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MICROWAVE OVENS
This leaflet is prepared as part of The Club’s free information service to members. The contents are believed correct at time of
publication, but further information may be available from The Club’s Information Department. The Club does not endorse the listed
products and you should satisfy yourself as to their suitability. As always check that the installation of an after-market accessory does
not invalidate your Warranty.
June 2008
Now that electrical hook-ups are standard on the majority of caravavan sites, caravanners
are looking at the microwave oven as an alternative to lpg cooking. But are microwaves
really suitable? In order to find out, a simple questionnaire was sent to the
manufacturers. Based on the replies received, we can offer some advice as follows:
1.
Power consumption
The model number or power rating associated with the microwave, eg. 600W or 800W, is
the cooking power only, and is approximately half the power input requirement of the
microwave. Refer to the power output and power input columns of the table. There is
also a heavier power demand when the microwave first starts up, estimated by one
manufacturer as an additional 25 watts, but believed by others to be considerably higher.
This higher current is only drawn for milliseconds, but could possibly affect a sensitive
trip, or overload a circuit already approaching its limits. The column marked 'start-up'
indicates this additional consumption in watts, where known. This must be taken into
account when looking at the power supply available to you. All manufacturers agree that
a 5 amp site supply would not be suitable, and therefore the microwave must not be used
on pitch outlets limited to this value, or on a caravan circuit with a 5 amp circuit breaker.
Some believed that a 10 amp supply might also be inadequate. Therefore, look at both
your caravan circuit limitations, bearing in mind other appliances which may also be in
use at the same time as the microwave, and the site supply you normally use before
deciding a microwave would be suitable. (Club Sites generally offer 16 amps maximum
per hook up). Referring to the table, an X under the 10 or 16 amp heading indicates the
manufacturer considers this supply inadequate, a means it would be suitable.
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2.
Suitable for use abroad?
The mains electrical supply on the continent is often given as 220V, but in reality could
be lower, particularly during periods of heavy usage. Therefore we asked manufacturers
if their microwaves would function effectively on this lower voltage, and if a positive
answer was given (indicated by a ), would cooking times be altered. The next column
in the table, marked , refers you to any comments along these lines. Eventually all of
Europe will operate on a nominal 230V supply.
3.
Do microwave ovens travel well?
If you refer to the microwave oven fitting instructions, you will probably see they are
designed to be placed on a stable surface, with attention paid to clearance/air circulation
and heat resistant surfaces. Caravans on the move receive a fair joggling around, so does
any equipment built or carried within. Will the electronic gadgetry within the oven stand
up to this treatment? The manufacturers of all the ovens listed believe they will. You will
also have to consider if the space limitations of a caravan meet any other installation
requirements relating to air circulation etc.
4.
Will the warranty be affected?
Most microwaves have a 12 month warranty, some the option of a further extended
warranty on the payment of a one-off sum at time of purchase. We asked if the warranty
conditions would be invalidated if used in a touring caravan; a indicates your warranty
remains valid, a X means that if you have trouble, you're on your own. A in the 'extra'
column indicates an extended warranty is an available option.
5.
Weight
Remember to ensure that you have sufficient payload available to carry the microwave.
The weights are shown in the table.
6.
12V Microwaves
Microwaves which will operate from a 12V supply are available, and in many respects
are ideally suited to caravan use. However, it must be noted that these models tend to
draw extremely high currents from the 12V supply – perhaps 60-70 amps. This means
that a special, high current, supply cable will need to be fitted between the oven and the
caravan battery. Prolonged use of the oven will flatten many batteries very quickly, and
you should check with the battery manufacturer that your battery can deliver the
necessary current without harm.
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7.
Microwaves with variable power settings
It is difficult to be specific on the effect of a lower power setting because figures are not
readily available, since manufacturers tend to express these settings only in descriptive
terms, eg low/medium, rather than quote figures.
While it seems fair to assume that lower power settings will be less problematic than
using full power, it is impossible to state with 100% confidence that this will always
eliminate power supply problems. If you have problems with power supply, however,
using a microwave on a lower setting, if it has such a facility, may help.
Specific queries should be addressed to the manufacturer of the microwave oven, or your
dealer.
Quotes from the manufacturers:
Finally manufacturers were asked if they had any further comments relating to the use of
microwave ovens in touring caravans. So bear these in mind when selecting your
microwave:
HINARI : Whilst in transit, unplug the microwave, remove and pack the glass turntable. Ensure
at all times the vents around the microwave are not obstructed in any way. Extended warranties
are available from most electrical retailers or your own insurance agent.
LG ELECTRONICS: These ovens are already fitted in caravans, boats and coaches with no
adverse effect. Remove glass turntables whilst ovens in transit.
SANYO: Ovens designed for UK supply do not include inrush reducing circuit required for
some European electrical supplies to prevent nuisance tripping occurring on power-up. Also,
cooking times would increase by approximately 20% at 220 Volt compared to the nominal 230
UK voltage.
Sanyo are unable to provide full details of individual models at present and have suggested that
members contact them direct for further advice.
ROAD PRO: Our oven is the only microwave oven currently available in the UK which is
designed and built specifically to operate on the 12 Volt / 24 Volt in a mobile environment. They
are extremely efficient and reliable and are ideal for people whose touring activities take them
away from a mains power supply.
Ovens come with a two year warranty.
3
MAKE
MODEL
MS21942S
POWER
OUTPUT
800w
POWER
INPUT
1200w
LG ELEC.
LG ELEC
MS1947CS
800w
LG ELEC
MS19487U
WAECO
(RoadPro)
HINARI
STARTUP

N/S
WEIGHT
KG
13kg
W
MM
455
H
MM
281
D
MM
325
10
AMP

16
AMP

220
V

1200w
N/S
10kg
455
252
308
N/A
N/A

-
X
800w
1200w
N/S
13kg
455
284
347
N/A
N/A

-
X
ROADMATE
450w
750w ++
N/S
15
530
283
362
N/A
N/A
X
-
1year
MX706
800w
1200w
13.9
458
295
365



-
1year
##
HINARI
MX745
800w
1200w
14
464
277
382



-
1 year
##
SHARP
R26STM
800w
1200w
N/S
13.5
449
282
366
**


-

##
SHARP
R259
800w
1200w
N/S
12
460
275
380
**


-

##
NOTES
1. Cooking times may need to be increased.
Sharp model convection ovens may not reach operating temperature.
2. No noticeable difference in cooking times expected.
N/S = not stated
**microwave ovens only- convection/grill models not suitable for 10amp supply
3. ## Ask your retailer.
4. ++ 12 Volt Microwave.
© The Caravan Club 2008
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2
WARRANTY
X
EXTRA
?
X
Contact Telephone Numbers;Sanyo
- 01923 477162
Hinari
- 0161 6216900
LG Electronics - 0870 6075544
RoadPro
- 01327 312233
Sharp
- 0800 262958