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Topic: transformers  (Read 3367 times)

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transformers
« on: December 02, 2013, 10:48:21 PM »
Hello!
I shipped most of my stuff ages ago by sea, and they included a few electronics which I could not live without...ie: VITAMIX.
I know I need a transformer for those items to work well, and I am looking for any good brands or experiences with step-up/down transformers.

Thanks!


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Re: transformers
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2013, 08:44:02 AM »
Unless you want to buy another Vitamix soon, don't. There are transformers that will power it, but you will burn the motor out very, very quickly -- a Vitamix draws an enormous amount of power and the way they function includes a power surge at the beginning of the cycle when you push the button. You will blow up any converter that is too small -- which even includes the cheaper 3,000w ones.

You are better off storing it in the US or selling it in the US, biting the bullet and buying a new one here. I do use my KitchenAid stand mixer with a transformer, but I got it for $20 at a yard sale and so abusing it isn't so much of a loss to me and when it goes I'll replace it. I cannot use my KitchenAid food processor as it has blown up every converter we've tried. Your Vitamix is in the same category.

If you do decide to attempt it with your Vitamix, you will basically need an industrial-capacity transformer -- the kind they use for powering construction equipment.

Other electronics aren't nearly so bad. We use our US TV and sound system, and DH has masses of music and recording equipment that works perfectly fine with the transformers. It's things with motors that will wear out more quickly, and those that use the most power like blenders, food processors, etc are the worse of that bunch -- if you like those things, replace them unless you don't mind the wear and tear the voltage conversion will place on them.


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Re: transformers
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2013, 08:46:19 AM »
Check the wattage of the items. Whatever the item with the highest wattage, go for a transformer that handles a higher wattage.

The ugliest, but very heavy-duty are the big yellow transformers designed for tools and used on building sites. Any electrical supply place will have them. We bought one for about £65, and it will take pretty much anything. DH mostly uses it for tools. I have another one rated for 100 watts that I use for a couple of small kitchen items. You would need to adapt the end of the standard cord for one of these to accept a US plug.

The bigger the transformer, the heavier (physical weight) it will be.

Amazon sell a lot of different models, as does Maplin.
Married December 1992 (my 'old flame' whom I first met in the mid-70s)
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Re: transformers
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2013, 10:26:39 AM »
You should also check out this thread: http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=19027.30

I ended up buying a high-wattage transformer that I use with my Kitchen Aid stand mixer and my husband uses with his espresso machine. We haven't had any issues with either. This seems to be a rather polarizing issue for some reason. In the end, you'll just have to weigh the risks/benefits for you personally and decide if it's worth it.

Good luck!


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Re: transformers
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2013, 11:10:52 AM »
The ugliest, but very heavy-duty are the big yellow transformers designed for tools and used on building sites.

My KitchenAid food processor eats them for breakfast. It's to do with the power surge these things draw when you first fire them up. Power tools don't do that.


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Re: transformers
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2013, 04:14:42 PM »
Interesting Gwen666; I also use ours for various kitchen appliances; don't have a KitchenAid (sigh), but do have a lot of other stuff. First used these back in the early 90's, and never had a problem.
Married December 1992 (my 'old flame' whom I first met in the mid-70s)
1st move to UK - 1993 (Letter of Consent granted at British Embassy in Washington DC)
ILR - 1994 (1 year later - no fee way back then!)
Back to US in 2000
Returned to UK July 2011 (Spousal Visa/KOL endorsement)
ILR - September 2011
Application for naturalization submitted July 2014
Approval received 15-10-14; ceremony scheduled for 10 November!
Passport arrived 25 November 2014. Finally done!


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Re: transformers
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2013, 05:49:42 PM »
I think it has something to do with the way these particular high-drawing appliances work. The food processors especially; the Vitamix (and BOY do I want one of those!) would be the same. Even on the transformer, my KitchenAid doesn't run the same way it does in the US. The "stir" setting is much, much faster -- I'm told this has something to do with Hz rather than voltage.


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Re: transformers
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2013, 02:29:53 AM »
Thanks for all your responses!
Wonder what would happen if I got a 3000 watt transformer (the vitamix requires 1500), do you think that would allow for the "surge"? The Vitamix is 50/60hz, and from what I understand that will be beneficial since it can manage both.
Also, is it more economical to buy a transformer once in the UK, or to buy one in the US? Will I save money buying it here?

Thanks


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Re: transformers
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2013, 10:52:16 AM »
I bought mine in the US, but be warned that the 3000 watt transformer is super heavy...Depending on how you're moving your stuff, the weight of it may dictate what you do (we had a container being shipped and were under volume and weight, so I wasn't worried about it).


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Re: transformers
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2013, 11:41:26 AM »
...it's 50/60 hz?

sh*t, I'm off to buy a VitaMix next time I'm off in the US, then!  ;D


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Re: transformers
« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2013, 12:09:42 PM »
Yep! 50/60 hz...I checked before we bought our reconditioned one, since I knew we were moving. Hope you get one soon!

How heavy are we talking? My container got to England months ago, so i will have to take things on the plane or a baggage service.


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Re: transformers
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2013, 12:25:32 PM »
I bought this one:

Amazon says the shipping weight is 37 lbs and that sounds about right to me.


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Re: transformers
« Reply #12 on: December 04, 2013, 02:56:23 PM »
Our current big ugly heavy yellow transformer is a 3000 watt - paid about £64 from the local electrical supply place.
Married December 1992 (my 'old flame' whom I first met in the mid-70s)
1st move to UK - 1993 (Letter of Consent granted at British Embassy in Washington DC)
ILR - 1994 (1 year later - no fee way back then!)
Back to US in 2000
Returned to UK July 2011 (Spousal Visa/KOL endorsement)
ILR - September 2011
Application for naturalization submitted July 2014
Approval received 15-10-14; ceremony scheduled for 10 November!
Passport arrived 25 November 2014. Finally done!


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