Stand mixer query
Large mixers are very rare in Japan. None are offered in the major electrical goods shops, probably because kitchen space is at a premium. I saw a 'DeLonghi' in CostCo, once, [about $250] and recently came across the 'Bosch Compact' [about $400] in a baking supply store. That's it! CostCo Japan hasn't stocked any large mixers for the past 8 to 12 months
There are some glowing reviews, on-line, of the Bosch Compact, but they refer to a 400W machine. The one I'm looking at has virtually identical specifications and accessories, apart from the wattage. It's clearly labelled as 270W. This sounds a bit low, to me...
At near $400, I'm wondering if a purchase is going to be 'money out the window'. Does anyone have an "engineering" explanation, or some other reason, why a "400W" machine would be rated at 270W in Japan? Is it possibly a different standard in the way they calculate a machine's wattage here? (We get a very steady 100VAC from out power outlets, at 50 or 60Hz, depending on region)
I'm a bit of a 'gambler', sometimes, but $400 is NOT 'chicken-feed' in this household. I usually make only a few of loaves at a time, baking once or twice a week. If you think it would be a crazy purchase, please chime in. Your input would be appreciated!