Best Electric Hot Pots of 2024
1. BEST OVERALL
Aroma Housewares 5 Quart Stainless Steel Dual-Sided Shabu Hot Pot
PROS
- Lightweight
- Dual-sided
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Divider is not removable
This large electric hot pot is made from stainless steel, a material that heats more quickly than others. Its lightweight pot with cool-touch handles is removable from the sturdy base, and dishwasher-safe, which is key for easy cleanup.
We love that this pot is dual-sided, meaning you can make two different broths at once, although the divider is not removable so you don’t have the option to make one big pot. “If your family and friends diverge in terms of their hot pot soup base preferences (spicy versus non-spicy), you can get a pot that has two sides,” says Leung. It is important to note that you cannot sauté directly into the pot, unlike some models.
2. BEST VALUE
TopWit 1.5L Electric Hot Pot
PROS
- Compact
- Budget-friendly
CONS
- Only two heat settings
This budget buy is one of the least expensive of our recommendations, but still a great performer. The insert is made with a non-stick coating for easy cleanup, which is great since the cooking bowl is not removable from the plastic base which can make it trickier to clean. The clear lid allows to see into the bowl as food cooks. Its small size is great for one to two people, and it takes up very little storage space.
This electric hot pot has only two heating settings, high and low, which could cause inconsistencies in heating soup bases. However, the brand provides instructions for recipes to cook on both settings, so the two temperature settings provide more versatility than a single temperature.
3. BEST HOT POT WITH GRILL
Zojirushi Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot
PROS
- Dual-sided
- Comes with griddle pans
- Stable base with rubber feet
CONS
- More expensive than others
This Japanese brand makes many countertop appliances including rice cookers, bread makers and this electric hot pot. Though pricey, the model comes with a deep soup pot with a yin-yang style divider as well as a griddle pan and a clear lid. We found that it’s stable, thanks to its rubber feet, and the deep pan and griddle pans are made with a ceramic non-stick coating, which makes cleanup simpler.
The deep pan is safe to be used on your stovetop, as long as the flames do not extend past the base of the pan, which means you can sauté on the stove before moving into the base to keep broths warm, and the handles stay cool to prevent burning.
4. BEST SMALL
Aroma Housewares Whatever Pot
PROS
- Small footprint
- Lightweight
- Sautéing and grilling capabilities
CONS
- Hot spots can cause foods to burn
This small electric hot pot takes up very little counter space (it measures a little under a foot from handle to handle!) so it isideal for serving hot pot to a small group of people. The stainless steel insert is removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The model also comes with 8-inch non-stick grill pan for versatile usage.
When our test kitchen experts cooked a hot pot base in this electric hot pot, we were thrilled that it could sauté, however found that at high heat, the onions and tomato paste cooked quickly and caught in a few places, so be sure to adjust the temperature to prevent burning when sautéing.
5. BEST PORTABLE
Proctor-Silex Hot Pot With Adjustable Temperature
PROS
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Opaque lid
This small electric hot pot is great for travel. It is lightweight, clocking in at under two pounds, so it is easy to carry around, and since it has a small footprint, it is easily set up in small spaces, like apartments or dorm kitchens. It also holds only about one quart of liquid, making it ideal for small batches. The insert is dishwasher safe and coated in a nonstick material, making the hot pot easier to clean than other materials.
We love that this model has six temperature settings, giving varied settings for different recipes and that the built-in handle and spout help to make it more convenient to pour out liquids, like boiling water or broth. However, the plastic lid isn’t see-through so it may be more difficult to keep an eye on foods than if the model had a clear lid.
6. BEST WOK FOR HOT POT
Breville Hot Wok
PROS
- Versatile usage
- Multiple specific temperature settings
CONS
- More expensive than others
While it is more expensive than other options, this electric
wok is our most versatile pick; you can sauté and stir fry veggies as well as create a soup base to simmer hot pot. It has tall sides and replicates a traditional wok’s high temperatures through its electric base, allowing for searing and stir-frying.
The base of this electric hot wok comes with multiple specific temperatures, which can be important for producing consistent results. The large-capacity bowl of the wok is coated with a nonstick material and can be removed from the base and washed in the dishwasher.
