There are microwave/convection combination ovens on the market that clearly are sized "just right" for RVers. But there's more than just a simple, "swap it out" procedure involved.
By their nature, convection ovens do built up far more heat than a microwave oven. If sufficient space or venting isn't allowed for, you may have some problems. At the "inconvenient" end of the scale, you may find your convection oven simply shuts itself down in the middle of a cooking assignment. On the "deadly" end of the scale, you could actually find yourself with an RV fire. One RVer, after having installed a convection oven in the space previously occupied by a "straight microwave" found he had to plumb in an exhaust fan, and wound up cutting through the rig's sidewall to accommodate the change.
Much of this problem can be avoided if you purchase a "build in" kit designed for the micro/convection oven you're installing. These kits not only make the new oven look like it's built into your RV, they may also help vent the heat properly. Regardless of whether you can find a trim kit or not, always examine the owner's manual before you buy any prospective oven to ensure you can provide the clearances necessary to safely operate. One owner of a GE microwave/convection oven was a tad bit concerned about how hot the outside of her oven got when operating, so she called the service representative. They hastened to assure her that it was within "safe operating limits." When pressed for just how hot that "limit" was, she was told it could be between 150 and 210 degrees. Wow! Be sure to maintain clearance!
Another point some RVers made to prospective buyers concerns "plate changing." Some combination ovens require the change out of a baking tray (or carousel) from glass to metal, depending on the mode of operation. This, for some, is a bit of a hassle if you frequently change between "nuking" and "baking."
Finally, you'll want to note the power consumption of the machine and ensure you have the power capability to operate it. One RVer wrote, "You will have to manage power while oven is in use, i.e., no water heater, bulk charger, electric heaters etc." He added an all-telling, "Don't ask me how I know." Ah, the imagination runs wild!
We purchased a motorhome which only had an ordinary microwave, not convection. We originally contemplated switching to a convection microwave but decided against it. Instead, we purchased an electric roasting pan which works well and can be used outside the motorhome while sitting on a metal tv tray, under the awning and outside of the motorhome.
ReplyDeleteThis was a better option than switching to a convection/microwave.