Tabletop cooking

Hi,

Today when the sky lightened up in late afternoon, some friends and I decided to drive to Chicago Food Corp.

While milling around picking things up and dropping them into my cart, I eyed a tabletop gas burner for $17.99; using disposable pressurized gas canisters. I must admit I had visions of Korean BBQ, hot pots and fondues dancing in my head. I even placed the burner in its handy carrying case and a 4-pack of gas canisters in my cart.

I then walked over to check out the cost of a griddle to lay on the surface to cook Korean BBQ. I found the accessories cost the same or more than the gas grill. I also saw electric tabletop cooking elements. I decided I didn't know quite enough to make this purchase and needed to see more gas burners before making a selection.

Does anyone have a gas tabletop burner? Would they recommend it? Should I consider electric instead? What about the accessories?

I know this is one topic not likely to be covered by Cooks Illustrated anytime soon.

Thanks!

I had a lot of plan for today ... earlier in the week but decided that discretion was the better part of valor and stayed home except for a trip to the gym.

January and February are my FAVORITE times to shop. It is a time when retailers have to 'fess up that not all their buyers' selections were great. You find out who REALLY had a great year and who had a dismal year.

I have been seeing a LOT of tabletop cooking appliances. Saw a two burner set for $17 at Costco.

As for the gas tabletop, could you really use it in the house. I would be wrrying about CO poisoning. Personally, I prefer gas ranges BUT ... those are generally vented and at least I mount a CO detector nearby.