Proctor Silex’s Durable Hot Pot boasts on its packaging that it is “Faster Than a Microwave,” so I had to see whether it was true.
I heated 2 cups of tap water for two minutes in my 1,000-watt microwave, getting a temperature reading of 137 degrees. The same amount of tap water in the hot pot for two minutes reached 177 degrees. Proctor Silex was telling the truth — at least with my microwave.
How it works: Plug it in and, like any other electric kettle or hot pot, an electric current flows through a heating element within the appliance.
Does it work? Yes.
Pros: I love the adjustable temperature control with a warming knob. In the past I have made hot tea or soup, only for it to go cold before I could finish it. Now I can keep meals and drinks warm for hours. Great for students who dorm, especially those who live on instant ramen or microwavable udon, which require the noodles and water to be boiled together. The device has a spout, so pouring is easy. Cup and ounce measurements up to 4 cups (a good amount) are on the outside of the pot. Nonstick interior. Portable.
Cons: Cleaning. I never liked gadgets with plugs and cords that can’t get wet. Also, a small groove between the heating element and the plastic bowl can be difficult to clean, especially because the instructions say not to use an abrasive scouring pad or powder on the heating surface. (Some other, non-cleaning helpful hints are provided in the instructions, too.) The cover is a little hard to lift off, which can be a bit dangerous if liquid is boiling inside. The pot gets really hot.
Cost and availability: I bought this one for about $17 at Longs Drugs (Kamehameha Shopping Center).
Worth it? It’s pretty good for less than $20.
Got a gadget that you love? Curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813.
