The Heat Is On: These Foldable Hotplates Make Outdoor Cooking A Breeze

Hotplates are not exactly sexy to begin with, and often they’re just downright dirty. So if you’re an outdoorsy type, you might want to check out HotMat, a slick, lightweight, foldable alternative to those heavy, old-school hotplates.

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Contrary to traditional hotplates, HotMat has four round surfaces, and is split into two warm and two hot surfaces to warm up different plates and dishes.

Hot Mat. Courtesy

HotMat uses a third of the storage space of standard warming trays, thanks to its innovative design, which is easily foldable, and can be stored in RVs and cars.

And, unlike other warming trays, HotMat is made out of mica – a soft substance able to withstand very high temperatures – and is specifically designed to give concentrated and even heating throughout its surface. But buyers do have to take into account that all these perks come with a higher price tag: While HotMat costs $125, traditional hotplates usually range from $10 to $100.

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HotMat was developed by Israeli company Rolla RWT (founded in 2009), whose founders are industrial designer Rafi Gabbay and high-tech entrepreneur Yossi Tsuria. Gabbay came up with the idea to create a foldable hotplate when he was still a student and was sketching some ideas for a final project. His idea became reality when he founded Rolla RWT and enlisted additional help from advisers and engineers.

In recent years, thousands of HotMats have been sold in Israel, the US, UK, France, Italy, and Germany. The company is currently testing different ways to power the HotMat using batteries and car chargers. The company is also seeking funding to market to campers around the globe; it didn’t comment on how much it has raised so far.

Safe for 24-hour use 

HotMat is also ideal for the religious Jewish community that observes the Sabbath, when religious laws forbid turning on appliances. The company states it’s safe to leave it on for the day of Sabbath, since it has received a safety certification by Germany’s TUV labs.

So, next time you’re taking a road trip, don’t forget to pack up HotMat.

Photos and video: Courtesy