Powering our Microwave

[Linda and Steph]

We have a built-in combination Microwave / Oven in our van which is plugged into a standard 13amp socket.

Up to now we haven't had any problems because we've only been to sites with hook-ups but what should we do when we start going 'wild'?

 

[Terry]

buy an inverter or don't use it :thumb:
You will need at least 1,000 watt inverter if you have a 700w micro because it surges to start,better not to use it wild
terry

 

[Pikey Pete]

As said previously, learn to live without it. Using an inverter is a huge drain on the batteries.:Sad:

 

[TweetiePie]

I used an inverter for an 800 watt microwave, it was a 1000 w and work OK with two 110amp batteries and a solar panel to top up the batteries. We used it while using french aires for 8 weeks but only for about 20 to 30 mins a day

 

[Digger Driver]

I would use a generator!
Much less bother!

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[moandick]

Sorry, Digger, but some plonker like me was bound to ask - "!How do you cook a roast in a generator?"

 

[oldun]

A 110Ahr battery would at the very best supply 100A for 1 hr at 12V = 1.2kw for one hour.

In practice it would provide only about 60% of this, i.e. 720W for one hour.

To look at it another way a 1000W converter would (again in theory) take 1000/12 = 84A. In practice it would be nearer 90A.

This type of current means that the inverter must be wired directly into the battery using very stout cables.

In general large inverters are only feasible with large banks of batteries or are just for emergency use.

 

[American Dream]

I would use a generator!
Much less bother!

Genny for me too.:thumb:

An inverter with that sort of power output and proposed run time would flatten the Leisure batteries in no time as has been mentioned previously.

I guess if you're going "wild" then perhaps it IS best not to use it.

 

[pappajohn]

you could always spend a small fortune on a 12v microwave.:thumb:

 

[oldun]

you could always spend a small fortune on a 12v microwave.:thumb:

This would also impose a huge drain on the batteries and the motorhome wiring loom.

For example 720 Watt is 60 amps - no standard motorhome wiring can get anywhere near 60 amps. Most circuits have a maximum of 25 amps or much less.

You need a very serious 12V power supply and non-240V charging system to provide such power.

For standard MHs microwaves are a no-no without 240V ehu.

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[Thepips]

Our RV does have a 3kw inverter and 4 6v 125 amp hour batteries. The inverter/charger is mounted right next to the batteries with cables the size of starter cables. I have used the microwave off it, 5 minutes of microwave power doesn't hurt the batteries but I wouldn't want to cook a meal

Regards
Doug

 

[pappajohn]

This would also impose a huge drain on the batteries and the motorhome wiring loom.

For example 720 Watt is 60 amps - no standard motorhome wiring can get anywhere near 60 amps. Most circuits have a maximum of 25 amps or much less.

You need a very serious 12V power supply and non-240V charging system to provide such power.

For standard MHs microwaves are a no-no without 240V ehu.

the one i was looking at was only 124w...
you'de forget what you were cooking before it was cooked..

 

[pappajohn]

We have a built-in combination Microwave / Oven in our van which is plugged into a standard 13amp socket.

Up to now we haven't had any problems because we've only been to sites with hook-ups but what should we do when we start going 'wild'?

buy a generator.....no more worries :thumb::thumb:

 

[Reallyretired]

I'd go with Pappajohn on this. A generator of a suitable output will probably cost you half as much as an inverter and some are quiet and resonably light. If you're not bothered about the noise you can get a cheap generator for £90 whereas a 1300w inverter will set you back £400-£500. The inverter isn't weightless either and if you need an extra battery or two will outweigh the generator.

 

[oldun]

I'd go with Pappajohn on this. A generator of a suitable output will probably cost you half as much as an inverter and some are quiet and resonably light. If you're not bothered about the noise you can get a cheap generator for £90 whereas a 1300w inverter will set you back £400-£500. The inverter isn't weightless either and if you need an extra battery or two will outweigh the generator.

Good grief!

A genny or inverter plus 12V microwave - what a cost.

it's much cheaper to eat out at the Ritz.

Or failing that its even cheaper to stay on a site with an ehu.