A hot plate is a portable, self-contained heating device that provides a flat, heated surface. This piece of equipment is common in various settings, from kitchens to scientific labs. Hot plates offer a safer, more convenient alternative to a traditional stove or Bunsen burner.

How a Hot Plate Works

Most hot plates use an electric heating element, typically a resistivity wire, located directly under a flat surface made of metal, ceramic, or glass. When you turn on the hot plate, an electric current flows through the wire. The wire’s high electrical resistance causes it to heat up—a process known as Joule heating. A control knob or thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature by regulating the current that passes through the heating element.

Some advanced hot plates, especially in labs, use precise heating methods like PID control or infrared sensors. These methods maintain a stable temperature for sensitive applications.

Hot Plate Uses and Safety ⚠️

Hot plates are a staple in labs, where scientists use them to heat liquids in beakers and flasks, prepare solutions, and warm biological samples. Many lab hot plates also feature a magnetic stirrer, which lets you heat and stir a solution at the same time for even mixing.

As a portable cooktop, hot plates are useful in places where a full stove is impractical, like dorm rooms or for camping. People use them to boil water, cook sauces, or as an extra burner.

Due to the high temperatures they can reach, hot plates pose a burn and fire risk.