Abstract: A control system for controlling the supply of electrical power to a heating element associated with an electrical appliance such as a frypan. The application of power to the heating element is controlled in two distinct modes, a first mode for simmering and a second mode for cooking. The two modes are characterized by a control signal which exhibits control periods having a relatively short duration during the simmer mode and a relatively long duration during the cooking mode. The present invention also delays actuation of a switching element responsive to the control signal in order to compensate for inertial delays caused by the opening and closing of the switching element. The switching element is thus actuated at a time delayed from a zero crossover of an alternating current power supply by an amount corresponding to the opening or closing delay time associated with the switching element such that switching occurs at times which coincide with the zero crossover points of the alternating current power.