A new Nespresso

The other night, the converter I was using to run my microwave and Nespresso machine exploded. Rather than buy a new converter, I decided to just get a new coffee machine as it was almost the same price!

I went to the Nespresso store in Ipanema on Rua Garcia D’Avila and choose the cheapest coffee machine from the huge wall of machines on display. Once I worked out the “take a ticket” queuing system, I spoke to a really lovely lady at the register who knew a little bit of English. I told her the model that I wanted and she set about registering me in the system for the Nespresso Club.

When I bought my first machine I avoided having to join the Nespresso Club. I find it a little creepy as it seems an unnecessary level of exclusivity for something as simple as wanting to own a coffee machine! But, unable to protest in Portuguese, I allowed her to sign me up answering the long list of prerequisite questions.

When I was done, she disappeared into the back room to fetch the coffee machine and scanned it into the register to complete the purchase. It was upon scanning the box of my new coffee machine that she realised there was a problem and consulted with her colleagues. In broken English and simple Portuguese, she explain to me that, due to a system error, I was unable to purchase that particular model of coffee machine from that particular store. I could however, buy it from the store in Barra however they did not actually have that make in stock over there.

Not sure what to do, I asked if perhaps I could buy a different machine. She confirmed and took me back over to the display area. I pointed to another machine only to be told she couldn’t sell me that machine either. I pointed to a third and apparently it was not possible for me to buy that one either.

I told her that I wanted to buy whichever model she was able to sell me and after checking with her colleagues she found two that I could choose from. I went with the cheapest and we returned to the register to complete my now considerably more expensive purchase.

The lady was so nice that I refuse to believe she duped me. Although, reading this back it does seem likely so beware of the kind lady at the Nespresso store in Ipanema!

Transformers – 220V to 110V

With the arrival of my stuff from the UK, I needed to purchase some infamous transformers to ensure I could use my 22oV appliances here in 110V Brazil. I had mixed luck!

Firstly, the best article I have found giving advice on selecting a transformer is: http://international-electrical-supplies.com/transformers16.html. Basically, it explains that the size of transformer you require relates directly the wattage (W in English or VA in Portuguese) of the appliance.

So, the appliances that I needed a transformer for and their wattage were:

• DVD Player: 8W
• TV: 129W
• Microwave: 800W
• Coffee Machine: 1700W
• Kettle: 1700W
• Toaster: 1800W
• Vaccum cleaner: 2100W
• Iron: 2200W

I found that Amoedo on Rua Farme de Amoedo in Ipanema had the best range locally (bottom shelf in the lighting store) so I bought all my transformers from there.

The transformers at Amoedo were 100W, 200W, 300W, 500W, 1100W, 1500W, 2000W or 3000W and ranged in price from approx R$45 to R$450 depending on the size.

So, for my DVD Player and TV I went for the safest option as I was very nervous about ruining my TV and bought a 300W transformer. This is working perfectly, the transformer makes no noise and I feel safe having both items plugged in at the same time.

For my microwave and coffee machine, I decided to go with one transformer to cover them both but only plug each appliance is as I was using them. I must have mis-read the wattage of my coffee machine as I only bought a 1500W transformer and within a few days it blew up! Whoops! I now need to go back to the store to get a 2000W version however these are very expensive so I am considering just buying a new microwave and coffee machine.

For the kettle and toaster, I would have needed the 2000W transformer so, due to the price, I decided to just buy a new toaster and boil water on the stove!

For the vacuum cleaner and iron, I would have needed the 3000W transformer which not only is expensive but also a little more complicated to use. For the 2000W transformers and below, you simply plug one end of the transformer into the wall and then plug the appliance into the other end. The 3000W transformer actually requires some knowledge of electrics as you must actually connect to the wires from the transformer into the plug of the appliance… much too complicated for me so I decided to buy a new iron and just to sweep my floors instead!