Best Hot Plate for Cast Iron Skillet: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Cooking with cast iron skillets is a time-honored tradition among both amateur cooks and culinary professionals. These skillets offer versatility, longevity, and the capability to be passed down through generations when taken care of properly. However, a significant hurdle when using cast iron is identifying an appropriate heat source. Cast iron isn’t universally compatible with all types of stovetops, and certain recipes demand a steady, uniform heat that not all stovetops can achieve. This is where hot plates prove to be invaluable.

A hot plate is a portable electric burner that can be used anywhere with an electrical outlet. Hot plates are a great option for cooking with cast iron skillets because they provide a consistent heat source that can be adjusted to the desired temperature. They’re also great for outdoor cooking, camping, or for use in small kitchens where a full stovetop isn’t available.

When it comes to finding the best hot plate for cast iron skillets, there are a few things to consider. Here are some critical factors to keep in mind:

Size: Make sure the hot plate is large enough to accommodate your cast iron skillet. A 10-12 inch hot plate is usually sufficient for most home cooks.
Wattage: Look for a hot plate with a high wattage (at least 1000 watts) to ensure that it can handle the high heat required for cast iron cooking.
Temperature control: A hot plate with adjustable temperature control is essential for cooking with cast iron. Look for a hot plate with precise temperature control (in increments of 10 degrees) for the best results.
Safety features: Look for a hot plate with safety features like overheat protection and automatic shut-off in case of overheating or other issues.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the best hot plates for cast iron skillets on the market. We’ve spent hours researching and testing various models to identify the ones that offer the best performance, durability, and safety features. Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron cook or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect hot plate for your cast iron skillet!

Table of Contents

Best Hot Plates for Cast Iron Skillet

As avid cast iron skillet users, we know the importance of having a reliable hot plate to cook with. Whether you’re using your skillet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, having a hot plate that can handle the weight and distribute heat evenly is crucial. After testing and researching various hot plates, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones for cast iron skillets. Below are our top picks, based on performance, durability, and value for money.

Black+Decker Double Burner Portable Hot Plate
Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner
Cadco CSR-3T Countertop Hi-Power Single 120-Volt Hot Plate
Ovente Electric Glass Infrared Burner
SUNAVO Electric Infrared Burner

Without further ado, let’s dive into the details of each hot plate and why they made it to our list.

CUSIMAX Hot Plate Electric Burner Single Burner Cast Iron hot plates for cooking Portable Burner 1500W with Adjustable Temperature Control Stainless Steel Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Upgraded Version Silver Single Burner

If you’re looking for a hot plate to use with your cast iron skillet, the CUSIMAX Hot Plate Electric Burner is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The stainless steel body is durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for frequent use.
With its 7 thermostatically controlled heat settings, this hot plate is versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods.
The CUSIMAX Hot Plate is compatible with all types of cookware, including cast iron frying pans.

Cons

The hot plate takes about 20 minutes to cool down after use, so you’ll need to be careful not to touch the burner body while it’s still hot.
The heating light may cycle on and off during operation, which can be a bit distracting.
The temperature switches warm up along with the whole unit, which some users may find a bit odd.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the CUSIMAX Hot Plate Electric Burner for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile hot plate.

This hot plate is ideal for a variety of uses, including office use, camping, parties, boats, RVs, student accommodation, traveling, or as an extra cooking utensil in your kitchen. Its small and light size makes it easy to use in confined spaces or anywhere.

With its safety features, including overheat protection and an automatic safety shutoff function, this hot plate is safe to use and doesn’t emit harmful radiation.

The CUSIMAX Hot Plate also comes with a 30-day return policy and 18-month promise, so you can purchase with confidence.

In summary, the CUSIMAX Hot Plate Electric Burner is a versatile, reliable, and safe hot plate that is perfect for use with your cast iron skillet.

