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power supply for home espresso machines - 2006/02/25 17:00I am looking at buying a new espresso machine, but I have a small problem. I live in Europe, but will be returning to the US in two years. I need to buy one that will work on my 220 plugs. It ismy understanding that plugging a 110 machine into a transformer is not a good idea because the power cycle does not match up properly and the heating elements do not heat properly.
So my questions is, can I buy a machine say in the $300-350 range that can have the power supply changed? Do they make dual voltage machines? Would I be better off, just buying a cheaper machine until I am somewhere long enough to justify the higher cost. In this category I am considering the Gaggia Carreza @ about 180 Euro ( approx $200, or the Gaggia Evolution at about 150 Euro. It is still a little expensive but not bad since I think they make good espresso for the price.
Moving up a little bit I was looking at he Solis sl70 and sl90, or the Gaggia classic or coffee.
I had a cheap machine, but was using it every day and it died after 4 months. I dont really want to fork out too much money for something that is not going to be usefull for me down theline. I would even be willing to pay a little more now if I know that I can use it when I get to the US. If this is not possible what would be your recommendation in the lower price range?
thanks, David
Post edited by: dave, at: 2006/03/14 14:13
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DR. ROB
Visitor
Re:power supply for home espresso machines - 2006/03/13 16:03Hello David;
I work in Europe and North America, and have a Gaggia Carezza in both locations. One is 220v, one is 110v, and I enjoy both.
If you are going to be in Europe for 2 years, I would suggest buying something that will function best in Europe. The technology is changing rapidly, and in 2 years time who knows ? Something better may have arrived at that point, and consider now that your 2 year old Espresso maker may be worn down a little.
I would caution you regarding voltage convertors, voltage, cycles, and certain appliances, as they are not all compatiple regarding electronics. Some devices do not do well under conversion.
The Carezza is inexpensive, well engineered, and brews remarkably good espresso. 4 Carezza units do not add up to half of the price of a Super Automatic. Consider that you can save on the purchase of 2 now, and put one aside for future use.
That is, if you are certain to return as scheduled. A few people have been known to like Europe and stay awhile longer than they planned !
Rob
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dave
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Re:power supply for home espresso machines - 2006/03/14 14:10David,
I haven't had the pleasure of travelling overseas, but I would personally also recommend considering separate machines. That, or substituting new parts when bringing it to North America.
The Carezza will suit your needs admirably and is cost-effective (also the Gaggia Espresso or Evolution ... all the same though the drip tray on the Carezza is much smaller). The Gaggias also make great machines for learning the art of espresso, and are best used for one or two persons but not groups. A solid option is to buy a popular local machine and then sell it before returning home.
Lugging around a big transformer with your machine may be an annoyance, especially if you try to sell it. Some espresso machine parts like the ulka pump and solenoid(?) or a grinder motor are sensitive to the frequency of the power supply, and may run faster than normal when moved from a 50Hz to 60Hz environment. This could be a problem. Some machines might support both frequencies and be ok with a heavy duty transformer (e.g. 2000W). Remember that your grinder is in the same boat, though a speed change may be less of a problem unless it leads to premature burnout.
Alternatively, you might choose a machine for which the appropriate replacement parts are available to switch from 220v/50Hz to 110v/60Hz. For example, vendors such as Espressotec sell both 100v and 220v components for swapping out the pump and solenoid on a Rancilio Silvia. See http://www.espressotec.com/umpartsRancilio.asp.
DaveDave is an Ottawa resident and Coffee Expert
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