"Variac" or Lamp Dimmer?

[chrisdodson]

So, are y'all using a simple lamp dimmer to control your fan, or using some thing a bit more heavy-duty? Any input would be appreciated.

[Gregr]

A lot of people are using this Variac:
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-300va-Output/dp/B006NGI8VS
I've been using a Speedster dimmer myself:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/120860604926?lpid=82&chn=ps
I'm not endorsing either vendor- just providing links to the right products

[Johnny4lsu]

I use the first one from amazon...works great

[jyalpert]

I have the same Amazon Variac as Johnny.  Threw out the slider lamp dinner after 1 day - it doesn't work well.

[chrisdodson]

A lot of people are using this Variac:
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-300va-Output/dp/B006NGI8VS
I've been using a Speedster dimmer myself:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/120860604926?lpid=82&chn=ps
I'm not endorsing either vendor- just providing links to the right products

Thanks! I'll invest appropriately. Now I just need my danged Huky to show up!

[JavaBuzz]

This forum post has some info on this subject as well:

https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php/topic,69.0.html?PHPSESSID=ej61u5cfpmresu2l02gdqeul61

Like mentioned by others,  most would recommend some type of Variac over the dimmer, myself included.

[Fox65]

I am waiting for my Huky and would like to buy Speedster dimmer to control fan.
Does anyone who use or was using it would not recommend to buy it and for what reason?
Thanks.

[Gregr]

I've been using one for about 2 years and I've got no complaints. A variac would be better for the fan motor's longevity, theoretically.

[Fox65]

Thank you for reply. 2 years is enough time to convince me to buy one (unless someone had bad experience?).

[JoshuaE1]

Is there a big difference between the performance of these two?

[edtbjon]

Is there a big difference between the performance of these two?

Not really, but with the large and very precise dial on the Variac you do have much better control of the fan speed. I.e. it's easy to set and repeat any given value on that dial.
I've tried a number of different dimmers etc. and the larger it is, the easier it is to control. I ended up with a Variac.
When roasting you don't see the exhaust fan spinning, but you hear some of it. But there is noice from the roaster (the motor and the beans), which makes it difficult to set the fan "by ear". So, the "only" way of knowing how much your fan is spinning is by checking the fan controller.

[JoshuaE1]

Ok, thank you very much.  Is this particular Variac the best buy? (without spending an outrageous amount of money)

[HukyGnome]

I purchased this one from Circuit Specialists - works fine.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/variac-variable-ac-ps05kva.html