microwaves for campers

[gene so]

Hello,

I note some teardrops in the galley section with microwave ovens. It would seem a useful item for this usage, but have noted some lukewarm comments about these devices.

I could use some factual insights about microwaves, when used for camping. Obviously they may devour electricity when in use. Does this pose a problem when hooked up to shore based electricity? How about when using battery power?

As an optional source for heating when cooking, this system would seem to be obvious. What is the downside here? I know Microwaves get tossed away after a few years usage nowadays, when simply the only problem, according to a technician, is that an internal fuse has blown.

This site has provided marvelous suggestins in my frame design etc., and now with the point that I am into designing this galley, the practical problems of dealing with a microwave, when out in the "boonies" must be obvious to some experienced campers.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Gene So

[KennethW]

The lukewarm thing is because there is much better food to make camping then a meal from a box. I eat a lot better cooking on a white gas stove when camping then at home. If you go to a teardrop camping gathering you would be amazed at the variety of good food made in the back of a teardrop from scratch.
As far as battery power, you will need a big inverter to run a small microwave(under 500 watt) and it will drain a battery really fast.

[nevadatear]

I have trouble understanding the appeal. At home i only use to reheat things and heat water. I have no need to reheat in camp Andy stove heats water better. Maybe some else can share why this Item is worth the counter space.

[len19070]

Not to let your comment slide down a slippery slope, BUT!

Your Camping for Gosh Sakes!

Happy Trails

Len

[Woodbutcher]

I put one in my first teardrop. While there were enough things I could have used it for, I found more often then not I just stored things in it. Last year I took it out and used the space for better storage. When I had it I used it for heating thing. Sometimes to defrost stuff I brought frozen. Heat up hot chocolate. But I found the space more valuable then the microwave. There is no problem using the oven with shore power. Don't be discouraged by negative responses you might get. There are plenty of people that do not want to spend much time cooking, while camping. That is not me, I like a good meal. But there are many Dinty Moore people outthere that would rather hike, kayak or relax and not spend time cooking. To each their own.

[S. Heisley]

What people are trying to tell you, Gene, is that you may not cook the same way when you camp as you do when you are home.

You are more likely to bring canned or dehydrated food or food that has been partially cooked before you leave home. Chances are pretty good that you will not be bringing very many frozen, TV-style dinners with you when you camp. For one thing, your refrigerator probably doesn't have that big of a freezer in it; and, for another, it probably wouldn't do a very good job of keeping them frozen.

I have been camping for a few decades and, still, my camping and camp cooking continues to evolve. When I first started building my trailer, I, too, wondered about a microwave. But, what I found is that, in the three years that I have been using my trailer, I never missed it nor needed it. (Of course, when tent camping, I never had a microwave, either.)

I'll try to give you a "flavor" (excuse the pun) for what you will find when camping, tiny trailer style....

First, if you go to camp gatherings, you'll probably be eating at large family-style potlucks where you only bring one family-style prepared dish to it; plus, your appetite and plate. There are some mighty fine cooks at those gatherings! I would heartily suggest that, if you have an opportunity to go to a gathering or two, ...go and see what it's all about. Even if you are used to being a "loner", chances are good that you will meet many people who will make you think twice about being that way.

Second, there may be ways to cook that you probably never even dreamed of doing or possibly even know about. (I won't go into detail here.)

Third, many people cook their meat at home because it is safer and will "keep" longer that way, whether they have a refrigerator or an ice chest. So then, the rest of the ingredients are added in the pot on the stove, at the campground.

Fourth, in many areas, it's a good idea to have "portable" food. What I mean is it fits in an ice chest or plastic tub that will fit in a bear box. If you are in a campsite that has a bear box, plan on using it! Some campgrounds insist on that, even when you are in a trailer. (Sealed canned goods are not usually deemed a problem and can usually be stored in the trailer.)

Assuming you are building a teardrop trailer (I think you are) and plan on having a pass-through from galley to cabin, that could be the perfect place to sit a microwave....or not. What I mean is that if you have a pass-through, that space will be open anyway and a tea or coffee pot may sit on top of a small microwave or directly on the counter in that area. Also, whether you ever use them or not, both 12 volt and 120 electrical outlets are a good idea to wire for. Lately, there has been a considerable camper desire for 12 volt outlets that include a port for cell phone charging, etc. That can be built in or one can get an expansion plug-in that includes a charging port. So, if you plan for the wiring, you're half-way to a microwave, should you decide you want one.

Off the top of my head, that's all I can think of now; but, hopefully, this will get comments from others, too.

[48Rob]

Gene,

A microwave works great on shore power.

If all you have is battery power, it will suck the juice out of it/them very quickly.

This kind of question generally brings a flood of "opinions" regarding the "true" meaning of "camping" and how gadgets such as these somehow make someone less of a "real" camper than those who choose to use more traditional "tools".

