I restore vintage radios and needed a new 'variac' for safely waking these delicate devices after a prolonged 'sleep'. This 500W unit is fabulous value for money and would have scored 5 stars but for a couple of small niggles - well one small niggle and one fairly large one. That is that the transformer winding is way too close to the vent holes on the base of the unit. This could pose a safety hazard if objects were to be trapped under the unit. ( I have fixed my transformer under the workbench where this cannot happen.) The other niggle is the scale on the top is wildly inaccurate! Fortunately the digital voltmeter is considerably better, but I recommend you check its accuracy against a reliable meter as even this is not perfect. It is slightly awkward having the control on the top and the meter on the side, but given that the meter is really a bonus I can forgive it that issue.Having over-witten the numbers on the dial with my finest Sharpie (other permanent markers are available) I find this is now a really useful tool in the workshop, and I don't want to be without it.