Best Caravan Microwave in 2022
Microwaves in caravans and a motorhomes are common place these days, with most manufactures offering them on new vans from the factory.
The convenience they offer for the relative low cost makes them an easy upgrade to your home on wheels and being away a little bit easier.
Points to consider when choosing the best caravan microwave
There are three main points to consider when choosing the best caravan microwave for your van:
- Size
- Wattage of the microwave – more info further down the page
- Weight
With these simple points in mind we have found four camping microwaves that fit the bill perfectly for any motorhome or caravan, all available on Amazon with excellent reviews!
The best caravan microwave for a caravan or motorhome was the Sharp YC-MS01U-S Its price point, clean design and grill feature made it our editors choice. See further down the article for more specifications.
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First up is the Russell Hobbs RHM2401B, this microwave is super compact so is ideal if you are short on space. It is the lightest of our picks at 9.84kg and has simple controls which makes for easy use. Also available in silver here.
- Ultra compact: this product is ideal for home cooks with big...
- Easy to use: With two simple control dials, simply set one's...
- Power levels: With 6 microwave power levels plus defrost setting,...
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next is the Swan SM22036GRYN, this microwave is bigger than the last so check the measurements. It is 800W but you are able to select the power level/wattage (see further down the page for wattage explanation) if you want to lower the consumption.
It has the modern matt grey finish with the wood look handle which makes a nice change. It is also digital so you can be precise with your timings, although you will have to set the clock every time you plug in to mains supply!
- Powerful and Simple Cooking - 800W MAFF E rated microwave with 6...
- 20 Litre Capacity - plenty of room for cooking using the 270mm...
- High Functionality - Comes with a 30-minute timer function,...
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is our favourite as it is still fairly compact but manages to fit the grill function inside it.
For the price you get a lot and its design is clean and will match most van designs.
The Sharp YCMS01U microwave is 800W which can be adjusted with 5 levels of power which is handy. The grill is 1000w so it is something to bare in mind if you are on a low Amp hook up point.
- Stylish 800 watt solo microwave oven: With a compact 20 litre...
- Features: Manual control panel with an adjustable timer up to 35...
- Modern silver handle-less design: Complemented by a black door...
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Tower Manual Solo is your best microwave choice if you want a no-nonsense decent brand microwave. 5 different power levels, 800W and is available in 3 colours.
The Amazon reviews are also very good on this one.
- POWERFUL 800W & 5 POWER SETTINGS: Generating quality performance...
- LARGE CAPACITY: Accommodating a standard sized dinner plate with...
- 30 MINUTE TIMER: You will never have to worry about overcooking...
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Size, Wattage & Weight explained
Size: Measure the cupboard where you want it to go and allow for ventilation around the microwave as the heat gets blown out of the side vents of it. If a microwave gets too hot it cuts out and you have to allow it to cool before continuing.
Extra vents in the cupboard may have to be fitted to prevent overheating, this is something easily overlooked.
Check the depth of the cupboard/microwave too. A microwave will not fit in some the top lockers of a caravan or motorhome due to this.
Wattage: Wattage is the amount of power that the microwave consumes when in operation. The higher the wattage the more current (Amps) is drawn from your electric hook up point (maximum current draw is usually 16 Amps in the UK, can be less in mainland Europe).
The down side of lower the wattage the longer it will take to heat food up, but hey nobody’s in a rush on holiday!
As a rough guide using Ohms Law 1000 watts equates to just over 4 Amps.
When you factor in heating and hot water running at the same time its easy to see that you can overload and “trip” a site supply out .
Weight: Make sure the shelf can take the weight of a microwave! Also (more of a factor for caravan microwave) take into account extra weight being high up in the van if permanently fitting.
Fitting a microwave to your caravan or motorhome
If you decide that you want to permanently fit your microwave in a cupboard you are going to have to find a way to secure it.
Caravan/motorhome manufacturers use a few ways for this some of which you might be able to adapt.
This way is a little bit hit and miss as every microwave is different but basically screws are put through the supporting shelf and into the microwave feet. It does work well as long as the feet are malleable or long enough to take a screw without breaking.
This way requires fitting a wood or metal bar above the microwave at the front and back to effectively clamp it down. Couple this with indents in the supporting shelf for the feet and it will be properly secured.
If you want to go “all out” you could fit a cut out fascia to give a factory type finish. Remember to allow for ventilation if doing this though.
- Airflow openings: 9" x 3" (225mm x 75mm)
- Airflow: 4400sq mm
- Overall vent size: 260mm x 90mm
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These white circular are often used to vent outside on caravans and motorhomes where microwaves are fitted.
- VM75-70mm (2.75inch) Ducting
- VM75-70mm (2.75inch) Ducting
- WHITE , Fly Screen
Last update on 2022-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thank you for reading Best Caravan Microwave in 2021, I hope this has given you some help in choosing a microwave, also remember to look at some of our other articles!
Helpful links to manufactures : Sharp, Russell Hobbs,
Disclaimer
Please note these are the words and opinion of the author only. Neither the author nor the website can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. You should seek professional assistance if in doubt.