11 best hot pot & electric steamboats for CNY at home

Are you ready for the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities? One of the best ways to celebrate this joyous occasion with family and friends is by gathering around the best hot pot or electric steamboat.

A loud, chaotic, scene replete with conversation and laughter, all around the wonderful aromas and tantalising sounds of food cooking is the bonding session we all need. Home hot pots and steamboats are convenient, fuss-free and add a touch of excitement to the dining experience.

We have compiled a list of the 11 best hot pots and electric steamboats that are perfect for your CNY gathering.

How to choose the best hot pot or home steamboat

Any home hot pot or electric steamboat for your CNY party must have certain features that make it the best choice. Here are the main things that you should consider.

• Capacity – Consider the number of people you’ll be having over regularly. Hot pots come in various sizes, so choose one that can accommodate your typical group size but not too large.
• Material – Hot pots are commonly made from materials like stainless steel, aluminium and non-stick coating. Stainless steel is durable and retains heat well while a non-stick coating makes both cooking and cleaning easier. Choose a material that suits your cooking style and maintenance preferences.
• Heating element – Electric hot pots usually come with induction, coil, or infrared heating elements. Induction is efficient and provides precise temperature control, while coil and infrared are more traditional but still effective. Consider your preferred cooking method as well as energy efficiency.
• Temperature control – Adjustable temperature control is crucial, and the larger and more precise the range, the better. They allow you to regulate the heat according to the ingredients, and have better flexibility and control over your cooking.
• Power Consumption If energy efficiency is a concern, check the power consumption of the electric hot pot. Models with higher wattage may heat up faster but could consume more energy.
• Design features – Convenience and safety features like cool-touch handles, adjustable vents, and easy-to-read temperature displays can make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.
• Accessories – Some hot pots come with additional accessories like divided compartments, steam racks and skewers. Consider if these accessories align with what you like to eat, your cooking style and preferences.

• Cleaning and Maintenance – Check if the hot pot is easy to disassemble for cleaning. Some models have dishwasher-safe components, which can save you time and effort.

Best hot pot and electric steamboats in Singapore

Besides the factors listed in the previous section, budget is always a consideration. More expensive models are generally from more reputable brands, have more features and are designed better.  Our list is arranged from least to most expensive to help you balance those features with cost.

1. Iona 5L Hot Pot GLS 189

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 5L
• Material: Non-stick aluminium pot
• Heating type: 1 coil, circular heating
• Power: 1,350 W
• Accessories and features: Detachable pot with double compartment, variable heating control, LED heat indicator

Buy from S$49 on Lazada  Shopee

2. Morries MS6688MBBQ 2-in-1 Mookata BBQ Hot Pot

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 2L
• Material: Die-cast aluminium, non-stick coating
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 1,600-1,900 W
• Accessories and features: Detachable temperature controller with 5 Settings/Functions, soup divider, oil drip tray

Buy from S$53 on Lazada  Shopee

3. Sona Electric Steam Boat with BBQ Grill SHG 2752

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 2.5L
• Material: Stainless steel pot, non-stick grill pan
• Heating type: 2 coils (single control)
• Power: 1,800 W
• Accessories and features: Detachable grill and pot, detachable cord, 5 temperature levels, excess oil tray

Buy from S$75 on Lazada  Shopee

4. Mayer MMHPG5

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 3.5L
• Material: Die-cast aluminium non-stick grill plate and pot
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 1,600 W
• Accessories and features: Individual temperature control for grill & steamboat, 3 heat levels, cool-touch handles

Buy from S$79 on Lazada  Shopee

5. Bear Steamboat with BBQ Grill, 2-in-1 Multi Cooker DKL-C15G1

• Cooking styles: Hot pot, BBQ, grill, boil, Fry, roast, stew
• Capacity: 3L
• Material: non-stick inner pot
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 1,600W (800+800 W)
• Accessories and features: Independent adjustable temperature, cool-touch handles, non-stick grill pan

Buy from S$79 on Lazada  Shopee

6. Cornell 2-in-1 Steamboat BBQ Non-Stick Grill Hot Pot Set CCGEL98DT

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 4.2L
• Material: Non-stick coating
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 1,700 – 2,200W
• Accessories and features: Individual temperature control for grill & steamboat, non-stick, oil drip tray, detachable parts

Buy from S$88 on Lazada  Shopee

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7. PowerPac PPMC797 (5-8 pax)

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Material: Non-stick grill pan, tempered glass lid
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 2,200 W
• Accessories and features: Individual temperature control for grill & steamboat, 4 heat settings, removable inner pot

