Imusa GAU-80305 Countertop Burner Review
Our verdict
At $14, the Imusa GAU-80305 is one of the most affordable single electric burners on the market, and its 4.2-star rating from over 20,100 buyers confirms it delivers on the basics without pretense. For a simple knob-controlled 1100-watt burner, the price-to-function ratio is hard to beat.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone who needs an inexpensive backup burner for boiling, simmering, or warming tasks and does not want to spend more than necessary. Dorm rooms, small apartments, offices, and camping setups where a single low-cost extra burner is more valuable than a feature-rich one.
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Buyers who need higher output for fast boiling or high-heat cooking will find 1100W limiting compared to 1500W to 1800W models available for only a few dollars more. If you cook frequently and need consistent, powerful heat, spending up to a mid-range option makes more sense.
- Wattage 1100 W
- Material Aluminum
- Controls Knob
- Color Black
- Dimensions 9.06 X 9.45 X 3.54 In
- Weight 2.57 lb
- Priced 80% below the category median ($70.99 across 57 tracked models)
- Wattage of 1100 W - lower than 85% of the 57 models we track
- Weight of 2.57 lb - lighter than 80% of the 57 models we track
Pros
- $14 price makes it the most accessible single burner in the category
- Over 20,100 reviews provide a high-confidence 4.2-star signal
- Knob control requires zero learning curve
- Works with all cookware types since it is an electric coil, not induction
- 2.57 lb weight makes it lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- 1100W output is lower than most mid-range options and will feel slow for tasks like boiling large pots of water
- Electric coil is less responsive to heat adjustments than induction at comparable price points
- No temperature markings or precise heat levels on the knob
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 20,100 owner ratings
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Popularity4.9/5
20,100 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Wattage
- 1100 W
- Material
- Aluminum
- Controls
- Knob
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 9.06 X 9.45 X 3.54 In
- Weight
- 2.57 lb
Overview
The Imusa GAU-80305 is a no-frills electric coil burner that does exactly what it promises at a price that virtually anyone can afford. At 1100 watts and $14, it is not competing with induction burners on speed or precision. What it offers is a reliable, simple tool for basic cooking tasks that runs on any standard 120V outlet and works with any cookware you already own.
The knob control is about as simple as it gets. You turn it, the coil heats up, and you cook. The aluminum body keeps the unit lightweight at 2.57 pounds, and the compact 9.06 by 9.45 footprint means it tucks into virtually any space. Cleanup is straightforward with a coil surface.
With over 20,100 reviews, the GAU-80305 has more buyer feedback than most products at any price point. A 4.2-star average at that scale is genuine, representing the experiences of a massive range of buyers. It is not a perfect unit, but for $14 the performance matches the reasonable expectations any buyer should bring to it.
Performance notes
At 1100W, the GAU-80305 is best suited for low-to-medium heat tasks: simmering sauces, warming soups, reheating food, or boiling small amounts of water. High-heat tasks like searing or rapid boiling of large volumes will feel underpowered compared to 1500W to 1800W alternatives. The aluminum construction and knob dial are standard for this price class. Cookware compatibility is universal since it is a coil-style burner, accepting any flat-bottomed pot or pan.
What buyers say
With over 20,100 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the GAU-80305 has a proven track record at the budget end of the market. Buyers broadly accept that this is a basic tool, and at $14 expectations are calibrated accordingly. Satisfaction is high relative to the price, with most buyers appreciating the simplicity and reliability for light-duty cooking tasks.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 1100W enough for everyday cooking?
For many everyday tasks, yes. Simmering soups, reheating leftovers, making oatmeal, or boiling a small pot of water are all within the GAU-80305's capability. Where you will notice the lower wattage is in tasks that demand sustained high heat quickly, like boiling a full pot of pasta water or searing meat. For those tasks, a 1500W to 1800W unit will feel notably faster.
Can I use this with cast iron pans?
Yes. Because the GAU-80305 is an electric coil burner and not an induction unit, it works with any flat-bottomed cookware, including cast iron, aluminum, ceramic, and copper. There are no magnetic compatibility restrictions as there would be with an induction model.
How durable is the Imusa GAU-80305 at this price?
Based on its 4.2-star rating across more than 20,000 buyers, the GAU-80305 holds up well for light to moderate use. The coil and knob construction is straightforward with few parts that can fail. It is not designed for heavy commercial-style cooking, but for occasional to regular home use it represents a reasonable value at $14.