What type of applications typically use elements with higher watt density?

Higher watt density elements are typically used in immersion applications. This is because immersion heating is designed to quickly transfer heat to a liquid medium, making it essential to generate significant amounts of heat in a short period of time. The higher watt density allows for faster heating, which is necessary for efficient cooking or heating in applications such as frying or boiling.

In immersion scenarios, the heated element is submerged in the liquid, and the increased watt density ensures that the heat is efficiently distributed throughout the medium. This type of heating is crucial in commercial kitchens where time efficiency and performance are vital, especially when large volumes of food need to be prepared in a timely manner.

In contrast, dry heating applications, heating pads and blankets, and general purpose ovens typically don't require such high watt densities. These applications can operate effectively with lower watt densities since they do not depend on rapid heat transfer through a liquid medium. Therefore, immersion applications are distinctly reliable when it comes to requiring higher watt density elements for optimal performance.