Buy from S$88 on Lazada  Shopee

8. Toyomi SSB 6625 

• Cooking styles: Smart steamboat
• Capacity: 2.5L
• Material: SUS304 stainless steel inner pot and layer
• Power: 1,500 W
• Accessories and features: Touch screen function selector, auto tray up-down, cool-touch body, low-carb rice function, steamer tray

Buy from S$99 on Lazada  Shopee

9. TOYOMI 2-in-1 ComboCooker 6319

• Cooking styles: Hot pot & BBQ
• Capacity: 2L
• Material: Marble-coated pot & grill pan, heat-resistant glass lid
• Heating type: 2 coils
• Power: 1,600-1,900 W
• Accessories and features: Oil drip tray, cool-touch knobs

Buy from S$99 on Lazada  Shopee

10. Tiger Steamboat + Teppanyaki + Takoyaki Pan (CQD-B10S + CQD-T01S)

• Cooking styles: Hot pot, teppanyaki, takoyaki
• Capacity: 5L
• Material: Premium ceramic coating
• Power: 1,200-1,312 W
• Accessories and features: Bundle with takoyaki pan (worth $89), glass lid; adjustable temperature, pan can be used over gas stove, detachable base

Buy from S$269 on Lazada  Shopee

11. WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steam

• Cooking styles: Hot pot (2 chambers), stir fry & steamer
• Capacity: 3.6L
• Material: Stainless steel 18/10, non-stick coating
• Heating type: 1 coil
• Power: 1,750 W
• Accessories and features: Dishwasher-safe, LED colour light indicator for temperature; 2 baskets, ladle & skimmer included

Buy from S$298 on Lazada  Shopee

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Tips for using home hot pots and electric steamboats

1. Preheat properly: Ensure that your hot pot is properly preheated before adding ingredients. This helps to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and ensures even cooking.
2. Use broths wisely: Experiment with different broths to enhance the flavour of your hot pot. Consider using a combination of stock, spices and aromatics for a rich and savoury base. Steal ideas from Haidilao.
3. Layer ingredients: Arrange ingredients in layers, placing items with longer cooking times at the bottom and quicker-cooking ingredients on top. This helps to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.
4. Don’t overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the hot pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Give each ingredient enough space to cook properly and absorb the flavours of the broth.
5. Adjust temperature: Take advantage of adjustable temperature controls to fine-tune the cooking process. Lower the heat for delicate ingredients and increase it for heartier items.
6. Use dipping sauces: Prepare a variety of dipping sauces to complement the hot pot experience. Popular options include soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chilli sauce. Customise the sauces to suit your taste preferences.
7. Rotate ingredients: If you have a divided hot pot, rotate ingredients regularly to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. This is especially important for items like meat slices and vegetables.
8. Add ingredients gradually: Add ingredients gradually instead of all at once. This helps to maintain a consistent simmer and ensures that the hot pot doesn’t cool down too quickly.
9. Keep broth topped up: Monitor the broth level and top it up as needed throughout the cooking process. This ensures a flavourful base for your hot pot until the end of the meal.
10. Use quality ingredients: Invest in fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best hot pot experience. Fresh meats, vegetables, and broth ingredients contribute to a more flavourful and satisfying meal.
11. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of ingredients, including different cuts of meat, seafood, and a wide selection of vegetables. This adds excitement and variety to your hot pot meals.
12. Clean Regularly: Clean the hot pot and its components regularly to prevent lingering flavours from previous meals. Disassemble the parts if possible and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your home hot pot or electric steamboat, creating delicious and memorable meals for yourself and your guests.

How to care for your home hot pot or electric steamboat

Taking care of your home hot pot or electric steamboat is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Here are some maintenance and cleaning tips to keep your appliance in top shape.

1. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage and maintenance.

2. Before using the hot pot or steamboat, check for any damages and loose parts.

3. Clean the appliance thoroughly after each use to prevent food residue build-up.

4. Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge to clean the pot or steamboat.

5. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that may damage the surface.

6. For electric steamboats, make sure to disconnect the power cord before cleaning.

7. Dry the appliance completely before storing to prevent rust and mould growth.

8. Regularly inspect the heating element or burner, and the power cord for damage or frayed wires.

9. Store the hot pot or steamboat in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

10. If you notice any unusual smells or smoke during usage, immediately disconnect the power and contact a professional for inspection.

By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can ensure that your home hot pot or electric steamboat remains in excellent condition for many CNY celebrations to come.

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