Reviews of Broil King PCR-2S Professional Double Cast Iron Range, Stainless

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We've been using the single element version of this (Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless) for a year and liked the quality but wanted lower wattage options for simmering as well as the ability to run two elements at once on our limited off-grid power system. This dual element version fit the bill and as an added bonus leaves a useable amount of counter space in front of it (it's not as deep as the single element version--see added product pictures comparing both units side-by-side).

While the single element unit (1600W) linked above is ideal for large pots (over 12" diameter) which do not fit so well on the smaller dual element unit, this dual element unit provides a more even simmer with lower wattage elements (1000 + 650 = 1650W) (total wattage is per nameplate on items--guessing a bit on dual element individual element wattage as product description does not add up to match nameplate). Elements cycle on/off (thermostatic control), so temperature does go up and down, and the swings are more violent with higher wattage. But if you want to boil a large pot fast (say for canning), the single element unit will get it there faster with the higher wattage.

Note that both the PCR-1S (single element) and PCR-2S (this one, dual element) come under both Cadco and Broil King brands--same units with different branding (much like Cadco counter top convection ovens are Unox convection ovens).

One reviewer complained of smell with these units. We're pretty picky about such things, but have had no issues since the initial 10min burn in recommended in the instructions (did it outdoors and would suggest doing likewise). We appreciate quality (and have experience with typical cheap hot plates) and would buy these again.

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2013-08-07 Update after over one year of daily use for most of our cooking and frying: We've had no problems and are still very happy with this unit, using it for all summer cooking and much of the winter cooking in our off-grid home. For many things, we've found this more convenient than the wood stove even when the wood stove is already running due to the ability to set and forget temperature. We still prefer the wood stove for pancakes though, as it has room for four large griddles--something this can't compete with :)

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I followed the ten minute burn in that instructions called for. It smoked and smelled and now that its over (let the unit cool completely), I haven't experienced any odor problems that a few seem to have complained about. Maybe they didn't read the directions? After the burn in came the test: 8 quarts of water on the big burner and a sauce pan on the little one. It boiled both in about ten minutes. That's fine by me! The knobs feel solid and good under my finger tips while providing a nice adjustment range. The unit works just fine as there's plenty of heat and I'm very happy with it. One note: after I was all beaming over the unit, I noticed a hole in the back of the unit where it looks like a screw might have gone missing. It hasn't. I ordered a replacement unit (Amazon sent it free and within two days) and it was the same. I contacted the manufacturer and this is normal. From their email: "There is actually not a screw missing on the left side of the range there. The hole is there because of the pre-punched metal sheets that are used when manufacturing the units." Great buy in my opinion.

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The range worked well for about six months and then the left burner quit working altogether. By that time the cast iron burners were starting to show signs of rust in places. While it cooked reasonably well, it was very slow to heat up, and equally slow to cool down. The controls are quite good for simmering and warming, but it is not really made for cooking. I would NOT buy another, and in fact have replaced it with a two burner induction cooktop that is far superior for cooking.