The statement that US appliances are underpowered compared to UK appliances is based on the difference in electrical voltage and frequency used in the two countries.
In the United States, the standard electrical voltage for household appliances is 120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hertz (Hz). In the United Kingdom and many other countries, the standard electrical voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hertz.
This voltage and frequency difference has several implications for electrical appliances:
Slower heating times: As you mentioned, electric kettles in the US may take longer to boil water compared to those in the UK. The lower voltage means that the heating element in the kettle has less power, leading to slower heating times.
Performance of other appliances: Appliances like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and car chargers may also be affected by this voltage difference. In general, appliances designed for 230V/50Hz may operate less efficiently or have reduced performance when used with 120V/60Hz power sources. This could result in slower washing cycles, less powerful vacuuming, and potentially longer charging times for electric vehicles.
Transformer usage: Some high-end electronic devices like laptops and smartphones come with universal power adapters that can handle a wide range of voltages (e.g., 100-240V). However, other appliances may require a separate voltage transformer or converter when used in a country with a different voltage system. These transformers can be used to step up the voltage from 120V to 230V to power the appliance, but they can be cumbersome and may introduce some power inefficiencies.
To summarize, the differences in electrical voltage and frequency between the US and the UK can indeed impact the performance of certain appliances. While it's not accurate to say that all US appliances are underpowered, it's essential for consumers to be aware of these differences and check the voltage requirements and compatibility of their appliances when traveling or moving between countries with different electrical standards. Additionally, manufacturers often produce specific models for different regions to ensure optimal performance based on the local power supply.