Coffee Maker From US of A

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k1w33d

138 posts

Master Geek

#96122 20-Jan-2012 17:57

Hi Geeks,

Just wondering if I could get any advice. Before Christmas I participated in the Google+ Secret Santa page. What it entailed was installing the Amazon wishlist extension and then making up a wishlist of things that you would like for Christmas. You then shared your list and hoped that someone might buy something off your list. I bought a framed photograph of William Holden for someone in the US.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand. Today I received a Mr Coffee coffeemaker and was stoked until just before I took it from the box. That was when I realised that Yanks use 110-120V where we use 220-240V.

Is there a feasible way of still using this coffee maker without having to spend alot of money? Do step down transformers waste energy? Can I open it up and change some innards so it accepts our power? Is it worthless and should I bin it?

Looking forward to some feedback or suggestions.

Chris Adam

SandyJ

152 posts

Master Geek

#571382 20-Jan-2012 18:20

Not sure on the power details although Im having the same problem in reverse. Im taking electrical gear to the States from here and we are getting by with converters until the new house is wired up for my stuff. The workshop there is already 220-240V so it wont be too much of an issue aside from changing some plugs.

I know you can buy a small converter plug from Dick Smiths etc.. but it depends on how much power it draws while making coffee. If it comes to the bottom line and they say its worthless and you should bin it..give me a yell. Its not worthless to me and I will talk $ with you.

gregmcc

2147 posts

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#571389 20-Jan-2012 18:45

Got to remember that the coffee maker actually heats the water, this requires several KW of power, so one of those cheap converters isn't going to last, infact it will become an electrical/fire hazard in a matter of seconds.

You can buy a suitiable step down transformers that are rated for continious use from tsltransformers.co.nz, such as the PN21, but it's quite weighty, 21kg and quite pricy $866 trade.

Short answer NO!

SandyJ

152 posts

Master Geek

#571410 20-Jan-2012 19:20

gregmcc: Got to remember that the coffee maker actually heats the water, this requires several KW of power, so one of those cheap converters isn't going to last, infact it will become an electrical/fire hazard in a matter of seconds.

You can buy a suitiable step down transformers that are rated for continious use from tsltransformers.co.nz, such as the PN21, but it's quite weighty, 21kg and quite pricy $866 trade.

Short answer NO!

Oops..sorry, I knew that and should have included it in my post. Those step down transformers can be bought for about $500 in Australia but still cost a hefty amount to send to NZ. Had to send one to my brother. Unless the coffee makers is top of the line I agree with gregmcc.

My offer still stands. :)

k1w33d

138 posts

Master Geek

#571412 20-Jan-2012 19:24

Cheers gregmcc. I had come to the same conclusion while looking around the interweb. SandyJ, this is the Coffeemaker - Mr Coffee Coffeemaker - It is a 4 cup programmable coffeemaker, so it is quite small but it would have suited me fine as I am the only coffee drinker in the house. If you would still like it then it's yours for postage + $5 for a Coffee.

SandyJ

152 posts

Master Geek

#571415 20-Jan-2012 19:30

Done deal.. thanks k1w33d.

Im on my way out right now but I will pm you in the morning and finalize everything. :D

k1w33d

138 posts

Master Geek

#571419 20-Jan-2012 19:37

Cool bananas <--- don't even know what that means. Cool bananas

old3eyes

9119 posts

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#571643 21-Jan-2012 15:08

k1w33d: Cool bananas Cool bananas

And here was me thinking this was a Bay of Plenty saying as the first time I ever heard this expression was from my wife who came from Tauranga and the only other people to say it also come from that area..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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richms

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#571717 21-Jan-2012 18:42

Its a drip machine, not even worth the hassle of taking out of the box!

Richard rich.ms

Azzura

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#571815 22-Jan-2012 09:41

You can buy a 2000W step down transformer out of the States for about 70-80 US, but I will guess the shipping is going to kill you.

We have 5 2000W step down transformers, brought with us when we moved here from Canada. They cost us about $146 Canadian each. Shipped over with our stuff in a 40ft container.