I’m interested in buying a high end espresso grinder (not available within Japan). The voltage is listed at 100-120v which should work fine, but the device frequency is 60hz. Since I live in Tokyo (frequency of 50hz), I understand that I would need an inverter of some kind. Surprisingly, Google searching hasn’t been helping- there are a lot of voltage and hertz converters, but I’m not finding frequency-only converters for use just within Japan.
Since Kansai/Kanto have different frequencies, it seems like this should be a popular type of device… however I haven’t been able to find one with reviews anywhere. Perhaps I’m searching the wrong way?
The device runs at 400W by the way. Thanks for any suggestions!
8 comments
I saw a television show talking about this, it was a burden for people moving from northern part to southern part.
Nowadays, all electronic device should support both. I would be very surprised to encounter a device that has less than 30 years old and that is not compatible with both frequencies. Even more items outside of Japan that must comply to many rules, like european.
Do you have a link to the item.
Such converter have never been popular for home. 60Hz only devices at home are only like cheaper microwaves and very cheap washer machines. If they move to 50Hz area, just sell it and buy new one.
I (live 50Hz area) sometimes want to buy American 110V/60Hz device, so I’m also curious for affordable one.
If it is a simple grinder (just an AC motor inside), it should run but a tad slower. Maybe worth a try?
Not necessary. The difference between 50 and 60Hz will not affect the function of your grinder to any measurable degree.
>voltage is listed at 100-120w
I’d urge you to check the voltage again just to be save, this is not voltage, but wattage.
Usually voltages are 100-240V to accommodate for both 110V in JP/US/etc and 230V in EU/most of the rest of the world
When I emailed the kickstarter support for the timore sculptor they said that they make make it to Japanese specifications, so that’s always an option. I use a Izpresso J-max hand grinder and it only takes like 30s to grinder out a dose if you’re okay with hand grinders.
>I’m interested in buying a high end espresso grinder (not available within Japan). The voltage is listed at 100-120w which should work fine, but the device frequency is 60hz. Since I live in Tokyo (frequency of 50hz), I understand that I would need an inverter of some kind.
Since you mentioned “100-120” V and “high end”, I’m guessing you’re looking at the Lagom P64. The P64 uses a DC motor, so it would be wise to confirm with Lagom directly. And it just so happens that I asked Lagom last year when the P64 first debuted. More specifically I asked them to send me a photo of the nameplate so I could confirm it was rated for 50/60 Hz and not just 60 Hz. Lagom’s reply was simply “The input voltage of the P64 is 100-120V or 220-240V and 50/60 Hz.” Although this was indeed the answer I was hoping for, I would have felt more confident to see a photo of the nameplate. If you really want to be sure, perhaps you could ask Lagom to see if you get the same answer. You could also ask on an espresso-centric forum like Home-Barista (I mean ask someone to tell you what the nameplate says).
If I’m wrong about the the P64 and you’re looking at a different grinder with an AC motor, you’ll be fine. I used a Rancillio Rocky and a Mazzer Mini in Tokyo, and both were rated for 60 Hz. Before I started using them, I spoke to an electrical engineer friend who told me it will be no problem. And as he predicted, I had no problems with either after many years of use in Tokyo on 50 Hz. Sure the grinder was a bit slower, but that will not have a negative impact on the espresso.
If it is a DC motor brushless or not, it shouldn’t make a difference while an AC motor would run slower. However AC motors are usually a lot larger like a large industrial fan would be AC. I doubt your coffee grinder is an AC motor.