a stirring hot plate for simultaneously heating and stirring a mixture includes a phase controlled motor that spins magnets which couple to , and thereby spin , a stir bar within the mixture . in addition to spinning the magnets , the motor includes an operational mode in which the motor is rapidly braked thereby quickly spinning down the stir bar . the stirring hot plate also includes a visual indicator to the user that the platform is hot - to - the - touch that is especially effective when the stirring hot plate is not in use .