Microwave vs no microwave

jdkoepsell · February 9

We are about to purchase a T@B360. We could either purchase one with a microwave or we could purchase one without a microwave. Not having the microwave provides a little more storage as it would instead come with a storage compartment with a soft closure lid and latch. If we bought one with a microwave and then later decided we'd rather have the storage, we could always remove the microwave. But then we would be left with an unfinished cabinet without lid or barrier to keep things from falling out. Any suggestions from your experiences?

Yoshi_TAB · February 9

Hi, You will find folks on both sides of the fence on this subject. For us, we like having the microwave option when we have shore power (or an inverter) to quickly reheat food and drinks, heat soups. make microwave popcorn and cook small instant food items especially when we are in a hurry or the weather is bad outside. . We use the microwave as storage for bread, pitas, cookies and other fragile food items. So it also serves as storage. Best wishes on your purchase.

I think you can purchase a kit for the door if you remove the microwave if you find you need the storage or do not use the microwave.

elbolillo · February 9

We removed the microwave from our 400 and I purchased and installed the "microwave remove kit". Our microwave at home is located in the garage as I removed the totally worthless one that was installed over our range. Only think the microwave at home gets used for is popcorn and frozed brown rice. On the road in our 400 I do not miss it in the least.

MuttonChops · February 9

I'm in the no Microwave Group. Storage is more important and it is surprising how fast a propane burner can heat-up a meal.

Binghi · February 10

I vote microwave. We reheat a lot of stuff; most importantly, cups of coffee that have cooled off too much to enjoy. And don’t forget the convenience store burritos.

GBL_citruscountyfl · February 10

I have a 400 and took the microwave out, then refinished the opening. I ended up weighing the microwave and metal trim, and it came to 33lbs. Personally, I don't use microwaves due to the health issues they cause, and I also took a lot of weight off the side that is already overweight from the factory.

rcarlson1957 · February 10

Maximizing space in a small camper can definitely be a challenge. Our 320 didn't come with a microwave (bought it used). Thought I wish it did and then realized I'd be worried about spilling things over the bed where it would've been located. But as we've aged, convenience tends to move to the head of the line. I made a little 2 story metal "rack" out of a counter microwave stand that we keep in the truck bed that holds a small 700w microwave and an induction plate. It's fits under the tonneau cover and just pull it forward onto the tailgate when want that convenience for short trips and put it on folding table for longer ones. Small propane stove if boondocking (don't like cooking inside camper). But would love a 360 CS with one built in the back.

WayneW · February 10

I think it totally depends on your camping style. We mostly boondock for weeks at a time and don’t have a generator, so a microwave would be wasted space. I removed it and converted the space to storage with a latching door.

If you primarily camp with hookups and for shorter time periods, you might want to have the microwave over the storage. They certainly are convenient for many tasks. I don’t know if you can answer how you are going to use the trailer yet. If you can, that would help guide your decision. If not, I’d go with the microwave. It can be more easily removed and converted to storage than installed after purchase.

Maxcamp · February 11

Microwave on our 3000w inverter circuit pulls about 98 amps.
12 to 15 min. Used to reheat stew for two plus cleanup water and tea. Consumes about 12 to 15% of our 400ah battery setup. With some Solar we've gone a week doing this or hooked up to truck during a drive.
We prefer bringing a week of prepared stew or lasagna to cooking after a long day outdoors or driving.
We are strictly cooler weather/ swing seasons campers and hot tea is much appreciated.
Earlier fall we nuke corn on the cob.
We very rarely take time to set up our outdoor campstove.
Many heat and vapor issues with using indoor stove.. we absolutely never use it.
We too store bread and chips while traveling. Be sure not to put in microwave until you've wiped down interior water vapor and it's cooled down.

mx4789 · February 11

I rarely use the microwave at home and don’t see any need for it in the Tab (320). I took mine out to use the space as a pantry. No need for the aftermarket/replacement cabinet door. Just install a cargo net. You can also get a rubberized self adhesive trim for the unfinished opening. I used some black ABS sheeting to cover the back part where the wires are. I will try to post some pics here…

mx4789 · February 11

If you decide to remove yours you will most likely have to pop out the AC vent and then remove the black plastic ring that holds the vent in. Once the microwave is out then you can reinstall the ring and pop the vent louvres back in. Also search the forums and you’ll find a bunch of tips on this subject and some on making custom cargo nets (which I have yet to make, but did attempt once and wished I searched here first since I failed miserably, lol).

marleecamps · 1:45AM

I wasn't sure I wanted the microwave but have found it to be very handy at times - travel days on long haul trips, rainy days, etc. Keeping it.

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