What electronics will work

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Twostep, but you're already over there. Bringing a washer or dryer from Europe to the US just strikes me as a complete waste of effort, given all the differences. (Actually, the people I know who have imported washers and dryers from America to Europe strike me as pretty anal about the whole thing, too.)

It's possible to make them work, but not really worth all the hassle, IMO.
Cheers,
Bev

I agree -- bringing European appliances to the States is madness. The 220v supply twostep states is available in domestic houses in the US isn't even 220v but is rather 2 x 110v out of phase.

[pauldwhyte]

Thanks everyone.

Guess im leaving most things at home!

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Twostep, but you're already over there. Bringing a washer or dryer from Europe to the US just strikes me as a complete waste of effort, given all the differences. (Actually, the people I know who have imported washers and dryers from America to Europe strike me as pretty anal about the whole thing, too.)

It's possible to make them work, but not really worth all the hassle, IMO.
Cheers,
Bev

Should we tell them that most rental places have washer/dryer in a unit or laudromats on site:>)

They will not work the way they did "at home". I am a firm believer of travelling with limited baggage. Take things you cannot replace, bring some memories - otherwise it is supposed to be a new start.

[Bevdeforges]

On the appliance scene, the only things I'd bother to bring across the pond (in either direction) is something you probably can't get where you're going.

I've imported two crockpots to France (for instance) - because the people in the appliance stores here look at me as if I'm daft when I try to explain what I'm looking for. (I know I've seen the things somewhere in Europe - but small appliances in the US are dirt cheap.) The only European appliance I don't think you can get in the US is a steam cleaner - though lately I've heard they are starting to sell "steam mops" there, which do some of the things a steam cleaner will do. (I'd never bother taking a steam cleaner to the US and try to run that on a transformer!)
Cheers,
Bev

[twostep]

Bev - you can now get crock pots in Europe. Steam cleaners for floors you buy in the US for under 100$. If you do not not like your floor:>)

What are these posts by blue waters about?

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by twostep

Bev - you can now get crock pots in Europe. Steam cleaners for floors you buy in the US for under 100$. If you do not not like your floor:>)

What are these posts by blue waters about?

In some parts of Europe - but not in France. The steam cleaners for floors are what they apparently call "steam mops" - but the European kind are used for much more than just floors. Everything from ironing to windows to ovens and even toilets. (I love using mine to defrost the freezer. Fast, and a great way to work off aggression! )

Re the blue waters posts - no clue. But they're gone now...
Cheers,
Bev

[angelaj70]

I think the main problem in using foreign appliances in Europe are the different electrical outlets. You will require an adapter. In some cases you could actually damage your device if they have different power requirements.

[angelaj70]

On Wikipedia you can see the different types of sockets and their distribution in the world.

[twostep]

Giggle:>) You can get your stress relief steamers from handheld to professional even at Walmart now. Do not use them for boiling eggs.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by angelaj70

I think the main problem in using foreign appliances in Europe are the different electrical outlets. You will require an adapter. In some cases you could actually damage your device if they have different power requirements.

It is not the current but Hertz which does not communicate with European appliances. A plug adaptor is a penny item but that is not the issue. Your blow dryer will work with a travel adaptor but not as well and not as long as without.