Using US blenders in Europe

Comment

Comment by Ella Smith on July 17, 2012 at 1:56pm

Anyone knows a good blender that runs on 220V?

Comment by Ella Smith on July 17, 2012 at 1:54pm

I will buy a blender (220V) for my sister who lives in Europe and I will use my own Vitamix here in the US. Unfortunately Vitamix and Blendtec designed for 220V have a double price than those made in US for 110V. I just thought it's a good deal to buy a blender from US for my sister and use it with a converter. But it seems it's not working ... So, when my sister will have enough money  will buy a powerful blender. Maybe there are other powerful blenders designed to work on 220V but I don't know them. A good blender is very useful when you are raw vegan.

Comment by Aaron Burton on July 17, 2012 at 1:41pm

Hi again;

  Remember though that Euro power is 50 Hz and NA power is 60 Hz.  The blender speed is directly affected by the frequency.  So if 50 is 83% of 60 then an American 220V Blendtec will run 17% slower in Europe.  However, that being said, they are extremely fast blenders and it may not matter.  Just something to keep in mind.  Maybe ask the dealer you plan on going to.

Good Luck ^.^

Comment by Ella Smith on July 17, 2012 at 12:54pm

Thanks a lot Aaron and Kimberly. I will return this blender and I will look for one that is made for 220V. 

Comment by Kimberly Lynn on July 17, 2012 at 12:48am

I lived in Italy for three years and had an American blender. I had to plug it into a transformer to use it there. You just have to look at the power information on the blender and then find a transformer that is big enough to give it power. I'm assuming a Blendtech takes more power than my small blender did. Compare the price of buying a transformer or buying a new blender. I know transformers can be expensive.

Comment by Aaron Burton on July 16, 2012 at 5:46am

I haven't had any direct experience in Europe but I am an electrician.  The problem is that the US blender motor is wired to run on 120V (sometimes 240V) at 60 Hz and the power provided in Europe is 230V at 50 Hz.  The motor in American blenders is designed to work at 60 Hz and won't function properly on 50 Hz even with a transformer.  So you will have to either use a Euro blender or buy a really expensive electronic power conditioner to get your NA one working.