10 Best Steamboat Hot Pots in Singapore

The terms “steamboat” and “hot pot” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences depending on cultural and regional contexts.

Steamboat vs Hot Pot

In Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, the term “steamboat” is more commonly used. It refers to a communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth placed in the centre of the table. Steamboats often feature a divided pot, offering two types of broth, such as spicy and non-spicy, to cater to different preferences. Popular ingredients include sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles.

Hot pot, a term more broadly used globally, particularly in China, is essentially the same concept but with significant regional variations. For example, Sichuan hot pot is known for its fiery, numbing spiciness with Sichuan peppercorns, while Cantonese hot pot features lighter broths like chicken or herbal soups. Hot pot meals are often complemented by a variety of dipping sauces that diners customise to their taste.

Chinese New Year Steamboat

Hot pot or steamboat holds a special place during Chinese New Year celebrations due to its cultural and symbolic significance. The communal nature of the meal embodies togetherness, unity, and harmony, reflecting the essence of the Lunar New Year, which is about family reunion and connection. Gathering around the pot to cook and share food creates an intimate and interactive experience, fostering a sense of warmth and closeness among loved ones.

10 Best Steamboat Hot Pots in Singapore

WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steamer, $298

The WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines traditional hot pot cooking with innovative steaming capabilities. The appliance features a removable bowl with two separate chambers, each holding 1.8 liters, allowing users to prepare two different broths or sauces simultaneously.

An oval-shaped steaming top is provided, suitable for steaming a variety of ingredients, including whole fish, dim sum, or bao buns. The device offers a heat regulator with three levels, allowing precise temperature control during cooking.

The WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steamer has received positive feedback from users, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on multiple reviews. Users have praised its simplicity, versatility, and the convenience of cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. The appliance’s capacity to accommodate up to six people and its easy-to-clean components have also been highlighted as significant advantages.

Overall, the WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steamer is well-regarded for enhancing communal dining experiences by allowing the preparation of diverse dishes in a single, elegantly designed appliance.

WMF Lono Hot Pot & Steamer is priced at $298 from Lazada and Amazon.

TOYOMI ComboCooker Hotpot & BBQ Grill 6319, $99

The Toyomi ComboCooker Hotpot is a fully marble-coated surfaces ensure even heat distribution and are detachable for straightforward cleaning. Separate heating controls for the grill and hotpot provide flexibility in adjusting cooking temperatures to suit various ingredients - allowing simultaneous hotpot cooking and barbecue grilling, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

The grill pan is engineered with an opening that channels oil drips into a tray beneath, promoting healthier cooking and easier maintenance. The hotpot has a 2.0-liter capacity, suitable for serving 4 to 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or small parties.

The TOYOMI ComboCooker BBQ 6319 has garnered positive feedback from users, with approximately 89% of reviewers rating it favorably. Users have commended its quality, ease of use, and suitability for small family gatherings. The appliance’s quick heating capability and straightforward setup have been highlighted as significant advantages. However, some users noted that the grill’s oil splatter guard could be higher to better contain splatters during cooking.

The Toyomi ComboCooker Hotpot & BBQ Grill is priced at $99 from Lazada and Shopee.

PowerPac Steamboat BBQ Grill with Hot Pot (PPMC797), $89

The PowerPac Steamboat BBQ Grill with Hot Pot (PPMC797) supports various cooking methods, including grilling, boiling, frying, roasting, cooking, and stewing, allowing users to enjoy grilling and shabu-shabu simultaneously.

It features a removable inner pot and non-stick grill pan, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance. The included Yuanyang pot is suitable for serving 5 to 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or small parties. Finally, the auto shut-off function activates when the temperature exceeds a safe threshold, ensuring user safety.

PowerPac Steamboat BBQ Grill with Hot Pot (PPMC797) is priced at $89 from Lazada and NTUC.

Cornell 2-in-1 Steamboat BBQ Non-Stick Grill Hot Pot Set CCGEL98DT, $88

This Cornell Steamboat and BBQ set offers both grill and steamboat capabilities, allowing users to enjoy barbecuing and hot pot cooking simultaneously. Separate temperature controls for the grill and steamboat functions provide precise heat management for different cooking styles.

Both the grill and hot pot feature non-stick coatings, ensuring easy food release and straightforward cleaning. There’s also an oil collector to capture excess grease for easy cleanup.

Cornell 2-in-1 Steamboat BBQ Non-Stick Grill Hot Pot Set CCGEL98DT is priced at $88 from Amazon.

