【 Buying Guide 1 】6 Key Differences Between BRUNO Hot Plate Models
The BRUNO Hot Plate has become a must-have cooking appliance for many households, with hundreds of thousands of units sold in Hong Kong alone. Developed by BRUNO Japan, it features a classic retro-inspired design, practical cooking functions, and a wide range of optional plates to expand its cooking possibilities — making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves cooking. If you are planning to buy one for yourself, or as a housewarming gift for a friend, this guide is worth reading. The BRUNO Hot Plate has been around for nearly 10 years, with countless limited-edition colours and several different product models released over time. Each model has its own functions and usage differences, and even the official BRUNO website does not always explain them clearly. Without careful checking, it can be easy to buy the wrong one!
Understanding the 3 Main BRUNO Hot Plate Models
Let’s first look at the current BRUNO Hot Plate product lines. At present, there are three main series:
1. BRUNO Compact Hot Plate
This is the earliest model, and also the best-selling and most well-known product line. Its square shape, clean lines, and colourful range of shades make it instantly recognisable.
Shopping links: Compact Hot Plate Series ｜ UK
2. BRUNO Hot Plate Grande Size — Discontinued
Released after the Compact Hot Plate, this larger model was developed based on the Compact Hot Plate. Its appearance is similar, and its functions are almost identical, so it can be seen as an enlarged version of the Compact model.
Shopping links: Hot Plate Grande Size Series ｜ UK
3. BRUNO Oval Hot Plate
Launched around 2018, this is the newest product line. Its design is inspired by European and American cast iron cookware, with rounded lines and a textured finish that recreates the solid, rustic feel of cast iron. It pairs especially well with British, European, or classic home décor styles.
Shopping links: Oval Hot Plate Series ｜ UK
Difference 1: Body Size / Recommended Number of Users
The three models come in different sizes. The Compact Hot Plate is the smallest, while the Hot Plate Grande Size is the largest. The exact dimensions are listed below:
| Size Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | 375mm x 140mm x 235mm |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | 480mm x 155mm x 280mm |
| Oval Hot Plate | 390mm x 150mm x 260mm |
The Compact Hot Plate is approximately the size of an A4 sheet of paper, making it very compact.
As shown by the dimensions, the Compact Hot Plate and Oval Hot Plate are similar in size, both roughly equivalent to an A4 sheet of paper. The Hot Plate Grande Size, on the other hand, is closer to A3 size.
Because the sizes are different, the recommended number of users also varies. Be sure to choose the model that best suits your household size and usage needs.
| Official Recommended Number of Users | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | 2–3 people |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | 4–5 people |
| Oval Hot Plate | 2–3 people |
Difference 2: Cooking Capacity
As mentioned above, the three product lines come in different sizes, so their cooking capacity naturally differs as well. But how much difference is there in actual use? Taking the takoyaki plate, which is available for all three models, as an example: the size of each takoyaki ball is the same, but the number that can be cooked at once differs:
| Takoyaki Capacity Per Batch | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | 24 pieces |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | 35 pieces |
| Oval Hot Plate | 24 pieces |
Many users are also interested in the difference in hot pot capacity. Here is a comparison:
| Hot Pot Capacity Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | 2L — deep pot / divided deep pot |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | 3L — divided deep pot / 4L — extra deep pot |
| Oval Hot Plate | 2L — deep pot |
Difference 3: Included Plates and Optional Accessories
One of the biggest advantages of the BRUNO Hot Plate is its versatility. By pairing it with different plates, you can prepare a wide range of dishes. However, as the three models were released at different times, the available plate options also vary. Please also note that the main unit already comes with 2–3 plates depending on the model. Taking the Hong Kong official version of the Compact Hot Plate as an example, it includes the flat plate and takoyaki plate. See the detailed comparison below:
The included plates shown above are based on the Hong Kong official version. Accessories included in other regions may vary slightly. From the comparison above, the Compact Hot Plate offers the widest variety of plates, while the Oval Hot Plate comes next, with a unique divided half plate designed especially for grilling meat.