Mifoci Set of 12 Fajita Skillet Cast Iron Plate

If you’re looking for a set of cast iron skillets that are perfect for cooking a meal for one or two people, then the Mifoci Set of 12 Fajita Skillet Cast Iron Plate is a great option to consider. These small cast iron skillets are perfect for holding steak, chicken, fish, or any other food you want, and they can be placed over the stove, in an oven, or on a BBQ.

Pros

This set comes with 12 iron skillets, 12 wooden bases, and 12 hot plate grippers, making it a great value for the price.
The cast iron material is sturdy and strong, durable, and has good insulation effect, ideal for handling hot dishes.
The ridged design of the surface helps the steak drain excess fat during the grilling process, making it more tender and delicious to your taste buds.

Cons

The color may exist slight difference due to different screen display.
It’s not suitable for cooking acidic foods.
Seasoning again is recommended to avoid sticking issues for a smooth cooking experience.

We were impressed with the uniform heating and nonstick design of these cast iron plates, which make them ideal for everyday use. The surface of the plates is smooth and easy to clean, and you can wash them by hand with hot water or wipe them with a damp cloth or brush. We recommend avoiding soap and strong alkaline cleaner or washing them in the dishwasher.

Overall, the Mifoci Set of 12 Fajita Skillet Cast Iron Plate is a great choice for anyone looking for a set of durable, nonstick cast iron skillets that are perfect for cooking a meal for one or two people. They’re easy to care for and clean, and the ridged design of the surface helps to make your food more delicious.

Lallisa Cast Iron Fajita Plate Set

If you’re looking for a cast iron hot plate that will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable, the Lallisa Cast Iron Fajita Plate Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The set comes with everything you need, including a cast iron plate, a wooden tray, and insulated pot handle mitts, making it a comprehensive package set.
The cast iron plate and wooden tray are made of durable materials and come in user-friendly sizes, catering to your kitchen needs.
The chili print insulated pot handle covers offer robust heat resistance, ensuring your safety while handling the cast iron pie pans.

Cons

The set is not oven safe, so you’ll have to be careful when using it on the stovetop or grill.
The cast iron plate is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to hand wash it.
Some users may find the cast iron plate heavy and difficult to handle.

This cast iron hot plate is perfect for traditional and slow cooking techniques, as it absorbs heat evenly and diffuses gently, maintaining a nice heat after removal from the fire. It’s also visually appealing, with an attractive color scheme that adds an element of fun and color to your cooking space.

In addition to its primary features, the Lallisa Cast Iron Fajita Plate Set showcases nice versatility in culinary use. It is not confined to serving fajitas alone but extends to various dishes including meats, vegetables, seafood, and more. It is designed for use in the kitchen, catering service, family gatherings, and BBQ.

Overall, we highly recommend the Lallisa Cast Iron Fajita Plate Set for anyone looking for a comprehensive cast iron hot plate set that is durable, versatile, and visually appealing.

Tanlade 3 Sets Cast Iron Skillets Pre Seasoned Fajita Pan Heavy Duty Construction Sizzling Plates with Wooden Base and Silicone Handle Mitt, Black

If you’re looking for a versatile set of cast iron skillets, the Tanlade 3 Sets Cast Iron Skillets might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

The set includes three cast iron skillets with wooden trays and silicone anti-scald handles.
The ridged surface of the skillets allows you to get nice grill marks while draining the excess fat away.
The silicone handle sleeve creates an insulated layer between your hands and the cast iron pan handle, protecting your hands from heat injury.

Cons

The skillets are not dishwasher safe.
The color may exist a slight difference due to different screen displays.
The manual measurement may have slight errors on size.

We’ve been using this set of Tanlade cast iron skillets for a few months now, and we’ve been impressed with their quality and versatility. The set includes three skillets, each measuring approximately 6.9 x 9.3 inches, making them perfect for preparing food such as steak, chicken breast, or fish over the stove, in the oven, or on the grill.

