The Genius of Simmerstats: Unveiling the Old Tech that Controls Your Stovetop

Have you ever wondered why your glass-top radiant electric stove behaves in such a peculiar way? You turn the control knob down to medium power, and the heating element simply goes out, only to come back on and switch off again in an endless pulsing cycle. Well, the answer lies in a funky component called an infinite switch, or as it's better known, a Simmerstat.

At first glance, the Simmerstat may not seem like much, but every heating element in your cooktop is wired to one of these intriguing devices. They are the driving force behind the pulsing behavior that keeps you guessing. To demonstrate its power, a YouTuber named Technology Connections built a fascinating little box complete with two simmerstats and some other gadgets.

By connecting a lamp and a mystery load to the simmerstats, Technology Connections showcased the control they offer. When set to high, the simmerstat allows uninterrupted power flow. However, as the control knob is turned down, power is briefly interrupted, only to return after a short period. These periodic interruptions continue indefinitely, with each interruption getting longer as the control knob is turned further clockwise.

Once the medium setting is reached, the simmerstat settles into a pattern of spending roughly equal time on and off. If you continue turning the control knob, the pulsing becomes briefer and farther apart. This behavior is the only option for the simmerstat due to the electrical nature of the heating elements in a conventional electric stove.

Understanding the genius behind simmerstats helps us appreciate the intricate workings of our stovetops. The video by Technology Connections provides a captivating visual demonstration of this old yet reliable technology. So, if you're curious to see the simmerstat in action and learn more about the science behind it, make sure to check out the video linked below.

Remember, knowledge is power, even in the kitchen!

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