Can I use any hotplate with StarFish? What base plates are available? We offer a range of base plates for StarFish, so you can choose the one that’s suitable for your hotplate: The dimensions above refer to the hotplate top plate dimensions – which are matched by the recess in the bottom of the base plate for fitting onto the hotplate. Using the correct base plate for your hotplate ensures the StarFish system fits securely on the hotplate and there is the best possible heat transfer. (Each base plate itself has the same diameter, for fitting StarFish MonoBlocks or PolyBlocks onto.)