Quick Answer: Which BRUNO Hot Plate?
- Most versatile / best-seller: BRUNO Compact — widest range of plates, 2–3 people. From £169.90.
- Best looks & even heat: BRUNO Oval — cast-iron-style finish, ceramic pot included, 2–3 people. £259.90.
- Best for sharing & control: BRUNO Digital — 4 modes, 3L pot, 3+ people. £209.90.
BRUNO has sold millions of hot plates in Japan, and for many shoppers the name is almost a synonym for "tabletop hot plate". If you're choosing between the three BRUNO hot plates we stock in the UK — the Compact, the Oval and the Digital (BOE123) — this guide breaks down exactly how they differ and which one suits your table.
Meet the three models
Full comparison at a glance
| Compact | Oval | Digital (BOE123) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 2–3 people, most plate options | 2–3 people, even heat & design | 3+ people / sharing, precise control |
| Dimensions | 375 × 140 × 235 mm | 390 × 150 × 260 mm | 430 × 260 × 205 mm |
| Power | 1200W | 1430W | 1400W |
| Heating | Heating pipe (exposed) | Heating plate (even) | Spiral plate + digital |
| Temperature | Sliding dial | Sliding dial (OFF–HI) | Digital, 4 modes, 140–220°C |
| Hot pot capacity | 2L | 2L | 3L deep pot |
| Plates included | Flat + takoyaki | Flat + takoyaki + ceramic pot | Grill plate + 3L pot + steam rack |
| UK ready | 220–240V, UK plug | 220–240V, UK plug | 220–240V, UK plug |
Which plates fit which model?
The Compact has the widest range of interchangeable plates. The Oval takes its own set (not cross-compatible with the Compact). The Digital is a different system — it comes with its own deep pot, grill plate and steaming rack rather than the modular plate range below.
| Plate | Compact | Oval |
|---|---|---|
| Flat plate | ✓ included | ✓ included |
| Takoyaki plate | ✓ included | ✓ included |
| Grill plate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi plate | ✓ | — |
| Ceramic / split pot | ✓ | ✓ included |
| Cake plate | ✓ | — |
| Steamer rack | ✓ | ✓ |
Standard inclusions are marked "included"; the rest are available separately. Browse plates & accessories →
Heating: pipe vs plate
One practical difference is how each model heats. The Compact uses an exposed heating pipe — plenty of direct heat, but slightly more effort to wipe around. The Oval and Digital use a flat heating plate (the Digital's is spiral-textured for fast, even heat), which spreads heat more evenly and is easier to clean.
So which BRUNO hot plate should you buy?
- Choose the Compact if you want the most plate options and a compact everyday plate for 2–3 people.
- Choose the Oval if you love the look, cook a lot of grilled meat, and want even heat with easy cleaning.
- Choose the Digital if you host hot pot nights, cook for more people, or want precise, set-and-forget temperature control with a larger pot.
Two alternatives worth a mention: for one person or a tight space, the Panasonic NF-X1 Mini; for low-smoke indoor grilling, the Aladdin Smokeless Griller.
Ready for the UK
Whichever you choose, every hot plate we sell is genuine 220–240V with a fitted UK 3-pin plug, non-stick coated plates, and the option to extend cover with HappyCare.
Ready to cook together at the table?
Explore all our BRUNO hot plates & grillers — every model genuine and UK-plug ready.
Shop BRUNO Hot PlatesFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Are BRUNO hot plates UK voltage?
A: Yes. Every BRUNO hot plate we sell is genuine 220–240V with a fitted UK 3-pin plug — ready to use straight out of the box, with no transformer or adapter.
Q: What's the real difference between the Compact and the Oval?
A: They are a similar size and both suit 2–3 people. The Compact has the widest range of swappable plates; the Oval has a flat heating plate for more even heat and easier cleaning, a textured cast-iron-style finish, and comes with a ceramic pot as standard.
Q: Is the BRUNO Digital worth it over the Compact?
A: If you host hot pot nights or cook for more people, yes. The Digital (BOE123) adds a larger 3L deep pot, a digital display with four modes (hot pot, steam, stew, grill) and precise temperature control.
Q: Can I swap plates between the models?
A: No. The Compact and Oval take their own interchangeable plates (not cross-compatible with each other), and the Digital uses its own dedicated deep pot, grill plate and steaming rack.
Q: How do I clean a BRUNO hot plate?
A: The cooking plates are removable and non-stick coated. Let them cool, then wash gently with a sponge and mild detergent — avoid metal scourers. Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth and never immerse it in water.