Abstract: Variable-heat chafing-dish burners and methods of use. One variable-heat chafing-dish burner embodiment has a reservoir with liquid fuel, into which a short wick and a long wick extend. Both wicks are lit initially, in order to provide initial high heat to bring chafing-dish water quickly to temperature. As fuel is consumed by the flames fed by both wicks, the fuel level within the reservoir drops. The short wick initial immersed length is set such that at the approximate time the chafing-dish water has been brought to temperature, the short wick is no longer immersed in fuel, and the flame it fed is extinguished due to fuel starvation. After the flame fed by the short wick is extinguished, only the flame fed by the long wick remains lit, thereby providing the lowered heat required to maintain the chafing-dish water at temperature. In this manner, a high initial heat is provided to bring chafing-dish water quickly to temperature, and lower heat is provided thereafter to save fuel.