Sand Shading Veneer Hot Plate What Are You Using?

For those of you that do sand shading on your veneer projects what kind / brand / size/ wattage of hot plates are you using? I currently have a hot plate that has one of those smooth tops but it takes forever for it to heat up and when it is on it cycles on and off and doesn’t keep the sand hot enough and is a real pain to get good results. I am currently using a cast iron skillet and using about a ½’’ to ¾’’ of sand in the bottom. I did try it on my gas stove and it worked great, but the stove is in the house and I am out in the shop. Basically I am not looking for a gas unit. An electric one would be most user friendly out in the shop. Any suggestions would be help full.

Thanks Richard