Induction Hotplate and 1000W Inverter
Just rec'd a DuxTop 1800W Induction hotplate (8100MC) from Amazon. Wanted to try using some of that solar going to waste with our 700W of panels and ~420Ah batteries. Especially when it's hot outside, and in, with no A/C. These induction things are supposed to be very efficient.
BUT: I only have a relatively cheap 1000W psw inverter. Most of these induction plates allow you to adjust the temp and perhaps the watts. But pianotuna suggested we still might have problems because it might pulse to high watts even when on a low watt setting.
Happy to say that the Duxtop 8100MC does not seem to do that and works well at a watts setting 3 with our 1000W psw inverter. Turns out at level 3 it's only pulling 700W (~12.1VDC, ~58A from batteries; nominally 800W according to the brochure).
I tried level 4 (nominally 1000W) and even 5 (nominally 1200W) but the inverter didn't like the batteries VDC drop and eventually dropped out. Switching to 1/0 cables would help there, but that'll have to wait for a new, bigger inverter.
One concern was that the hotplate turns on at watts level 5 by default. Turns out that can be easily reduced to level 3 before the inverter freaks out.
I didn't time it, but at 700W (level 3) it sure seems as fast if not faster than the propane when heating 2L of water.
It does have a fan, and it can be heard; certainly noiser than propane.
One concern is storing it for travel. The main cook surface is all glass. We're keeping it in the original packaging for now when travelling.
Anyway, it works, and it wasn't that expensive. We're happy.
BUT: I only have a relatively cheap 1000W psw inverter. Most of these induction plates allow you to adjust the temp and perhaps the watts. But pianotuna suggested we still might have problems because it might pulse to high watts even when on a low watt setting.
Happy to say that the Duxtop 8100MC does not seem to do that and works well at a watts setting 3 with our 1000W psw inverter. Turns out at level 3 it's only pulling 700W (~12.1VDC, ~58A from batteries; nominally 800W according to the brochure).
I tried level 4 (nominally 1000W) and even 5 (nominally 1200W) but the inverter didn't like the batteries VDC drop and eventually dropped out. Switching to 1/0 cables would help there, but that'll have to wait for a new, bigger inverter.
One concern was that the hotplate turns on at watts level 5 by default. Turns out that can be easily reduced to level 3 before the inverter freaks out.
I didn't time it, but at 700W (level 3) it sure seems as fast if not faster than the propane when heating 2L of water.
It does have a fan, and it can be heard; certainly noiser than propane.
One concern is storing it for travel. The main cook surface is all glass. We're keeping it in the original packaging for now when travelling.
Anyway, it works, and it wasn't that expensive. We're happy.
