Proctor Silex Electric Single Burner, Compact and Portable, Adjustable Temperature Hot Plate, 1000 Watts, 120V, White & Stainless (34103)

I'm always running out of burners at holidays when I'm doing extra cooking for friends and family, and this is an ideal "spare." While it might not be the best choice for bringing big pots of water to a rapid boil, it is wonderful for those small jobs, particularly things like making gravy or breakfast eggs. The burner is very well made and has a light to indicate when it is plugged in, which is useful so that you don't forget and accidentally leave it plugged in and potentially on. Please note that the light indicates that it is plugged in, not necessarily when it is on (although obviously if there is no power it can't be on). The controls are simple, and the burner is small enough to store away in the cupboard when not in use.We have even used it on camping trips and is particularly useful when trying to cook a regular meal in an RV which may not have all the burners you need for everything. Because it stores away so easily, it can be packed/stored without taking too much room. We love this little burner and use it a lot more than we thought we would. In fact, we bought a second one because it was so useful and worked so well.

Two or 3 of these could easily handle what any stovetop could. Practically instantly heats up, very simple to adjust the temperature. While reliability is an unknown, in the short time I’ve had it it’s performed better than expected! I mainly use it in conjunction with a temperature controller to make yogurt or cook sous vide. It handles that, and sautéing really admirably. It will bring a 6 cup teapot from cold tap water to boiling in about 13 minutes. It’s lightweight, but seems rather sturdy. You can’t go wrong for the money.

I'm a terrible cook. I'm getting rid of my stove/oven. In it's place will go my microwave and countertop oven, on a DIY baker's rack, clearing the countertop for 'pretty' things. This thingy works well to boil the kettle, fry up eggs and bacon, and now and then, maybe something dangerous, like spaghetti or a grilled cheese sandwich. But, it's not the large burner size I thought. And, it doesn't get very hot. This is safer, for me though. Like it.

It works great.As far as your home is good to carry the enough voltage of the power cut/supply, this one works great. I have been using this in my new apartment since two months and it has been so handy. I had one hot pad which was not enough for my mom when she has visited me. So, I bought this one as an experimental trial for myself as I have never used this type before and amazingly, it works great. Only difficult part is that you have to plug and unplug each time after the use because it is not like other hotbeds which can be self controlled, once you switch off.Cleaning is too much difficult for me so I am using aluminum foil underneath.So that I can throw away and replace the new one.I will give 5/5 in terms of heat and 4/5 in terms of cleaning and operating system. Cheap and best.ThanksNamrata

I use this up to 7 times a day, full power (boil water) There was a brand that I could get _cheap_ before that lasted about a year or so each, this one is more expensive, and has better thermostatic control, so it doesn't super heat itself while trying to boil, I assume this means it will last MUCH longer. On the down side because it doesn't just apply full amps to the coil at "hi" it doesn't produce as intense a boil, IMHO its fine for cooking, but some may want more extreme heat, if so this is not the unit for you. I use a 1.5qt pot, it brings the water to a boil in a satisfactory amount of time, and maintains a nice gentle boil, again, fine for cooking. My $.02, as a extra burner or hotplate, it's perfect. (update 6/1/19: been using it since oct/2018, still works like new, and cleans up easy too)

Pros: Simple, uncomplicated. seems to work OK.Cons: The power light stays on ALL THE TIME. I assume the unit is turned off when you turn it all the way down and hear that slight click, but without a way to know for sure, you'll be anxious when you see that power light on.Upshot: I wouldn't buy this again, but I got it refurbished and cheap so it was a deal.

