Microwave question

[daveb]

It must have different power settings right? I need one for work but the company installed an 1800 watt inverter so I will probably get a wally world cheapo. In my SMB I often warm something on a low setting while driving toward camp so the batteries keep charged to full potential and are topped off when I arrive at camp. But I also have a 200 amp alternator which makes a huge difference. But I'll have to check that out...it looks cool. Give us a wave report after you get it.

[Stumpalump]

Originally Posted by daveb

It must have different power settings right? I need one for work but the company installed an 1800 watt inverter so I will probably get a wally world cheapo. In my SMB I often warm something on a low setting while driving toward camp so the batteries keep charged to full potential and are topped off when I arrive at camp. But I also have a 200 amp alternator which makes a huge difference. But I'll have to check that out...it looks cool. Give us a wave report after you get it.

I just spent a week in Moab and got to test the Wavebox. It only has 2 power settings but they are automatic. If you use 120v or the big jumper cables directly to the battery you get full power. If you use the cigarette plug/cord you get half power. I used 120AC with the genny and it worked good. It took about 4.5 minuts to boil a mug of water for instant coffee. I found I could put the gas bottle on the coleman stove and boil water in a steel mug just as fast.
The 3 cords it comes with are 120AC,12v directly to a battery and the cigarette plug. You can only insert 1 cord at a time and you must get to the back to select an opening for the right cord. Makes it hard to just reach around and swap cords and makes it a pain if you are hooked up for one and need another.
I may try frozen dinners at some point but the gas stove did most of what I needed. I think it's a good strong small microwave but for me the microwave was probably somthing I learned I can live without. Space is an issue and the gas stove cooks fine. If you still like a microwave then this one takes about 3 times as long to cook as my full size home unit. IIRC it's only 500 watts but so are most small microwaves. I say plan your trip for food that dosn't need a microwave but for the compact size, lack of breakable parts and the power cord options it's a cool little devise and I'd say if it fit's your needs and budget then it's worth it.

[jage]

Cool. Sounds like you could put a more permanent 12v attachment in so you're not limited by the power outlet/outlet cord.

Did you find a good place to stow it when not in use?

[Stumpalump]

Right.... For permenent 12V the best would be to cut off the jumper cable clamps and hard wire it to a battery or high current terminal block. I made a bracket and removable strap so I just leave it on a shelf. The thing is basicall as strong as a tackle box or plastic tool box and all the cords fit inside. On one video or website it showed proto type or foreign market unit with a retractable cord. This is not the case with mine. All the cords plug into the rear and none retract.

Any kind of storage a breeze. You can grab the handle and toss it any place you want without harm. After my last trip I will redo all my storage arangements and may just shove the thing in any out of the way storage spot to free up the shelf. If it tumbles or gets knocked around it won't hurt it. I wouldnt drop it down a flight of concrete steps but would not be suprised if such treatment did not ruin it. FWIW it's also very compact considering the cooking size in the oven. I think I read it was the smallest you can get but the inside is as big as most of the small ovens I have seen.

It's cool and does what it says it will but at $200 bucks just be sure you need and will use the extras it offers.