Has anyone used the same flatiron in the US and in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. If I'm going to spend $100 plus, I want the iron to work when I'm home and when I'm traveling. I already purchased the various plug-ins for those European countries, but I'm worried about the voltage...
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2745 posts
This comes up periodically and the concensus is... it won't work.
I did a trip a few years ago with some teens. They had "dual voltage" flat irons. Not one of them survived the trip. (One girl was in tears over the loss of her costly Chi. I was not exactly sympathetic as I had specifically warned her NOT to try it!)
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
If you're going to spend that much why not just buy a European one, once you get there, to use overseas? I'm assuming you already have one that you like at home.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
I used a $15 Conair dual voltage and it worked with no problem in numerous countries. Were the results as perfect as you might get using a Chi? No, but then again if it had been damaged permanently by the voltage change in Europe, I really wouldn't have cared...it was $15 - not $100+.
Posted by
Boise, ID, United States
158 posts
Just buy one over there. They aren't very expensive, maybe 30 euros and you don't have to bother with the adapters. My american one burnt up after using it twice with the proper voltage and converter.
Posted by
Petaluma, Northern California
345 posts
So, I guess I'm not the only one who thinks this is a fascinating subject. Sheila, we just had lengthy discourse on this. Follow the link below for lots of answers to your question:
Buying one in Europe is an excellent idea for most people-- not for me. I want one specifically designed for travel-- meaning light, small, yet still functions well and works for European or US travel. So, you have a few choices depending on your travel habits.
Posted by
Western NC
30 posts
Try Folica.com -- their CS is really helpful and can let you know which flat irons will work in Europe.
I'm bringing my Sedu Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Styler Iron ($50). It's 1/2" wide and 6" long -- great for travel! http://www.folica.com/Sedu_Revolution_d5002.html
A friend of mine lives in England and uses the exact same one with an adapter plug without a problem.
Posted by
Western NC
30 posts
Sheila,
I just came across this flat iron for $37. It has ceramic coated plates, dual voltage, heats in 60 seconds, features European adapter plug & includes US adapter plug.
Size 6-1/2 x 1-1/2"
http://www.goinginstyle.com/Design-Go-Travel-Hair-Straightener-European-P2314.aspx
Posted by
OP
Spokane, WA, USA
5 posts
Thanks for the advice, everyone.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Sheila,
You might also try www.magellans.com as they offer a variety of dual-voltage appiances, including a flat iron as I recall.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Colorado Springs, Co, USA
1 posts
Hi, not sure if this is too late for your trip or not but, The BaByliss pro nano mini flat iron, sold on folica.com is really compact, 6 inches long and is dual voltage (works worldwide) and it is cheap at only 25 to 30 dollars. It does have a tendency to get very hot on the housing around the plates so becareful or use something like a glove or washcloth to protect your fingers if you need.
Now I have lived in Germany before and I found using adapters worked well for all my appliances. We are military and travel a lot both for work and fun.
Hope this was of some help!