120V to 220V for an Espresso Machine

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Elektrotechnik said:
Hello guys,

I'm looking to purchase a commercial grade espresso machine that requires 220V, but I only have access to 120 V receptacles.

Is one of these power converter adapters from 120V to 220V my best and easiest option? EDIT: I realize that it is up to 100 Watts. What is my best option for appliances that dissipate more than 100 Watts?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...NC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-Gadgets-_-9SIA2C50TW9351
Click to expand...

Use an autotransformer to generate the other leg of 240V split phase from 120V single phase. They come in all sizes.
 
You don't say what the wattage of the espresso machine is, that's a critical piece of the equation. If you are truly an EE, you should understand that. In all likelihood if the machine was made for the US market and requires 240V, it's because it is too large to be powered by a 120V receptacle, so adding anything that can still plug into that 120V receptacle does not change that fact.

You should also know that if you have 120V in your house, you have 240V as well. Having a licensed electrician run you a 240V circuit to the kitchen will end up looking a LOT better than hanging some sort of clugy transformer on the wall in there, not to mention the safety aspects of doing that. Do it right, or get a smaller machine.

If by chance it is a small machine that was NOT made for the US market, then an adaptor rated for at least the wattage rating of the machine could work. But there are other potential pitfalls. If it is a pump espresso maker, it will have a motor and that motor will run 20% faster here, which may be very detrimental on a pump. You could end up blowing out the pressure seals.
 
Jraef said:
In all likelihood if the machine was made for the US market and requires 240V, it's because it is too large to be powered by a 120V receptacle, so adding anything that can still plug into that 120V receptacle does not change that fact.
Click to expand...


I do agree. There is normally a reason to wire for 220V.


Unless this is for business purposes ( high volume or something) they do make plenty of commercial grade espresso machines that do operate on 120V at around 1400-1800 watts.
 
The other problem - if this is a European home type espresso maker, it could very well be 2400W instead of the 1800W max we see here in the US. If that's the case, you can't just use a transformer to power it. It could overload the 120V circuit and the transformer may not be rated that high. Install a 240V receptacle. Way easier.
 
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