Where to Buy Hot Pot Cookware

For centuries, hot pot has been a symbol of communal dining and culinary creativity in Chinese culture. Today, this tradition has gone global, with families worldwide embracing the joy of gathering around a simmering pot. If you’re wondering where to buy hot pot equipment that suits your needs, this guide will walk you through the types, materials, and features of home hot pot cookware, while introducing two top-rated products perfect for your next feast.  

1、Types of Hot Pot Cookware  

Choosing the right pot depends on your dining style, household size, and flavor preferences. Here are the most popular options:  

1. round hot pot  

There are two common shapes of hot pot cookware: one is round and the other is square. Haidilao hot pot uses square hot pot, but square hot pot has higher requirements for the stove and is not used frequently. So we do not recommend using square POTS. It is suggested to use the regular round hot pot, and the bottom of the pot is also round at the end.

   Round hot pot is classic design features one large cooking area, ideal for households with uniform taste preferences. Stainless steel or copper pots are common choices, offering durability and even heat distribution. While simple, this type lacks flexibility for mixed groups.  

2. Divided Pots  

A、Yin Yang hot pot(Dual-Compartment) :

Perfect for balancing spicy and mild broths, these pots feature a partition (often shaped like a yin yang symbol) to prevent flavor mixing. They’re a staple for households with diverse tastes.  

Yin yang hot pot CAN NOT ONLY SATISFY the different tastes of hot pot at the same TIME ‌. The Yin Yang hot pot’s separated design can accommodate both spicy and clear soups, as well as meat and vegetable soup bases, catering to the common needs of people who like spicy food and those who don’t, as well as those who prefer light and strong flavors.

To meet special dietary needs ‌ : ‌‌ for example, it can distinguish between complementary foods for infants and regular meals for adults, allergenic foods and non-allergenic foods, and avoid cross-contact. ‌

B、Trellis Hot Pot:

Nine-grid or four-grid designs allow cooking different ingredients separately, ideal for precise timing (e.g., delicate seafood vs. hearty meats). Ensure high-quality partitions to avoid broth leakage.  

At the very beginning, you would never have imagined the function of the Trellis Hot Pot. It emerged to facilitate table sharing. Nowadays, people do it for the convenience of fetching different ingredients. Nowadays, the Trellis Hot Pot has become more of a cultural symbol of the traditional Chongqing hot pot.

Trellis Hot Pot is usually heated by open flame. The bottom of the pot is round, and the compartments inside the pot are all detachable for easy cleaning.

3. electric hot pot cooker  

electric chinese hot pot cooker is a hot pot cookware that uses electric current for heating. Electric hot pot eliminates the black smoke and unpleasant smell produced when traditional hot pot is heated. It is a cooking tool that combines modern science and technology with traditional folk customs. Electric hot pot must not be heated without water to avoid damaging the heating elements

  Modern electric models combine convenience and safety. Features include adjustable temperature controls, non-stick coatings, and rapid heating (e.g., 1500W–2000W power). Some even integrate grilling plates for multi-functional use.  

When cleaning an electric grill hot pot, it is essential to make sure to turn off the power。

4. portable electric hot pot（Mini）

  The portable electric hot pot can be used for multiple purposes in one pot, meeting all your cooking needs. It is recommended to purchase a pot body separated from the heating base for easier cleaning and to prevent the accumulation of food residues. The hot water pot electric with a capacity greater than 1.5 liters can have a better oil-water ratio, and the hot pot combined in this way is more delicious.

  Compact single-serving pots (1–2L) are perfect for solo diners or small spaces. Brands like Nordic’s foldable silicone pots are travel-friendly and easy to store.  

2、Material selection for hot pot cookware: Pros and Cons 

The materials of hot pot cookware mentioned here mainly refer to those used over open flames. Since electric hot POTS are generally made of stainless steel, but we previously suggested using open flame cookware for cooking hot pot, it is essential to use an open flame because the heat distribution is more even, which can make the hot pot broth more delicious.

The material impacts heat retention, safety, and durability. Here’s a breakdown:  

1. Copper Pots  

If you choose to cook hot pot with a copper pot and an induction cooker, you must buy a copper pot with a stainless steel coating at the bottom, because a full copper hot pot cannot be directly heated by an induction cooker. Of course, if a stove with an open flame is used for heating, any copper hot pot will do.

   Pros: Excellent heat conductivity, historic charm, and natural antibacterial properties.  

   Cons: Requires careful maintenance to avoid corrosion; avoid storing acidic leftovers.  

2. Stainless Steel Pots  

If you cook hot pot with an open flame stove, we suggest you use a round-bottomed stainless steel pot. The electromagnetic rate can only be achieved using a flat-bottomed stainless steel pot. Round-bottomed POTS heat up more evenly than those made of rusty steel, making hot pot more delicious.

   Pros: Durable, rust-resistant, and compatible with induction stoves. Food-grade 304 stainless steel is safest.  

   Cons: Slightly slower heating than copper.  

