Kenwood Chef...anorak stuff

John51

Hi, first post. Found this place when surfing for info on KCs, ended up reading lots of other threads as well, sort of hooked already lol.

Back to the Chefs, been stalking ebay and flipping back to threads here for a few weeks now and am starting to get a picture on the pros/cons of various models. Thought I'd post what I've found so far as a reference ( please correct me if I've got anything wrong) and am hoping others will add more. I've some questions as well.

I was given an A701 but after a minute the magic smoke escaped. Stripped it down and the 450 ohm wirewound resistor is open circuit and what looks like a choke is what was smoking. Very crude speed control, bob weights cut power to the motor if the speed is exceeded and it goes faster/slower simply by moving that on/off switch closer or further from the bob weight assembly.

I've sourced the resistor, the only replacement capacitors I've found are rated for 250v, the one in mine is 1,000v. Is it OK to use the 250v ones? Will the choke still be good? Electronics experience so I could make another if I had to.

Mention here of the speed control being electronic (triac) in later models, does this start with the A701A?

For identification, the A700 has the look of a Singer sewing machine but with a built in recess handle, very cute.

The A701 has 2 separate covers at the front end and one at the back for the liquidizer. The mincer cover sticks out and the other cover is button shaped.

The A901 has only one front cover which is larger and fits flush. Been told here that the models with black covers were the earliest A901s and quality drops after those. Am I right in thinking that's about the time Ken Wood left the company?

The A902 has the covers being the top of the machine so the front cover is long and meets the back cover.

I'd like to be able to put year of manufacture to the different colours used for the covers if anyone can help.

I've seen unused machines on ebay. The good price they get shows the quality drop in later models, can get a new KC delivered for £140.

Given the choice between an unused A701A and an unused A901 (black covers) which would be the better buy? (As in years of trouble free usage, not resale value.)

Thanks

John

squeaky

John51 wrote: »

I've sourced the resistor, the only replacement capacitors I've found are rated for 250v, the one in mine is 1,000v. Is it OK to use the 250v ones? Will the choke still be good? Electronics experience so I could make another if I had to.

I wouldn't recommend using a 250V one. far too much difference in voltage spec.

When you say you sourced one... through Kenwood?

http://4ourhouse.co.uk/kenwood/

Spare parts and manuals can be sourced here.

John51

I wouldn't recommend using a 250V one. far too much difference in voltage spec.

That's what I was thinking but they were listed next to the 450 ohm wirewounds in their Kenwood Chef spares section, here's the link
http://www.spares2go.co.uk/browse/KENWOOD/a701/150NF_CAPACITOR_(0,15UF)/m138/p571/s10436.htm

The above link has the resistor at £19, Eeek!

So I'm yeah that should be OK, they are selling them as spares but... maybe it was Ken over engineering as usual.

Also there was '3 amp choke...obsolete no pic'.

While looking for the resistor link I sourced the choke and they also do the resistor for £11.:but the only cap they do is 0.15uF. )All listed as A700 spares. Can't find the site with 0.10 and 0.15 caps at the moment.

http://www.4kenwood.co.uk/cgi-bin/product.pl?PID=30357&query=kenwood%20701&path=71679,264526

squeaky

The first page you linked to shows this...

Manufacturer: KENWOOD Model Number: a701 Part: 150NF CAPACITOR (0,15UF) Price: £6.99 Free p&p Availability: Normal despatch time 8-11 Days

It might save you some money (and possibly time and effort) if you use their contact address and ask them.

Alternatively, I think their site shows a list of approved repairers, so you might be able to get the right things there. And these guys "should" know which parts can safely be subsituted.