If you need an extra cooking surface, a portable electric burner can add a place to boil, simmer, or warm food without replacing your stove’s built-in parts. The options below are countertop hot plates—not replacement burner elements or drip pans—so they’re useful for small kitchens, dorms, RVs, and busy meal prep. Choose a single or double burner, then consider its heating surface, controls, and total wattage.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Power | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Gourmet 1000W Cast Iron Single Burner | Single, cast iron | 1000W | Seven heat settings |
| Elite Gourmet 1500W Double Cast Iron Burner | Double, cast iron | 1500W total | Individual temperature controls |
| OVENTE 1700W Double Coil Burner | Double, coil | 1700W | Two burners with adjustable controls |
| OVENTE 1800W Infrared Double Burner | Double, ceramic glass | 1800W total | Two infrared burners |
| OVENTE 1000W Infrared Single Burner | Single, ceramic glass | 1000W | Compact, flat cooking surface |
Our Picks: Best Burner Plates For Electric Stove reviews
Elite Gourmet 1000W Cast Iron Burner: A Simple Single-Burner Pick
This compact hot plate has one 6.4-inch cast iron heating surface and a 1000W element. Its seven heat settings range from keeping food warm to rapid boiling, giving you more control than a basic low-medium-high dial.
The flat plate is designed to work with virtually all cookware types, so you don’t need a special pot. A power indicator light shows when the burner is on, and nonskid feet help keep it in place on a counter. Its single cooking zone is a practical fit for a dorm room, office, RV, or as an extra surface during meal prep.
The trade-off is capacity: you can heat only one pot or pan at a time, and the 1000W output is lower than the double-burner options here. The cast iron surface also calls for care when cleaning; let it cool before wiping it down.
Pros:
- Seven heat settings for more gradual adjustment
- Cast iron plate works with a wide range of cookware
- Compact size suits small spaces and occasional extra cooking
- Power light and nonskid feet add useful basics
Cons:
- One cooking zone limits how much you can prepare at once
- 1000W output is less powerful than the double-burner choices
Verdict: Choose this model if you want a straightforward, compact burner with several heat settings and don’t need to cook two dishes at once.
Elite Gourmet 1500W Double Cast Iron Burner: Two Controls, Two Surfaces
This double hot plate has 6.5-inch and 5-inch cast iron cooking surfaces, with a combined output of 1500W. Each plate has its own temperature control, so you can use different settings for two pots or pans at the same time.
The controls offer low, medium, and high settings. That simpler range may be enough for warming food, heating water, or preparing a basic meal, but it offers less fine adjustment than a model with more heat levels. The cooking plates are described as nonstick and can be wiped with a damp cloth or a nonabrasive sponge after cooling.
Compared with the single-burner Elite Gourmet, this model gives you another cooking zone but takes up more counter space. Its combined 1500W output is shared across the two burners, so it’s best viewed as a convenient extra cooking station rather than a replacement for a full-size range.
Pros:
- Two plate sizes and separate temperature controls
- Lets you prepare or warm two items at once
- Cast iron surfaces suit many cookware types
- Power indicator lights and nonskid feet are included
Cons:
- Only low, medium, and high settings are listed
- Two burners require more counter space than a single unit
Verdict: This is a sensible choice when you want two cast iron cooking surfaces and can work with three basic heat settings.
OVENTE 1700W Double Coil Burner: More Power for Two Pots
OVENTE’s double burner uses 6-inch and 5.75-inch coil-style heating surfaces, with 1700W of power. The adjustable control knobs let you set the heat for each plate, making it possible to work on two items at once. The product description lists frying, warming, and boiling among its intended uses.
The unit has a high-temperature-resistant metal housing and a stainless steel base. Its indicator light signals when the cooktop is warming or heating, and the base is designed to wipe clean with a soft damp cloth or nonabrasive sponge. Nonslip rubber feet help limit movement on the counter.
Against the Elite Gourmet double burner, this OVENTE offers higher listed wattage and slightly different coil sizes. It may appeal if you value that added output, but coil-style surfaces have a different look and feel from the smoother cast iron and glass options. Check that the size and style suit your cookware and counter space.
Pros:
- 1700W total output across two burners
- Separate adjustable controls for the cooking zones
- Metal housing and stainless steel base
- Includes nonslip feet and a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Coil-style surfaces may be less appealing if you prefer a flat glass top
- Requires more counter room than a single burner
Verdict: Consider this double burner if you want two coil-style cooking zones and higher listed wattage than the 1500W cast iron alternative.
OVENTE 1800W Infrared Double Burner: A Smooth-Top Two-Burner Option
This portable cooktop pairs two 900W infrared burners for 1800W total. Its crystalline glass surface gives it a smooth-top appearance, while two adjustable knobs let you set each burner independently. The listed uses include boiling, frying, and simmering.
The glass surface is designed to wipe clean, and the body combines stainless steel and iron. Indicator lights show when the unit is active. As with any hot cooking surface, wait for the unit to cool before cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Compared with the coil-style OVENTE double burner, this model has a flat glass cooking surface and slightly higher total wattage. It’s a good fit if you prefer that style and want two burners, though its product information does not list cookware compatibility as explicitly as the single-burner infrared model below.
