Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Microwave ovens
| Microwave ovens [message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 00:19  |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I've been browsing the photo site for microwave oven installs. A lot of you folks seem to have built in countertop models. I am looking at doing the same since built in micro/convection ovens require the outlay of two GMC units ($600). I have narrowed it down to two: the Sharp R820 which is what I think Dan and Teri have, and the "Half Time" oven sold at Walmart.com. The latter looks more like a speed oven. We have a GE Monogram Speed Oven in the house, and Christina loves it. I'm loathe to put a $1,600 oven requiring a 30A ckt in my coach, however!
Those of you who built in convection models, any issues with heat? I saw the one with the muffin fans, good idea.I am going to install it above the cooktop and build a new hood using parts from the OEM one.
Also, any of you ever run the microwave off of an inverter? I may power the entire kitchen with a good inverter and possibly an auto transfer relay so we have full use of it when on 12V power. I have a cooktop that has a 110VAC coil for ignition too. My backup to that is an automotive coil and a pulse circuit or just a simple push to ignite button setup from a grill. This setup would exclude the refrigerator, which will have it's own elec ckt similar to Rob's upgrades.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave ovens [message #65463 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 06:05  |
GMCWiperMan
Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
The GE convection/microwave over-the-stove built in our SOB ran
satisfactorily on the 2000 W Heart inverter (pure sine wave, supplied from 4
Gp 27 batteries), but it was noticeably slower than when running on shore
power.
The Sharpe convection/microwave in the GMC runs slowly, and sounds like it's
straining, when running on the 1500 W Statpower (modified square wave,
supplied from 2 T-105 golf cart batteries). Neither has failed yet, but
it's such an obviously marginal combination that we seldom run it on the
inverter for more than 2 minutes to heat coffee. My intention was to
replace the Statpower with a Heart, but couldn't find a decent location for
it so gave it to my son for his GMC.
Both of those are microwave-only evaluations; we rarely use convection and
never from the inverter. I don't recall the rating for either oven but
they're both in the 1000 W - 1200 W range. I don't know whether it's the
inverter's output power or its waveform that makes the current combination
so unsatisfactory.
HTH,
Ken H.
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 1:19 AM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
> ...Also, any of you ever run the microwave off of an inverter? I may power
> the entire kitchen with a good inverter and possibly an auto transfer relay
> so we have full use of it when on 12V power....
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave ovens [message #65469 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 06:42 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
The Sharp R820 is the unit I'm going to install in Double Trouble when I get
back there next summer. I had one on order but the company I ordered it from
kept postponing delivery so I cancelled it.
I intend to remove the cooktop/oven and cut the oven off and re-use the
cooktop. The Sharp will go in under the cooktop.
I installed the Xantrex SW-2000 Pure Sine Wave inverter because I had
"heard" that microwaves with LCD's and solid state timers didn't like
modified sine wave inverters.
I bought the Xantrex from Camping World for around $470 but someone got one
for $350 or so. Sorry I can't remember who it was.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Choffat
Sent: Tuesday, 24 November 2009 5:19 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Microwave ovens
I've been browsing the photo site for microwave oven installs. A lot of you
folks seem to have built in countertop models. I am looking at doing the
same since built in micro/convection ovens require the outlay of two GMC
units ($600). I have narrowed it down to two: the Sharp R820 which is what I
think Dan and Teri have, and the "Half Time" oven sold at Walmart.com. The
latter looks more like a speed oven. We have a GE Monogram Speed Oven in the
house, and Christina loves it. I'm loathe to put a $1,600 oven requiring a
30A ckt in my coach, however!
Those of you who built in convection models, any issues with heat? I saw the
one with the muffin fans, good idea.I am going to install it above the
cooktop and build a new hood using parts from the OEM one.
Also, any of you ever run the microwave off of an inverter? I may power the
entire kitchen with a good inverter and possibly an auto transfer relay so
we have full use of it when on 12V power. I have a cooktop that has a 110VAC
coil for ignition too. My backup to that is an automotive coil and a pulse
circuit or just a simple push to ignite button setup from a grill. This
setup would exclude the refrigerator, which will have it's own elec ckt
similar to Rob's upgrades.
