The Iwatani Millser 800DG

[jrshaul]

I'm not sure if this device has a 110v setting, but if not, you'll have very poor results on American voltage. Japan runs on roughly double the voltage of what I have in my home, resulting in roughly 1/4 the output power.

The good news is that step-up/step down transformers are very inexpensive - you can find one on eBay for $15, and I have one that can power an entire house in a storage bin. These should not be confused with cheaper switching adapters that boost voltage with sometimes curious results: a real step-up transformer will have a huge chunk of iron in it somewhere and will be very, very heavy. Industrial applications use the right sort almost exclusively, and with a useful lifespan measured in centuries, they often outlast the equipment to which they were attached.

Edited February 3, 2012 by jrshaul (log)

[patrickamory]

I'm not sure if this device has a 110v setting, but if not, you'll have very poor results on American voltage. Japan runs on roughly double the voltage of what I have in my home, resulting in roughly 1/4 the output power.

Odd. I'm pretty sure you're mistaken. While Europe and other countries do run at 220v, Japan's standard is 100v. My Japanese appliances, from a Stax electrostatic headphone amp to the Iwatani Millser, run just fine at 110v.

Given +/- 10% voltage variations in many American homes anyway, the 10v is unlikely to make much difference. Very cheap converters are available from Japan if you want to be extra-careful and make sure not to overstress the machine (nowhere near as huge as the big step-down transformers needed to make American single-voltage appliances run in Europe). But I don't bother - just plug it right into the wall. Never had a problem.

[jrshaul]

My bad - I can never keep the voltages straight. That said, the same advice applies to going from 100v to 220v - without a big transformer, some very strange things happen.

[ojisan]

Still waiting for this thing to be imported it the U.S.

[patrickamory]

My bad - I can never keep the voltages straight. That said, the same advice applies to going from 100v to 220v - without a big transformer, some very strange things happen.

Right, but just to clarify, it's 100V in Japan and 110V in the US, so you can just plug it right in with no problems here.

[strangedog]

Hi. I've just found this thread as I was googling the pros and cons of the Iwatani blender. I had just bought a Magic Bullet despite all the bad reviews, and it burned out after less than 2 weeks and I'm in Japan so I am pretty decided on getting the Iwatani. Our favourite chef here uses the 620DG which isn't as powerful as the 800, but seems to have one bigger cup which is useful. Right now, the prices I see on Rakuten are about 4000yen for the 620DG and 650DG (replaces the large cup with a goblet), 6000yen for the 720G and 800DG. I have seen them in shops and they are very quality-feeling bits of kit, with heavy strong motors, good quality plastic, glass jars, and metal gears (in contrast to the magic bullet). There aren't thousands of attachments but I see this as a plus.

If anyone wants help getting hold of one please get in contact and I can find the best price and ship it myself. I don't understand why Iwatani don't export their goods yet!

[patrickamory]

Here's my thing on the Millser, many months after buying it: I don't use it that often. Main reason is that even for small amounts, it wants some liquid to really puree anything, including garlic, even using the smallest bowl. The Millser really seems to be made for making smoothies.

For the small quantities I generally need, for example garlic, I find myself mincing it, or if I'm really in a rush, pounding it in the Thai granite mortar & pestle.

I really thought I needed this device, and aesthetically and appreciatively I still love it... however it has not found a place in my regular cooking routine. I mainly make Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern and Italian dishes... YMMV.

[budrichard]

"I don't understand why Iwatani don't export their goods yet! "

Because they are not UL approved. Underwriter's Labs test virtually all electrcial equipment sold in the USA for insurance purposes

both the manufacturer and user, no UL cert, no Insurance.

100v product run at 110v will result in shorter lifetime but probablt no safety hazard but its the UL testing that proves no safety hazard.-Dick

[Blether]

Here's my thing on the Millser, many months after buying it: I don't use it that often...

Hi again, Patrick. What do you when you need a couple teaspoons of ground coriander seed, or a couple of cumin or freshly pan-roasted cumin ? It sounds too like you've not tried Marcella's pink shrimp sauce with cream (the recipe's easily Googled, I know because all my books are in packing cases !)

[patrickamory]

Hi Blether - I use a second coffee grinder reserved for grinding spices.

The Millser would be perfect for making Indian onion-garlic-ginger pastes, but I just haven't been making so many of those recipes lately.

I will have to check out that Marcella recipe!