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we have used an ordinary household microwave in our van from day one and Never blown a fuse or tripped the EHU, As long as you know what to turn off when using it i dont see a problem.

                                                      atb Bill

Re the use of a steamer in the van,the only criticism I had with it was by definition it produces steam and can cause condensation so we onlt use it in the awning.

Saxo1

before we got a full size oven in the van we had a slow cooker for meats ect.the food from this was fantastic.you could go out for the day and come home to a ready made meal.

Quote: Originally posted by lepricorn on 28/4/2012

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could anyone tell me if I can fit an ordinary microwave in my caravan cupboard ,or do I have to have special fittings and microwave

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Quote: Originally posted by Tim and Cary on 30/4/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by lepricorn on 28/4/2012

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could anyone tell me if I can fit an ordinary microwave in my caravan cupboard ,or do I have to have special fittings and microwave

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Hi Lepricorn

Our Bailey Senator (2006) came with a fitted Daewoo microwave in a high level cupboard. It was a cheapo domestic microwave but it broke down after a couple years' use. I subsequently read on the caravan forums that this had been a problem with our 'van as Bailey had not put in sufficient ventilation and frequent overheating caused them to fail. Bailey offered a free upgrade to the microwave housing with additional vents but I had missed this.

I bought a nearly new microwave on Ebay which was of a slightly shorter size. This meant that there was more space around the microwave for ventilation, both above and at the sides.

I had to modify the original mounting to accommodate the "new" microwave. The old one had been secured by several screws screwed through the base of the cupboard into the wooden mounting of the microwave. The microwave had been secured to the mounting by more screws.

Whilst modifying the mounting I incorporated a piece of spare rubber carpet underlay as I had read that microwaves do not take kindly to being "bounced around" in moving caravans.

The new microwave has been working fine for the last 3 years. It does need to on a EHU with a high level of ampage as all microwaves take a high-level start-up current.

Although I accept what others have said about the limitations of microwave cookery having one in the 'van is very useful. We particularly using when we have arrived on site and want a easy-to-prepare meal whilst we are setting-up. It is, also, useful abroad when the outdoor temperature is high as we don't have to suffer the heat generated by the main oven/hotplates. It, also, saves gas which is again useful abroad when replacement cylinders are not available.

Regarding fitting one in your 'van our 'van does not appear to have any extra strengthening for the m/w "cupboard" - it is just a door-less space in the run of eye-level cupboards. Obviously the M/W, also, needs a socket - our 'van has one in at the back of the m/w housing.

I hope this helps.
Tim

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Thanks Tim ,thats great ,as you say we'll only use it for a quick starter meal and a late night drink ,just wanted more space in van ,

Maggie