Black & Decker Double Burner Portable Buffet Range

Cooking on the go has never been easier with the Black & Decker Double Burner Portable Buffet Range (DB1002B). As someone who's always in need of flexible cooking options, whether at home or on the road, this portable double burner has become an essential part of my culinary toolkit. Here's my experience with this compact yet capable appliance.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about this double burner is its sleek, black finish. It's designed to be both visually appealing and functional. The dimensions, 20.16 x 3.54 x 11.14 inches, make it compact enough to fit in tight spaces, yet it's large enough to handle two fairly sizable pots or pans simultaneously. It weighs around 12.1 pounds, making it portable but not flimsy.

The build quality is quite robust for a portable unit. It feels solid and well-constructed. However, I did find that the legs seemed slightly imbalanced initially. A bit of adjusting resolved the issue, but it's something to be aware of if you're setting it up on an uneven surface.

Heating Performance

The double burner features dual variable temperature control knobs, allowing independent heat adjustment for each burner. This is a fantastic feature, especially when you're cooking different dishes that require varying heat levels. The burners themselves are coil-style, designed for even heat distribution.

In practice, the heating performance is a mixed bag. The left burner, which uses 1000 watts, heats up quickly and is perfect for boiling water or cooking meals that need higher heat. The right burner, at 500 watts, is better suited for simmering or keeping food warm. I found that the left burner could bring water to a boil in under 10 minutes, while the right one took noticeably longer. This discrepancy can be a bit of a drawback if you're in a hurry or need both burners at high heat.

One thing to note is that the burners don't maintain a continuous heat. They cycle on and off to regulate temperature, which can extend cooking times for some dishes. For instance, it took almost three hours to boil a large pot of water for crab legs, which is far from ideal.

Ease of Use

Using this burner is straightforward. The knobs are clearly marked, and the power indicator lights for each burner are a helpful touch. Despite the cycling heat issue, the burners are generally reliable and easy to control.

Cleaning, however, poses a bit of a challenge. The coils do not lift up, making it difficult to clean underneath them. Spillage can be tricky to manage, and you'll need to be cautious to avoid stubborn stains. A damp napkin with a bit of oven cleaner helps, but it's not the most practical solution for thorough cleaning.

Practical Applications

This double burner has proven to be incredibly versatile. I initially bought it for a camping trip, and it performed admirably. It was great for making quick meals like scrambled eggs and mac and cheese. The portability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking, small apartments, or as an auxiliary cooking surface during large family gatherings.

One of the standout uses for me was during a kitchen remodel. This little appliance served as my primary cooking surface for several weeks, and it didn't disappoint. It’s also a great tool for keeping food warm during parties or potlucks.

Durability

Durability is often a concern with portable appliances, but this Black & Decker burner has held up well over time. I've used it almost daily for over two years, and it still works as well as it did when I first bought it. The temperature settings on the knobs have worn off slightly, but this is a minor inconvenience. A few strategic scratches on the knobs helped me remember the most-used settings.

Final Thoughts

After extensive use, I can confidently say that the Black & Decker Double Burner Portable Buffet Range is a valuable addition to any kitchen—or campsite. It has its quirks, like uneven heating between burners and challenging cleaning, but its benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. The independent control knobs, solid build quality, and overall reliability make it a versatile and practical tool for various cooking needs.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely, especially if you need a portable, dependable cooking solution. It's not perfect, but its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a flexible cooking appliance. Whether you're a camper, someone with limited kitchen space, or just in need of extra cooking surfaces, this double burner is a great choice.