Microwave dilemma
We purchased 2016 caravan in July this year from an independent. First time using it during Nov, it took time to get set up and everything transferred in. Looking forward to an evening meal, my wife put the casseroled plus veg from home into the microwave. Switched on and voi·là everything looked fine. Minutes later she lifted the dish out, but stone cold! Day after phoned local caravan repair man and advised that the transformer was probably broken and we need a new microwave.
Microwave not covered on warranty but phoned dealer anyway because at point of sale told that everything was working. During a protracted discussion the dealer claimed his technician had tested everything, Turned on the microwave and saw turntable working - so everything OK. But admitted they never tested to see if i'ts cooking and in his words, no dealership ever does. Confusion reigned. How can you say that it was working when it wasn’t fully tested. In the end he did agree to reimburse the cost of new microwave if I bought one. Here begins the dilemma. In-cabinet model fitted by caravan manufacturer is no longer available. After phone calls and internet searches (including reviews for in-cabinet microwaves), still nothing to fit the space available and safe to use in-cabinet. Counter-top microwaves including the one fitted by original van manufacturer, state ‘oven should not be fitted in-cabinet unless it has been tested in-cabinet’. Phoned three microwave manufacturers who said theirs should be OK but couldn’t confirm if they had been tested in cabinets. One even said it was an odd thing to state. Now scratching head and getting splinters.
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Comments
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I think that you will find that most caravans have 'off the shelf' microwaves which are not 'cabinet specific'. Mine is one that can be purchased in any electric store.
Have a search for similar caravans to yours and see if the details specify the make/brand of microwave that they fit. You will then have a good guide as to what other manufacturers fit.
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I retrofitted a microwave/grill in our caravan. It was also difficult for me to find one that was not too deep for the space available, but in the end I found a Panasonic model that just allows the locker door to close fully when the microwave is not in use. All the installation instructions specify are the minimum clearance dimensions required on both sides and above the microwave and maintaining these was no problem - no mention of in-cabinet installation.
The appliance has no been in use there for over 10 years and it has never given us any trouble.
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Measure space in cabinet then buy a new microwave that will fit. Argos have a small one for £55 - that price won’t break the bank. Its dimensions are on their website. Will that do? Then take dead microwave to the dump.
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Freestanding microwaves, like the ones used in caravans, as Simon says are not designed to be built in. I had to replace the microwave in my previous motorhome. I measured the size and searched online and found a replacement at a far lower price than sourcing it via the motorhome manufacturer. It's just you take a bit of a gamble but at a price less than a £100 if it lasts a couple of years, but probably longer, you are not massively out of pocket?
You could of course try and get the existing one repaired but as I once discovered the basic price for someone to look at it might be as much as the cost of a new one?
David
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Wow, guys thanks for the info and being able to draw on your experiences. Have found a Toshiba one which is same capacity and wattage. It is slightly narrower, same depth and about one inch (25 mm for the metric guys) less in height.
I think that's going to be my solution.
Brilliant - thanks again
Rgds JimB
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Toshiba are a pretty good brand. If you have not already done so, when you remove the old one take a note of how it is fixed in place as its more than likely the feet on the new microwave will be in a different place so adjustments might need to be made.
David
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Notwithstanding the size issue, ensure it's screwed down properly. Many stories on one particular forum where microwave have been 'attached' with tiny inadequate screws resulting in movement, tremendous racket and potential parting company with the cupboard.
also, you definitely don't want any movement in the unit when removing piping hot food from it...easy to get the right unit, but ensure it's fixed very securely.
ps...I've just noticed that you're marked as a motorhomer but this refers to a caravan and is in the caravan section so I guess you're a not MHer anymore?...
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Our microwave has recently stopped heating. It lasted nearly seven years. I have been assured that it is no longer in production. We have bought a new microwave and it works ok, but am not happy with the appearance of it, We have been assured that the old microwave can be repaired by replacing the MEGATRON. We are now searching the internet to try to buy one. Will keep updating if we have any luck.
Good luck and a healthy year to all our fellow caravanners.
Mike & Jenny
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Don’t forget that, as far as I am aware, you will need specialised equipment to check for microwave radiation leakage after the repair.
Hope it works out for you.
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