WordGarden.iohotplate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɒtpleɪt/
US
- /hˈɑːtpleɪt/
Meanings
Noun
a portable heated cooking surface or small electric stove
a laboratory device with a heated surface for warming samples
Beyond the definition
A hotplate isn't just about heat—it's about controlled heat in a convenient package. Think of it as a small, portable stovetop. It can be used in science labs to heat substances safely, but it is also common in home kitchens, dorm rooms, and even some outdoor cooking setups. It is especially useful when you don't have access to a full stove or when you need an extra surface to cook or keep food warm.
You might use a hotplate to simmer sauce while preparing other dishes, keep soup warm during a shared meal, or use it as a temporary cooking solution if your main stove is out of order. Some models have precise temperature controls and smooth ceramic tops. It's not quite the same as a full stove, but it certainly gets the job done.
A hotplate is a portable heating device consisting of a flat, electrically powered surface used for warming or cooking food. While often associated with laboratory settings where controlled heat is crucial for experiments—such as melting substances or keeping solutions at a steady temperature—hotplates have become increasingly common in domestic kitchens and other environments.
Historically, they became popular in laboratories because they offered a safer alternative to open flames when heating materials. Today, you'll find them used as secondary cooking surfaces—perfect for simmering sauces, making fondue, or keeping food warm at the table. They are particularly popular in dorm rooms, RVs, and tiny homes where space is limited and a full-sized stove isn't practical.
Hotplates come in various sizes and with different features. Some have adjustable temperature controls allowing for precise heating, while others are simple on/off models. Many modern hotplates feature ceramic or glass surfaces that are easy to clean and provide even heat distribution.
Beyond cooking, hotplates can also be used for hobbyist purposes like melting wax for candle making or even as a temporary heat source in emergencies. Whether you're a scientist conducting research, a student heating up ramen noodles, or a chef needing extra stovetop space, the humble hotplate is a versatile and convenient tool that brings controlled heat wherever it's needed.
Examples
- 1
Emergency cooking
When the stove broke, we used a hotplate to make coffee and fry eggs.
- 2
Dorm cooking
Her dorm room had a kettle, a mini-fridge, and a hotplate for simple meals.
- 3
Lab heating
In the lab, the flask was left on the hotplate until the liquid began to boil.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hotplatenoun