Step Up/Down Voltage Converter

[Manassas]

Thinking about bringing some of our favorite appliances (espresso maker, food processor etc) from US to Thailand. So I will need to bring along a voltage converter. The specs on converters available on Amazon vary considerably. Does anyone know what specs I need to use US appliances in Thailand? i.e. volts, watts...

PS I know that it is easier to just get new appliances, but we have these already and would like to use them if it's only a matter of putting a voltage converter on the kitchen counter.

Many thanks to anyone knowledgeable in this area.

[Pib]

All depends on the "Wattage" of your appliances. Say for example you have a food processor that draws 300 Watts (W), then you would need a voltage converter that can handle at least 300W and actually you shouldn't run a converter at its max wattage rating as it can shorten its life span...using a 400W converter would be better because you are only stressing the converter to 75% of it max capacity. And if you have any appliances which are "frequency" sensitive like only work on 60Hz or maybe have clocks in them that run off line frequency, well, the line frequency in Thailand is 50Hz which the converter will not change to 60Hz.

My recommendation to you as a person who moved form the U.S. to Thailand also, sell-off your 120V appliances and buy new 220V appliances in Thailand.

[CharlieH]

MOVING to electrical forum

[rakman]

Motor driven appliances are a bad choice to use a voltage converter. Resistance devices can be utilized but the load is usually a bit high and the cost of a voltage converter with the correct rating will be a bit higher, plus will be heavier as the wattage capability increases.

Some electronic devices use line frequency for the "clock" and won't keep time accurately.

Give your old appliances to friends and family and buy new in country. Possibly cheaper and no customs hassles.

[wayned]

Step down transformers are available here. Cost depending on wattage rating, I have three small ones that I bought at the Ma and Pa store for under 400 baht. No label so no rating. Power here is 50HZ not 60 so motor driven devices designed for 60HZ will operate slower.

[patekatek]

Please bear in mind that over here quality appliances are VERY expensive. For example, a Kitchen Aide mixer that you can purchase in the states for $300 might cost you 2 or 3X that much over here. Coffee makers, blenders, etc. are priced similarly. I brought my Denon receiver with me to Thailand and have been running it for 3 years through a converter purchased locally. I think I paid about $10 for the converter. I would recommend purchasing the converters over here and buy the heavy (weight) ones not the lightweight plastic ones.

[h90]

If you have a lot power hungry applications, I have an power converter here which was used for a CNC lathe. I am sure it can drive a complete household.....