Choosing a soft starter for motor controls comes down to matching the unit to the motor's size and your line voltage. The SR22-09 Stellar and the Kimatek 40HP sit at opposite ends of that decision. The Stellar is a compact, low-priced soft starter aimed at a single-voltage motor load. The Kimatek is a new, larger-capacity three-phase soft starter with much wider voltage coverage. Pick too much starter and you pay for capacity you don't use; pick too little and the unit can't handle the motor. Here's how to choose between them.
Quick verdict
If your motor is small, your line is 480V, and you want the lowest upfront price, the Stellar is the pragmatic choice. If you need a new soft starter with more capacity and voltage flexibility, the Kimatek is the better buy. The right answer depends on whether you value upfront savings or long-term flexibility.
Before looking at the specs, remember that a soft starter needs to match your motor's full-load current and your system's voltage. The table below puts the two units side by side so you can see the trade-offs at a glance.
Comparison
| Feature | Stellar SR22-09 | Kimatek 40HP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 94.99 | USD 575.00 |
| Input voltage | 480V AC | 200-575V |
| Rated load | 9 A | 40HP |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Price indicator |
Where each product wins
Stellar SR22-09
- Fits a dedicated motor control panel without adaptation.
- Costs far less up front, so it's easier on a tight project budget.
- Designed for 50/60Hz operation, which matches many industrial motor specs.
Kimatek 40HP
- Accepts a much broader range of three-phase input voltages.
- Handles larger motors with ease, making it more future-proof.
- Includes an auxiliary contact for control integration.
Product notes
Stellar SR22-09 Soft Starter
The Stellar SR22-09 is the lower-cost option in this head-to-head. It's a used soft starter rated for 480V AC input and a 9-amp full-load motor current. That combination makes it a natural fit for a dedicated 480V circuit with a relatively small motor. The 50/60Hz rating matches the frequency commonly used in industrial settings. The main limitation is that its input is fixed at 480VAC, so it can't be moved to a 200V or 575V system. If your facility runs 480V and you're comfortable buying used, this unit offers an inexpensive entry into soft starting. For a fixed 480V line, it's a straightforward way to add soft starting without extra voltage-conversion hardware.
Kimatek 40HP Soft Starter
The Kimatek 40HP is the more expensive choice, but it's built for a broader job. It's a new unit that accepts 200-575V input and runs at 45-66Hz, so it adapts to different three-phase line voltages. Rated at 40HP at 400V with a 60A output, it gives you room to handle larger motors. The auxiliary contact is a useful addition if you need to integrate the starter with other control logic. The trade-off is the higher price and the fact that it's overkill for a small motor. If you need capacity and flexibility, the price is easier to justify. It also supports DIN rail or chassis mounting, which gives panel builders some layout freedom.
Final choice by use case
For a dedicated control panel with a small motor and a tight budget, the Stellar SR22-09 keeps your upfront cost low. For a multi-voltage shop or a larger motor, the Kimatek 40HP is the more capable investment. If your motor is already installed and running on a fixed-voltage line, the Stellar's narrower profile can be a virtue. If you're building a panel that may be repurposed for different voltages, the Kimatek's flexibility is worth the extra cost.
