Let’s dish about the Bene Casa Single Coil Burner, shall we? Model BC-93525. Now, I’ve seen some things in my time – lived in apartments where the “kitchen” was basically a hotplate and a prayer, weathered power outages that turned dinner into a camping expedition. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for a reliable backup cooking option. So, when I saw this little burner, the price definitely caught my eye. Could it actually deliver?
First impressions? Pretty darn basic, I won’t lie. It’s small, though, which is golden when you’re fighting for counter space. The stainless steel drip pan? Looks easy enough to wipe down after a culinary adventure (or misadventure!). And those non-skid feet? Seem like they’ll keep things from sliding around – hopefully. The black finish is, well, black. It’s not winning any design awards, but hey, it’s a burner.
Alright, time to cook! I decided to give it a whirl with something simple: boiling water for my morning caffeine fix. Three cups in the pot, cranked up the heat… and then I waited. And waited. Let’s just say, if you’re in a rush, this isn’t your best bet. You’ll want to throw a lid on that pot; trust me, it speeds things up.
Next up: eggs! Fired up a small frying pan, and things got… interesting. The heat wasn’t exactly even-steven, if you know what I mean. Had to play with the temperature knob a bit to keep things from burning. But hey, the eggs cooked! For basic stuff, it gets the job done. Don’t expect to be whipping up delicate sauces or anything fancy, though.
The Wins:
- The Price is Right: Seriously, you can’t argue with the price tag. It’s dirt cheap for a backup burner.
- Pack It Up, Pack It In: Small enough to stash anywhere. Think dorm rooms, camping trips, or that corner of your closet reserved for “emergency preparedness.”
- Simple Simon: One knob. That’s it. Even I can figure it out before my first cup of coffee.
- Cleanup Crew: That stainless steel drip pan? A quick wipe, and you’re done.
The Uh-Ohs:
- Patience, Grasshopper: It’s not winning any speed contests. Boiling water takes a while.
- Hot Spots: Keep an eye on things; the heat isn’t perfectly even.
- Short Leash: The cord is, shall we say, “economical.” Make sure you’re close to an outlet.
Flashback Time:
I’m reminded of the Great Dorm Room Mac & Cheese Incident of ’08. Our ancient hotplate gave up the ghost mid-Kraft Dinner prep. We were staring down the barrel of a hungry night. Then, my roommate pulled out a single burner, just like this Bene Casa. It saved the day! Okay, maybe “saved the day” is a bit dramatic, but it saved us from starvation.
The Bottom Line:
Look, the Bene Casa Single Coil Burner isn’t going to replace your fancy gas range. But for the price, it’s a handy little gadget to have around. Need a cheap, portable heat source for basic cooking? Give it a shot. Just don’t expect miracles. Think of it as a reliable friend, not a culinary superhero. Perfect for dorms, camping, or when your main stove decides to take an unscheduled vacation. Just be prepared to wait a bit, and keep a close eye on that temperature dial!