In case that didn't make sense, some people like to think they follow in Daniel Boone's footsteps, and strive to "camp" much like he did.
Other people go "camping" with modern amenities.
To each their own. Whatever "method" of camping suits you, go for it!
Is strange though, that those who think that using modern amenities is not "old school" camping, are pulling trailers behind modern vehicles to go "camping"...
The real issue is that everyone has a different opinion about what "real" camping is, and there can never be a definitive definition.

So, my opinion is ; if you use and appreciate a microwave at home, generally camp where shore power is available, and have space for it, then why not?
I have one. I do not have it built in because I just don't have enough space and because we do not always camp where there is shore power.
The small ones are not very heavy, are easy to transport, and can be used outside on a table, stump, or wherever.
In other past trailers, we have had them built in, and appreciated them very much.

Cooking your dinner in a microwave is fast, easy, and allows more time for other things when you are camping.
We save extra meals during the year and freeze them. When we go "camping" we bring them along and use the microwave for a fast, easy, good tasting meal.
They also cook other, fresh food quite well.
Of course we could slave over a campfire, a gas stove, an electric hotplate, or other type of heat source, but we choose not to.

Rob, (not sure if I qualify as a real camper )

[MtnDon]

There is no "one and only correct answer" for whether or not a microwave oven is needed or not when camping. There are simply different opinions. There are some technical requirements as far as power needs though. Other than the technical requirements everything is opinion, IMO.

Technical: An adequate supply of 120 VAC watts. With a campground electrical hookup power is no problem. Away from a campground power source a generator like an inverter Honda or Yamaha works great. Storage batteries and an inverter is quite doable; it's what we use part of the time. Keep in mind that when the box states it's a nnn watt microwave that is the cooking power. For example, our 700 watt microwave uses 1050 watts of power to cook at the 700 watt rating.


As for using a microwave or not, I want one, I use one. I like to cook, but I don't like to cook a lot when I camp. To me camping is a getaway from work and home work as well as a chance to get out and enjoy favorite outdoor places and new outdoor places. I cook at home where I have all my conveniences including a dishwasher. When I camp I like to get away from a lot of that. I create most of our meals at home and pack them. Some get frozen, some don't. This is one reason we have a 4.something cu ft refrigerator in the CTC. There's room for some frozen things and fresh and self pre-prepared foods. We don't use store bought frozen or canned dinners. We can pack a weeks worth of meals the way we do it. If the trip is longer we buy food that is simple to prepare.

Those who want to cook from scratch out of the back of a TD or on a campground table are welcome to do that. That is their choice. Those who want to eat out a can are welcome to do so as well. No one solution is best for everyone. Think about what you like to eat and whether or not what you eat when camping has to be the same or different as at home. You are your own best guide as to what you need for equipment.

[MtnDon]

More,.... I used to do a lot of back country 4-wheeling and camping. I was much the same back then. I slept in a tent or later the back of the Jeep XJ. I cooked my food at home and carried it in an ARB fridge/cooler. So did my best friend who I traveled with a lot. We'd be finished with mealtime while most of the others would be setting up , cooking or cleaning up. That was our style. Possibly my desire to boondock influenced my choices. With meals prepared ahead of time there was less need for carrying clean up water. Oh, I also use paper plates and don't apologize for that either.

[bonnie]

I have a small microwave. I, too, have been debating using it camping. I also have a nice propane stove and an electric hot plate. 99% of the time I will be in campgrounds where electric will be available. 48Rob, I have a question for you, or anyone else who would like to comment, if the microwave is on a table under a shelter, is that enough protection from the elements? Do you cover it at night? My camping background was primitive camping with the Girl Scouts many moons ago. My tear doesn't have a galley, so I'm trying to figure out an outside kitchen storage layout. Thanks for any input.

[48Rob]

Hi Bonnie,

We put it inside an easy up (with at least 1 side curtain) at night. Even in rain it has never been an issue.
We do take it off the table and put it on the ground to prevent curious raccoon's from knocking it down.
A simple plastic trash bag also works as a great bad weather cover. Sometimes I'll st it in the back of the truck and just cover it.
For what they cost used at garage sales, we don't worry too much about them.

Rob

[KennethW]

My tear doesn't have a galley, so I'm trying to figure out an outside kitchen storage layout. Thanks for any input.

You could just cut the top back off your foamy tear. Put a hinge on the cut off,some seals and a shelf and wall in the inside.
Walla you have a galley. Just a thought

[48Rob]

Bonnie,

Looking at your avatar photo, it appears you have some space on the tongue.

Might be a great place to build and install a "camp" kitchen box.

Something like this;


But you could make it triangular, and taller. It could make a great lightweight "galley" area without modifying the foamie part.
You could even make part of it from foam.
Another thought, along the lines of Kenneth's idea, is to create a door on the curb side rear, and have a "pull out" drawer that extends the width of the trailer.
On that drawer could fit all your galley items.

Rob

[bonnie]

Both great suggestions. Lots to plot and plan with for the winter hibernation.

[bobhenry]

Microwaves

With dozens and dozens of gatherings in my history most of which offered AC power I took one MW one time and that was that. I am now almost 100% charcoal or campfire powered when cooking.