Turning knobs for durability

A couple of years ago, when I was in the process of gaining my independence, I acquired a hotplate using part of the proceeds from my 13th cheque for that year. I also bought a few other items, but the hotplate still lingers in my memory because when I got to the office-having bought it during my lunch break- some colleagues laughed at me for wasting my money.

They claimed hotplates, regardless of brand, are not durable. They recommended buying a heavy duty cooker. Being young and inexperienced, I was hurt for wasting my hard earned money on an appliance that was not durable.

When I got home, I unpacked the hotplate and read the user manual. Suddenly, I was happy again. The manual explained the proper way to operate the hotplate.

The manual explained that when switching on the hotplate, you must start from low to medium to high. In some cases, the calibration starts from zero to one,  two,  three,  four, then, to five. Do not turn the knob direct from zero to five or from low to high. After cooking, do not take the short cut of turning the knob directly to off from high. Turn it from high to low via medium or five to one via four, three and two as the case may be.

This is a common temptation among users. Their argument is that it is time-saving and convenient, forgetting that haste makes waste.

The truth is- by turning the knob from low direct to high without following the gradient provided by the manufacturer- you increase the chances of switch malfunction.

The malfunctioning is evidenced when switches no longer control the current. The plates start heating up before you move them from the off position.

By following this simple instruction, you are helping yourself realise the full value of your money spent on the appliance.

Wishing you dear reader a week full of activity as you turn the knobs of your appliances correctly. Remember, if you want it perfectly done, do it yourself.