dual voltage appliances
Hey guys...I am having a heck of a time finding a good quality dual-voltage travel-size blow dryer and flat iron for a month in Europe this summer. The recommended Brookstone $25 travel dryer won't go on "high" heat on 250V current. Any other recommendations? No need to lecture me on not using these appliances - I have hair with a mind of its own! Should I wait to purchase over there? Thanks! Lisa
Lisa
Mooresville, NC USA 5/11/08
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If you really want them to work, wait to buy them there. Just be prepared to shell out the bucks, with the exchange rate you'll really feel it.
See also these discussions on similar topics (warning, they contain "lecture" material):
Thanks C.L. The lecturing was minimal! Lisa
Yes, you'd be better off waiting to get it there. No dual voltage dryer will go on "high" on 250v current.
I purchased both the dual-voltage hair dryer and dual-voltage iron from REI.
I am sure you can find the cheaper other places.
JB, you say you purchased them - have you actually used them yet? I would be curious to know how they worked in Europe. Lisa
I'd buy the flat iron over in Europe. My low-end Con-Air stopped working after 11 days while in Spain. If you have one of the expensive ones, such as Chi, LEAVE it at home. It could save you a heartache of replacing it.
Check out this thread on hair care
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=14128
Just an FYI, when they say you will pay an arm and a leg, you will pay an arm and a leg. I believe my friend payed a good 60-80 Euros last year for a straightener in Europe that was not even that great. (We're talking Wal-Mart quality, not Chi quality). So just keep that in mind. Hope that helps your budgeting costs at least. (I do understand needed a straightener though since I have crazy curly hair!) =)
I use a travel hair dryer that I bought at Meijer. It works great on 110 or 250. It's a little no name brand and cost 14 bucks. As far as a straight iron, I can't help you there.
After several trips to Europe, I ended up buying a small hairdryer that has the correct wattage and also has the correct plug for the wall. Used it in France and Germany.