I want to convert a kitchen plug from 110...

Hi Dave,

If you bought if from Nespresso, they have branches in both Canada and Europe. They have a nice flashy website at

http://nespresso.com/precom/home_ca_en.html

I had no luck accessing the Canadian site, but was able to get the US site. I didn't find alternative plugs under the Accessories page, but you might try the toll-free number offered (on the US site, it's 800.562.1465, but may be different for Canada). This probably makes the most sense of all.

If for some reason this can't be arranged, you're back to considering third-party solutions. As a non-electrician in another country (though the our respective electrical codes are being harmonized), I'm responding based upon my own experiences working with appliances and having re-wired my house some years back (yes, legally; it passed inspection). Take it for what it's worth.

My experience with using small portable transformers is that you need to be careful that they are properly rated for the job. I don't know if you have Radio Shack(tm) or a similar consumer electronics parts & accessories retailer in Canada but they might have a product that will suit your needs - you'll have to ask them. I've bought converters there for 12V systems (from 110V-60Hz - standard US electricity), so they might be an option for you. This is what I would recommend first, and probably the only reasonable choice (short of getting a different machine).

In order to convert one of your wired plugs to 220V, you would need to run separate wire from the breaker panel, and have a separate plug, and it still wouldn't fit the Euro-style plug unless you rigged an adapter. You would need to ask a local electrician or your local electrical inspector whether or not this would even be allowed in his/her jursidiction. I don't see it being an intelligent solution, certainly a lot more trouble that I'm willing to do for a cup of coffee. Besides, it's not just the voltage, as I recall, European electricity is geared towards 50 Hz, not the 60 Hz typically found on this side of the pond.

If I can be of further assistance, let me know. If this helps or solves the issue, please rate it accordingly.

Thanks in-advance,

Jon