First, Walgreen has $9.95 hotpot; sometime has rebate of $3 from Texas. It cooks water by thermostatic control, best set at 9/16(slightly over half way) of maximum temperature. You must have water(24 oz to 32 oz) in the hotpot before you plug into the 110 volt power line. After cooking is finished, turn down the thermostat and unplug from the power line. It can be wiped clean with damp paper towel.

Mongolian hotpot is fun, fun, and more fun. You gather all the food in the frig, and cut them thin. Put them in the hot water and they will cook fast Eat with plenty of sauces(condiments) on the flat tasting cooked food for flavour. Cook all food until tender. Large pieces of meat may take 15 minutes to one hour depending on size and thickness. You can also cook rice(instant or parboiled for speed) or instant noodles in the hotpot. You can also flavor the soup by adding half or less of the packet in Ramen noodles.

Mongolians must have invented fondue with water as a base to have fun eating together, cooking whatever you like individually but at the same time as all of your party. Have fun cheap with all your friends?