Bringing Personal Appliances to Landstuhl Fisher House
Landstuhl Fisher House offers free lodging and compassionate support to military patients and their families while they receive treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Set among the rolling hills of the Rhineland-Palatinate region in southwestern Germany, the two houses sit within walking distance of the hospital, providing private rooms, shared living areas and a children's playroom for guests from across the coalition forces.
For families travelling from Australia, packing for a medical stay overseas can feel especially heavy. Defence families based at bases such as RAAF Williamtown near Newcastle, RAAF Edinburgh outside Adelaide, or RAAF Amberley west of Brisbane often find themselves sorting through luggage while balancing the emotional weight of a loved one's treatment. Knowing what personal electrical items travel well, what stays behind, and what the house provides helps ease that burden.
The appliance policy exists to keep every guest safe, to protect the houses from fire risk, and to honour the communal spirit that defines Fisher House. Items that draw heavy power, generate heat, or take up precious counter space are often restricted, while smaller personal devices are usually welcome in private rooms.
This guide walks through the practical side of common guest questions about electrical items, then focuses on the small details that make a long stay more comfortable.
The shared living philosophy behind appliance rules
Fisher House operates on the understanding that each guest room is a private sanctuary, while the kitchens, lounges and laundry rooms are shared spaces used in rotation. Personal appliances that fit comfortably on a bedside table or inside a wardrobe drawer rarely cause friction. Larger devices, however, can quickly crowd a kitchen bench meant for several families cooking at once.
Staff and volunteers regularly remind guests that the houses were built for rest and recovery, not for stockpiling kitchen gadgets. A single extra toaster or kettle may seem harmless, but multiply that across twelve or fifteen guest rooms and the shared pantries become cluttered, power boards overloaded, and counter space disappears.
The partnership overview between Fisher House and the medical centre is built on mutual respect, and that respect extends to the small everyday choices guests make about what they bring through the door.
Items welcome in your private guest room
Most small personal electronics are perfectly acceptable inside a guest room. Phone chargers, laptop power supplies, e-readers, tablets, hearing aid chargers, electric toothbrushes and similar low-draw devices cause no concern. Hairdryers, curling wands and electric shavers are also generally fine when used at the bedside or on a dressing table.
Personal medical devices are always permitted. CPAP machines, portable nebulisers, charging stations for mobility aids, and similar equipment are part of a guest's treatment routine and take priority. The houses are set up to support recovery, and staff are experienced in accommodating these needs.
Entertainment devices for children, such as handheld gaming consoles, tablets loaded with shows, or small DVD players, are welcome too. Long hospital days can be tiring for siblings, and a familiar screen often helps a child settle into an unfamiliar room.
Appliances better left at home or stored away
Some appliances simply do not belong in a shared recovery environment. Large toaster ovens, deep fryers, hot plates, electric grills, slow cookers that run for hours, and portable heaters are typically not permitted in guest rooms or shared kitchens. These items draw significant power and pose fire risks in older European wiring.
Coffee machines vary by model. A small pod machine used at the desk is usually fine; a large espresso maker with a grinder is better left behind. The houses provide drip coffee makers and kettles in the kitchens, so guests rarely need to bring their own.
Items with heating elements, including electric blankets, heating pads and personal space heaters, are usually restricted. Germany experiences cold winters, and central heating keeps the houses warm, but extra heating devices can overload circuits and create hazards.
Voltage, plugs and power for travellers from Australia
Australian electrical appliances run on 230 volts at 50 hertz, which is the same nominal voltage used in Germany. That compatibility is helpful, but Australian plugs are Type I, with two angled flat pins and a grounding pin, while German sockets accept Type C and Type F europlugs with two round pins. Travellers from Sydney or Melbourne cannot simply push an Australian plug into a German wall socket.
A quality adaptor is essential for any stay. Multi-adaptor boards designed for travel are useful, though guests should avoid daisy-chaining several boards together. Houses are equipped with appropriate wall outlets, but the total draw across one room should remain modest.
Defence families accustomed to packing for postings often own a kit of international adaptors. Those who do not can usually find adaptors at the base exchange or in nearby German towns. Checking the wattage of personal appliances before travel helps avoid surprises at check-in.
Shared kitchen equipment and community spaces
The communal kitchens in both Fisher House buildings are fully equipped. Kettles, drip coffee makers, microwaves, full-size ovens, stovetops, refrigerators, freezers, cookware and serving dishes are provided. Guests are encouraged to use these instead of bringing duplicate items from home.
The shared laundry rooms include washers, dryers and laundry supplies at no cost. Guests do not need to bring irons or steamer units, as these are available in the laundry area.
The children's playroom is stocked with toys, books and craft supplies, so families do not need to bring bulky play equipment. Those travelling with very young children may want to read the children's visit guide before packing.
Preparing for your stay and packing smart
Before finalising luggage, guests should review the official guidance and reach out to staff with any specific questions. Medical equipment, prescription chargers and items tied directly to treatment should always travel in carry-on bags.
A practical packing list might include phone and laptop chargers, a hairdryer if preferred over the shared one, personal grooming tools, entertainment devices for children, and adaptors. Anything beyond that is usually supplied by the house.
Defence families posted back to Australia after a long stay sometimes leave small appliances behind for the next guests. That spirit of generosity reflects the Fisher House community and helps every family settle in more quickly.
| Appliance type | Allowed in private room | Allowed in shared kitchen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet, laptop chargers | Yes | Yes | Standard low-draw electronics |
| Hairdryer, electric shaver | Yes | Limited | Avoid leaving unattended |
| CPAP and medical devices | Yes | Yes | Always prioritised for guests |
| Coffee machine (small pod) | Yes | No | Drip coffee provided in kitchens |
| Kettle | Yes | Provided | House kettles available |
| Electric blanket or heating pad | No | No | Central heating in all rooms |
| Toaster oven or hot plate | No | No | Full kitchens available |
| Slow cooker or rice cooker | Limited | Limited | Ask staff before use |
| Iron or garment steamer | Yes | Provided in laundry | Use laundry facilities |
| Personal heater or fan (small) | Limited | Limited | Check with staff first |
Planning a stay at Landstuhl Fisher House becomes much smoother once the appliance question is settled. Guests who pack light, rely on the well-stocked kitchens, and respect shared spaces tend to settle in fastest and find the most comfort during a difficult time.
For the most current information, visit the Landstuhl Fisher House website or contact the guest services team directly. Donations of welcome kits, grocery gift cards and travel adaptors are always appreciated, and volunteers help keep both houses running smoothly for families who arrive from across the world, including Australia.