The media could not be loaded. This fifth burner that I bought was it to use it outside of the house in my patio. It is an excellent burner and becomes a full function in 30 seconds. (see the video). The element will be about 850° F at that time.Proctor Silex 34103 Electric Single Burner, Compact and Portable, Adjustable Temperature .A great alternative to the gas burner. I use it outside on my patio, especially when it is windy.Today's price at amazon, com $13.49 with coupon (9/14/2019)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073R9TCP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Wipes cleanCompact countertop designAdjustable temperatureA stainless steel drip panPower light

I bought this after Con Ed turned off the cooking gas to the building for a second time over supposed issues with the pipes. I wanted something that could bring a relatively large pot of water to boil so we could make enough pasta, etc. for at least 4 people. This burner is definitely quite capable of doing that job. I've also used it to make a large pot of stew, which demands a burner that can stay hot for at least 2 plus hours straight. As some have commented, the burner doesn't seem to be able to be turned completely off unless you pull out the plug, but I don't see that as a big problem. My only complaint might be that the cord is a bit too short. While you can use the the burner on a counter top without doing any damage, I preferred to put it in the middle of my gas stove top between the burners that aren't going to work until Con Ed turns the cooking gas back on. The cord wasn't long enough so I had to dig up an extension cord. Other than that, I'm very happy with how the burner is holding up.

Of all the hotplates and portable ranges I've tried over the years (with much frustration), this one outperforms them all. Even hotplates costing three times this price can't even come close to comparison. Many of the 'others' I've tried were so slow to heat, featured thermostats that were virtually useless (they were either full blast on or no heat at all), elements that burned out prematurely, even one (a well known-brand which shall remain nameless) that featured such shoddy wiring inside as to pose an obvious safety hazard which -IMO- should cause it to be removed/recalled from the marketplace.I guess you can't get TOO excited over something as simple as a hotplate. Unit heats up fast, distributes heat evenly, and features a sealed drip pan so dirt/grease/grime can't become trapped in tiny nooks and crannies that are all but impossible to clean. The heat is easily controlled by the simple thermostat, and I especially liked the audible click the unit made indicating the thermostat was correctly cycling the element off and on, maintaining a consistent temperature. I've never seen this on any other hotplate. I found the lowest heat setting was approximately two to three ticks away from the 'off' position on the knob, which allows for a gentle simmer. Again, on all the other units I've tried, it always seemed impossible to reach a low temperature. Any setting below medium and they basically shut off. I also didn't like the on/off cycling --even on the highest setting-- of the old solid-disc hotplate I had years ago. It literally took an hour to get the water up to a gentle boil -- then the thermostat would kick off and the element cooled down again. Very frustrating as you basically had NO CONTROL over the heat output. Not with this one. As the instructions implied, the temperature is controlled pretty much the same way as it is on a full-sized range. Just turn the control from high to low, or vice-versa. Of course you might have to 'play' around with the knob a bit to find the right heat setting for your particular needs, however I didn't find this to be a problem at all.What else can I say? It's cheap, well-constructed, functional, easily controlled, and stylish. Proctor-Silex has designed a real winner here and I only hope they continue to manufacture this model for many years to come. There's an old saying: sometimes, the cheapest/simplest things are among the best in life. No complaints so far, and will update if any significant issue arises that makes me change my mind. Otherwise, it's a keeper. A solid 10/10. Unit is rated at 1000 watts, drawing approximately 8.5 Amps.

I am having my kitchen renovated and along with a microwave, use this single burner Proctor Silex. I am one week in and am able to make all the dishes I normally make on my gas range. It is fantastic and I recommend you buy this wonderful product for a 5th burner or your only burner. I can make all my Italian and Indian favorites as well as easy stir fry’s, stews and fried fish and chicken.One warning, use heavy bottomed pots instead of thin shallow wide fry pans, they tend to slip off the smallish burner. The burner can handle cast iron pots, heavy saucepans and fry pans as well as small light cook wear.Don’t have a bad thing to say about this product, excellent value!!!

Good value and worked well but broken after few months.

I love this burner. It heats up and stays heated. Water boils quickly, pan frying is simple. It helped me out when my stove went on the blitz and I needed something to cook on until the stove could be fixed. This worked well. Glad I bought it.

Great little product. Bought it to use with our cast iron pan. Didn’t want to scratch the smooth top stove. Super light and easy to store under the stove for easy access. Way cheaper than purchasing a heat diffuser and guarantees no scratches. Heated up no problem.