I SAW A HEADLINE announcing a battery-powered microwave, and immediately thought of all the nomads who want to be able to nuke their food but don’t have enough off-grid power to do it. Could this be a solution?
Cordless power tool maker Makita had cast its eyes with despair upon the job sites of the world and beheld hardworking people eating their lunches cold because they had no microwave ovens. So they created the MW001G, which is powered by two of the company’s 40-volt XGT batteries — the same batteries used with their top of the line tools. What? You’re using lesser Makita tools or — shudder — some other brand all together? Well then, you’ll just have to consume your leftovers at ambient temperature, like a savage.
The MW001G is a slick little appliance. However, there’s a catch: it’s not available in the US. But that could change if the product is a success elsewhere.
There’s no pricing info available, but it’s probably safe to assume it will be higher than a basic 700W AC-powered microwave from your basic big box retailer. And then there’s the cost of the not-included batteries. And, of course, you’d need a power source to recharge those Makita batteries — a source that would probably put out enough juice to run an ordinary microwave instead.
It doesn’t look like the Makita MW001G makes a lot of sense for us nomads unless we already have some 40V XGT batteries lying around. But a microwave like this could open the door to other battery powered microwaves. Maybe one of those will be the perfect answer.
So, what do you think? Personally, I’ve never felt the need for a microwave oven in the ten years I’ve been on the road. I’m in no hurry and cooking the old fashioned way is sort of meditative for me. It’s also one less thing taking up room in my van. But everyone is free to cook or reheat however they want, however works for them.
It’s a little humorous, though, that at one end of the cooking appliance spectrum you have the slow cooking aficionados who don’t mind prepping for dinner before breakfast, and at the other end you have the people who think a few seconds isn’t sufficiently instantaneous. Which are you?
Oh nuts. Part of the allure and pleasure of nomad life for me is the slow pace. Microwaving would not be my thing.
Microwave oven…best for pasta reheat and no fuss popcorn! One choice of restricted use (power hog) appliances in our rig, rejected for a toaster! Perfect for the hurry-up, too busy life that many of us avoid.
I have a small 700w microwave in my van that I use mainly to reheat leftovers. And a 500w one-slice toaster made by Dash that I call my Barbie toaster.
Since they don’t run for long, the power consumption isn’t an issue.
I also have an induction cooktop that’s one of my biggest power hogs, but it’s fast and efficient.
But like many of us, I discovered what I really needed after becoming a nomad. My preferred cooking method is outside, on my little camp stove or over a fire, at a leisurely pace with a contented mind, nice view and maybe a beer.
What are you doing when it rains for days on end? Cooking inside ?. Your van might stink like sh…
Imagine, the smell of the food mixed with the smell of the sh… from your bucket. Don’t say you pu… out in rain or you tie it in a million bags. Is still there inside the van. Too close proxies. It’s an odd ,,aroma” of that mix. Don’t you think so? And then, washing hands, or you think that wet wipes are good enough to handle food after doing your business. Think about. Poor people.
Has this been your experience?
I’m not that dirty to live in a van or a car like you. That’s disgusting.
ES, I’m not sure if your comments are for a specific person, but I haven’t had those issues. What you’re describing does sound wretched but not typical.
The life isn’t for everyone and might not be for you. It involves some compromises but not as many as we imagine.
My composting toilet is sealed and vented to the outdoors. Zero smell. Two high speed ceiling fans to circulate air. Indoor and outdoor showers, deep sink, hot water. Soap. Batteries last for days even with a foot of snow on the solar panels, or start the engine and charge off the alternator. Or shore power.
I know lots of nomads who have more rustic but nice functional setups. I don’t know any who endure what you’ve described.
I’m an older retired woman with the means to go back to a house if I want to. I’m in awe of people I meet whose options are more limited yet found creative ways to have a comfortable, fun nomadic life.
Really Nice, Judy! As a remodeling contractor I can attest to individuals creating their “own” living conditions with little connection to their particular living space. People should not lay waste where others thrive.
ES,
You sound perfect… can we be friends?
LM
Same picture, different name, That’s odd.
As about friendship, I love to make new friends and I’m friendly with anybody that accept me the way I am. I apologize that I hurt your feelings, but that’s my weak point, I am blunt, although, one day, I might end up in the same situation. I was enchanted with mobile life style, that’s why I’m here, on these pages of Bob, but that was one of the reasons that hold me back. It takes me time to come to grip with that awful thought about our encounter. Anyway, anyhow, if your proposal is genuine, send me an email and reveal your true id. Mine are real, nothing to hide.
I could see this leading to other brands making mini portable microwaves. Maybe just big enough for a coffee mug or frozen burrito. Picture Dewalt having one powered by a couple or their 20v max batteries. Could happen.
Only advantage I see of using a microwave is possibly less water consumption by reheating food in it’s microwavable storage container instead of removing it from container and heating in a pan.
I agree, Kayte. Fewer dishes to wash. Not a huge benefit when you’re maximizing a small space.
Tho I have one guy friend who only eats to live, who turns on his generator and nukes a TV dinner every day. He’s not full time and eats simply at home too.