Taking my Australian Hottop Roaster to Canada ?

gavinl

Hi all:)

I will most likely be relocating to Canada (BC) soon and would like to take my Hottop Roaster with me.

I was just wondering if anyone has done something similar before and whether there were any problems using a step-up convertor.

Thanks heaps

gav

PS: although possibly the wrong forum, but similar idea ... also wondering if my Rancilio Sylvia and Rocky would also be okay to run through a convertor.

Lacehim

Personally I think the cost of taking it with you will far out way the cost of replacement. Sell them, move, buy them again.  Correct power and the U.S. / Canada are much cheaper than here due to the volume/population.  You might even be able to squeeze in and upgrade! [emoji6][emoji106]

cosmic_couple22

Depending on the wattage required a step down transformer will cost from $60 - $250. still a lot cheaper than purchasing new equipment and can be used on other devices you take so would imagine a sensible investment.  Check out the wattage of the equipment you are planning to take with you and buy accordingly. Chester

Lacehim

Factor is getting it there too Chester.  Possible damage and then not knowing if a step down transformer will work or effect performance.  If I was moving overseas I wouldn't bother to cart TVs and electrical stuff with me.

Brett H

on 1427454015:

Factor is getting it there too Chester.  Possible damage and then not knowing if a step down transformer will work or effect performance.  If I was moving overseas I wouldn't bother to cart TVs and electrical stuff with me.

I asked a mate about this for you... He's and electrical engineer who's job is designing/building sub-stations but his special interest is these types of domestic intercontinental shenagans.  He reckons it should work bu for kts of mathematical calibration-type reasons not as well.  He started to explain motor calibrations and Hz/Volts/Watts but I stopped him as my brain fell out.  Short story according to him... It should work but you may experience differences in operation. 

gavinl

Wow ... thanks heaps - much appreciated. Lots to think about. I think I can get it transported for a reasonable price using pack n send, but have to hope that customs doesn't tack on a nasty duty. I like my roaster as it has the bean probe and I know its little quirks by now (about 60 roasts and going strong). That being said, if the differences in operation were significant, it wouldn't be worth it and probably better starting fresh. The only thing is whether I could get a bean probe and also whether the interface would be in celsius.:) On a side note ... we are spoilt in Australia for reasonably priced retail green beans ... there looks to be some serious gauging going on in Canada ... so much so, it might only be feasible to roast by buying a bag. hope I get one I really like. Thanks heaps again ... lots to consider. PS: Brett ... do you reckon the differences in operation would also apply to my Rancilio combo? That is one I'd like to keep, as I finally have the quirks down pat and like the finished product.... especially for the price.:)

Brett H

on 1427524064:

Wow ... thanks heaps - much appreciated. Lots to think about. I think I can get it transported for a reasonable price using pack n send, but have to hope that customs doesn't tack on a nasty duty. I like my roaster as it has the bean probe and I know its little quirks by now (about 60 roasts and going strong). That being said, if the differences in operation were significant, it wouldn't be worth it and probably better starting fresh. The only thing is whether I could get a bean probe and also whether the interface would be in celsius.:) On a side note ... we are spoilt in Australia for reasonably priced retail green beans ... there looks to be some serious gauging going on in Canada ... so much so, it might only be feasible to roast by buying a bag. hope I get one I really like. Thanks heaps again ... lots to consider. PS: Brett ... do you reckon the differences in operation would also apply to my Rancilio combo? That is one I'd like to keep, as I finally have the quirks down pat and like the finished product.... especially for the price.:)

Hi mate, I'm no expert but I reckon it'd have too.  Best bet is to find out how Mr Rocky goes at 60Hz by asking the question on a few forums.  Someone must have tried it.  Good info here: http://www.expataussieinnj.com/can-you-use-australian-electrical-goods-in-the-usa/

gavinl

Thanks heaps Brett... good advice mate. I'll do a good search and read the expat forum. All the best

gavinl

Thanks for the article it was a good read. I reckon at this stage, I might try to sell and buy again when over in Canada. No real downside, as if it doesn't sell, I'll be back to where I am now and will ship it over and cross my fingers. Thanks again for all the replies and links. All the best

Brett H

on 1427666014:

Thanks for the article it was a good read. I reckon at this stage, I might try to sell and buy again when over in Canada. No real downside, as if it doesn't sell, I'll be back to where I am now and will ship it over and cross my fingers. Thanks again for all the replies and links. All the best

Good luck mate!  Keep us posted and while you're in Canada please don't hesitate to check in every now and again with some excellent coffee news and experiences from one of the worlds great coffee countries!