[zsinger7]

All,
Dumb newbie question, I just haven't purchased said item in so long.  Hotplate finally bit the dust.  Got a new heating mantle/stirrer.  It says it has "temperature control", but that kind of sounds like an alcoholic swearing to drunk he's not god...Variac MANDATORY in all mantles, no?
      -Zack

[Arkcon]

Uh ...

Sure ... I guess?

https://www.google.com/search?q=Variac&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1

[Mitch]

It should be. Can you take a picture of it and the plugs so we can see?

[zsinger7]

Arkon- Stop being an internet loser and assuming I haven't researched it.  Sound like a plan? 

[wildfyr]

Theres no need to be an ass to our mod. Literally all the info you provided is that you bought a "hot plate with a temperature control." We have only a minimal idea of who you are an what your experience is. And modern hot plates do not usually use Variacs.

This one for instance, would plug right into the wall (https://us.vwr.com/store/product/7930031/vwr-professional-round-top-hotplate-stirrers).  I only use variacs on the oldest of hotplates in my life, because they obviously won't even perform without it.

Modern ones typically have a steel or teflon-coated steel temperature probe that plugs in the back that regulates temperature. If you unplug the probe then it will try to base the temperature on the surface, but this usually gives poor regulation and is workable only for refluxing. Maybe there are other labs around and you can see their setup with modern hotplates to reassure yourself?

[Mitch]

He said he had a heating mantle. Although, the newer ones can be plugged into the wall.

[wildfyr]

I stand corrected. He did say heating mantle. Just curious, why would you get one a mantle over a hotplate/stirrer? Its less versatile.

[zsinger7]

I like heating mantles better. 

Anyways, the answer (as I have found) is NO, variac is 100% not necessary!  It actually hurt the stirring capability of my mantle.....and the mantle I got (Made by Faithful) can stir with BIG RPMs!