Pros:
- Two infrared burners with separate controls
- 1800W total output
- Smooth glass surface is designed for easy wiping
- Portable format suits small kitchens and extra cooking setups
Cons:
- Two burners take up more space than a single cooktop
- Cookware compatibility details are less specific in the product information
Verdict: Pick this model if you want two infrared cooking zones and a smooth glass top for an extra countertop cooking station.
OVENTE 1000W Infrared Single Burner: A Slim, Easy-Wipe Cooktop
This single-burner cooktop uses a 1000W infrared element beneath a 7-inch ceramic glass surface. It has an adjustable control knob and an indicator light that comes on while the unit is heating. The product information also says it can shut off if it overheats or reaches the desired temperature.
Unlike an induction cooktop, this model is described as compatible with virtually all cookware. For a good fit, OVENTE recommends flat-bottom cookware close to the burner’s size. The slim design weighs 2.4 pounds, and the ceramic glass and stainless steel housing can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth.
It offers a flatter surface than the Elite Gourmet cast iron single burner, and its stated cookware compatibility is broad. However, the five heat levels give you fewer settings than the Elite Gourmet’s seven, and the single cooking zone is better for one-pot tasks than preparing a full meal.
Pros:
- Flat ceramic glass top and stainless steel housing
- Works with virtually all cookware, according to the product description
- Lightweight design is suited to portable use
- Overheat and temperature shutoff features are listed
Cons:
- One cooking zone limits meal capacity
- Five heat levels offer less adjustment than the seven-setting Elite Gourmet
Verdict: This is a strong option if you want a lightweight, flat-top single burner and value broad cookware compatibility.
How to Choose a Countertop Burner
Decide Whether You Need One or Two Cooking Zones
A single burner takes up less counter space and works well for heating soup, boiling water, or adding one extra pot during meal prep. A double burner lets you prepare two items at once, but it needs more room. Consider how often you cook multiple dishes at the same time before choosing.
Match the Heating Surface to Your Preferences
These options use cast iron plates, coil-style elements, or infrared elements beneath a glass surface. Cast iron provides a flat plate, while the infrared models offer a smooth glass top that is designed to wipe clean. The coil model has a different exposed heating style. Think about the surface you prefer to use and maintain, and follow the product’s care instructions.
Check Wattage and Outlet Needs
The models listed range from 1000W for single burners to 1800W total for the infrared double burner. Higher wattage can be useful when you want more output, but wattage alone does not guarantee a particular cooking speed. Check the unit’s electrical requirements and make sure your outlet and setup are suitable before use.
Consider the Controls and Heat Settings
Control layouts vary. The Elite Gourmet single burner has seven heat settings, while the Elite Gourmet double burner lists low, medium, and high. Other models use adjustable knobs, and the double burners have individual controls for each surface. More settings can make it easier to adjust heat in smaller steps; simple controls may be enough for basic warming and cooking.
Fit Your Cookware to the Heating Area
Look at the stated plate or burner size and compare it with the cookware you plan to use. OVENTE recommends flat cookware close to the 7-inch burner size for its infrared single model. That product is described as compatible with virtually all cookware, while the Elite Gourmet cast iron plate is also listed as working with virtually all cookware types. Use stable, flat-bottom cookware where appropriate.
Plan for Cleaning and Storage
A portable burner still needs a safe place to cool and store. The glass and stainless steel surfaces are designed to wipe clean, while cast iron plates should be allowed to cool before wiping. A double burner can provide more cooking space, but it will take up more room when stored. Check the product dimensions and available counter space before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these replacement burner plates for an electric range?
No. These are portable countertop hot plates. They do not replace the heating elements, drip pans, or other built-in parts of a traditional electric stove.
Can I use my regular pots and pans on these burners?
The Elite Gourmet cast iron single burner and OVENTE infrared single burner are described as working with virtually all cookware. For the OVENTE infrared single burner, flat cookware close to the 7-inch surface is recommended. Check the instructions for your chosen model and cookware.
Do these countertop burners work with induction cookware only?
No. The OVENTE infrared single burner is specifically described as working with virtually all cookware and as different from induction. The Elite Gourmet cast iron model also lists broad cookware compatibility. For the other options, check the product details and your cookware before buying.
Is a double burner always more powerful than a single burner?
Not necessarily. The total wattage varies by model, and on a double burner it is shared across two cooking zones. Compare the listed total wattage and controls rather than assuming that having two burners means each one has the same output as a single-burner unit.
Which burner is easiest to clean?
The two OVENTE infrared models have smooth ceramic or crystalline glass surfaces described as easy to wipe. The Elite Gourmet double burner also lists nonstick plates that can be wiped with a damp cloth or nonabrasive sponge. Always let a hot burner cool first and follow its care guidance.
Can I leave a portable burner plugged in when I am not using it?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and storage. As a general precaution, turn the burner off and unplug it when you are finished, and keep it clear of items that could be affected by heat.
Final Recommendation
For a compact single burner with more heat settings, the Elite Gourmet 1000W cast iron model is a practical pick. If you need two cooking zones, compare the Elite Gourmet double cast iron burner with OVENTE’s coil and infrared options based on the surface you prefer, available counter space, and listed wattage. For a smooth glass top and broad cookware compatibility in a single-burner design, consider the OVENTE 1000W infrared model.