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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
When you go to purchase one of these, don't just say you're going to Europe... that's a broad area! Tell the rep specifically what town you're staying in. There are many websites that show the plug you'll need there and even explain voltage in the different areas. That way you won't have the "it didn't fit" problem. That doesn't make it a bad product, you just got a bad rep.
from Orlando, FL on 7/19/2008
What a piece of junk! Do not buy this item if you are planning on going to Europe. I asked the sales person if this is all I would need and he said yes no problem. WRONG!!! The plug is not designed to fit any European plug. I have been to Spain, Germany and France and it does not fit any of the outlets there. Buyer beware this is a worthless product! My question is where does this product work?
from New Market TN on 7/4/2008
I bought this for my granddaughter who is studying in Europe for the summer. I was told it would work everywhere if I got a full set of adapters. So in all I spent about 70.00 to get the converter and a set of adapters. The first country:Switzerland it would not operate a curling iron, not with or without an adapter. So she had to buy one there which was of course expensive since the dollar is so low in value right now. I am upset that I talked to three different clerks and they all told me she would have everything for all over Europe.
I bought this even though it was the most expensive and very bulky/heavy, because it could supposedly be used for a variety of products. I specifically asked the salesman if I needed an adapter for France and he said no. This product didn't even come close to fitting into any of the outlets in France, whether at an old or new hotel. DO NOT BUY--TOTALLY USELESS FOR EUROPEAN TRAVEL!!!
I use this to convert 220 volts to 120 volts in South America. Unfortunately, my AVR and Phono Turntable were connected through a power strip and the converter was set at 1600W. Both units were short circuited due to extreme power setting. There is no protection to avoid this.
from Salida,CO on 11/18/2007
Almost almost the negative comments are true. However, ALL converter devices do have some weight. There are others out there that come WITH the various adapters, but ALL will need an adapter depending on where you are. I have used mine in Bhutan, Thailand, China, Africa and South America. This one is pricey, but I have used it for a couple years with no problems whatsoever. Perhaps some of the cheaper ones that come with all the necessary adapters don't last very long??? I know that this one can handle abuse.
from Raleigh, NC on 9/18/2007
Provides ample power for small electronics on 50W setting. Provides ample power to motorized devices on 1600W setting. NOT FOR USE WITH LAPTOPS! Also requires plug adapters 273-1405 to fit a euro outlet properly.
Don't buy this for travel to Europe!I bought this in store, and was assured it would work in any European country. As a previous review said, it simply didn't fit into the round recessed outlets in France, Belgium, or Germany. Also, I was talked out of just buying a set of plug adapters [$] in favor of this... as it turned out, the cheap adapter would have been fine (and would have worked) -- my computer and camera don't need a "converter."
This plug does not fit into the recessed outlets that are the standard in many (if not all) European Countries. If you are going on a trip, you need to buy an adapter with a round inset to fit the recess in the wall. Don't buy this by itself, because you will not be able to use it.
from Tampa, FL on 7/8/2007
The unit appears to be well made. However, I was just in Germany and France (July 07). I found only 1 outlet that could I could use this unit with.The prongs for the unit are the right shape for the European outlets. HOWEVER - 99.9% of the outlets in France & Germany I encountered will need the device plugged into them to have either a circular type plug around the prongs or an oblong type plug around the prongs (the outlets will work with either). This unit has neither and simply has the prongs sticking out into space. As a result this unit will either (1) not fit into the outlets at all or (2) will fall out of the outlets. I was forced to by a convertor in Europe because this one simply could not be used in the outlets.This seems like it could be a good unit if it was redesigned. However, it will not work on most European outlets in France & Germany with its current design. A simple redesign to add the circular or oblong bit around the prongs would likely fix the problem. Until then, I would not buy this unit. Note the plug on the 85-Watt Foreign Travel AC Converter [...]. That is what is needed around the prongs of this unit for it work. As it stands I am dissapointed I spent money on a unit I could not use.
Works very well, but is extremely heavy & bulky. It's weight will cause it to fall out of some outlets. Next time I'll get a smaller lighter one. This was a last minute purchase for use in Italy.