Hot Pot Haven: Unveiling The Best-Rated Hot Pot Experience

Hot pot is a fun and interactive communal dining experience with a rich history, originating in East Asia thousands of years ago. The social activity involves a simmering pot of liquid placed in the centre of a table, with each person cooking their own serving of meat, seafood, and vegetables in the broth.

There are many electric hot pots on the market, with a range of features and at various price points. Here is a round-up of the best electric hot pots of 2024, based on trusted brands, user reviews, and expert opinions on cooking tools:

- Aroma Housewares 5 Quart Stainless Steel Dual-Sided Shabu Hot Pot

- TopWit 1.5L Electric Hot Pot

- Zojirushi Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot

- Aroma Housewares Whatever Pot

- Proctor-Silex Hot Pot With Adjustable Temperature

- Breville Electric Hot Pot

- SPT Shabu-shabu & Multi-cooker

Best electric hot pots

Hot pot is a fun and interactive communal dining experience with roots in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It involves simmering a pot of broth and having guests cook their choice of meats, seafood, and vegetables in the broth. The pot evolves into an aromatic soup as it takes on the flavours of the ingredients being cooked in it.

Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill

This hot pot has a 3-quart capacity and a 10-inch diameter, making it suitable for multiple diners. In addition to hot pot, it can also be used for fondue, stewing, steaming, and grilling. The adjustable temperature control goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pot has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. It also features an automatic shut-off function for safety.

Dezin Electric Mini Pot

The Dezin Electric Mini Pot is perfect for those looking for a compact and affordable option. With a capacity of 1.6 quarts, it is suitable for one or two people. It has two temperature settings: low for simmering and slow cooking, and high for boiling and sautéing. The non-stick coating makes it easy to clean, and its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces such as dorm rooms.

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 non-stick plate for grilling. The adjustable temperature control ranges from 176 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for a variety of cooking tasks. The magnetic cord and cool-touch handles provide added safety. However, it cannot be used with metal utensils as it may scratch the non-stick surface.

Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot

This dual-bowl hot pot has a capacity of 5 quarts and 1500 watts of power, making it suitable for larger groups. It features five different heat settings to prevent the broth from boiling over. The bowls cannot be separated, and users have noted that they heat at different rates. However, the steam vent in the lid makes it suitable for steaming dumplings, and both the pot and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Sunpentown Multi Cooker Shabu Shabu and Grill

The Sunpentown Multi Cooker is a versatile hot pot that comes with a range 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 groups. While it is basic in design and has less power compared to other models, it is a relatively inexpensive option.

Food Party DUO Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot

The Food Party DUO is a large appliance that features a circular grilling area and dual bowls for hot pot. The separate temperature controls for the grill and hot pot areas allow for simultaneous cooking. It comes with a range of accessories, including tongs, oil brushes, parchment paper, and a recipe book. Its 2200-watt power and 2-liter capacity make it suitable for larger groups.

Best for large groups

If you're looking for a hot pot that's suitable for large groups, you'll want to consider the capacity, temperature settings, and any additional features that will make your dining experience more enjoyable. Here are some options that will ensure a fun and functional hot pot feast for your group:

Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel Hot Pot

This hot pot has a 5-quart capacity, making it ideal for larger groups. It features a dual-bowl design, allowing you to cook two types of soup simultaneously, which is perfect for accommodating different spice preferences. The stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution, and the adjustable heating settings let you control the temperature with ease. The glass lid lets you monitor the contents, and the cool-touch handles make it safe for family and friends to use. Cleanup is a breeze with the removable cooking pot and dishwasher-safe parts.

Food Party Electric Hot Pot

The Food Party Electric Hot Pot is a great option for large groups, boasting a 5-liter capacity. It has two chambers, allowing you to cook dishes with different flavors simultaneously. The 1500W heating element ensures quick and efficient cooking, and the adjustable knob gives you precise control over the temperature. The transparent glass lid lets you keep an eye on your culinary creations. While it may be a bit bulky and difficult to carry around, it's an excellent choice for feeding a crowd.

Aroma Housewares Dual-Sided Shabu Hot Pot

The Aroma Housewares Dual-Sided Shabu Hot Pot is another great option for large groups. It's made of sturdy stainless steel, which heats up quickly, and its dual-sided design lets you cook with two different broths. This is perfect if your group has varying spice tolerance levels. The lightweight pot has cool-touch handles, and the removable design makes cleanup a breeze. While it doesn't have a removable divider, it's still a durable and user-friendly option.