Bear Steamboat with BBQ Grill, 2-in-1 Multi Cooker DKL-C15G1, $78

This multi-cooker allows users to enjoy grilling and hot pot cooking simultaneously, making it ideal for communal meals. Both the inner pot and grill plate feature non-stick coatings, ensuring easy food release and simplifying the cleaning process.

quipped with an auto-shutoff function, the cooker automatically powers down when the temperature exceeds a safe threshold, enhancing user safety. The cooker has a 3-liter capacity, suitable for serving 3 to 6 people. Its compact design measures approximately 555mm x 296mm x 175mm, making it suitable for various kitchen sizes.

Bear Steamboat with BBQ Grill, 2-in-1 Multi Cooker DKL-C15G1 is priced at $78 from Amazon.

Mayer MMHPG5 Multi-Functional Hot Pot with Grill, $98

The Mayer MMHPG5 Multi-Functional Hot Pot with Grill is a 2-in-1 appliance allows users to enjoy both BBQ grilling and hot pot cooking simultaneously. Both the grill plate and cooking pot feature die-cast aluminum non-stick surfaces, ensuring easy food release and simplifying the cleaning process.

The appliance offers three heating levels—Low, Medium, and High—allowing users to adjust the heat according to their cooking. Equipped with overheating protection and cool-touch side handles, the appliance ensures safe operation during use. 

The cooking pot has a capacity of 3.5 liters, suitable for serving 3 to 6 people. The product dimensions are approximately 58.5 cm (L) x 25 cm (W) x 15 cm (H).

Mayer MMHPG5 Multi-Functional Hot Pot with Grill is priced at $98 from Amazon.

SONA Electric Steam Boat with BBQ Grill SHG 2752, $86

The SONA Electric Steam Boat with BBQ Grill SHG 2752 is a 2-in-1 appliance allows users to enjoy both hot pot and BBQ grilling simultaneously. Both the cooking pot and grill pan feature non-stick Teflon coatings, five heat settings, and are detachable, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance.

An oil collector tray is included to capture excess grease, promoting healthier cooking and simplifying cleanup. The cooking pot has a capacity of 2.5 liters, suitable for serving 3 to 5 people. The product dimensions are approximately 56 cm (L) x 26 cm (W) x 19 cm (H).

SONA Electric Steam Boat with BBQ Grill SHG 2752 is priced at $86 from Amazon.

Morries 2 In 1 Mookata BBQ Hot Pot MS6688MBBQ, $49

The Morries 2-in-1 Mookata BBQ Hot Pot has a capacity of 2 liters, with a diameter of 36 cm and a height of 7 cm. The grill area measures 20 cm in diameter, providing ample space for grilling various ingredients.

Both the grill plate and cooking pot feature non-stick coatings, and comes with a detachable temperature controller with five settings.

Morries 2 In 1 Mookata BBQ Hot Pot MS6688MBBQ is priced at $49 from Courts and Lazada.

IONA Electric Steamboat GLS189, $55

The IONA Electric Steamboat GLS189 comes with a removable “yuan yang” pot, allowing for two different soup flavors to be prepared simultaneously, ideal for dishes like sukiyaki and fondue. The pot is detachable and coated with non-stick aluminum, comes with a circular heating element, a glass lid, and LED display.

With dimensions of 36 x 37 x 19 cm and a weight of 3.1 kg, the appliance is designed for tabletop cooking and serving, making it suitable for family gatherings and small parties.

IONA Electric Steamboat GLS189 is priced at $55 from Amazon.

SANQIAHOME Chinese Charcoal Steamboat, $85

For the most true-blue authentic Chinese New Year old school steamboat experience, get a full-on traditional charcoal steamboat set!

A traditional charcoal steamboat hot pot uses charcoal as the primary heating source, providing a distinct and rich smoky flavor to the ingredients. The gradual heat from the charcoal enhances the taste of the broth and ingredients.

Using charcoal creates a more authentic and immersive cooking experience, allowing diners to engage in a sensory and social meal that brings people together. The crackling of the charcoal and the warmth it provides contribute to the atmosphere.

Charcoal hot pot provides a more traditional and authentic dining experience. The smoky flavor imparted by the charcoal adds depth and richness to the broth and ingredients. This distinct flavor cannot be easily replicated by electric or gas hot pots.

SANQIAHOME Chinese Charcoal Steamboat is priced at $85 from Amazon.

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