Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 1:25am Subject: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
I currently live in the UK, but there is a possibility that I'll be coming back to the US within the next 2 months. I recently purchased a grinder that I really, really like, and I don't want to part with it. Can anyone advise me on what I would need in order to use it in the States? I know I'll need a UK to US outlet adapter, and I think that the grinder (an Aerolatte Burr Grinder, aka Nemox Lux) is manufactured to be used in Europe as well as the UK.
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 4:11am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
You'll need a transformer which might cost as much as your grinder. It might be cheaper to sell it there and buy a new one in the states. If you plug it into the wall without the transformer, it will go really slowwwww if at all. Now if you did the same with a stateside model and plugged it into a UK socket, you'll burn out the motor. You'll get smoke, sparks, and probably flames. Hope this helps.
I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 5:47am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
Unless you are on a US base, Europe is definitely not 110V. Bases in Europe are probably EU voltage too. I'm in the other boat; I use a transformer to run my US spec Rancilio stuff which is really rebadged Ginsu. Really. They diversified into coffee equipment. Really. I love my $39.95 in five equal payments machines. Really.
Look on your machine, it should have the voltage rating.
I liked your Roman Holiday pics. The sunburn looked like it hurt.
I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 7:28am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
javachik Said:
I currently live in the UK, but there is a possibility that I'll be coming back to the US within the next 2 months. I recently purchased a grinder that I really, really like, and I don't want to part with it. Can anyone advise me on what I would need in order to use it in the States?
Depending on the wattage, you can use a reasonably inexpensive transformer (e.g., 300W). It will run slightly faster because of the difference in cycles (50Hz versus 60Hz), but given the short bursts of usage, I wouldn't expect that to have any negative long-term consequences (OTOH, continuous use motors would eventually overheat).
Here's a few threads that discuss the whys and what fors of cross-continent equipment usage:
Espresso machines are costly to convert because of the heating element, pump, indicator lights, etc, but grinders are simpler beasts. A quick search found step up transformers for less than $30.
Posted Mon Oct 11, 2004, 5:25am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
Thanks Dan! I can give up the espresso machine and get another one if I go back to the US, but I just can't give up the grinder!
IronBarista Said:
Unless you are on a US base, Europe is definitely not 110V. Bases in Europe are probably EU voltage too. I'm in the other boat; I use a transformer to run my US spec Rancilio stuff which is really rebadged Ginsu. Really. They diversified into coffee equipment. Really. I love my $39.95 in five equal payments machines. Really.
Look on your machine, it should have the voltage rating.
I liked your Roman Holiday pics. The sunburn looked like it hurt.
I had no idea that Ginsu is into coffee equipment now! That's kinda funny to me, actually...perhaps there should be a show on the Food Network actually called IronBarista!
Yeah, the sunburn hurt like hell...in fact, over a month later, I still have the lines on my arms and shoulders! I got that on the day I went to the Colosseum. We forgot the sunblock, obviously. My husband, who's Italian on his mother's side, tanned; meanwhile, my white Irish-American a$$ burned to a crisp. I'll never live it down.
Posted Wed Oct 13, 2004, 11:27am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
I wonder if Ginsu is even around still.
If they ever make a show after my alter ego, I hope I get some credit. Maybe a two group Linea.
I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...
Posted Thu Oct 14, 2004, 4:01am Subject: Re: Bringing a UK grinder back to the US
Ginsu is still around. I dogpiled it and got ginsuproducts.com.
I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...
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