I’m looking to buy a rather expensive espresso machine, and the one I want comes in both EU (220v) and American (115v) voltages. I planned to buy an American version since the voltage is so close to Japan’s 100v, but all the US shops seem to be selling the same machine jacked up $350 more than buying from an EU shop.
I’m not super familiar with electronics- would buying an EU machine and using a converter impact the intended performance? Has anyone else done this?
7 comments
If you’re using a step up converter, make sure that it steps up to 220v. Things made for 110-115v will work on 100v, however, performance is negatively affected. I would assume it’s the same for 220v.
If you ask the coffee guys, yes, it does affect things, but no, unless you have super sensitive taste buds it shouldn’t be a night and day difference.
There was a similar situation a few weeks ago about buying an expensive hair dryer from the EU. I think the conclusion was, it was a bad idea.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/108×539/using_a_voltage_converter_for_eu_hair_dryer_in/](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/108×539/using_a_voltage_converter_for_eu_hair_dryer_in/)
What’s the wattage of the machine? If its over 2000W or so, the converter needed to safely run it off 100V would easily run 30,000+yen and be huge and heavy.
Is there any chance you have 200v somewhere in your place? (a/c?)
Which machine is it?
Personally I used a US voltage Oscar 2 for a year in Tokyo and had no problem, using it without transformer. Same with Eureka grinder.
I upgraded to LMLM, and they do it in JP voltage and went with that.
We have a few kitchen gadgets here that my husband bought from US Amazon that are 115v and they all work fine at 100v.
In general, there is a fire hazard risk for machines with high wattage if the adapter is not certified for this wattage.