I was about to purchase a professional quality ceramic flat iron for my thick coarse hair -- the Hai 2 Ceramic -- but noticed it wasn't dual voltage so I couldn't use in it Europe.

What brands have you purchased that are dual voltage and work well?

After a search, it sounds like the professional quality irons like Hai or Chi aren't dual voltage.

So I guess I just have to purchase 2 --a good one to use everyday, a cheaper one for travel.

Any personal rec's for brands and models? I'd prefer a 1.5- 2inch if possible. I'd also like to avoid purchasing in the EU since it's much cheaper for me to buy in USD off ebay, etc. thanks for any tips, esp. for you hairdressers out there.

Do you travel abroad frequently?

Is it worth it to buy a single voltage one for use when you go to Europe only?

Would it be THAT much more expensive to buy one over there?

Here is a flat iron with Europena plug. I was just researching this for myself when I came uponyour question. If you travel to Europe often enough, I think this is well worth it. http://www.folica.com/Sedu_Ionic_Cera_d1784.html

I would buy a cheaper one from the US and take it over there, in fact I have one. One trip I took my $ Hai and with the converter on I almost ruined it. I take a nice Conair, now if I can just make myself use it every day.

Target carries some dual-voltage, wide flat irons. I bought one last year, it was probably a Conair 'wet-to-dry' style, for about $29. It works great. Also try Bed, Bath & Beyond. With a coupon, you can save even more.
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Thanks for the replies.

Ralstonan -- the Sedu looks totally great but it can only be used in the EU, so I'm too cheap to pay $125... I only go several times a year... I did have to buy a curling iron in London (after I killed mine by not using a converter) and I was irritated to pay over $40 USD for a cheap drugstore model.

I'll check out a conair -- what models work for you?

The CS19CS gets decent reviews but many users said it only works for 6 months-year before it stopped heating up. It might be O.K. for me if I only use it in Europe.

Hi fishee,

I had the same question a few months ago and decided to leave my Hai at home and buy one here in Paris. I'm on a 3-month trip and intend to keep coming back to Europe so I figured it was a worthy investment. It's a Babyliss brand ceramic flatiron for 29 euros, so not bad at all. Heats up fast and works really well (I have wavy hair).

Hope this helps.

thanks craisin -- where did you get yours, a monoprix or beauty salon? Is it the one inch that's pink or purple?

I think there are several brands that are dual voltage and readily available in any US variety/cosmetics store. I have a Revlon dual-votltage ceramic flat iron that is about 2 inches, I guess. I bought mine at the Ulta chain, but it's a common brand available most anywhere, probably. As for whether it is "professional" quality, I don't know. I don't buy into that stuff, but it seems to work okay. I don't use it that often, though.

The best places to purchase personal appliances in Paris are in the neighborhoods at "variety" stores. Window displays will include kitchenware, hardware, all sorts of household items.

Last May, I left my dual voltage blow dryer home, knowing there would be one in the hotel room - which turned out to be very inefficient (also awkward to use). After a few days, I looked around (BHV, nearby shops). One day I wandered past a variety store on rue de Vaugirard and found a terrific selection of hair appliances at low prices. Found a terrific, small, powerful, blow dryer for €15. The clerk was so nice! Took the warranty out of the box to show me it was also printed in English and I should save it!

I highly recommend Conair products. You can see the selection of their flat irons at www.conair.com - and order online or check your local WalMart, Target, drugstore, etc. I love their dual voltage curling brush - wouldn't leave home without it.

Dukey,

You are just too logical for this forum. But keep trying. I support you all the way.

Dukey and hopscotch,

Ideally, I'm looking for ONE flat iron -- the high quality products are expensive and I want to make one investment. I would like to use it when I travel abroad, which is 4-5 times/year. I do not want a drawer full of curling irons, blow dryers and now flat irons with various types of plugs, collected from my travels. I want one that will work anywhere with a simple adapter.

Logical enough?

I just bought this flat iron today with dual voltage -- but it doesn't have a switch for the voltage. Will the product will "automatically" read the voltage?

http://www.folica.com/Solano_Sapphire_r12_1.html

With the 20%off coupon, not too bad of a price at bed, bath and beyond -- thanks Maureen for reminding me of those coupons that I always throw away.

My guess (and it is only a guess) is that it has a thermostat that shuts off the power when the iron reaches a certain temperature. It may not "read the voltage." At 240 volts the iron may reach the temperature faster than at 120 volts.

fishee, I have a dual voltage Conair curling iron and a set of electric curlers. Like your flat iron, neither has a voltage switch, but both automatically read the voltage. I'm guessing your flat iron will do the same.

Fishee, glad you found your BB&B coupon. Here's another tip-- don't throw them away, because they never expire. Even though there's an expiration date printed on the coupon, Bed, Bath & Beyond will always honor their own coupons. You can even use multiple coupons in one purchase. What a great store! In fact, when we had a huge purchase to make, when setting up our daughter in her college dorm room, we used a dozen coupons and saved about $200. Not bad!
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Just wanted to report in and say I really like this flat iron -- if it works well in Europe I will be thrilled. It's a little pricey compared to drug-store brands, but it totally eliminates frizz and my thick coarse hair is shiny and totally straight. here's the link again, and the Paris Hilton wannabe's will make you smile... If this doesn't work in Europe, however, it's going back to Bed, Bath and Beyond.

http://www.folica.com/Solano_Sapphire_r12_1.html

Hi fishee,

Mine's a one-inch, ceramic, and black. I bought mine at a Darty (electronics store with various locations) and they had other sizes and types as well, also other brands. I found some at a Monoprix as well but not sure about the selection.

I see that you bought one already so if that one doesn't work/work well in Europe, I would go for the Babyliss.

Good luck!

Hi,

I travel for 6 months of the year all over the world, I had the same problem and always carried 2 flat irons.

I have just bought the GHD limited edition flat irons which have a built in dual voltage. They are quite pricey, however if you travel alot it's worth it. Also they are hot pink for breast cancer awareness and $15 goes to tht charity. You also get a heat resistant mat that rolls around your irons to keep them safe.

My best buy as far as flat irons go.

http://www.ghdhair.com/index.php?c=us