Convert 110V Waffle Iron to 220V

[Billebaars]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a Chef's Choice Cone Maker 838, which is a fairly basic waffle iron. The problem is, that as it is a product from the USA its operating voltage is 120V at 60Hz and 1050 Watt (these are probably the max values). Would there be any way of converting this to the UK 220V as this machine will probably fry when hooked up unmodified.

The iron is probably no more than a heating element with a thermostat, similar to a toaster. Would simply replacing the resistor element in the thermostat suffice? There are also two lights on it, but I don't mind if they break.

A step down voltage converter is too expensive for what it's worth, perhaps anybody could suggest a cheaper converter for this power output as cycles and ac/dc are of no importance to the waffle iron.

Thanks

 

[Billebaars]

3kva site tranny 230/110v is the cheapest option. also, as the max. voltage wrt earth is 55v, safety is sorted. could waffle on for hours, but IMO< that's the easiest solution.

Might invest in one of those, but would you have any suggestions in fixing the waffle iron?

thnx

 

[pushrod]

I notice that on a couple of pics you can see 500W and 115V

Using R= V²/P
you get a resistance of approx 26Ω
It would have been taking about 9A when working - so not surprising that it quickly burnt out those 3 and 5A fuses.

This will be the resistance that you should have end to end on the heating element. Test that with a resistance meter to check it out. No reading at all and the element has gone. Any continuity between the L to E, or N to E and it has also gone.

The real advice, however, is to try out the Belgian Waffles that Aldi sell - 6 for 99p. They are individually wrapped and are brill with maple syrup. I had been looking for a waffle iron but gave up when i tasted them - no way could you make anything as good

 

[pushrod]

Here's a good one: Classic Belgian Waffles Recipe : Emeril Lagasse : Food Network

I'd advise you to use realy yeast instead of baking powder and use pearl sugar!

Is pearl sugar also known as sugar nibs - like little bits of sugar the size of match heads
cos i tried that and tried real yeast, as well as baking powder recipes, and a splash of rum, tried all sorts but couldn't get near those aldi ones!

 

[Billebaars]

The heating element's are actually fine (surprising enough). Everything has survived the high voltage and current, just, seemingly, not this part (I've tested all the circuits). The fuses are fine too (have been using 13A).
I wouldn't be wasting my time with this machine, if it weren't for the fact that it was the only one that I could obtain that can make specific kind of waffles (namely Dutch syrup waffles).
Would you have any idea what the part is that is broken?

Cheers

 

[pushrod]

The heating element's are actually fine (surprising enough). Everything has survived the high voltage and current, just, seemingly, not this part (I've tested all the circuits). The fuses are fine too (have been using 13A).
I wouldn't be wasting my time with this machine, if it weren't for the fact that it was the only one that I could obtain that can make specific kind of waffles (namely Dutch syrup waffles).
Would you have any idea what the part is that is broken?


Cheers

Can't really make out what it is doing from the pics? Mind no expert on recognising little thingmebobs! Is there anything on the other side of it? It will have been taking twice as much current as it was designed for - is there any sign of charring/burning - just guessing but it might be/have been some sort of thermal cut out? If you bypass it does it work?

 

[Engineer54]

I can't believe what your doing!! So what are you going to do now, ....buy a stock of these thermal cut-out gizmo's?? Either buy a suitable transformer, or purchase a model that is designed to work on our voltage band, ...namely 230 volt!!!

 

[Billebaars]

Can't really make out what it is doing from the pics? Mind no expert on recognising little thingmebobs! Is there anything on the other side of it? It will have been taking twice as much current as it was designed for - is there any sign of charring/burning - just guessing but it might be/have been some sort of thermal cut out? If you bypass it does it work?

No charring detected. However, it might be an internal fuse, although that wouldn't explain why it's attached to the heating plate. Might try to bypass it to see what happens.
I would prefer some advice on what it is before I do that though.

 

[pushrod]

You could try googling images of thermal cut out or checking if there are any part numbers on it. If that is a thermal cutout , bypassing it for any length of time could mean that it gets dangerously hot and start a fire. TBH this has probs been running with twice the current it was designed for so everything on it has been overheated and stressed by all means have a play with it but i would not put it back into normal use, even on the correct voltage for it, unless it was properly tested first.

I'll look out for dutch syrup waffles

 

[RWJ]

How to kill a Waffle Iron

Is this thread still going???

Should be retitled How to kill a Waffle Iron

 

[aptsys]

Based on what can be seen from the photos, the elements appear to be wired in parallel. You should be able to wire these up in series. Then you just need to find a new 'stat...

 

[wade88]

Sounds like it would have been cheaper to by one that works on 230v

Sounds like someone LOVES their waffles...

 

[Billebaars]

Based on what can be seen from the photos, the elements appear to be wired in parallel. You should be able to wire these up in series. Then you just need to find a new 'stat...

I hoped this was the case, but unfortunately they're in series. Would've made things a lot easier.

You could try googling images of thermal cut out or checking if there are any part numbers on it. If that is a thermal cutout , bypassing it for any length of time could mean that it gets dangerously hot and start a fire. TBH this has probs been running with twice the current it was designed for so everything on it has been overheated and stressed by all means have a play with it but i would not put it back into normal use, even on the correct voltage for it, unless it was properly tested first.

It might indeed be some thermal cutout or fuse. I'll see what I can find on google.

 

[Billebaars]

Is pearl sugar also known as sugar nibs - like little bits of sugar the size of match heads
cos i tried that and tried real yeast, as well as baking powder recipes, and a splash of rum, tried all sorts but couldn't get near those aldi ones!

Try leaving them wrapped up in plastic at room temperature for 5 days. They might be similar then. By Aldi ones I suppose you don't mean the pancake waffles?
Yes, pearl sugar is the same as nib sugar

 

[pushrod]

. By Aldi ones I suppose you don't mean the pancake waffles?

No these one are "authentic Belgian sugar waffles" about 2cm thick each - put me right off trying to make my own as they are so good lol

 

[wade88]

if you enjoy a waffle - get yourself down to "the waffle house" in Norwich town centre, was up there last weekend visiting my bro, insanely good. Humous, avacado and mozzarrella with a sweet chilli dressing served on a bed of wild rocket on a savoury large waffle......followed by a mixed chopped nut sweet waffle swimming in maple syrup. Im such a king. Mug off making your own, especially at this sort of hassle!