Coffee perc

[peterlondon]

Hey all

off to south america in a couple of weeks and wanted to take a vintage 650 watt 220 volt perc with me. will it work on 120 as its low wattage?

Many thanks

peter

 

[turquoisedude]

Depending on where you go, the current supply may be 220. Brazil is odd in that the central states are 120, while the southern and far northern states are 220.
Similarly, southern countries such as Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay are 220. Columbia is 120. Go figure...

If the perk is automatic, it may not take kindly to a lower voltage.

 

[mrboilwash]

Depends on what you intend to do with the perk.
Perking coffee probably isn`t going to work.
If you just want to use it for heating water (for instant coffee) and if you have plenty of time it`ll be OK.
Dropping the Voltage by half results in one quarter of the original Wattage.
My old 220V - 250W immersion heater takes about 25 min to heat a coffee mug of water for instant coffee on a 120V circuit. Not that often in 120V powered hotel rooms, so it`s good enough for me to get my first shot of caffeine before leaving the room in the morning.

 

[maytagbear]

If you are going to be there........

for an extended time, why not look for a vintage coffeemaker there?

It would be interesting to get out around the locals, and be a great souvenir.

Just a suggestion!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[foraloysius]

Why take that with you? There are many ways to make a good cup of coffee, especially in Brazil!

 

[peterlondon]

Thanks guys for the replies guys.....

We are going to visit Damians family in colombia. (first visit since we married) I cant function until I have had my caffeine in the morning and trust me the coffee bought in hotels is disgusting.
It seems all the good stuff goes for export!
There does not seem to be much vintage stuff around at all, although I did once pick up a vintage G.E iron once in a market in Bogata. This trip is also about meeting with the builder who is putting up a house for us.
Looks like I will have to get some vintage appliances sent from the states

 

[foraloysius]

What about a French press? If there is a kettle in the hotel room, you're all set. I'm sure there is good coffee in Brazil, but it might be rather expensive. A friend of mine from Colombia said the same about coffee there. But he managed to take with him the best coffee I ever had!