So, I was considering buying an Electric pressure cooker to use through my global movement. The following advise was given to me. WHY?
For safety reasons (meaning, if you want to be certain that you won't
burn out your cooker or start a fire in a hotel room), you'll want a
converter/transformer that is rated for continuous use at a power
draw that is at least 50% higher than that of the device (the
IP-DUO60 is rated at 1,000W, so 1,500 is correct). The small,
inexpensive voltage converters like this are not rated for
continuous use and would be risky to use with the Instant Pot.
Some possibly relevant Q&A/ information from another Adapter on amazon:
CAN NOT USE, Use this converter only with Non-Electronic control
heating devices that have a power rating from 26-2000 watts, such as
hair dryers. For example: pressure cooker CAN NOT use this converter,
because the pressure cooker has a timer function and LED screen, The
pressure cooker require electronic control turned off or insulation.
Before using the converter/adapter, check the product you intend to
use has the proper voltage and wattage rating to run your devices.
Additional information ascertained about product. Also, Product Manual / Tech Specs. http://instantpot.com/benefits/specifications-and-manuals/
It looks like the Instant Pot FAQ page addresses this question. Here's what they have to say:
The US/Canada version of Instant Pot
models are designed to work only with 110~120v. It doesn’t work with
220v without a voltage converter. A few users have tried it and
reported that the cooker works well, in UK, Italy, Australia and
Malaysia with a proper voltage converter that is able to
accommodate up to 1500 Watts.
-
I'd like understand what are the internal technical/ electrical differences between such power/ voltage transformation devices?
-
How are they operationally similar/ dissimilar under different loading scenarios?
-
Why was the above advise given?
I have an Electronic & Compter Science background (who has moved on to business side of life) but I'm not an expert on Power Engineering like my dad, so I'd love to understand this better.
Bonus: If not allowed as part of this question, my next DIY solution build question would be something on the lines of,
"Would there by any electrical/ electronic solution way to make the larger ones smaller/ more compact for travel?"
Maybe relevant information online:
Best Answer
This may or may not be an answer! Ideally you could find a dual voltage cooker. All that is required by the manufacturer is to have two 110 V elements with a series (220 V) or parallel (110 V) switching arrangement. This avoids the transformer issue completely.
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
Figure 1. Dual voltage switch arrangement.
If there happen to be two elements in your cooker you could do this yourself but waterproofing would be an issue. Take care.