Does anybody have any suggestions for cheap hotplates that will work for boiling big pots of water or use in STB extractions so I do not have to use a stovetop?

http://www.biosurplus.co...r-scientific-11-498-7sh/

The finish on the plate looks a bit damaged, but as long as it still functions propperly thats a good deal for a hotplate stirrer combo.

& i'd probably steer away from using a pot on a hotplate. Pyrex beakers are cheap & come in sets.
I paid $35 for a set ranging from 50ml-1000ml.

Any hotplate stirrer will do. You can heat water in the microwave to save time in boiling too. You don't "need" a hotplate/stirrer combo. But you will apriciate it. :3

Could you use an induction heater? They are relatively cheap and portable. Laboratory hot plates are expensive, but they do have the stirrer.

There's lots of choices. My recomendation is a lab hotplate. You can findem on ebay for great prices sometimes, so keep your eye out.

One thing to be warry of, will your hotplate ignite flammable liquid? If so, then don't make drugs with flammable liquid. Ever.

Lab hotplate are designed to be used with organic solvents, they also cool down quite fast. And believe me you will definitely make use of your stirrer. Alot.