Chosing the right power regulator

[lurklaban]

Hi all!

I'm trying to understand and find a effect regulator for one of two heatingelements of 2400W each. Currently we're using a heating fan at 2000W mark power in series with one of the elements which should reduce the effect from 2400 W to around 600W which should give a total of about 3kW. After listening to peopole here, my intent is to raise that power to 3,5-4 kW so I was going for a power regulator but from the eminent book The Compleat Distiller (Nixon, McCaw) I have learned that some regulators/controllers are not appropriate because they generate noise and disturbance/interfearens both in the grid and as RF. Such devices should include phase angle controllers and switches (for example dimmers and motor speed controllers). However, they never tells what type to use but gives a drawing of how to build one (now as I think about it, maby the secret is there...)

Now as I have understood it from reading on the web, the type to use for large resistive loads is a SCR with zero-cross firing (I think that's the same as Burst fire) that does the switching on or off att the zero-crossings of the sine wave and therefore doesn't generate the problems associated with cutting the sine wave. However, I'm not verry sure about if I have understood things right, how important this is and last but not least, how to know from sites like amazon what type of regulator/controller it is I'm looking at.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
Regards
LurkLaban