Autism Family Travels
Rank IV
Enthusiast III
Anyone using a small microwave when car camping
- Thread starter rockwind1
- Start date
That wattage is the cooking wattage, it isn't the draw wattage. Typically a 700W microwave will have a surge of ~1500-1800W and a continuous of ~1000-1200W. I have a old 12v\115v Half Pint, rated at 500w cooking, pulls 660w\55a continuous on 12v, 880W surge.
Enthusiast III
This is my light and compact solution to a camp stove. I have all kinds of dual fuel, white gas, propane, single and double burner stoves. They all take up a ton of room and are a mess to clean up. I end up using half a roll of paper towels every time I cook. I decided to trim this lodge brand fire grate to fit in the action packer we use for kitchen stuff. I also trimmed the legs to match the height of my snowpeak gigapower stove. I have two of these stoves so it would be easy to use them both under a griddle if I wanted. I like having the option to use the grate over a fire as a back up too. This packs away to practically nothing, its easy to clean up and gives me options on a heat source for cooking. I will trim some flat aluminum sheets and put hooks on them to use as a wind block if necessary. Im sure its not for everyone but it works great for us. Its a lot simpler than a microwave and inverter.
because sometimes a token creature comfort can mean the difference between an enjoyable weekend away with the better half or a long ride home with a grouchy woman. You’d be amazed what a bowl of popcorn can do for the mental health when it’s pouring out and someone isn’t really feeling “roughing it.”
or simple answer: not everyone camps the same.
Member III
Every woman is different but
If it’s rainy and miserable put up a quick shade with walls and hand her a hot toddy and watch the rain roll through
If it’s hot chilled white wine or a margarita
Sunset a good glass of red wine , Some good chocolate and a crackling fire to match the glowing ball dropping into the horizon .
Popcorn can easily be handled in a pan with some oil .
If it’s rainy and miserable put up a quick shade with walls and hand her a hot toddy and watch the rain roll through
If it’s hot chilled white wine or a margarita
Sunset a good glass of red wine , Some good chocolate and a crackling fire to match the glowing ball dropping into the horizon .
Popcorn can easily be handled in a pan with some oil .
looks like a cool set up,, i want to camp with you!!! ,did the metal rack for your pan just happen to be the correct height for your back packing stove?
i have a jet boil stove for backpacking,,,it just boils water to pour into those dehydrated meal bags (like mountain house) i don't think it would do what your set up does.
oops just read that you modded an old fire grate to fit,,,, brilliant! and you can have a 2 burner stove if you want.
Member III
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- First Name
- Joshua
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Plenty of compact options for cooking/reheating. You say you carry a Jet Boil already. There are lots of pot and pan options out there that work with that setup using the "Flux Ring". Jet Boil themselves makes a few but expect to pay cause it's Jet Boil haha.
JET BOIL POTS AND PANS
Coleman makes a few different smaller single burner options. Some of which run on the easy to source 1 lb propane bottles.
COLEMAN BOTTLETOP BURNER
COLEMAN POWERPACK STOVE
There's this tiny little guy but in some areas finding the butane bottles may be hard.
COLEMAN BUTANE STOVE
All these take up a lot less space than a microwave. You'll have to step up your inverter game if you want to run a microwave. They aren't that expensive but it's just one more item you have to deal with.
JET BOIL POTS AND PANS
Coleman makes a few different smaller single burner options. Some of which run on the easy to source 1 lb propane bottles.
COLEMAN BOTTLETOP BURNER
COLEMAN POWERPACK STOVE
There's this tiny little guy but in some areas finding the butane bottles may be hard.
COLEMAN BUTANE STOVE
All these take up a lot less space than a microwave. You'll have to step up your inverter game if you want to run a microwave. They aren't that expensive but it's just one more item you have to deal with.
I have both of these as well but the bottle top i use more that the stove
yep, i have the "flux ring" ,, ,,, trying to heat up cold food in it, with my stainless steel pot, at least from my personal experience,,doesn't work so well,,,
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found this little jewel on ebay that only draws 60 watts...
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A microwave uses twice the input power than the rated output. So for example: if you have a 600w microwave it takes 1200w input to run it, 1000w microwave...2000w to run it. Read the label on the microwave and find out the Ampere draw that’s the important number. We have a small Whirlpool 600w unit and run a 2000w puresine wave/ 2 group 31 AGMs. We only use it to reheat meals, popcorn, premade meals, not for long term cooking. When I turn it on the meter spins big time, you can literally watch the voltmeter drop like a rock. Love it!
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
That microwave is the one I keep seeing for one of the most compact low power options.
I have Hamilton Beach microwave from Walmart. 1300 watt rating but works fine with 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter. Don't cook with it very often, mostly 2 minute rice, it it is handy for storing bread, biscuits and cookies.
It’s been a good little unit, no issues. The rounded back is a plus for installation options.
Member III
