Is it cheaper to run 220v appliances? (over free-standing 110 v ones?)
Ah. Thank you. But, the question I hoped SOMEone would answer was:
" Is it cheaper to run 220v appliances? (over free-standing 110 v ones?)"
We want a stainless-steel pressure-cooker to replace our aluminum one. We were told by one source to be SURE to get an electric one with 110v... and by another authority to get a regular pressure-cooker & use the 220v stove burner (regular electric cooktop with coil-burners).
APS (AZ electric company) says at their site that a small-coil regular cooktop burner costs about $1/month for 1/2 hour/day, a large burner costs $2/month for 1/2 hour/day, a range-oven (at 350o) costs $1.25/month for 1/2 hour/day -and a broiler costs $1.75/month for 1/2 hour/day.
ALL these big appliances run at 220 v. (Double the figures at 1 hour/day).
SO, will a 110v appliance cost more to use than using the stove, -or SAVE?
The electric-company has no figures for pressure-cookers, but says a microwave OR an electric-skillet costs $1.75/month for 1/2 hour/day (the SAME as a 220 v. broiler), a toaster-oven costs $1.30/month for a half-hour/day (more than a small burner/less than a large one), a crockpot costs $1/month for "2 uses/week-7 hrs total" (= to .50 cents/month if it were 1/2 hour/day) & each lg. pot of coffee/day costs $.50 cents/mo.($1/mo. For 2 pots/day -c. 1/2 hour to brew 2). ALL these run at 110 v.
So, if a 110 v electric pressure-cooker uses the same wattage as a crockpot, it'll save $1.50/month over using a pressure-cooker pan on a 220 v lg. burner. BUT, if the electric cooker uses the same watts as an electric-skillet (both at 110 v), it will only save the chef $.25 cents/month over the traditional-style pressure-cooker on a large 220 v cooktop burner..
In any case... it appears that 110 v vs. 220 v is NOT a big deal.
Kay
Finding the right pressure-cooker
Thanks Labman. That's what I decided, too. Now to find a stainless-steel 10 quart pressure-cooker from a familiar company at a good price... with dimensions to also use it for canning (preserves). Many of the European brands add more space/quarts by simply going taller. I want one that will can at least 4-6 jars at once (though its main use is just for plain-old meals). My old aluminum 10 qt is 7" tall by 11" wide so I may just keep it for canning... & enjoy just the healthier food from the new stainless.
No matter which one I get... I'm buying an extra gasket or 2 with the cooker, as you're right: by the time I need one, it may be hard to find it, if the pan isn't from a well-known company. Our last gasket lasted 8 years... and by then, many "start-up" companies will have folded. Thanks for the thought.
K4S2 :o