--
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
77 Ex-Kingsley 455: The Engineer's Motorhome
Scottsdale, AZ
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave ovens [message #65478 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 08:13 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
We have had a Sharp R820BK in our coach since 2002 when we remodeled
the interior. Most convection are somewhat deeper than a microwave
only unit as is the R820. It requires extra ventilation to allow the
heat to escape when using the unit as a convection unit. When we
bought it the cost was almost $400 and today your can find them at
just a little over $200 if you search online. The GE HalfTime is
approx. the same size as the Sharp but the cost is somewhat less and
if you want it in black the cost is even less. Both units would work
well in the coach.
This is how we installed the sharp in our coach.
http://homepage.mac.com/powwerjon/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/powwerjon/PhotoAlbum2.html
Look thru the albums and you can see the installation.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
TZE Zone Restorations
77 Eleganza Custom (For Sale)
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Nov 24, 2009, at 1:19 AM, Chris Choffat wrote:
>
>
> I've been browsing the photo site for microwave oven installs. A lot
> of you folks seem to have built in countertop models. I am looking
> at doing the same since built in micro/convection ovens require the
> outlay of two GMC units ($600). I have narrowed it down to two: the
> Sharp R820 which is what I think Dan and Teri have, and the "Half
> Time" oven sold at Walmart.com. The latter looks more like a speed
> oven. We have a GE Monogram Speed Oven in the house, and Christina
> loves it. I'm loathe to put a $1,600 oven requiring a 30A ckt in my
> coach, however!
>
> Those of you who built in convection models, any issues with heat? I
> saw the one with the muffin fans, good idea.I am going to install it
> above the cooktop and build a new hood using parts from the OEM one.
>
> Also, any of you ever run the microwave off of an inverter? I may
> power the entire kitchen with a good inverter and possibly an auto
> transfer relay so we have full use of it when on 12V power. I have a
> cooktop that has a 110VAC coil for ignition too. My backup to that
> is an automotive coil and a pulse circuit or just a simple push to
> ignite button setup from a grill. This setup would exclude the
> refrigerator, which will have it's own elec ckt similar to Rob's
> upgrades.
>
>
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> 77 Ex-Kingsley 455: The Engineer's Motorhome
> Scottsdale, AZ
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GMCnet mailing list
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave ovens [message #65499 is a reply to message #65484] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 09:29 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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By mounting the Micro/Convec up above we actually gained storage
space, about 40% more than provided by the overhead cabinet alone. We
built shelves and added a door and used the available space under the
new cooktop. The cooktop we used is not a thick as a modified stove
unit cooktop. I actually used my old oven/cooktop out on the patio in
a roll-around cart as a additional cooking unit when bar-b-cueing.
Also we didn't lose the vent fan either as I built a new venting
system using the original duct work. One reason we mounted the unit
up was that it was eye level and easy-use and to take items in and out
just like unit at home. One complaint that we heard from most who
have seen our coach is that is that they had to get on their hands and
knees to use the under counter unit. This installation has been
copied by an number of GMC'ers. We use our GMC as an extension of
our home as we stay in it about 4 months out of the year. I am not
knocking your choice on not cooking as some (the wives for sure)
prefer to eat out often when away from home.
This is the cooktop that we used for this coach.
<http://www.rvpartsoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=817_117&products_id=6112
>
We are in the process of designing and ordering parts for the Avion
restoration and upgrade. The kitchen will have a overhead MW/CV unit
with a newer style gas cooktop. The one were using in the Avion is
this unit. It is not available in the U.S., but a friend is getting
it for us and shipping it.
<http://www.caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3820&osCsid=db736f7b2aec784aad7d2ffbbb066b0f
>
For those that missed the first pictures.
http://homepage.mac.com/powwerjon/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/powwerjon/PhotoAlbum2.html
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
TZE Zone Restorations
77 Eleganza Custom (For Sale)
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
> I am from a younger generation, my wife and I determined that we
> were not going out in the RV to cook. The propane oven served no
> purpose to us but we used the stove and sure missed a microwave. I
> took a die grinder and cut the oven off from the stove and then
> mounted a Sylvania convection microwave I brought from a surplus RV
> liquidator in Indiana on ebay, under the stove in the old oven
> location.
>
> This way I did not give up any cabinet space or lose the vent fan.
