I think a small gas table burner would be the way to go and then use any pot you have. perhaps a ceramic dutch oven or even a fondue pot.. i am just guessing because i have never had shabu shabu.

A portable gas burner sounds a little scary to me, iykwim!

If you want a table ”burner”, would a portable induction hob work? This is NYT Wirecutter’s top pick

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLR0ET8/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT0Q3SK7NXCNJCEQEW6H830

I was going to suggest an induction burner as well. The Ikea one gets good reviews.

Dumb question question… do they all have cords?

Yes, I believe they all have cords. I think a cord is necessary to get the power you need. I saw a table once where a hole had been drilled in the top so that lamps could be used instead of candles. I suppose you could do that, but it seems a little drastic. Sounds like a job for duct tape. 😆

If you don't want a cord, you could get a camping burner that runs on a propane cartridge. Sur la Table uses them for their cooking classes.

I would look for an alternative that didn't bring fire to the table.

When I was in China, the restaurant had induction burners built in the table at each place setting which was cool, but I realize running a burner to the table might be a little challenging cord wise.

If you don't go the recommended corded induction burner route, Sterno lamps produce enough heat to keep a broth simmering but are perhaps a bit more manageable than small canisters. There is also alcohol gel products used for fondue pots as well, like those from swissmar that come in their own metal pot (use a stand and heatproof pad for tabletop use)

I wonder who makes this small unit? I’d buy it.

I don't think a small gas burner at the table is necessarily a danger. I think Mtn is smart enough to keep holiday greens away, etc. Set it on a silver tray. The flame would be covered fully by the pot and don't we all have our new fire protection blankets?

I have a a standalone butane burner. It’s very nice. Sometimes you see Asian cooks using them on YouTube. The make I have is IWATANI.

Currently, we just keep the pot on the stove, but I have an idealized image of having it in the middle of the table and we can all use the pot at the same time , like fondue at a ski lodge.

DH pointed out that, even if we had a portable burner for that, we don't have the right table. It would need to be round ... not big long rectangles like we have. He votes to keep it on the stove. boohoo

In the summer, we do have a round dining table on the verandah so that could work

I have these for camping they are cheap enough that you could use a few on a rectangle table.

wow, Roarah interesting

DH pointed out that, even if we had a portable burner for that, we don't have the right table. It would need to be round

Don't you hate it when Mr Practical comes along and kills the dream!? Happens over here all the time too.

I have a silverplate chafing dish rhat uses a candle. Would that keep the liquid hot enough? You would need at least two for a rectangle table.

Not sure, it has to be hot enough to cook the meat (very thinly sliced ribeye). However, now that I imagine setting this in the middle of a table, I realize my idealized version of Shabu Shabu requires a round table. I have one but it is enormous and at the girls' place in any event.

Yes, I was afraid it would not get hot enough.

I'm with your DH, and vote "keep it on the stove". I have only had Shabu Shabu out...but even then, felt nervous about dumping the whole works (flames and cauldron) in my lap! Mind you these were individual cauldrons, and the heat felt so very close! My favorite bits are the crisp veggies and herbs anyway, so heat at a distance is not much of an inconvenience.

I hope you find a solution. Family traditions are the best!!

The only indoor round table I have fits four, maybe five in a pinch. That won't be enough for this Christmas Eve, so we have to stick with our stovetop method.

However, I am going to buy a cordless portable burner for Shabu Shabu outside on the verandah in summer; our outdoor round table accommodates 4 or 5

I googled shabu shabu, since I had no idea what it was. (Hubby does not eat any Oriental) A list of sites came up. Home Cooked Feast was one. You do not need the recipe, but if you scroll down, there is a portable gas burner that looks interesting. I tried to copy photo or link and Houzz did not cooperate, of course.

Thanks, it looks like one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Iwatani-Cassette-Grill-TATSUJIN-CB-SS-50/dp/B07VTN2VGC/ref=asc_df_B07VTN2VGC?mcid=c927252e0064385b9e4c928029375d5d&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693769127213&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7226219820025240066&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018127&hvtargid=pla-806536183576&psc=1

Look at what someone said in the reviews:

My first time cooking Shabu Shabu (Japanese hot pot) at home. Highly recommend.

Cooking at the table made our holiday meal more fun.

Someone else said this, which is helpful

For such a small unit, it pumps out so much heat. It easily heats my 7 litre cast iron Dutch oven.

You can go with what works this year, stove, then you have all year to research summer and next Christmas Eve.

Sherry, how does your DH know a dish is Asian?

If his mother did not cook it when he was a kid he does not eat it.

ETA: No spices. No vegetables mixed in. No onions or garlic. No sauces.

He will eat spaghetti, pizza, or burittoes if he can see NO green. Nothing else from those cuisines.

Shrimp if fried. Fish if fried.