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Suggestions for a reliable compact step down voltage converter for motor driven items

Posted by (South Florida) on

Here is a question for those of you who travel to the UK/EU and bring along electric 120v / 60Hz devices such as beard trimmers, hair dryers, etc. I’m looking for a very packable and reliable step down converter that is reasonably priced. There are a bunch on Amazon, but I’m not sure which compact models are reliable, and which ones are junk. Does anyone have suggestions based on experience?

For information, the item I need this for is an electric beard trimmer. I don’t care for the battery powered trimmers since they don’t have enough oomph. Because we are usually away for over a month this item is a necessary part of my grooming kit, so if anyone has suggestions for a compact dual voltage beard trimmer that will work in Europe with a simple adapter that would be great too! Thanks!

Posted by
801 posts

Does your beard trimmer plug into a standard shaver socket? Many bathrooms have these, and some are dual voltage.

Posted by
81 posts

It is a standard U.S. plug. I don’t believe I have ever encountered dual voltage sockets in the hotels I have stayed in overseas. Is that a thing in the UK?

Posted by
36356 posts

yes, quite popular.

Not everywhere but many many. I know, not because of my universal voltage wireless trimmers (yes, trimmers) but because my wife requires a nightlight in hotel bathrooms and I use a French one which fits the plug perfectly both in European mainland and in the UK. I check which side is 110 v (US) and use the 220 (over here) side.

I like the idea of using the dual voltage US side for your trimmer.

Know what I'd do? I'd take a small very inexpensive voltage gauge and quickly check before use so you don't fry the trimmer.

Posted by
185 posts

If your beard trimmer is dual voltage, you won't need anything to convert the voltage as it will work on our 230v. You will need an adaptor for the plug so it will physically fit into one of our UK sockets. Check the voltage rating on the trimmer, if it says 110/230v it will work on the voltages either side of the Atlantic. There may or may not be a switch for you to select the appropriate voltage.
The bathroom socket mentioned above usually have three holes. The centre one and one side will be 230v, the centre and the other side will be 110v.
Socket adaptors are very cheap and can be bought from a poundshop.

Posted by
13274 posts

No need to bring a hair dryer; they have them there.

If your trimmer is not dual/multi voltage, it may be easier to buy a trimmer there.

Or .....visit a barber shop? Show them a picture of you with a fresh trim so they know what look you want. ( I have never had a beard so have no idea how often one needs trimming, so no idea if this is a practical solution)

Posted by
3204 posts

If you plan on traveling in 220v. areas more than once, you might consider buying a beard trimmer there. That was my solution for the heated brush I like to use.

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