The humble kettle has been given a new image in recent years. Simple versions consisting of only a container with a heating element fixed inside are still available, but for many years the trend has been towards the automatic kettle that turns off once the water has boiled.
Some more recent models have been further improved with high-speed elements and spout filling. The latest jug version combines all the features of a modern kettle with the added feature of the handle’s being positioned on the side, so that the user avoids the steam when pouring.
As with irons, cable damage through wear and tear and misuse tends to be a common fault. Cordless kettles and jugs preempt this problem. They are similar to cordless irons in that they require a power base that has its own mains lead. When the cordless kettle is placed on its base, electrical contact is made to its heating element. The operation from then on is like any other automatic kettle. Read the rest of this entry »
In recent years, the microwave oven has become a very popular kitchen appliance. However, many misunderstandings about the safety aspects of cooking with microwaves have arisen. Perhaps an understanding of how this appliance works will dispel these fears and misconceptions.
Repair should always be carried out by a professional microwave engineer. The reasons for this are the danger of high voltages present within the appliance, the requirements of the intricate fail-safe doorinterlock system and the possibility of microwave leakage if parts are not correctly fitted or aligned according to manufacturer’s instructions. Read the rest of this entry »
Unlike the pre-set speed control, variable control allows a greater variation in motor speeds. The motor is a plain AC series-wound brush motor and consequently it is incapable of any variation in speed on its own.
Speed is governed by a separate speed control unit. This unit consists of a printed circuit board with a number of solid-state components, often called the speed module or motor control module. In simple terms, this device interrupts the power supply to the motor at regular intervals. In effect, it pulses the motor. If the pulsing is increased, the motor will run faster and if pulsing is slowed, the motor will run slower. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether cheap and simple or astronomically expensive, all decks are averse to dirt and debris which is statically attracted to the vinyl record. It then damages the stylus resulting in the all-too-familiar click, pop and jumping of the track.
Sound is stored on a vinyl record on a continuous groove starting at the outer edge and finishing at the centre of the disc. The groove has microscopic ridges proportional in size to the sound wave that created them. When the record rotates, the stylus is deflected by these ridges as it runs in the groove. These minute deflections are then amplified. Two requirements must be met for the stylus to track correctly. The first is that the groove of the record is free from all blemishes and foreign matter to which the stylus would react. The other is that the arm holding the stylus must apply just enough weight to hold the point within the groove (usually 1-2 grams) but not so much as to create excessive wearing of the groove. Read the rest of this entry »
The upright style of vacuum cleaner is perhaps the best for large areas of carpet. It is especially good at removing dirt embedded within the pile and pet hairs from the surface, even on sculptured carpets. A drawback with the basic upright cleaner is its difficulty with cleaning stairs. The problem has been overcome with the modern combination of upright and cylinder cleaner. This type may be the best option if you have large areas of fitted carpet and staircases. The motor within the upright cleaner creates the airflow (suction) and drives a rotating brush roll, often called an agitator barrel. Read the rest of this entry »
