One of the big differences between North America and Europe is the electricity system, obviously. We use 120 volts and 60 hertz, whereas in Europe they're using 230 volts and, I believe, 50 hertz. The electricity system is very different, so you can't take a European appliance and plop it into the North American market. It just won't work.
I think the other thing you also have to take into account is that the appliances being made for the North American market typically are larger in their volume and capacity than those available in Europe.