The skillets are made of quality pre-seasoned cast iron, which means you don’t need to season them before use. They heat up evenly and retain heat well, making them ideal for slow cooking techniques. We’ve used them to fry, grill, sear, and roast different types of food, such as Mexican chicken, steak, shrimp, vegetables, and fish, and they’ve performed exceptionally well.

The wooden base and silicone anti-scald handles that come with the skillets are a nice touch. They allow you to serve your delicious masterpiece for two or more people and protect tabletops from the sizzling hot cast iron fajita plate. The silicone handle sleeve also makes it easier and safer to move the skillets around, creating an insulated layer between your hands and the cast iron pan handle, protecting your hands from heat injury.

Overall, we highly recommend the Tanlade 3 Sets Cast Iron Skillets for anyone looking for a versatile set of cast iron skillets. They’re sturdy, reliable, safe, and solid, offering you long time application. They can also be shared with your family members, relatives, and friends as daily, housewarming, anniversary, and birthday gifts, bringing more interest to their life.

Old Mountain Fajita Plate Set

If you’re looking for a reliable hot plate for your cast iron skillet, the Old Mountain Fajita Plate Set is a great option to consider.

Pros

Pre-seasoned and ready to use, which saves time and effort
Comes with a wooden tray and a quilted hot mitt, providing extra convenience and value
Retains heat better than other cookware, ensuring that your food stays warm and delicious

Cons

Not dishwasher safe, which means that you’ll need to hand wash it
Not oven safe, which limits its versatility
The wooden tray is rather flimsy and may not hold up well over time

In our experience, the Old Mountain Fajita Plate Set is a solid choice for anyone who wants to cook with a cast iron skillet. The pre-seasoning makes it easy to use right out of the box, and the included tray and mitt are a nice touch.

That said, there are a few downsides to consider. For one thing, the set isn’t dishwasher safe, which may be a dealbreaker for some people. Additionally, the wooden tray isn’t the sturdiest, so you’ll need to be careful when handling it.

Overall, though, we think that the Old Mountain Fajita Plate Set is a good investment for anyone who wants to cook with a cast iron skillet. It’s affordable, convenient, and effective, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast Iron Fajita Skillet Set

If you’re looking for an easy way to impress your dinner guests with an authentic fajita meal, the Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast Iron Fajita Skillet Set is a great choice. This set comes with two high-quality pre-seasoned cast iron plates, each with its own wooden base to protect your table or countertop. The cloth handle on each plate makes it easy to move them around, even when they’re sizzling hot.

Pros

Dine in style with 1000 degree sizzling plates
High-quality pre-seasoned cast iron designed to last forever
Wooden base protects table tops and counter tops

Cons

Plates are heavy and can be difficult to move around
Cleaning and seasoning can be time-consuming
Not suitable for induction cooktops

We were impressed with the Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast Iron Fajita Skillet Set. The plates heat up quickly and evenly, and the pre-seasoned cast iron provides a nice non-stick surface. The wooden base is a nice touch, and the cloth handle makes it easy to move the plates around without burning your hands.

Cleaning and seasoning the plates can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth it to keep them in good condition. We also found that the plates are quite heavy, which can make them difficult to move around if you’re not used to working with cast iron.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast Iron Fajita Skillet Set to anyone looking for an easy way to impress their dinner guests with an authentic fajita meal. The plates are well-made and designed to last, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

Lot45 Cast Iron Fajita Sizzling Pan- 10in Hot Dish Sizzling Plate Serving Platter with Wooden Base Plate, Steak Skillet

If you’re looking for a hot plate for your cast iron skillet, the Lot45 Cast Iron Fajita Sizzling Pan could be a good option to consider.

Pros

Cook Your Craft: The Lot45 Cast Iron Fajita Skillet Set is perfect for cooking sizzling hot fajitas in your restaurant or at home.
Serve in Style: The wooden base plate adds a touch of elegance to your dish and makes it a great centerpiece at the dinner table.
Quality You Need: Made from cast iron, this sizzling pan is designed to distribute heat evenly and retain it for longer periods of time.

