The Ultimate Hot Pot Cooker: Transforming Your Dining Experience

Hot pot is a popular communal dining experience with a long history in East Asia. It involves a group of people cooking their own meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth placed in the centre of the table.

There are many types of hot pot cookers to choose from, including traditional hotpots, multi-cookers, and inductions. The best hot pot cookers have temperature control, are multi-purpose, and are made from high-grade materials.

- Dezin Electric Mini Pot: Best budget option

- Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet: Best splurge option

- Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot: Best dual-bowl option

- Sunpentown Multi Cooker Shabu Shabu and Grill: Best multifunctional option

- Food Party DUO Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot: Best for grilling option

Electric vs traditional hot pots

Hot pot is a popular communal dining experience with a long history in East Asia. It involves a simmering pot of liquid placed in the centre of a table, into which everyone cooks their meat, seafood, and vegetables.

There are several ways to prepare hot pot, including using a portable butane burner and pot, an induction set, a traditional pot with sterno, or an electric hot pot set.

Traditional Hot Pots

Traditional hot pots are often chosen for their aesthetics. For example, a traditional Beijing charcoal hot pot is a beautiful option, but it can take a long time to heat up and requires more effort to clean.

Another option is a traditional pot with gel fuel or sterno, which is the type of hot pot often seen in classic hot pot photos. These pots are usually heated by gel sterno, which burns for around two hours. While these fuel gels are generally considered safe, there are still burn hazards associated with their use. It's also important to note that the broth may not reach a full boil with this type of heating method, especially if you're using a larger pot.

Electric Hot Pots

Electric hot pots are a popular alternative to traditional hot pots, offering convenience, safety, and ease of cleaning. They are also often more affordable than other options, such as induction sets.

Electric hot pots come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your dining needs, whether you're cooking for a large group or just for yourself. They also often have temperature controls, allowing you to adjust the heat as needed.

Some electric hot pots are designed specifically for hot pot, while others are multi-purpose and can be used for grilling, steaming, or preparing other dishes.

Both traditional and electric hot pots have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for a more authentic and aesthetically pleasing option, a traditional hot pot may be preferable. However, if you prioritise convenience, safety, and ease of use, an electric hot pot may be the better choice. Ultimately, the best hot pot for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Best budget options

If you're looking for a budget-friendly hot pot cooker, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best budget options available:

Dezin Electric Mini Pot

The Dezin Electric Mini Pot is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and user-friendly hot pot. With a capacity of 1.5 litres, it's perfect for individuals or couples who want to enjoy hot pot, sautéing, cooking eggs, and noodles. The non-stick coating makes cleaning a breeze, and its compact size makes it ideal for students or those with limited kitchen space. It has two temperature settings and is available on Amazon for $38.

Proctor-Silex Hot Pot

This small and lightweight hot pot is perfect for travel or small spaces. It holds about one quart of liquid, making it ideal for small batches. The insert is dishwasher-safe and coated with a non-stick material for easy cleaning. It also offers six temperature settings for varied recipes. You can get it for $22 at Walmart.

Topwit Hot Pot Electric

The Topwit Hot Pot Electric is a versatile and compact option for those seeking a multi-functional cooker. With a capacity of 1.5 litres, it's perfect for preparing hot pot dinners, cooking noodles, ramen, eggs, dumplings, and more. It features a double-wall design, a stainless steel interior, and cool-touch material for safe use. It doesn't have an automatic shut-off function, but it does have boil dry and overheat protection. It's available on Amazon, with prices starting from $26.72.

Audecook Hot Pot Electric

The Audecook Hot Pot Electric is another excellent choice for a compact and versatile hot pot. It has a capacity of 2 litres and comes with a ceramic glaze non-stick frying pan. It's perfect for preparing ramen, steak, fried rice, oatmeal, soup, and more. It also includes a silicone spatula and offers dual power control. You can find it on Amazon, with prices starting from $26.11.

Sonya Shabu Shabu Hot Pot

The Sonya Shabu Shabu Hot Pot is a traditional-looking hot pot with a divider, allowing you to enjoy two different flavours at once. Its large capacity makes it ideal for a family of six, and the removable cooking pot makes cleaning a breeze. Other features include heat-resistant handles, slip-resistant silicone feet, and a transparent glass lid. It's available on Amazon, and prices start from $66.99.

Best for large groups

If you're looking for a hot pot cooker for large groups, the Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot is a great option. It has a total capacity of 5 quarts, which is enough room for a larger group. The pot has an impressive 1,500 watts of power and five different heat settings to ensure your broths are bubbling but not boiling over.

Another option for large groups is the Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet. This skillet has a capacity of 4 quarts and 1,300 watts of power. The temperature can be adjusted from 176 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for keeping food warm or bringing it to a high boil. The non-stick surface makes for easy cleanup, but be sure to avoid using metal utensils to prevent scratching.

