How to Choose a Japanese Hot Plate
A Japanese tabletop hot plate turns dinner into an event — everyone cooks together at the table instead of one person stuck at the stove. Here's how to pick the right one.
Cook together, eat together
Set the hot plate in the middle of the table and grill, simmer or sizzle as you go. Guests help themselves straight from the pan while it's hot, so you stay part of the conversation instead of hidden away in the kitchen. It's what makes hotpot nights, teppanyaki and takoyaki parties so much fun — the cooking is the entertainment.
1. By model
- BRUNO Compact — The iconic best-seller. Just right for 2–3 people and smaller kitchens, with swappable plates and a thermostat that holds the set temperature. Our most popular choice.
- BRUNO Oval — A similar size to the Compact (2–3 people) with rounded, cast-iron-style looks, even edge-to-edge heat and a ceramic pot included. Also takes interchangeable plates.
- BRUNO Digital — Precise digital temperature control and a generous cooking surface for those who entertain often.
- Panasonic Mini — A compact single-serve plate for one or two, or smaller spaces.
- Aladdin Smokeless Griller — Graphite heat for fast, low-smoke grilling indoors.
2. Interchangeable plates (BRUNO Compact & Oval)
The BRUNO Compact and Oval ranges turn one base into many dishes by swapping the cooking plate:
- Flat plate — pancakes, eggs, teppanyaki, yakisoba
- Grill plate — meat and vegetables with run-off grooves for yakiniku
- Takoyaki plate — octopus balls and sweet bites
- Ceramic-coated pot — hotpot, nabe, stews and soups
- Steamer rack — dumplings, fish and vegetables
Other models come with a fixed plate. Browse plates & accessories →
Ready for the UK. Every hot plate we sell is genuine 220–240V with a fitted UK 3-pin plug — no transformer, no adapter, ready straight out of the box.
Yes. Every 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 needed.
The Compact and Oval are a similar size and both suit 2–3 people — the Compact has the widest range of swappable plates, while the Oval adds even edge-to-edge heat, a cast-iron-style finish and an included ceramic pot. The Digital is larger, with a 3L pot and precise digital temperature control for 3 or more.
Hotpot (nabe), teppanyaki, yakiniku grilling, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, pancakes, yakisoba and everyday fried breakfasts — switch the plate to switch the dish.
The BRUNO Compact and Oval come with a flat plate and a takoyaki plate as standard (the Oval also includes a ceramic pot), with grill plates, ceramic hotpots and steamer racks available separately. Other models come with a fixed plate.
A tabletop hot plate is made for cooking at the table with guests — plug-in, social and ideal for hotpot and grilling. An induction hob is a high-powered kitchen worktop appliance for fast everyday cooking. They serve different purposes.
The Compact and Oval comfortably serve 2–3, while the larger Digital model suits 3 people or more.
The cooking plates are removable and non-stick (fluororesin) coated. Let them cool, then wash gently with a sponge and mild detergent — avoid metal scourers to protect the coating. Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth; never immerse it in water.