> For us it has been a great solution, other than now I have to buy a
> convection microwave for the house.
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65509 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 10:27 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Those of you who built in convection models, any issues with heat? I saw the one with the muffin fans, good idea.I am going to install it above the cooktop and build a new hood using parts from the OEM one.
______________________________________________________________
When I became owner of Gatsbys' CRUISER  , There were some things missing that the PO determined uneeded.
Overhead cabinets and the stove vent system were part of this determination.
I built a simple cabinet with plexiglass, to show off the crystal glassware ( RIGHT, I tend to stuff anything up there ), and I built a duct for the two muffin fans to exhaust outside. WIth the help of the electric solenoid operated vent cover, I have no air leakage problem.
The fans are wired on a switch which offers two speeds, the fans run in series for low speed and in parallel for high speed.
The cabinet has 3 switches under it.
1... Main Switch, turns on power to an LED ( under cab light ) light for night light purpose and power to the
2... fan hi/lo switch.
3... switch for two undercab halogen lights over the cooking and counter area.
hitting the one main power switch assures all power is off on the stove vent/lighting system.
When I started in the RV hobby sooo many years ago, I did not know much about RV's and microwaves. I bought a small Microwave to fit above the refer in the old SOB Mallard, and now sits under the stove unit in the GMC.
I thought there would be a problem from vibration but it has held up and still works well. sorry, never tried on an inverter.
There ARE 12vDC units for RV's out there if you are so inclined. That would take care of the inverter question.
Last time I saw one was Camping World but it has been a while since I have stepped in one of those stores.
Gatsbys' CRUISER ( Thrilled to be able to go over 30 MPH again and fingers crossed hoping it will not fail again. )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Tue, 24 November 2009 10:31] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65512 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 10:47 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Chr$ wrote on Mon, 23 November 2009 22:19 |
Also, any of you ever run the microwave off of an inverter? I may power the entire kitchen with a good inverter and possibly an auto transfer relay so we have full use of it when on 12V power. I have a cooktop that has a 110VAC coil for ignition too. My backup to that is an automotive coil and a pulse circuit or just a simple push to ignite button setup from a grill. This setup would exclude the refrigerator, which will have it's own elec ckt similar to Rob's upgrades.
|
Chris: I have run several different microwaves from modified sine wave inverters, and they all have worked, but as someone else mentioned, slower than on line or generator power. I have no idea why, unless the true sine wave is important. The current draw into the inverter is very high, of course, but the use time is short.
I also have a 12 volt microwave that I bought at Flying J a few years ago. It takes 60 amps at 12 volts to run it, and it is very, very slow. I defrost rolls and hamburger in it now and then as I have it built into one of my Travel Trailers.
So, that is a bit of field info for you to digest, along with everything else.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65517 is a reply to message #65512] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 11:38 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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I was able to pick up a "half-Time" brand combination microwave/convection oven at Bontrager's RV surplus in White Pigeon for $125. It came complete with axial fan to vent the air from the electronics to the front of the oven. Don't run anything from an inverter, so no guess on that. But, it is a competent microwave/convection oven combination. Sits under the counter top, where the P.O. had put a straight microwave. If fact, it takes up less room. I've had no problem with heat related issues, and I've not installed the axial flow fan. Bontrager's had a good selection of these when I was there last. Some came complete with the sheet metal to make it a built-in style oven.
You might try their web site.
Tom Phipps,
75 GMC Ex-Avion
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65534 is a reply to message #65453] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 13:06 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Guys, thanks for all the inputs. I will be mounting above, the only thing is the 20" depth, but I think I can live with that. My cook top is a Gaggenau 2 burner with electronic ignition.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=31104&ppuser=266
I was going to run a ckt to handle both the MW and the cooktop's ignition, and possibly the Senseo coffee pot that my current inverter will NOT run.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65559 is a reply to message #65547] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 16:23 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Dan, thanks. I think I got the pictures mixed up when I was looking at your and other's microwaves.
I think the Half time is the one i am leaning to.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65784 is a reply to message #65534] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 10:00 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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I was going to run a ckt to handle both the MW and the cooktop's ignition, and possibly the Senseo coffee pot that my current inverter will NOT run.
