What Transformer Should I Get? Need Recommendations

jlim87 on 19/09/2020 - 21:00

Hi,

So I was gifted two Japanese appliances:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-BRUNO-Ice-Cream-Shaved…
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRUNO-hot-plate-compact-size-blu…

I've never used a transformer before and from what I read, it's important to get a good brand and a quality transformer or you risk damaging the item, or who knows, even catch a fire.

Can someone recommend me a good quality transformer that's safe. Price isn't too much of an issue since this is probably the only one I'll ever be getting in my lifetime.

Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Kangal on 19/09/2020 - 21:17

    Hmmm. Get this one, it is cheaper.

    Kangal on 19/09/2020 - 21:17 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
  • blitz on 19/09/2020 - 21:26
    +6

    What Transformer Should I Get?

    Well in my opinion, Soundwave was the coolest transformer.

  • mskeggs on 19/09/2020 - 21:30
    +1

    The important figure you need to consider is the 1200w max power draw of the hotplate.
    Unfortunately, this is a pretty sizeable power draw, and the required transformer will not be inexpensive.

    It is very unlikely any transformer would damage these items, the concern is more for electronics with sensitive components like computer chips and even that is much reduced these days.

    Something like this would be fine:
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2000W-240V-to-100V-Step-Down-Tra…

    I would be very suspicious of any transformer costing dramatically less, as to produce the sustained power the heating element will need requires some pretty beefy electrics.

    • mskeggs on 19/09/2020 - 21:37
      +1

      A little more looking and there are cheaper transformers designed for using American appliances like this:
      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2000W-GENPOWER-Step-Down-Transfo…

      These run slightly over voltage at 110v instead of the Japanese 100v, but that won't matter for these two appliances, assuming you can live with the possibility the ice shaver might operate 10% faster.

      • jlim87 on 19/09/2020 - 21:53

        Thanks for the recommendation. That is one big device :(

        Yeah initially before I posted, I was looking at this one:
        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/UMI-Compact-Step-Down-Transforme…

        This would be perfect as it's not massive in size but obviously safety is more important than aesthetics.

        • mskeggs on 19/09/2020 - 21:58

          Unfortunately, that small device has a maximum power of 150w.
          It will run the ice maker, but would not work at all for the hot plate. You need about 10 times as much power.

          • jlim87 on 19/09/2020 - 22:05

            @mskeggs: Thanks. I might actually get both. Use the small one for the ice maker and for any possible future use.

            I don't know why but using transformers freak me out a little.

    • Bunsen on 19/09/2020 - 22:43

      Also take into account, doubling the voltage will halve the current (Ohms law), resistance stays the same…

      1200w @100v = 12amps

      1200w @240v = 5 amps..

      But u still need to make sure it can supply the rated 1200w @ 100/110v of course..

  • thebadmachine on 19/09/2020 - 22:17
    +1

    a good quality transformer that's safe. Price isn't too much of an issue since this is probably the only one I'll ever be getting in my lifetime.

    From owning a few I can say the proper isolated ones are extremely heavy, large, and make a constant humming sound when turned on.
    They still work to this day, if anything a fuse will blow and you just need to replace that.
    Your hot-plate is 1200w, ice-cream maker 20w.

    If price is flexible I would recommend one of these (choose your required wattage correctly):
    https://www.tortech.com.au/product/voltage-converters/step-d…
    https://www.tortech.com.au/product/voltage-converters/step-d…

    They are designed to run 24/7 if needed and there is plenty information their website.
    https://www.tortech.com.au/voltage-converter-faqs/
    https://www.tortech.com.au/isolation-vs-economy/

    Economy is quieter and smaller / lighter.
    Isolated is larger / heavier and louder, but in event of catastrophic failure isolated is the safest.
    "Proper safety earthing is the only real way to ensure that a transformer that fails catastrophically (such as that shown) does not cause the chassis to become live – not all transformers are created equal when safety is concerned. Correct fusing will ensure that the fuse blows – hopefully before the electrical safety is compromised. A thermal fuse would have prevented the situation from becoming as bad as shown, but the transformer would have been just as dead."

    You can also give them a call if you have any questions.

    I would rather buy from a reputable store than on eBay but thats up to you.

  • loropy9 on 19/09/2020 - 22:44
    +3

    Get Optimus Prime. He’s the good guy.

  • this is us on 20/09/2020 - 02:10

    Sent you a PM

  • AustriaBargain on 20/09/2020 - 02:43

    Don't listen to these idiots, if you don't have a Transformer already then your first one should always be Optimus Prime.

  • ihbh on 20/09/2020 - 08:11

    Sounds like a lot of trouble. Is it possible for you to resell and purchase similar ones for the Aus market with the proceeds?

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