Converter for my sewing machine and serger

I just got my shipment from the US. Yay! It was like Christmas in February.   I bought a step down converter from a hardware store here in London. I was wary about plugging my $1500 serger into it first so I tried my iron. The converter started to smoke and now it won't work at all. I bought another converter from Curry's. It says it's for 100-120v but not to plug in an appliance that's more than 60v? This is all confusing to me and I don't want my serger or sewing machine to blow up next. I can't run my business without them. :/

Anyway, I've attached images of the stickers on the back of my machines. Can anyone help me with what type converter I should use on them?

Thanks!

I've got my US sewing machine running through a voltage converter at home, and have done so for about 7 years now (my serger and coverstitch are UK models though). What's important here is the watts your transformer can handle vs what your machines are using. When I first went through this, I had just a little one from RadioShack that melted down, too. I then went and bought the much bigger and heavier one I have now (I think it cost me about £60?) and it's worked great since day one.

So I'll have a look at mine tonight, but two important questions are:
1. Can you look in your manuals and figure out how many watts they each consume?
2. Will you be running both at the same time? (or will you do what I do and switch back and forth between them so you've really only ever got the power draw of one plus the other's lightbulb...)

Ok I'm at home so I just checked out my setup for you - my converter is 300w. My serger (bernina 800DL) says it's 105w on the silver sticker like the one you posted. Unless you've got a super consumptive sewing machine and you're running both machines at once, a 300w converter should do you, too. Or if you're only running one at a time, it definitely should!

Hope this helps!

Yes, you need watts info and then you should speak to these people:

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/

Do not buy anything from a high street shop. You need heavy duty.

Yes, you need watts info and then you should speak to these people:

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/

Do not buy anything from a high street shop. You need heavy duty.

Most definitely...I use an industrial one for my sewing machine.  10 yrs and running-still working just fine.