Reading your post Pezz with your great description my guess is you have a failed Triac in your UTH. I have never dissected a UTH but i have to believe a Triac or other current limiting device is used in them to control current. A dimmer switch uses the same principle except you vary the current of the variable resistor. When a Triac fails, it can cease all current flow. In your case you have the beginnings of a toaster allowing too much current flow. Toast anyone? LOL. Great catch!!!! Cut the cord off that thing and put it in the trash. Your idea of a dimmer switch on that thing....please don't. You have a failed circuit and the dimmer switch is no fix for the failed Triac even though it quite possibly would work. No such thing as shortcuts when it comes to electricity.
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