Electric hot plate assemblies

An electric hot plate assembly including an electrically heated hot plate having at least one electrical conductor disposed therewithin for heating an annular zone of the plate when energised, cover means defining an enclosed space located immediately beneath said hot plate and secured thereto, and a device for limiting the operating temperature of the hot plate, the temperature limiting device comprising a housing, a bimetallic element disposed in a first portion of said housing which projects into said enclosed space at a location beneath said annular zone, said first portion of the housing having a low thermal capacity, the housing having a base portion disposed externally of said enclosed space, means thermally insulating said base portion from said first housing portion, connecting terminals located in the base portion of the housing for connecting said at least one hot plate conductor to an electrical supply, and switch means located in said base portion of the housing and adapted to be actuated by the bimetallic element.