Need a step down converter for these (I'm using a 220v to 110v one and it works fine), but still cheap compared to the 220v versions which are $800+, made in japan
Zojirushi NW-VB10-TA 5.5 Gou 100V Induction Heating Rice Cooker ¥25256 (~A$237.47) Delivered @ Amazon JP
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Kazusa on 17/07/2024 - 16:50 amazon.co.jp (537 clicks)
Last edited 17/07/2024 - 18:24 by 1 other user
Last edited 17/07/2024 - 18:24 by 1 other user
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Well a burger is 2 dollar bucks and a star pony is 50 dollar bucks.. so you do the maths
Could you eleborate on the step down converter? They look awfully bulky from my google search.
I'm keen on getting a tiger or zojirushi rice cooker later this year in Asia and bring it back but the electrical compatibility is a pain. If I get figure a solution, there are savings to be had
A decent step down for a high wattage appliance will be very heavy and about the size of 2 shoeboxes. Anything else and you'll probably fry your device or shorten its lifespan.
I killed a weighing scale using a transformer from Tandy (yes that's how long ago it was).
Learnt never to use crap transformers.
Yep, I agree. You need a decent one that can handle the current for any device involved in cooking.
I have a heavy duty transformer for my mochi maker. Smaller transformers for gadgets couldn't handle it.
Something like this:
I wouldn't recommend using the converter. My mother-in-law was using a step-down converter for a Japan-made Panasonic bread maker years ago, and one day the converter burned out along with the bread maker.
Because these devices with heating/cooking elements draw a lot of current. You need a large, heavy transformer that can handle the current. Regular small transformers may be fine for gadgets but won't be enough for bread makers or rice cookers.
With all due respect, there's transformers and then there's transformers, oftentimes you get exactly what you pay for if you cheap out on them, and without knowing the exact details (what kind of transformer was she using, did she exceed the wattage limit? etc), I'd strongly argue that there isn't much to really learn from this story.
I'm using a step-down transformer so that I can use a $1500 Japanese toilet here in Australia, and I'm not dead yet, probably because I didn't cheap out on my transformer.
As a rule of thumb, if her transformer wasn't the size of a VCR player, then she definitely cheaped out on the transformer, cooking appliances use a lot of power draw, and a lot of uninformed, clueless people assume that the $15 eBay mini-transformers the size of a construction brick are adequate enough, not knowing that they have a maximum draw of anywhere between 40 watts and 60 watts. My 2000W transformer weighs just under 30kg, my toilet draws a lot of power in order to rapidly heat water before it sprays out the nozzle, peaking at around 1300 watts.
where did you get your step-down transformer? I can't seem to find out anywhere online that fits the bill and isn't crazy expensive. I bought a Zojirushi kettle (JP version) that I can't use right now because I can't find a good step-down transformer for it.
@jonoyk: I got mine from ebay, similar to the link in above comment I made. I bought it in 2017, so I couldn't find the exact same model.
You need to take a look at the specifications of the appliance you want to use and figure out how much wattage it will need.
The one I linked above is rated 3000W, so that should be enough, but you will need to double check your specific appliance.
There are cheaper ones on ebay, but they are all rated for smaller devices, like 500W or 1000W.
I use mine on my Zojirushi mochi maker, as well as for my mum's Panasonic mochi maker.
If you are going to Japan you can buy the 220-240v versions from Bic camera which is what we did, cost us less than half of what it costs to buy on Amazon here (think we paid around $180 Aud and the dollar wasn't even as good back then) and we just took it on the plane as a carry on. You can replace the power cord completely as it just plugs in, or you can just use a regular plug convertor which they sell for a few dollars at bic camera too.
Yeah I think I paid like $150 for a 220-240v zojirushi from the airport before the flight home last time. Switched the IEC cable at home and been working fine for 7 years.
I much prefer Tiger over Zojirushi… and who can be bothered with a step-down converter on the kitchen bench anyway? :D
This is a good point. It's bad enough that you have to find a place to put the rice cooker, and now also a 30kg transformer the size of VCR not counting the cost??? Not sure I would want to go that far even if the rice cooker is a lot cheaper. Most of the high cost is taken by the retailers doesn't mean it is a $800 machine. Most if not all the time it is the pot that gave in not the machine, at least in my case.
https://www.tiger-corporation.com/en/aus/product/rice-cooker….
Get one of these, the 5.5 cup one can be had for around $550. It does japanese short grain rice really well.
This model above is the best you can buy in Australia, with domestic warranty. Zojirushi released an IH model, but its not pressure. It costs roughly the same.
I have both Zojirushi and Tiger. Its much of a muchness, they are both good, if they are made in Japan and you look after the pots. The higher end models have some of the most insane tech in the pots. From ceramic moulded to 5 layer metal/platinum coating.
8000 yen shipping
I'll pass. I'd much rather pay a bit more for the Australian versions since it's now available here + local warranty.
While the Zojirushi itself probably won't be a problem, some transformers can be pretty dodgy, not to mention big and bulky. Especially if they're used for appliances that draw a lot of power such as rice cookers - it could cause it to overheat / short circuit. Not worth the risk.
What is the voltage? 100V
The amazon listing says 100v and 1230W of power.
I will pass. I just have my 110V Tiger rice cooker in the bin. just one un-plug and plug, it is 1 senconds… you will forget some times…
It's such a shame….so many cool Japanese electronics only avail in 100V and we can't really use them.
Add a couple hundred for a quality step down that wont burn your house down.
step down converter
Rice
foror Life.I wouldn’t recommend people to use a step down transformer for such a high power appliance.
I used to use that for a hair dryer from Japan. It worked but not perfectly.
My MIL has a Zojirushi - we got a Tiger, using same rice, I can’t tell the difference.
Not worth it, especially considering the cost of a quality and capable step down converter.
Hey, quick question, where did you get your step-down transformer? I can't seem to find a good one that doesn't cost a crazy amount online or in store.
How much is this in dollar bucks?