For traveling abroad, I have always bought curling irons and flat irons in the EU rather than rely on a multi/dual voltage one bought in the States. However, my EU curling iron finally broke after almost 10 years and I'm wondering if the newer technology has made Multi/Dual voltage hair appliances any more reliable?
Specifically, I have BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium XL Spring Curling Iron that is listed as dual voltage 120/240v, but there is no switch to change the voltage.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5528 posts
Every dual voltage that I have purchased in the US has not worked in the EU, then was ruined by the experience. I'd buy one there. Just one gal's experience.
Posted by
Ohio
2154 posts
Hi Kate, I’ve never had a problem with my curling iron in Europe. Start out with the lowest setting to be sure it doesn’t heat up too quickly.
Posted by
Chicago
1096 posts
I've never had a problem with a dual voltage curling in Europe, Asia, Oceania. Many countries, many converter plugs.
Mine is old at this point, but still heating. There is no switch on mine either. It's a Conair dual voltage that I bought at CVS. I don't know if they are still sold (or manufactured).
I don't know why yours wouldn't work as long as you have a plug converter.
Posted by
France Southwest
2268 posts
It is always difficult to ensure that a device that produces heat such as a curling iron, iron or kettle, can work correctly indiscriminately with 110v or 220v.
Unless the device is sufficiently well designed to support twice the voltage, which may be the case for this Babyliss Pro, it will produce twice as much heat and risk burning.
Also beware of 110V/220V travel adapters (I'm not talking about plug adapters but voltage adapters).
They are most of the time unable to withstand the power required by these heating devices.
Posted by
ID
332 posts
I've used my dual voltage (no switch) curling irons in 7 European countries (usually with an American extension cord) and the appropriate plug adapter. No problems. Most of those trips going back about 8 years with the same curling iron I still use every day at home. So obviously no damage.
I have never used a converter.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7098 posts
When using it, ensure the outlet you plug it into can handle it. Don’t use the outlet for razors normally found in the bathrooms.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
957 posts
If It says its dual voltage, it will auto sense what it is receiving. There's no manual switch involved. Reliability, is a different question entirely. :)
Posted by
OP
216 posts
Thank you for all of the helpful tips and advice!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8312 posts
Conair has curling irons available that have a small battery pack and a gas cartridge--cordless.
My wife has been using them 30 years for our overseas trips. Her first one lasted her about 25 years. They work great.