The term "electric eye" for an electric stove can be traced back to the early 20th century and is related to the technology used in some older electric stoves.
In the early days of electric stoves, they were equipped with a safety feature to control the temperature of the heating elements. This safety feature was a type of sensor called a "photoelectric cell" or "electric eye." The photoelectric cell was usually positioned on the stove's surface or near the heating element, and its purpose was to monitor the temperature.
Here's how it worked: When the stove was turned on, the heating element would emit light as it heated up. The photoelectric cell, also known as the "electric eye," would detect this light emission. As the stove heated up, the amount of light detected by the electric eye would increase. Once the desired temperature was reached, the electric eye would signal the stove's thermostat to regulate the power supply to the heating element, maintaining a consistent temperature.
The term "electric eye" likely originated from the fact that this sensor worked based on detecting light, which was used as a measurement of the stove's temperature. The concept of an "eye" here is metaphorical, comparing the sensor's function to that of a human eye detecting light.
With advancements in stove technology, including more precise thermostats and other control mechanisms, the use of photoelectric cells or "electric eyes" became less common. Modern electric stoves now typically use electronic temperature controls and sensors that are more advanced and reliable.
It's worth noting that while "electric eye" was a term used for some early electric stoves, it's not a widely used term in the context of modern electric stoves and appliances. Today, we generally refer to electric stoves simply as "electric stoves" or "electric cooktops."