This is a follow up question to this:

Alternatives to Large Transformer or PSU for Driving DC Heater

I've hooked up 120v AC to a zero crossing SSR and a 3.2 ohm resistive load. To get my desired wattage I send trigger pulses the the SSR periodically to create a 10% duty cycle.

This is working fine, but as I expected it's causing the lights in my workshop to flicker.

What's the simplest way to prevent this? I would like to use as few "large" components as possible.

Here're my ideas:

1. Use an inductor to limit the peak current to a more reasonable level.

2. Rectify the AC, then feed that into a large 200v cap. Then Draw from that using a DC SSR.

Update:

I've switched to a 1000W electric cooktop with a much more reasonable peak current. This also flickers the lights every time it switches on and off, although that's once per 5 seconds now instead of 4 times per second. I guess Spehro was right I just need better lights...