Houses are fed split phase 240v. All big appliances have a dedicated electrical run with 240V and 20A to 50A.

Common 120V outlets are 15A max, with devices usually limited to 13A for some breathing room. That's 1.8kW and 1.5kW.

In France, the common 240V outlet is 16A. With devices at 13A max that's 3.8kW and 3.1kW.

So yes it sucks for tools. But cooking is just fine.

It sucks for anything with heating elements. 240v kettles and hair dryers are really awesome.