Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Burner Review
Our verdict
At $16.99, the Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# delivers basic single-burner electric cooking at a price that is hard to argue with, and over 14,600 buyers have rated it 4.4 out of 5. It is a no-frills coil burner that does exactly what a budget kitchen appliance needs to do.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Renters, college students, or anyone who needs a cheap backup burner for simple tasks like boiling water, heating soup, or making oatmeal. It is also a practical spare for small kitchens or camping setups where budget is the top priority.
Skip if
Skip this if you need precise temperature control, fast heat output, or a clean look for a kitchen. The cast iron coil heats unevenly by nature, and 1,000 W is on the slower side for serious cooking.
- Wattage 1000 W
- Material Cast Iron
- Controls Knob
- Color Black
- Dimensions 9 X 9.2 X 3.25 In
- Weight 3.4 lb
- Priced 76% below the category median ($70.99 across 57 tracked models)
- Wattage of 1000 W - lower than 88% of the 57 models we track
- Weight of 3.4 lb - lighter than 72% of the 57 models we track
Pros
- Exceptional value at $16.99 for a functional electric burner
- Cast iron coil is durable and compatible with any cookware
- Simple knob control with no learning curve
- Compact 9 x 9.2 in footprint fits tight spaces
- Strong buyer confidence with 4.4 stars across 14,600 ratings
Cons
- 1,000 W is slow to boil compared to 1,500 W or 1,800 W alternatives
- Coil heating is less precise and less responsive than induction
- No digital display or timer
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 14,600 owner ratings
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Popularity4.6/5
14,600 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
- 1000 W
- Material
- Cast Iron
- Controls
- Knob
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 9 X 9.2 X 3.25 In
- Weight
- 3.4 lb
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
Overview
The ESB-301BF# is a single-coil electric countertop burner built around a cast iron heating element and a simple dial knob. At 1,000 W it is not the fastest burner on the market, but it draws less power than most, which can matter in dorms or shared apartments with limited circuits. The unit sits in a compact 9 x 9.2 x 3.25 in footprint at 120 V AC.
The knob control is about as simple as it gets, which is actually an asset here. There is nothing to break, no digital panel to confuse, and no timer to reset. You turn it on, set a heat level, and cook. For basic tasks that simplicity is a genuine feature, not a compromise.
With 14,600 ratings at 4.4 stars, the feedback base is large enough to trust. That many buyers at that rating suggests the burner performs reliably for the tasks it is designed for. The tradeoff versus induction models is real but expected at this price: coil heat is less responsive and harder to keep at a steady simmer.
Performance notes
At 1,000 W on a 120 V circuit, expect moderate heat output suitable for simmering, reheating, and slow boiling. The cast iron coil retains heat after shutoff, so food can continue cooking briefly once the knob is turned down. Knob control gives rough heat-level selection rather than degree-precise settings. Works with any cookware including cast iron, stainless, and aluminum.
What buyers say
The rating of 4.4 stars from more than 14,600 buyers is a strong signal for a product in this price class. Buyers at this level generally expect a burner that heats reliably and does not break quickly, and the score suggests most get exactly that. A small share of buyers in any large pool will find coil burners frustrating for precise cooking, which is the expected limitation of the format.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# work with any pot or pan?
Yes. The cast iron coil heating element is compatible with all cookware types including stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and ceramic-clad pots. It does not require magnetic cookware the way an induction burner does.
Is 1,000 W enough to boil water?
It will boil water, but it takes longer than a 1,500 W or 1,800 W burner. For a small pot of pasta water or a cup of soup it is workable. For large-volume cooking where speed matters, a higher-wattage model will serve you better.
Can I use this in a dorm room?
Many dorm rooms restrict hot plates, so check your school policy first. The 1,000 W draw is lower than most electric burners, which can help in settings with limited circuit capacity, but policy compliance is always the first check.