The divided half plate is an exclusive design for the Oval Hot Plate and is not available for the other two product lines.
Difference 4: Heating Method / Power Output
The BRUNO Compact Hot Plate and BRUNO Hot Plate Grande Size were released earlier and use exposed heating elements to generate heat. If food or liquid accidentally spills onto the heating area, cleaning can be more troublesome. The BRUNO Oval Hot Plate uses a heating plate instead, which can be wiped clean more easily and helps distribute heat more evenly. The three models also have different power outputs, as shown in the table below:
Difference 5: Number of Limited-Edition Colours
| Limited-Edition Colour Release Frequency | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | 4–5 colours per year Plus special crossover editions such as Snoopy / Miffy versions |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | 1–2 colours per year |
| Oval Hot Plate | More than 1 colour per year |
The image below shows some of the early colours released in Japan between 2014 and 2016 — already an impressive range! This image is taken from our published book, Mart: Enjoy Using BRUNO Hot Plate Every Day! Easy Party & Family Recipe Book.
Difference 6: Price
Due to differences in function, expandability, and included accessories, the prices of the three models also vary. The prices below are for the regular versions. Some special editions may be priced differently.
| Price Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Compact Hot Plate | HK$998 — includes flat plate + takoyaki plate |
| Hot Plate Grande Size | HK$1,498 — includes flat plate + takoyaki plate |
| Oval Hot Plate | HK$1,598 — includes flat plate + takoyaki plate + ceramic deep pot |
Conclusion: Choose the Model That Best Fits Your Needs
After reading the comparison above, first-time buyers should now have a much clearer understanding of the differences between each model. If you enjoy variety and plan to use your BRUNO Hot Plate often, the Compact Hot Plate is highly recommended, as it has the widest range of accessories. If you have a larger household, the Hot Plate Grande Size may be more suitable. If you prefer an elegant design, more muted colours such as black, white, or grey, and enjoy grilled meat dishes, the Oval Hot Plate is the perfect choice. Don’t hesitate — click the links below and shop the full BRUNO Hot Plate range at Happycooking!
Shopping Links
Hot Plate Grande Size Series ｜ UK
Q&A Summary
Q: What BRUNO Hot Plate models are available?
A: There are three main BRUNO Hot Plate models: Compact Hot Plate, Hot Plate Grande Size, and Oval Hot Plate.
Q: How do the sizes differ?
A: The Compact Hot Plate is the smallest and is approximately A4 paper size. The Hot Plate Grande Size is the largest and is closer to A3 size. The Oval Hot Plate is similar in size to the Compact model but slightly larger in depth.
Q: How many people are these models suitable for?
A: The Compact Hot Plate is suitable for 2–3 people, the Hot Plate Grande Size for 4–5 people, and the Oval Hot Plate for 2–3 people.
Q: What is the difference in hot pot capacity?
A: The Compact Hot Plate has a 2L capacity. The Hot Plate Grande Size can hold up to 3L with the divided deep pot or 4L with the extra deep pot. The Oval Hot Plate has a 2L capacity.
Q: What plates are included with each model?
A: The Compact Hot Plate includes a flat plate and takoyaki plate. The Hot Plate Grande Size includes a flat plate and takoyaki plate. The Oval Hot Plate includes a flat plate, takoyaki plate, and ceramic deep pot.
Q: How much do these models cost?
A: The Compact Hot Plate is priced at HK$998, the Hot Plate Grande Size at HK$1,498, and the Oval Hot Plate at HK$1,598.
Q: Which model should I choose?
A: Choose the Compact Hot Plate if you want the most accessory options and cooking variety. Choose the Hot Plate Grande Size if you have a larger household. Choose the Oval Hot Plate if you prefer an elegant design and enjoy grilled meat dishes.