_________________________________________________________
I don't know how important that cooktop ignition really is. If you are in the campground, you have 120vac from the land source.
I have the piezo starter and tend to use the campfire/grill starter ( the propane stick with a trigger finger ) because it is just plain easier that way.
It would be cheaper and I just don't see the reason to convert from the 120ac since some of the electronic starters are not all that they are cracked up to be anyway.
My SOB didn't even have elec ign so the campfire/grill starter came in real handy. Oh, I also carry some matches in a tin in case the campfire/grill starter should fail (or I misplace it) but is a no non sense system.
Its nice to have all the toys but toys break. I also am very leary of adding more and more off of the electrical, inverters one of these thoughts, because it can cause other problems.
I have began to think in the direction of, where you need inverters, use small units to cover the load instead of one huge unit. The larger unit is less efficient and multiple units offer backup contingencies and possilbe ease of install.
Just a thought I have had recently as I have thought about others whose electrical systems had fires or other problems, and I peruse how it could have been done in a different way to prevent the overload.
We have to realize that with a 12v dc system, we are really at the lowest end of being able to supply 120vac at any commodity and at that, limited loads for short times.
Figure a 10amp 120vac microwave requires over 100 amp 12vdc to run, even more to start.....
Maybe that 12vdc microwave that uses 60adc may be a better consideration.
It is obvious why it is not a good idea to run the 15amp 120vac air Con. from an inverter..
It is hard to carry the battery BANK required for this service.
Even running the GenSet might be a better consideration.
Crunch your numbers and also consider that unless the load is isolated, you may be feeding other components in the rv also.
If an inverter will be in the picture, I thnk it would be a real good idea to look into SolarPanels as well.
My Thoughts about this and that.
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65789 is a reply to message #65784] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 11:48 |
jwillard
Messages: 118
Registered: May 2004
Location: Silver City, NM
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have a 1200 watt Kenmore Brew'n'Wave Microwave Coffee Maker Combo in my coach and I love it. It has a built in coffee maker (I think they had another version with a toaster instead) and it works great! If you google it, you'll find a bunch of complaints about the unit but, they all revolved aroung the cost of a replacement glass coffee carafe. Sears must have gotten the message because they're available, and while not "cheap", they aren't the $100 people where complaining about.
I shifted the overhad cabinet forward 24" and put in a shelf above the stove. I removed the OEM vent unit from the cabinet, since it was now over the sink. I bought a new range hood on eBay for $40 and attached it to the bottom of the shelf. I had to fabricate a duct to go the the wall vent but it wasnt a big deal.
The oven is just over eye-level for me and with it's depth and the roof curve, the front of the oven is right at the edge of the drawer, closet unit. I don't have any pictures, but I could if someone was interested.
Jeff Willard
Silver City, NM
1973 ex-Glacier
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65812 is a reply to message #65794] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 17:54 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Jeff, What Bob said!!!!
| beancounter wrote on Fri, 27 November 2009 11:42 |
Hi Jeff:
Do you have pictures of your installation?
|
Larry, I was also going to keep matches handy LOL!
Solar is definitely in the future for this coach.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65820 is a reply to message #65819] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 20:49 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Jeff, Thanks. I don't think that one is avail anymore. Wasn't on Sears website, but I did read the reviews. Sounds like operator error in most cases.
What are you insulating with? I used 4" thick denim batts and reflectix. foil layered foam in some places.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65825 is a reply to message #65820] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 21:34 |
jwillard
Messages: 118
Registered: May 2004
Location: Silver City, NM
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Too bad that unit isn't available new. I really like it. The one thing I'd like ot do is split the internal power so that I can connect the control board i.e. clock to the coach 12 volt. Then the clock would stay set. I saw one on ebay for about $85 recently though.
I'm insulating with 3/4 foil back foam board and then a layer of the thin, foil covered foam. Seems to work pretty well.
Jeff Willard
Silver City, NM
1973 ex-Glacier
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| Re: Microwave ovens [message #65826 is a reply to message #65819] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 22:05 |
Bob Raef
Messages: 165
Registered: July 2009
Location: Lubbock, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Jeff:
Thanks for the pictures. I will monitor ebay, etc for one.
Bob Raef, KF5TYA
(575) 973-2273
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