European-to-USA appliance adapter?

[SeanWasHere]

Hello again happy campers,

We bought a new Smeg espresso machine for our Airstream. Because they are not sold locally, we purchased online. When the unit arrived, we discovered that the plug is for European outlets and would require an anapter to connect to our outlets. Does anyone here know if the use of an adapter carries any safety risks or other concerns? I'm not fluent in electrical jargon, but aside from the plug configurations, here are the differences between the units; American model: 120v, 60 Hz, 1300 W. Euro model: 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1350W.

I searched this forum for simelar questions, but found none.

I will be asking this question of both Airstream and Smeg, but thought I'd ask here too. I will post paraphrased replies from both companies.

--Sean

[Adventure.AS]

You will need a transformer like this one https://www.ebay.com/p/Delux-200-Wat...d=122310762890

[SeanWasHere]

Ray, thank you for the prompt reply and the link! If that bulky device is the solution, I'll be returning the unit and getting a North American model.

--Sean

[Tim A.]

If it really is the 220-240V version, you should return it. As Adventure.AS says, it will not work on US 110-120V current without a transformer of one sort or another.

Tim

[SeanWasHere]

Airstream dealership update: I called our Airstream dealership. Their reply was "If it's safe to use in your home, it's safe to use in your Airstream". This sounds to me like an "easy-out" reply that doesn't really carry with it any depth of knowledge. While I can understand the idea, to me, this reply doesn't have any informative value. I will call Jackson Center on Monday.

By the way, I am working on the return/refund, but I will continue posting updates here for the benefit of others who may face simelar circumstances.

--Sean

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by SeanWasHere

Ray, thank you for the prompt reply and the link! If that bulky device is the solution, I'll be returning the unit and getting a North American model.

--Sean

Actually you will need something much beefer than that transformer. That will only do 200W, and wouldn't run a microwave, tea kettle or coffee machine, or even hairdryer. Think something more like this, or even more. https://airlinktransformers.com/prod...rica-us-uk1500
It is certainly far easier the get the one with the right voltage....plus if the coffee machine has any sort of digital timer, they tend to work using the frequency of the power supply, and EU frequency is only 50Hz, US is 60 Hz, so even if using the transformer, any timer will run fast, if it runs at all.

[SeanWasHere]

Martin, yikes!! That's a beast, thank you for the reply. Yes, the return of the unit is the only real solution.

Besides the UK warranty being void in the US (and vice versa), Smeg includes use of the unit with an incorrect power source as a warranty-voiding condition.

--Sean