If you're looking for a hot pot with a divider, the Sonya Shabu Shabu Hot Pot is a great choice. This stainless steel electric hot pot has a large capacity and a divider that allows you to have two different flavors of broth at once. The cooking pot is removable, making it easy to clean. Other features include heat-resistant handles, slip-resistant silicone feet, and a transparent glass lid.

For an even larger option, consider the Aroma Houseware 'Super Pot'. This electric hot pot has a capacity of 6 quarts, making it perfect for feeding a family or a large group. It is also very affordable, usually priced at around $32. In addition to hot pot, it can be used for grilling or steaming.

Lastly, the Food Party 2-in-1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot is a great option for large groups. It features a circular outside grilling area and dual bowls in the middle, allowing you to cook multiple things at once. The grilling area is non-stick and has a port to hold excess oil. The dual bowls are deep enough for around 2 liters of liquid total and are removable for easy cleaning.

Best multi-purpose hot pots

If you're looking for a multi-purpose hot pot, there are a few great options to consider. Here are some detailed recommendations for the best multi-purpose hot pots:

Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill

This hot pot is an excellent choice for communal dining, accommodating up to six people. It has a 3-quart capacity and a 10-inch diameter, providing ample space for multiple diners to cook their food. In addition to hot pot, it can also be used for fondue, slow-cooking stews, and steaming dumplings. The adjustable temperature control goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring quick and even heating. The nonstick aluminum pot is easy to clean, and the tempered glass lid adds convenience. It is available for $32 on Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart.

Dezin Electric Mini Pot

The Dezin Electric Mini Pot is a compact and versatile option, perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms. It has a capacity of 1.6 quarts and two temperature settings, making it suitable for various cooking tasks such as boiling broth, cooking noodles, or sautéing vegetables. The nonstick coating ensures easy cleanup, and its exceptionally low price makes it an excellent value. You can purchase it on Amazon for $38.

Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet

The Zojirushi electric skillet is a multi-functional appliance that 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, making it suitable for various cooking tasks. The magnetic cord and cool-touch handles provide added safety. While it is on the pricier side at $133, it offers excellent versatility and performance. It is available on Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair.

Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot

If you're looking for a traditional dual-bowl hot pot, the Aroma Housewares hot pot is an excellent choice. It has a total capacity of 5 quarts, making it perfect for larger groups. The 1500 watts of power and five heat settings ensure that your broths stay bubbling without boiling over. The stainless steel construction and dishwasher-safe design make cleanup a breeze. It is available for $64 on Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair.

Sunpentown Multi Cooker Shabu Shabu and Grill

The Sunpentown Multi Cooker is a versatile hot pot that comes with a variety of accessories, including a shallow grill pan, a steaming rack, a strainer basket, and a tempered glass lid. Its 3-quart capacity and 1000 watts of power make it suitable for small gatherings. While it may be on the smaller side and less powerful than other options, it is relatively inexpensive at $48 on Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart.

Best non-stick hot pots

Non-stick cookware is a must-have in the kitchen, making cooking and cleaning up a breeze. Here is a list of the best non-stick hot pots to buy:

Best Overall Non-Stick Hot Pot: Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized Non-Stick 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set combines excellent performance with durability. The pots and pans are made of anodized aluminum, which means they are strong yet not too heavy, and they are excellent at resisting stains. The non-stick coating is effective, and the clear lids and long handles make it a comfortable choice. It includes various sizes of frypans, saucepans, and stockpots, making it a versatile set.

Best Value Non-Stick Hot Pot: T-fal Signature Non-Stick Cookware Set

The T-fal Signature set offers long, stay-cool handles and includes a griddle pan, which is uncommon in such sets. The non-stick coating is excellent for sticky foods like crepes and frittatas. The lightweight set is ideal for low to medium heat cooking, and the thermo-heat indicator is a useful feature.

Best Scratch-Resistant Non-Stick Hot Pot: Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Non-Stick Cookware Set

The Circulon A1 Series is a hit among testers, with even heat distribution and excellent non-stick performance. The handles are wide and grippy, staying cool during cooking. The pots have pour spouts and built-in strainers in the lid, making them convenient and easy to use.

Best Ceramic Non-Stick Hot Pot: GreenPan Valencia Pro 11-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

The GreenPan Valencia Pro set is easy to clean and has a hard-anodized exterior with a ceramic non-stick interior. The set includes different-sized pots and pans to cater to all your cooking needs. The lids are clear, and the handles are designed to stay cool and provide a comfortable grip.

Best Durable Non-Stick Hot Pot: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

The Ninja Foodi set offers sturdy and lightweight cookware with lids that are oven-safe up to 500˚F. The straight sides maximize the cooking surface area, making it ideal for cooking for a family. The set is designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil-safe, ensuring durability.

Best Stainless Steel Non-Stick Hot Pot: Made In The Non-Stick Set

The Made In set stands out for its sturdy stainless steel construction with the ease of non-stick pans. The pans heat evenly and maintain a steady simmer, and the pan and lid handles stay cool. The lids fit smoothly, and eggs and pancakes slide off effortlessly. While the outside of the pans may stain over higher heat, the set performs well on an induction cooktop.

Frequently asked questions