using japanese appliances in Australia

I bought back a takoyaki pan from japan, and im not sure how to make it work here in Aus.

The details that are on the sticker at the base reads: 100v (although on the actual plug it says 125v), 650w, 50-60Hz.

im pretty sure Aus is 50Hz, so that shouldnt be a problem, but ill need a converter for the voltage, as we are 240v (I think) and i dont wanna fry it! I'm also not sure about the watts, so any info on that would be appreciated, i dont know alot about it...

any idea on how much converters are, and where i can get one from? I already have a japan 2 pin/aus 3pin plug so the physical side of it isnt a problem, its just converting the volts and or watts.

Thanks!

You will need a step down transformer like the ones shown here.

http://www.tortech.com.au/category/597/

You will need to get one that can provide enough power to run the appliance, in your case more than 650w, which means you should get the 1000w model. That link is just to get you started, and hopefully you'll be able to find something cheaper, as I'm sure 250 AUD is way more than you paid for the takoyaki pan.

You will need a step down transformer as the above poster said. I have plenty of Japanese appliances which I brought back with me to Oz, but bought about 5 transformers in Japan, which only cost about 2000 yen. They are small in size (nothing like the link above. I find that step up transformers are the expensive and large in size like the picture), about the size of a normal double adapter.
Not sure where you can by them here, but I imagine most large appliance stores sell them. What type and for how much I wouldn't have a clue, but you should shop around as they will probably vary in price (and type).

A takoyaki maker I imagine wouldn't be too high in wattage. I have turntables, a video, dvd player, stereo, etc. which are all each under 13 watts.

Just realized that you mentioned the maker is 650 watts. That seems like a hell of a lot. It isn't 65.0? (I am not familiar with appliances so it could be just me thinking it is a lot.) So make sure you get one that is compatible with the wattage.

yeah it most definately is 650w, says so on the box aswell.. it seems like alot.. and so far the only step down converters i could find were over $200

when the actual pan is only worth about $10 :/

so im Thinking of buying a poffertje pan, ($35) does anyone know if they would do the same job? I really like takoyaki if you can already tell :P

here's another company that has what you're looking for. Its in the US and will ship worldwide:

http://www.world-import.com/transformers.htm

They have a 750 watt model for around 33 USD plus shipping.

Just realized that you mentioned the maker is 650 watts. That seems like a hell of a lot. It isn't 65.0? (I am not familiar with appliances so it could be just me thinking it is a lot.) So make sure you get one that is compatible with the wattage.

650 watts is not a lot at all especially for a heating element (i.e. a takoyaki pan). To put it in perspective, a playstation 3 draws 380 watts (according the the first link above), a typical hairdryer operates at around 1600 watts, and car subwoofers draw between 50-200 watts.

so im Thinking of buying a poffertje pan, ($35) does anyone know if they would do the same job? I really like takoyaki if you can already tell :P

Looks like it will work to me. As long as the indentations are half spheres then it pretty much is a takoyaki pan.