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Electric hot plate [Shabbos Plata]:

Some Poskim[1] rule an electric plate requires Libun Chamur.[2] Others[3] rule an electric plate requires Libun Kal. Others[4] rule it requires Iruiy Keli Rishon. If the coating of the hot plate is made of enamel, then it is not Kasherable.^[5] Practically, if possible, one is to purchase a new electric hot plate for Pesach.[6] In a time of need, one is to clean the entire hot plate, including the cord, its sides, and bottom areas, with a killing agent such as bleach.[7] After 24 hours pass[8], one is to then turn the hot plate on to its hottest setting for some time and then pour boiling water over it.[9] One is to then cover the hot plate with a thick piece of tinfoil.[10] For extra care, one can place a second sheet of tinfoil or aluminum pan on the hot plate.[11]

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[1] Admur 461:1 regarding oven floor; Nitei Gavriel 79:7; Shevach Hamoadim p. 178 [regarding an electric stove top];

[2] The reason: As whenever Chametz is heated on a vessel without water it requires Libun Chamor. [Admur 451:13] And at times one places Chametz, such as Challahs, directly on the hot plate [see 451:58] and we go after Miut Tashmish on Pesach [Admur ibid; 451:26] and it is thus similar to the stovetop grates which require Libun Chamor. [Admur 451:24] However Tzaruch Iyun, as according to this then also counters and tables should require Libun Chamor, and in 451:58, even according to the stringent approach, it only requires Iruiy with Even Meluban. Perhaps the explanation is that only when there is fire directly touching the vessel does it require Libun Chamor, and thus by a table, despite it having hot Chametz directly on it, it does not need Libun Chamur, as there is no actual fire touching it. Vetzaruch Iyun regarding a Plata, as although there is no fire, nevertheless there is electric heat directly under the metal and it is thus similar to baking Chametz on an electric stove top. 

[3] M”B 451:34 and Igros Moshe 1:124 regarding grates; Opinions brought in Siddur Pesach Kehilchaso 7:4; Hagalas Keilim 13:381; Piskeiy Teshuvos 451:19; Hakashrus 6:22

[4] Opinions brought in Siddur Pesach Kehilchaso 7:4; Hagalas Keilim 13:381; Piskeiy Teshuvos 451:19; Hakashrus 6:22

[5] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 451:49; Hakashrus ibid footnote 61

[6] Harav Asher Lemel Hakohen told me that he suggests to all to purchase a new one for Pesach as it is very difficult to clean.

[7] As by doing so all the Chametz is considered destroyed even if some Chametz was unable to be removed and went unnoticed.

[8] As all vessels are to be non-Ben Yomo when Kashered through Hagala or Iruiy Keli Rishon [Admur 452:15]

[9] Brought in Siddur Pesach Kehilchaso 7:4; Hagalas Keilim 13:381; Piskeiy Teshuvos 451:19; Hakashrus 6:22

[10] By doing so one secures that even if the Plata was not Kashered properly, such as according to those who require Libun Chamur, then it is nevertheless useable due to the metal interval. Nevertheless, one is to also Kasher the hot plate beforehand even though he plans to cover it as at times the tinfoil tears and liquid comes in between.

[11] To secure that even if the bottom tears and receives liquid, there is nevertheless an upper interval.