What Size Converter for a Washing Machine?
Helvis Smoteks
The short answer
For a washing machine, we recommend buying one built for your destination — not converting. A washer's motor and electronic timing are tuned to frequency, and a transformer changes voltage but not the 50/60 Hz. On the wrong frequency a US washer spins slower, mistimes its cycles and works its motor harder — and in some cases it won't work at all. Buy a 220V/50 Hz (or 220V/60 Hz) washer instead.
Set on a specific US washer? Talk to us first.
Send us the make and model and we'll tell you honestly whether a transformer is viable — and if so, we may be able to source a specialized unit that adjusts both voltage and frequency for it. Chat with Sam, email, or call.
Check your destination's power
Voltage, frequency and the plug all change depending on where you land. Open your region to see what you're dealing with — and the verdict for a washer.
Why we recommend buying a 220V washer, not converting
A washing machine has two things that both care about frequency. The drum motor is tuned to spin at 60 Hz in the US; drop it to 50 Hz and it turns about 17% slower, so wash action and spin extraction change and the motor runs warmer. Many washers also rely on electronic timing for their cycles, which drifts off the wrong frequency. A transformer can raise or lower the voltage, but it can't fix any of that — which is why we recommend buying a washer built for 220V/50 Hz (or 220V/60 Hz, depending on your destination) rather than converting.
An honest warning
We've seen cases where, even with a correctly sized transformer, a US washer simply won't run on the wrong frequency. Some do work; some don't. We don't want to misguide you — converting a washer is a real risk, which is why native is our recommendation.
One more reason to buy before you leave the US: American washers are usually much larger than the ones you'll find overseas. If capacity matters to you, get it here and ship it built for your destination's power.
If you already own a US washer — what size converter?
If you're set on bringing one, here's the honest sizing — with the caveat above that it may not work at all. Size to the larger of two loads: the wash motor surges to roughly 3× its running watts on spin-up, and front-loaders that heat their own water add a steady 1,800–2,200 W heater that usually decides the transformer.
Recommended transformer size
| Washer type | Peak load | Dominant load | Transformer size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable / top-load (cold-fill) | ~1,500 W | Motor surge | 2,000 W |
| Front-load, no heater | ~1,800 W | Motor surge | 3,000 W |
| Front-load w/ internal heater | 1,800–2,200 W | Heater | 5,000 W |
Size for the heater, not just the motor
The most common mistake is buying for the ~500 W motor and forgetting the ~2,000 W water heater. When the heater kicks in, an undersized transformer overloads — so on any heated washer, size to the higher wattage. And remember: even sized right, the frequency issue means it may still not run.
Not sure it'll work? Ask us first.
Send the make and model and we'll tell you honestly whether a transformer is worth it — or recommend the right 220V washer.
The better move: buy a 220V/50 Hz washer
Built for your destination, a washer runs at the right voltage and frequency — correct spin speeds, correct cycle timing, no heavy transformer on the floor.
Frequently asked questions
What size converter do I need for a washing machine?
Ideally none — a washer's motor and timing run off frequency, which a transformer can't change, so we recommend a 220V/50 Hz washer. If you already own a US one and accept the risk, size to the larger load: about 2,000 W for a portable or top-load, 3,000 W for a front-loader, and 5,000 W for a front-loader with an internal heater. Even sized right it may not run on the wrong frequency.
Will my US washer definitely work on a transformer?
No — we can't promise that. Some US washers run on the wrong frequency with a transformer; others won't work at all. It's a genuine risk, which is why we recommend buying a 220V/50 Hz (or 220V/60 Hz) washer. Send us the model via Chat with Sam and we'll give you an honest read.
Can I run the washer and dryer on one transformer?
Only if it's rated for both running at once, which is rarely practical. Use a separate transformer for each — and see our clothes dryer guide.