Unknown component in coffe machine

[Sambo]

I have a dead (Regal) coffee machine which I'd like to reuse as my
desoldering bath.
Besides the heating element and thermostat? the dead part
looks like low profile 4 pin crystal oscillator can but only 2 connections.
One terminal is connected to the top and the other to a metal platelet
held by 2 flaps from the top part ( along the long sides, forming 2 rails.
The 2 terminals are separated by green what looks like paper.

Wondering if I can safely short it out without affecting the thermostat or the
lamp in the switch, at least until I build in some temperature control.

Hope it can produce enough heat to melt solder.
I was under the impression heating elements don't have big variation in resistance
but the heating element is only 18 ohms cold compared to my
30W soldering iron 400 ohm cold and 415 hot.
oops , I guess for a 800W unit that is not so strange.

Cheers.

 

[Gary Tait]

I have a dead (Regal) coffee machine which I'd like to reuse as my
desoldering bath.
Besides the heating element and thermostat? the dead part
looks like low profile 4 pin crystal oscillator can but only 2
connections. One terminal is connected to the top and the other to a
metal platelet held by 2 flaps from the top part ( along the long
sides, forming 2 rails. The 2 terminals are separated by green what
looks like paper.

Wondering if I can safely short it out without affecting the
thermostat or the lamp in the switch, at least until I build in some
temperature control.

That would appear to be the thermal fuse. It would open if it gets too
hot, for the intended design and purpose anyways..