Zojirushi Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot

If you're looking for a hot pot with a grill, the Zojirushi Electric Skillet is a fantastic choice. It features a deep soup pot with a yin-yang style divider and a griddle pan, allowing you to grill and cook soup at the same time. The ceramic non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze, and the rubber feet provide stability. The deep pan can be used on a stovetop, allowing you to sauté before moving it to the base to keep the broth warm. The handles stay cool, ensuring a safe dining experience.

SPT Shabu-shabu & Multi-cooker

The SPT Shabu-shabu & Multi-cooker is a versatile option for large groups. It comes with a range of accessories, including a stainless steel pot, non-stick griddle, glass lid, steam rack, mesh strainer, and strainer support. With three adjustable temperature settings, you can quickly cook thin pieces of food. This hot pot is ideal for hot pot or Japanese-style shabu-shabu, and its versatility makes it a great choice for groups with varied tastes.

When choosing a hot pot for large groups, consider the capacity, temperature settings, and any additional features that will enhance your dining experience. These options will ensure that your hot pot feast is both fun and functional for everyone involved!

Best for small groups

If you're looking for a hot pot that's perfect for small groups, you'll want to look for something with a capacity of 2 to 3 quarts. Here are some of the best options available:

Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill

This hot pot has a capacity of 3 quarts and a 10-inch diameter, making it perfect for small groups. It features adjustable temperature control up to 450 degrees and comes with a grill plate, so you can use it for more than just hot pot. It's also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Dezin Electric Mini Pot

The Dezin Electric Mini Pot is a great budget option for small groups. With a capacity of 1.6 quarts, it's perfect for two people. It has two temperature settings and a non-stick coating for easy cleanup. However, its small size may not be suitable for larger groups.

Aroma Housewares Whatever Pot

This 2.6-quart electric hot pot is perfect for serving a smaller crowd. It comes with a versatile non-stick grill pan and a removable stainless steel insert that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, it's important to adjust the temperature when sautéing to prevent burning.

Proctor-Silex Hot Pot

The Proctor-Silex Hot Pot is a great portable option for small groups. It's lightweight and easy to carry around, with a built-in handle and spout for pouring liquids. It also has six temperature settings and a dishwasher-safe non-stick insert. However, the plastic lid isn't see-through, which can make it difficult to monitor the food.

Best for grilling

If you're looking for the best hot pot for grilling, look no further than the Zojirushi Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot. This Japanese brand offers a range of countertop appliances, including rice cookers and bread makers, and their electric hot pot is a standout product. While it is priced at the higher end, starting from $189, it comes with a range of features that make it a worthwhile investment.

The Zojirushi Electric Skillet offers a deep soup pot with a yin-yang style divider, allowing you to cook two different broths simultaneously. It also includes a griddle pan and a clear lid, providing versatility in your cooking. The rubber feet provide stability, and the ceramic non-stick coating on the deep pan and griddle pan makes cleanup a breeze. You can even use the deep pan on your stovetop to sauté, as long as the flames don't extend past the base of the pan. The handles also stay cool, preventing any burns.

If you're looking for an alternative option, the Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill is an excellent choice. Priced at $28, it offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality. This appliance holds up to 3 quarts of liquid and has a 10-inch diameter, providing ample space for multiple diners. It's not just limited to hot pots; it can also keep fondue warm, slow-cook stews, or steam dumplings. The adjustable temperature control goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it features an automatic shut-off function for safety. The grill plate and pot are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Best for portability

If you're looking for a hot pot that's easy to carry around, the Proctor Silex Hot Pot is a great option. Weighing in at under two pounds, it's lightweight and portable, making it perfect for travel. It has a small footprint, so it can easily be set up in tight spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. With a capacity of about one quart, it's ideal for making small batches. The nonstick insert is dishwasher-safe and simple to clean.

What sets this hot pot apart is its range of temperature settings. It features six temperature settings, giving you the flexibility to prepare various recipes. The built-in handle and spout make pouring out liquids like boiling water or broth a breeze. However, it's worth noting that the plastic lid is not see-through, which may make it a bit more challenging to monitor the cooking process compared to models with clear lids.

Overall, the Proctor Silex Hot Pot is an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability and versatility without compromising on functionality and ease of use.

Frequently asked questions