After more than 6 years in Europe we are moving back home this coming summer (July 2010). We have lived with many electric transformers, adapters, etc. I do not advise it. If you wish we have so many appliances we will not be bringing to the US that are EU electric appliances. All high end products: tv, many lamps, juicer, coffee maker, hair dryers, space heaters, etc. Everything electric we bought in the past 6 years we will not bring back to the US with us -- too dangerous appliances just do not work as well when they are made for a particular electrical current. Transformers, good ones, which we have a bunch of if you'd like, are heavy and make a little bit of a buzzing sound. We brought our toaster from the US, we leave the transformer on the kitchen counter and only plug both in when we need the toaster. Not so bad. I would never keep a transformer plugged in continually. If you have any questions about moving to Paris or Bristol UK feel free to ask. We lived in Paris (17th) for 5 years and Bristol, UK for 1 1/2 years. We have three children ages 6, 9 and 17 if you are interested in school information or other children type things such as doctors, places to go, after school activities, etc. Both countries are very different in terms of culture which is reflected in everything such as school, how your children will act after being in a culture for a period of time, etc :-). All the best, Janice