3. Cast Iron Pots  

 Cast iron POTS are very characteristic of China. Chinese people have used iron POTS for thousands of years. Cooking hot pot in an iron pot will add even more trace elements. However, when using cast iron POTS, proper maintenance is necessary; otherwise, they are prone to rust

  Pros: Superior heat retention, ideal for slow-cooked broths like bone soups.  

   Cons: Heavy and prone to rust if not seasoned properly.  

4. Non-Stick Coated Pots  

There are many kinds of materials for non-stick pans. It is not as good as aluminium, multi-layer steel, etc., and is divided into coated and uncoated types.
However, when cooking hot pot, we still do not recommend using non-stick pans with coatings.

   Pros: Easy to clean; ideal for beginners.  

   Cons: Avoid abrasive tools to protect the coating.  

3、The skills of Chinese hot pot masters in choosing hot pot utensils.

Among the operators of Chinese hot pot restaurants, there is a saying that before opening a hot pot restaurant, one should first choose the hot pot utensils. As for why this principle applies, many owners of hot pot restaurants do not understand it.
Now let’s briefly explain the principle.

A、The principle of hot pot cookware for the deliciousness of hot pot broth:

1. Capacity of hot pot cookware:

The key to the deliciousness of hot pot broth lies in the hot pot base. In Sichuan, China, the proportion of hot pot base is generally over 3.31 pounds when three or more people are eating hot pot. You simply can’t buy such a weight of hot pot base outside China.

In Europe and America, the largest amount of base ingredients you can buy is around 1.1 pounds. If you purchase a large-capacity hot pot pot, then if you want to cook hot pot, you can only add more water. However, if too much water is added to the hot pot base, it will be diluted, and thus the effect of the hot pot broth cannot be achieved.

2. Appearance of hot pot cookware:

Hot pot broth is composed of butter, water and other seasonings. The water and oil in the hot pot broth can only achieve a perfect blend at a specific temperature. Only when the oil and water are in a state of perfect blend can the flavor of the hot pot broth reach its peak.

The heating form of a frying pan is usually at the bottom of the pan, and the heating is uneven, making it difficult for the oil and water to blend.

Moreover, to achieve a harmonious blend of oil and water in a frying pan, a high heat is required. Otherwise, when there are ingredients in the pan, the soup may jump.

Round-bottomed pans or small flat-bottomed pans heat up more evenly, making it easier for oil and water to blend.

B、When deciding where to buy hot pot gear, consider these factors:  

1. Capacity  

   – 2–3L: For 1–3 people.  

   – 4–6L: For family gatherings (4–6 people).  

The above is to choose the capacity of the pot based on the number of diners. However, if you consider the taste, we suggest using a large-capacity hot pot pot. In this way, you can purchase more professional hot pot base seasonings. Professional hot pot base seasonings are not merely a matter of quantity accumulation, but rather a combination of base seasonings, oil and auxiliary ingredients. This combination is the most authentic hot pot broth.

2. Heat Source Compatibility  

   Ensure the pot works with your stove (gas, induction, or electric). For outdoor use, opt for butane-compatible models.  

Whether it’s an open flame or an induction cooker, the choice of heat source should still take into account the capacity of the hot pot pot. If the stove head of the open stove is too small or the capacity of the hot pot pot is too large, it will affect the uniformity of heating. If a regular household induction cooker is used, the heating coil of a household induction cooker generally does not exceed a diameter of 20cm. If the diameter of the bottom of a frying pan is too large, it will also heat unevenly, affecting the taste.

3. Safety Features  

   Look for heat-resistant handles, auto-shutoff functions (in electric pots), and stable bases to prevent spills.  

4. Ease of Cleaning  

   Removable lids, dishwasher-safe parts, and non-stick surfaces simplify maintenance.  

5. Aesthetic and Cultural Appeal  

   Traditional copper or enameled pots add authenticity to the dining experience, while sleek stainless steel suits modern kitchens.  

Top Recommendations: Where to Buy Hot Pot Essentials  

4、Summary of Purchasing Hot Pot Cookware

After exploring your options, here are two standout products available on Hot pot base factory:  

A. [Classic Stainless Steel Hot Pot Pot] 

   Features: 5L capacity, 304 food-grade stainless steel, induction-compatible.  

   Why Buy: Durable, easy to clean, and perfect for 4–6 people. Its minimalist design blends into any kitchen.  

B. [Yin-Yang Dual-Broth Hot Pot]  

   Features: Divided compartments for spicy/mild broths, 6L capacity, and heat-resistant glass lid.  

   Why Buy: Ideal for mixed groups, this pot lets everyone enjoy their preferred flavors without compromise.  

Both products are crafted for longevity and performance, making hotpotsoupbase.com a trusted destination for where to buy hot pot equipment.  

We are a hot pot base factory from China. Over the past 10 years, we have been dedicated to researching hot pot bases and provide hot pot broths to more than 5,000 hot pot restaurants worldwide. Our factory has conducted in-depth research on the application of hot pot. If you have any questions regarding the selection of hot pot utensils, the use of hot pot base seasonings, or the operation of hot pot restaurants, you can leave a message to exchange ideas together.