

The 14-pound WaveBox can work off of AC or DC power using different cables, providing a claimed 660 watts when connected to a 12-volt battery or 240 watts when running off an in-vehicle power outlet.If you're going to use the WaveBox or any other plug-in device in your car, say a laptop computer or a portable DVD player, you'll want to read the safety advice in " How to Organize Your Car and Why," from the Consumer Reports Car Blog.Īre you using your microwave more than before? What creative ways do you cook food in your microwave? Let us know by leaving a comment below. One company is even targeting carpoolers, commuters, road-tripping families, and other folks on the go with what it says is the first truly portable microwave, the WaveBox Original, $199 (shown). Microwaves are also ideal for time-strapped consumers looking for meal-prep shortcuts. It is available in a 12V only model, as well as in an AC/DC version. And perhaps the versatility and options that many microwaves provide-convection capability steam-cooking, like the feature on the Sharp SuperSteam Oven AX-1200) a speed-cook setting for chicken and other conveniences-have made them a more-viable option for consumers. The WaveBox is a portable 12V microwave oven. What else might account for the growth in main-meal microwave use? Certainly, more microwavable foods are available than ever. Last year, Americans used a microwave for 22.5 percent of main meals, more than double the 10.5 percent who did in 1985. The rise of microwaves is responsible for some of that decline.

Stove tops and cooktops are still the most popular cooking appliance for main meals, but the percentage of main meals prepared on them fell from 52 percent in 1985 to 33 percent in 2009, according to the NPD Group. More than three decades later, President Barack Obama called for "a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country" in his recent State of the Union address.Īmericans seem to be embracing the president's call, at least when it comes to "nuking" in the kitchen: Microwave use grew 10 percent last year after having remained flat for two decades, according to " The 24th Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America" by the NPD Group, a market-research company.Įven though Americans are eating at home more often, they aren't cooking from scratch as much, according to Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for the NPD Group and author of the annual "Eating Patterns in America." And that's where the microwave comes in. Thanks.Microwaving is on the rise and has hit the road.īack in September 1979, tens of thousands of folks attended the "No Nukes" concerts held at Madison Square Garden in support of safe energy.

There are several small concept microwaves which apparently never made it to market, like Too tall to store in that space but could store elsewhere when not in use (behind benchseat). If must have a microwave, there is a small Whirlpool rounded cube microwave. If you spend a lot of time out on the road and enjoy your lunch nice and. Use the space for storage, like a toaster oven (have to remove when in use and cooldown before storing). Portable Microwave Best 12V Portable Microwave Ovens And Stoves For Cars Or Trucks. Wavebox might fit without carrying handle? Haier, Danby, Proctor-Silex, Westinghouse, and other brands have small 0.6 cu ft microwaves which are slightly too big for cabinet opening (but may fit if feet or cabinet opening is enlarged). Possible searches for "micro" or "mini" or "compact" or "small" or "smallest" microwave brands might include Haier, Daewoo (a QT1 240V version used in Europe), and portable Wavebox (not good reviews). If can find a microwave which fits the interior space, can enlarge the cabinet opening (get rid of folddown cabinet door). Powered by in-vehicle power outlet (12v, 15-amp minimum), as well as standard 110v outlet or direct connection to a 12-volt battery with alligator clamps. There may be Westy owners who do not use and may be willing to sell. A portable microwave oven from WaveBox weighs 15 pounds and has a heavy-duty handle for carrying. Consider the dimensions without feet or handles (every little bit helps, replace feet afterwards). The cabinet opening of about 18" x 10" (curved corners) restricts the possibilities. That is consumed while cooking, as in the AC cord. Unfortunately, microwave was discontinued years ago and no replacement microwave with the proper dimensions to fit through the cabinet opening and air space is probably available. Note: The portable 12v WaveBox microwave oven gives similar 660 watts of power. The original microwave was either an Origo or Tappan, about 0.5 cu ft and 550/600 watts or so (different name brands, same microwave).
