Hello,
Have been following this thread for awhile. I would like to add my observations, nothing scientific. First I have had my freak for a couple years at least, hard to recall life before! I live in the Middle East and have a 220V model from what I assume is Hong Kong, serial number ends in HK and has a UK plug. I also use one in Canada which is the lower voltage /wattage model.
I have learned to only use MAX or Fast(Canadian model) when using a pot/pan full of water or oil. For anything else I use the lower settings to avoid wild overshoots, burnt milk etc. This also seems t