, such as a spicy Sichuan or Mongolian base in one compartment and a milder Beijing-style in the other. It has a total capacity of 5 quarts, making it suitable for larger groups. With 1,500 watts of power and five different heat settings, you can ensure your broths are bubbling but not boiling over. However, some users have noted that the two bowls heat at different rates, with the smaller inner bowl tending to boil faster. The bowls also cannot be separated, so you'll need to fill both even if you're using just one broth.

Food Party DUO Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot

If you're looking for a large option that can do two things at once, the Food Party DUO is a great choice. It features a circular outside grilling area and dual bowls in the middle, with separate temperature dials for the grilling and hot pot areas. The double bowls have a capacity of around 2 litres each and are removable for easy cleaning. This appliance also comes with a tong, two oil brushes, parchment paper, and a recipe book.

Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet

The Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet is a multi-functional appliance that comes with a deep inner pan, a tempered glass lid, and a titanium-ceramic non-stick plate for grilling. It has an adjustable temperature range from 176 to 430 degrees, allowing you to keep food warm, boil, or sear. The magnetic cord detaches easily for safety, and the handles stay cool for convenient handling. The unit disassembles for easy hand-washing, but be sure to avoid using metal utensils to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.

Tabletop heating devices

The Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill is a great option for hot pot dinners. It can hold up to 3 quarts of liquid, providing ample space for multiple diners to cook their food. This model also includes a 10-inch grill plate, making it versatile for stir-frying and searing meats. The adjustable temperature control goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring quick and even heating.

For those looking for a more affordable and compact option, the Dezin Electric Mini Pot is a perfect choice. This mini pot looks like a small saucepan but is electrically powered, with two temperature settings for simmering and boiling. Its capacity of 1.6 quarts makes it ideal for one or two people.

If you're seeking a multi-functional appliance, the Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet is an excellent choice. It comes with a deep inner pan, a tempered glass lid, and a titanium-ceramic nonstick plate for grilling. The adjustable temperature control ranges from 176 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to keep food warm or bring it to a boil. The magnetic cord and cool-to-touch handles make it safe and easy to handle.

For larger gatherings, the Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot is a great option, offering a total capacity of 5 quarts across two separate bowls. This dual-bowl design allows you to cook two types of soup simultaneously, perfect for accommodating different spice preferences. It features five heat settings to ensure your broths are bubbling without boiling over.

Lastly, the Sunpentown Multi Cooker Shabu Shabu and Grill is a versatile option that includes a hot pot, a shallow grill pan, a steaming rack, and a strainer basket insert. This model is ideal for those who want to grill, steam, and hot pot with just one appliance. While it has a basic design and less power, it is very affordable and can do a lot.

These tabletop heating devices will ensure that your hot pot meals are kept hot and enjoyable for you and your dining companions.

Hot pads

When selecting a hot pad, it is important to consider the size of your pots and pans to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, look for hot pads with hanging loops so you can easily store them near your stove or kitchen counter.

Hot plates

When choosing a hot plate, consider the size of your pots and pans, as well as the amount of heat they generate. If you plan to use the hot plate for very hot items, consider a material that is heat-resistant or has insulating properties. Some hot plates are flexible and easy to store, while others are more solid and sturdy. Choose a style that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Frequently asked questions