Electric Hot Pot Buying Guide: Size, Power and Divided Pots
Quick answer: for one or two people choose a 1.5 to 2 litre electric hot pot with two power settings. For a family or friends, choose a 4 to 6 litre divided pot so you can cook two broths at once.
An electric hot pot keeps broth simmering in the middle of the table, so everyone cooks thin slices of meat, seafood, noodles and vegetables as they eat. Mini hot pots also boil noodles, steam dumplings and make soup, which makes them popular in small kitchens and student rooms.
What size hot pot do you need?
| Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1.5 to 2 litres | 1 to 2 people, ramen, noodles and soups |
| 2 to 2.5 litres | 2 to 3 people, steaming as well as boiling |
| 4 to 6 litres | Family hot pot nights and dinner parties |
Power: 300W, 600W or 800W?
Most mini hot pots have a low and a high setting. The low setting (around 300W) keeps broth at a gentle simmer, and the high setting (600 to 800W) brings water to the boil. Large 6 litre pots use around 1500W to keep a bigger volume of broth hot.
Features worth paying for
- Divider: a split pot lets you serve a spicy broth and a mild broth together.
- Steamer basket: handy for dumplings, eggs and vegetables.
- Removable pot or detachable cord: makes washing up much easier.
- Coating: ceramic and non-stick coatings are easy to clean; a stainless steel inner pot is the most hard-wearing.
Hot pots to compare
- ZEJEXXB 1.8L Electric Hot Pot with 304 Steel Inner Pot, 300W/600W, Boil-Dry Protection (from £20.39): stainless steel inner pot with two power settings.
- Topwit 1.5L Electric Hot Pot with Steamer, Ramen Cooker with Dual Power and Long Handle (from £29.89): compact pot with a steamer for one or two people.
- Tuehakny 2.2L Electric Hot Pot with Stainless Steel Steamer, 400W/800W (from £33.34): larger 2.2 litre pot with a stainless steamer.
- Food Party 6L Electric Hot Pot Cooker with Divider for Dual-Flavor Shabu Shabu (from £54.99): 6 litre divided pot for two broths.
- Dezin 6L Electric Hot Pot with Divider, Removable Non-Stick Pot, 1500W, Glass Lid (from £90.84): divided family pot with a removable non-stick pot.
FAQs
Can I use an electric hot pot every day?
Yes. Many people use a mini hot pot for noodles, porridge, soups and eggs as well as hot pot meals.
How do I clean an electric hot pot?
Let it cool, unplug it and wipe the base. If the pot is removable, wash it in warm soapy water with a soft sponge to protect the coating.
See every model in our hot pot collection, or browse multi-cookers for more all-in-one cooking.
Prices shown were correct when this guide was updated on 11 November 2026 and may change. Check the product page for the latest price.
