Thread: Electrical appliances from the UK in the US

Hello!

I am wondering if I have to really get rid of all my appliances when moving to the US. We are happy to replace TV and DVD player but I would rather not go an buy all new kitchen appliances.
Is there a way? Are there transformers that could take care of that?
Are there appliances that just don't work? (I think washing machine might be one of them...)

Thanks for any advise.

Christine

Hi Christine
I am not an electrician so please bear with me.
I know that fridges etc, not only work on different voltages but also on different hertz, so although you may be able to get away with using a transformer for the voltage you will still have the problem of the motors burning out quicker because of the hertz, also you would need to check if having a UK appliance would void your house insurance. I know in Australia that if we use anything with a UK plug we are voiding our insurance should anything happen.
In regards to an oven, I wouldn't bother as most properties have them built in, or it may be a gas oven.
Your washer would work with a transformer, BUT, again you would probably void your house insurance. Personally I would start again, if you have no intentions of going back to the UK, I would sell everything on ebay and then buy again when you arrive.
Good luck
Kate

Thank you Kate.

I was more thinking in the line of smaller kitchen appliances such as food processor, toaster, juicer, etc.

Likewise, I'm not an electrician, but even without the international voltage issue, the items you've mentioned usually come with warnings like "don't use with an extension cord." If I were you, I would definitely err on the side of caution and plan to buy new, American versions. The good news is small electronics and gadgets are extremely cheap in the USA :)

Have to agree with LondonJack appliances like that are next to nothing to buy over there so would probably wait until you arrive.