electric heating coil?
 

This is probably a very stupid question, but can you use a little US heating coil with a plug converter to boil water?

Yes--have done so many times--but you will need the converter as well as the correct plug--you will need to change the voltage before plugging in.

If you only intend to use it in Europe don't buy a US one. I bought mine at a local book/travel type store and it has the European plug and is 220v and is 300 watt. No converter or plug adaptor needed.

Hi lina,

If you use a 110V coil with a plug adapter you run a risk of burning it out, even with water in the cup, as the wiring might not handle the power.

Thanks! That's what I needed to know.

SAFETY OFFICER PLATZMAN ADVISES:
Those cheap immersion coils are a fire and electric shock hazard. I wouldn't fool with them in 110 volt America much less 240 volt Europe.
My wife has burned out more than one hand-held hair dryer in Europe even though there was a 240V switch.
I really don't like to bring anything from America that needs to be plugged into a wall socket.

Don't agree wtih Platzman -- I've never burnt out anything and use them all the time in Europe (as well as hairdryers). I don't stay in real cheap hotels, though, they might have wiring problems, I agree. Of course I keep an eye on them and remove them from the water as soon as it's boiling.

YOu can buy a European plug 220 volt immersion coil at travel stores, I'd do that instead of fooling with a converter. I got a great one at a AAA travel store (it's made by Franzus). Those aren't complex instruments (which is why they are cheap, not because there is something wrong with them inherently), I think a lot of them are marked 110/220V already, actually, but the 220V one I got by Franzus really is quite good.

this reminds me of that "just married movie" where that couple burnt their hotel down by inserting an american appliance into a european outlet.

Sam

linawood, buy your cup heater in Europe so you don't need to convert the plug or voltage. Then, good luck finding an electric outlet in your room.

I just purchased one in June from Magellans online and it works great! It's dual voltage so you DO NOT use the converter only the plug. This is most likely why some people have "burnt out" appliances. I have used plugs and converters for the past 17 trips (10 years) all over the world and have never burnt anything out. I use curling irons, hairdryers, clothes irons, steamers and now my heating coil!

It's great to have a nice cup of coffeee before I have to get dressed in the morning!

No one has to agree or disagree with me about elctric coils. It is not a matter of opinion. They ARE a hazard. I'll bet the hotel owners would not be happy if they knew you were using it in their room.

Platzman,

I truly understand your concern, but I really think most appliances are dangerous if not used properly.

My husband is also a "safety officer" , his name is Scott and we often lovingly joke that our "pocket Scott" is going off when we try something a little risky.

Because I am not a personal friend of yours I will not joke with you, but instead thank you for your concern, I can see that it is genuine. I would suggest that anyone using the coil to boil water read the directions carefully first.

Most UK hotels have a kettle in the room.

I have to agree with Platzman. Please don't bring one over. If you must just buy one here. Most UK/Irish places have a kettle in the room. I have been in 3 fires (3rd time in a lift!) and ther is no way I would risk it. My mother nearly set her hair on fire when a hairdryer she used wothout a voltage converter spouted flames.

Either
a. Buy one in a travel shop
b. buy one over there
c. don't bother...do you have to have hot water?

Even with converters and voltage changers I never felt the dryers/irons etc were stable as they heated too quickly.

Where do you buy these heating coils or boiling coils?

Buy them in any department store or electrical goods store in Europe.

"I don't stay in real cheap hotels, though, they might have wiring problems..."

Can I offer anyone a saucer of milk?

Its not mainly a wiring problem, but wattage.

You will need a converter who can handle the current. You will find a suitable converter for your 300W cettle will weigh about 10lb /4.5kg.

This one is 35$.
http://www.welectronics.com/TRANSFORMERS/500watts.shtml

Using a cheap 50 Watts converter may work for some time, but you WILL put your and other peoples life in danger.

You simply cannot use US household appliances designed for 110V in Europe. In theory, you could design a transformer, but its size, weight and price will soon become more expensive than the appliance itself.

The converter thing ONLY works for small appliances.

I mentioned mine as having 300 watts abut since it is already european no converter needed. I do have a converter that works with appliances 50-1800 watts and it sure doesn't weigh 10lbs. but more like 1 lb and cost about $15 at Walmart. I have used this for years with different appliances from curling irons to hot curlers to hair dryers with no problems. As far as working only for small appliances I don't think any of us intend to travel with large appliances.

>>I do have a converter that works with appliances 50-1800 watts and it sure doesn't weigh 10lbs. but more like 1 lb and cost about $15 at Walmart.

Jesus, NO you dont own such a converter, and surely not for $15 at Walmart. You cannot change the laws of physics :-). And yes it will weigh >10lb.

Throw your Walmart thing away. Its not at all specified for what youre doing with it. Isnt your life worth more than a hairdryer?

You could buy this 2000 Watts gadget:

"Step Up & Down Transformer AED International / Powerbright VC-2000, Its 269,- Euros including Tax. Or the 4000 Watts Version for 435 Euros incl. TAX.
http://www.ictechnik.de/index.html?t...znGervdte.html