Can anybody that uses a flat iron for their hair has any recommendations for a good converter that works with a flat iron? I bought a converter from Radio Shack this past March for my trip to Italy and it was no good. It barely warmed up the iron. I'll be going to Spain in a couple of weeks and would like to find something that works. Thanks!

Appliances like iron, hair dryers, water heaters, etc use a lot of power, and a small voltage converter is not able to handle that. And I doubt you'll want to carry a 5-lb transformer to Europe either.

Therefore, you must get a iron/dryer/heater that's designed to be dual-voltage.

I had trouble with a curling iron a few years ago. The first converter I tried didn't work except with my hair dryer. I ended up buying a converter with a high/low switch at WalMart. This worked with my curling iron and hair dryer.

I got this one for my wife -- just need the plug adaptor.

http://www.conair.com/conair/product...sp?product=253

I use a converter that I bought at Target for my flat iron. It is a small square that can plug into anywhere in the world, cost about $11...small and light,have used it is Italy, France and Switzerland. HOT TIP: don't use the iron on high, start off with it at about 1/2 strength...it seems to make my 410'iron even hotter when pluged into the converter!!

Budman: Where did you buy the adapter?

You can get the adaptors at Radio Shack or any luggage store. They usually come in a pack with 2-3 different types. England/Ireland one is different from France & Germany.

You might try http://www.magellans.com for a converter. An alternative would be to simply purchase a small travel iron in Europe and keep it for your travels.

Thank You all for the suggestions. I decided to buy the Conair flat iron that Budman suggested.
Budman, how did your wife like it?

I've heard no complaints! That's a good thing.

http://www.voltageconverters.com/

I've had good success at Voltage Converters - click on 'voltage guide' then pick your country.

Just a thought - but what about buying something there - you wouldn't have to worry about the correct voltage and you leave it behind when you return home, which means less to pack.