12 volt microwave

faraway · Post by **faraway** » Aug 1st, '07, 19:41

I am seeking a 12volt microwave for Faraway(wife's idea) Do they make such a thing. I found some on the net in England????
Does anyone know if they would work for light meals??and were to find one???
Bob

Tom in Cambria · Post by **Tom in Cambria** » Aug 2nd, '07, 01:26

If you got to google and type in 12 volt microwave, you'll get many hits. Here's one of them:

http://www.livingincomfort.com/ro12miov800w.html

bottomscraper · Post by **bottomscraper** » Aug 2nd, '07, 08:20

They use a large amount of juice. Do you have the battery capacity and charging system to support it?

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Aug 2nd, '07, 08:27

Tom in Cambria wrote:If you got to google and type in 12 volt microwave, you'll get many hits. Here's one of them:

http://www.livingincomfort.com/ro12miov800w.html

Thats just an AC microwave that is sold packaged with an inverter.

Chris Reinke · Post by **Chris Reinke** » Aug 2nd, '07, 13:40

Bob - One suggestion that was offered to me when I was deciding on microwave options for my 330 was to purchase a separate inverter and microwave. Several companies make an all-in-one 12v microwave which is basically an inverter dropped into a standard microwave housing. The prices for a 12v system and a separate microwave and inverter are basically the same. By keeping them separate I can run the microwave on shore power if available and avoid taxing my house banks. If I run the microwave on my batteries it is always with the engine running. Additionally, I can use the inverter for other devices if needed.

Zeida · Post by **Zeida** » Aug 2nd, '07, 14:20

Having a microwave on board is a GREAT IDEA! I use the HillerRange stove & oven that came with the boat for storage. Almost everything can be cooked or warmed up in the micro, and no cleaning afterwards! I also have a BBQ on my stern rail, and between the two, you can cook any food you may want on a boat.

I also invested and installed an inverter, so we can use the micro- wave at anchor, using the juice from the house battery bank. The micros they are suggesting to you that come with their own built-in inverter may be just perfect for you if you want to avoid the separate inverter installation. Whatever you do, nothing beats the microwave, at the dock or at anchor.

Ed Haley · Post by **Ed Haley** » Aug 2nd, '07, 16:09

These devices use lots of current when used with 12 volts. A 1200 watt microwave, for instance, will draw 100 amps of current through wiring that was not designed to carry that load. In a short time of operation, that amounts to a lot of heat and soon any wiring insulation will turn to a crispy char and may result in short circuits or worse. Use of microwaves or toasters require new wiring when used with 12 volt inverters. When used with shorepower they are safe.

Have your wiring inspected before using a microwave or toaster with inverters.

Zeida · Post by **Zeida** » Aug 2nd, '07, 17:22

Yikes, Ed! Thanks for your post. I was not aware of that. Luckily, we have a 1000 w. Jazz Inverter that is wired properly to our house bank. Our microwave plugs into our regular shore power outlet. While at anchor I run the engine while making breakfast so the toaster (draws the most !!!) coffeemaker and microwave can function, however, one at a time, so as not to overload the inverter. So much for those units with built-in inverters! Not such a good idea on boats! Thanks again.

Oswego John · Post by **Oswego John** » Aug 2nd, '07, 18:42

In total agreement with what Ed pointed out, aren't these units protected by a fuse or a breaker?

O J

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