The Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner is a single burner that worth the investment. It is compact and convenient to carry around wherever you need to go. If you like going on backpacking trips, you know that it is essential to have one.
It’s also a handy appliance to have for dorm rooms and small apartments where space is limited. Do you think this might be the electric stove for you? Let’s find out!
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive review of the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner. We will share with you everything from its pros and cons as well as a detailed comparison to another similar product. But first, allow us to tell you of its many remarkable features.
Key Features
Those who are looking for an electric stove know that there are hundreds—if not thousands—of available models on the market. That being said, it can be quite difficult to find the one that’s right for your needs and preferences. To help you in your search, here are the features of the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner:
- Stainless Steel Drip Pan
Spills are common when you’re cooking. Now, this is usually not a problem when you’re at home since you have more time to clean. However, when you’re outdoors, time is limited so you need a burner that can be cleaned easily. Fortunately, this burner has a stainless drip tray that you can wipe clean using a non-abrasive sponge or a damp cloth.
- Adjustable Temperature Knob
Manage how hot you want the burner coil to heat up by adjusting the temperature control knob according to your desired level. The knob has a guide that allows you to choose between low- and high-temperature settings.
- Power Indicator Light
This product is equipped with an indicator that lights up when the burner is plugged in. This reminds the user that it is turned on.
- Non-Skid Feet
Additionally, the burner has non-skid feet underneath to ensure that it stays in place while you’re cooking.
- Removable Burner Coil
The burner coil is removable for easier access when cleaning the drip pan.
- Overall Dimension and Weight
The Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner has the following dimensions: 9.8 x 5.2 x 9.2 inches and weighs only 2.2 pounds.
- One-year Limited Warranty
Another reason why the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner is a great investment is that it comes with a one-year limited warranty. So, you don’t have to worry that your money is not protected.
Pros
Using the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner provides several benefits that you can take advantage of, like:
- Ease of use
- Backed by a decade’s worth of tested and proven technology
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with built-in safety features
- Wipes clean
- Equipped with heat control
- Does not take up too much counter space
- Made from reliable and durable materials
- Easy to carry around and store
- Heats up very quickly
- Does not slide around
- Best for frequent travelers and campers
Cons
Similar to any other product, the Proctor Silex 34103 also comes with its own set of cons. Here are some disadvantages you would want to consider before buying this burner:
- Small heating coil
- Only works best with smaller pans
- Light stays on even when turned off
- Requires electricity
- Lowest possible setting is still very hot
- Large pots and pans need to covered to maintain heat
- The cord is too short (just around 2 feet)
- Needs to be unplugged to shut off
Summary of the Features
The Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner is a great piece of portable appliance if you’re looking for a lightweight burner that’s easy to haul with you whenever you want to camp out. Here’s a quick look at some of its best features:
- Easy to set up, use and clean. Once the burner is plugged in a switch, all you need to do is adjust the heat control, wait ‘til your pan is hot enough, and you’re ready to cook. Clean up is also relatively fast once the burner is unplugged and the heating coil becomes cold to the touch. Just remove the coil and wipe the stainless drip pan underneath if there are spills.
- Adjustable heat settings. Using the small knob, you can easily adjust the temperature of the heating coil anywhere between low to high heat.
The Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner vs. Other Similar Products
The Cuisinart CB-30 Cast-Iron Single Burneris a good product to compare with the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner since both of them are portable electric burners in the same price range. However, they do differ in many ways.
For starters, the Cuisinart model is equipped with a cast iron plate. The plate has a diameter of 7.5 inches. Because of its coil-less design, the cooking surface is super easy to clean up in case of spills. Keep in mind, though, that before you clean it, the burner should be unplugged, and the plate is cool enough to avoid accidents.
With 1300-watt power, this portable burner is sure to heat up quickly and be able to maintain its temperature at all times. It features five temperature settings, each marked clearly on the temperature knob. You can choose to set your plate’s temperature to low, low/medium, medium, medium/high and high.
Additionally, it also has an indicator that lights up when the burner is plugged in. Another great feature that this product offers is that it lets you know when the hot plate is at its full heat. Once the desired heat level is reached, a green light will appear on the front panel.
The Verdict
All in all, we have concluded that the Proctor Silex 34103 Fifth Burner is the better choice. For one, it is an inexpensive portable burner that you can bring with you during camping trips. Additionally, it is also a great option for people who need an inexpensive cooking appliance that won’t take up too much storage space but does its job unfailingly.
Moreover, it is also fairly easy to use and clean, which is very important especially on hiking/camping trips since you don’t want any time wasted fussing over cooking appliances.
However, since this is an electric burner, there may be instances where you won’t be able to bring this burner with you, like if you plan to go someplace with no available source of electricity. Still, you won’t be wasting any money when you buy this product since you can use this at home whenever you need an extra burner to cook on.
For students who are staying in a dorm with no cooking facility, this is an affordable appliance that would allow them to cook their own meals without any hassle. You can also bring this to warm food during outdoor gatherings. The possibilities are endless as long as you have a power source.