Cons

Rust Issues: Some customers have reported rust issues with this product, so it’s important to dry it thoroughly after washing.
Fragile Handle: The detachable handle is not very sturdy and can break easily if not handled with care.
Not Dishwasher Safe: This product is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to wash it by hand.

This sizzling pan is perfect for sautéing, frying, grilling, and more. It comes with a wooden base plate that measures 12.5 x 7 x 0.5 inches, and a cast iron fajita plate set that includes grill lines. The steak skillet measures 10 x 7 x 1 inches, making it the perfect size for cooking individual portions.

The Lot45 Cast Iron Fajita Sizzling Pan is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport. However, it’s important to note that the wooden base plate should not be used for cooking. It’s also recommended to hand wash this product to preserve its enamel coating, and to dry it on the stovetop using medium heat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a hot plate for your cast iron skillet that’s both functional and stylish, the Lot45 Cast Iron Fajita Sizzling Pan is worth considering. Just make sure to take care of it properly to avoid any rust or handle issues.

Ebros Personal Sized Cast Iron Sizzling Fajita Skillet

If you’re looking for a small cast iron hot plate for personal-sized meals, the Ebros Personal Sized Cast Iron Sizzling Fajita Skillet might be the right choice for you.

Pros

The cast iron skillet is oil-coated for a non-stick surface, making it easy to clean.
The wooden base adds a stylish touch and makes it easy to serve your cooked food.
The skillet is perfect for cooking personal-sized meats or vegetables.

Cons

The skillet is small and might not be suitable for cooking larger portions.
The craftsmanship could use some effort, as the skillet is rough around the edges and not machined well after the casting.
The measurements are a little deceiving, so be sure to check the size before buying.

This cast iron hot plate measures 9.5″ long, 5.5″ wide, and 0.75″ tall, and weighs about 2.75 pounds. The wooden base is 11.5″ long, 5.75″ wide, and 0.5″ tall, while the cast iron handle is 5″ long.

The skillet is perfect for cooking personal-sized meats or vegetables. You can cook with the sizzling plate on your stove, then remove it and put it on the wooden base for serving. Serving your cooked food on this sizzling plate adds flavor and style to your secret recipe just like they do it in restaurants!

Cleaning the cast-iron skillet after every use is easy. Simply wipe the interior surface of the still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with a non-metal brush or non-abrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. Use a small amount of soap if you like, then rinse well.

Overall, the Ebros Personal Sized Cast Iron Sizzling Fajita Skillet is a good choice for those who are looking for a small cast iron hot plate for personal-sized meals. It’s easy to clean and adds a stylish touch to your cooking.

Buying Guide

When selecting the best hot plate for your cast iron skillet, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important factors to help you make an informed decision.

Heat Control

The ability to control the temperature of your hot plate is crucial. Look for a hot plate with adjustable temperature settings, so you can cook at the desired temperature for your cast iron skillet. A hot plate with a temperature range of 100-500°F is ideal for most cooking needs.

Size and Capacity

Consider the size of your cast iron skillet when selecting a hot plate. You’ll want a hot plate that can comfortably accommodate your skillet. Additionally, if you plan on cooking for a larger group, consider a hot plate with a larger surface area to accommodate multiple skillets.

Power and Wattage

The power and wattage of a hot plate will determine how quickly it heats up and how evenly it distributes heat. Look for a hot plate with a wattage of at least 1000 watts for efficient heating.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when using a hot plate. Look for a hot plate with safety features such as automatic shut-off, overheat protection, and non-slip feet to prevent accidents.

Price

Hot plates range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Consider your budget when selecting a hot plate, but also keep in mind that investing in a higher quality hot plate can lead to better performance and longevity.

In summary, when selecting a hot plate for your cast iron skillet, consider the heat control, size and capacity, power and wattage, safety features, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect hot plate to enhance your cooking experience.