does the heating element heat evenly or does it have hotspots like others?
2081241
It does seem to distribute the heat pretty well. The heating element is a sideways U, so in the middle gets heat from 3 sides and the material conducts well. The only spot that may be a little less hot would be where the two sides meet, because of the grease drain, but not enough to unevenly cook something.
2207736
The heating element is in the base. I usually allow the unit to cool a bit after using it but the hose is quite thick and remember... you're dealing with hot oil if you don't let it cool! I have had no issues with this unit and recommend it.
1960690
The base does get very hot because the heating element is basically boiling water while it's turned on. I keep my unit on a hard surface away from anything flamable just as a precaution. If the unit runs out of water the heating element will shut off on its own. I've had that happen a couple of times.
2252098
NONE! I use mine every day. No issues. Even if i have any issues, it came with extra heating elements and tips.
1983910
No, it does not get hot. I have never had it overheat or even get warm to the touch.
1911273
I have had nothing but success with this diffuser. THere is not a hot spot in the middle. When you use it on a gas stove the flame comes out of the stove in a circle bigger that the hole in the middle. Haven't had any problem with flaking. Worth the $. :)
1205077
It has one heating element (works very well). It has two rack positions and there is about an inch difference between the two positions.
511637
Absolutely! The griddle does a great job of distributing heat evenly over its surface. It's thick enough so that I have not had any trouble with hot spots.
1687566
The one I bought is the single burner and yes, it gets VERY hot. I purchased another hot plate before buying this one. The other one I bought was garbage. The Waring gets hot enough to fry things beautifully. You certainly would NOT want to touch the plate when it's hot, you would definitely severely burn yourself. Great unit!
1674650
We have not found it to have any hot spots. It cooks bacon perfectly and it's deep enough not to splatter all over. We love it for frying chicken, bacon and potatoes. (not at the same time) I hope this helps.
1968126
The heating element is hot enough that it burns off anything that drops on it. Stays very clean.
208315
When it is on, the iron is heated. It does not overheat to my knowledge or experience.
1490247
The heat vents from the top, it seems to heat a bedroom adequately. From the front would be a little nicer but I am happy with it. I bought it more for the look then the heating element.
473052
Agree with all previously posted answers. HOWEVER, this model blows heat very unevenly and develops a very hot "hot spot" in the center. I would buy a different model that has more even heat dispersal.
1818530
Yes, however, it does not have much range, i.e., it goes from low to high and that's it. The heating element does get nice and hot though!
1500554
I know it heats very evenly on the grate of a gas stove, for I have used it several times since I got it. I believe the same pattern of heat distribution would prevail on a glass top as well. I believe this, because the wok has a ring built into the bottom and no separate ring is required. This ring on its bottom would facilitate the heat distribution evenly. I offer this opinion based on the fact that I am a retired Aerospace Engineer, and heat distribution has to be considered in every satellite placed in orbit, so it was essential to us the proper materials and to understand heat dispersion. I know it heats very evenly on the grate of a gas stove, for I have used it several times since I got it. I believe the same pattern of heat distribution would prevail on a glass top as well. I believe this, because the wok has a ring built into the bottom and no separate ring is required. This ring on its bottom would facilitate the heat distribution evenly. I offer this opinion based on the fact that I am a retired Aerospace Engineer, and heat distribution has to be considered in every satellite placed in orbit, so it was essential to us the proper materials and to understand heat... » Read More I know it heats very evenly on the grate of a gas stove, for I have used it several times since I got it. I believe the same pattern of heat distribution would prevail on a glass top as well. I believe this, because the wok has a ring built into the bottom and no separate ring is required. This ring on its bottom would facilitate the heat distribution evenly. I offer this opinion based on the fact that I am a retired Aerospace Engineer, and heat distribution has to be considered in every satellite placed in orbit, so it was essential to us the proper materials and to understand heat dispersion. « Show Less
149871
All griddles have some uneven heat distribution issues, but this one does a pretty good job in my opinion. I personally haven't noticed any significant problems with mine.