Small Battery Power Station Off-Grid Cooking with Microwave Oven
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- In this video, We cook with a microwave at camp using low watt power stations! Using the right type of microwave is key - Let's see how!
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Affiliate Links to items in video.....
Panasonic Inverter Microwave amzn.to/3T3en93
Power Station EcoFlow River 2 Pro (800W Inverter) amzn.to/3QvWuOL
Bluetti EB3a (600W Inverter) amzn.to/3PgTwvo
Power Meter Poniie PN2500 amzn.to/44SlhAa
XTAR 100 W Solar Panel amzn.to/3Qs3vQw
Connector for solar panel to Bluetti EB3a amzn.to/3rSiDfS
Connector for solar panel to EcoFlowRiver2Pro amzn.to/45bmfbc
Power Meter Poniie PN 2000 amzn.to/3QK8FWF
Panasonic Inverter Microwave amzn.to/3Phebzw
The use of affiliate links provide a small commission for me when you use them but at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my channel content and allowing me to do future Katy's Camp Kitchen videos! More videos coming soon!
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***** Correction ****Please note that in one of the charts, the inverter size for the EcoFlow River Pro Is incorrect - it should be 600W; however, it should still work with this microwave. The EcoFlow River 2 Pro is listed correctly with 800 Watt Inverter. Thanks to Steve Burritt for sending a note regarding this.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Equipment
02:55 Microwave Demo
04:13 Summary Results
05:52 How an (Inverter) Microwave Works with a Smaller Power Station
07:14 Power Definitions
08:10 Power Level / Consumption
09:09 Power Station Selection
10:41 Solar Power Input Testing
12:39 Traditional vs Inverter Microwave Comparison
14:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusions
16:18 Nature Picture and Outro
Yes, a small portable power station / solar generator, can run a microwave - BUT... it has to be the right type! In this video, you will learn how to use a small power station or DiY solar system, and how to make sure the two will work together.
For great battery extender video, power station, refrigerator and solar panel reviews, check out Jason @Jasonoid
Music from You Tube Music Library;
Wishful Thinking by Dan Lebowitz
Intentions by Anno Domini Beats
Website: katyscampkitchen.com - Jak na to + styl
That is really wild and interesting! I never even thought about trying to run a microwave off-grid because my camper van only has a 1000 Watt inverter and my two Bluetti power stations (EB3A and EB70S) both have even smaller inverters. The inverter microwave is new to me as well. Great info that will be helpful to a lot of people!
Thanks so much Robert ! I literally stumbled across it when we were looking for a new microwave. They are great for off grid. So many times I had wanted to make oatmeal or just heat something up without adding more dishes. Great for after a long travel day. ❤️
I’ve have a remote cabin for over 20 years with a Trace 4048 inverter. I have an older small microwave that’s only 900 watt. It only has a wind up timer and 4 power settings. It isn’t a phantom load when it is just sitting there. I also have a coffee maker that only uses power while brewing with a vacuum insulated stainless steel pot. It runs 11 minutes and uses a little over 200 watts of battery.
Very nice video, thank you. I built out a camper in 2018 and went "all-electric" for my cooking in 2021. I use an induction burner, a capsule coffee maker, a 3-quart electric pressure cooker, and a 600-watt microwave (950 watts in). I do this with a larger solar generator and 400 watts of solar on my roof. Initially (in 2018), I thought it would be impossible to use electric appliances on solar, but all of the above are very efficient. Additionally, I'm not making Thanksgiving dinners in my camper. The stuff that I make cooks very quickly, except when I use the pressure cooker. However, that appliance is extremely efficient. It uses around 600 watts to reach pressure but then cycles on and off to maintain pressure. When it is coasting, it uses almost no power.
HI!
Really interesting informaton with the set up you have. That is great that you are all-electric. I don't quite have the setup yet, but am working in that direction. It is amazing how much can be done now off-grid. I started looking into all of this because I want to put solar on my camper for as much boondocking as possible, and eventually here at base camp. We are collecting data now for an installation next year.
Your solar set up of 400 Watts is great!
Thanks so much for your comment!
Katy
Great testing and very informative, Katy! I learned some things here as I've never used an inverter microwave before. Loved the video!
I LOVE that you can adjust the power level on that inverter microwave (and it actually adjusts the wattage). Just like you illustrated in your graphics, when running on lower power settings with a normal microwave, it just cycles the microwave less frequently, but it still pulls max power as it cycles. That means you'll still need a MASSIVE inverter to run the microwave. Such a game changer for someone who wants to put less stress on their inverter.
Hi Jason!
I litterally stumbled on this inverter microwave when we were shopping for a new one. I had no idea they existed. Of course with inverter in the name, I couldn't not look into that!
You have such a great point on reducing the inverter load.
The OG microwaves drives the decision to a larger inverter often from what I have seen in many camper builds. MASSIVE is a good word! 😀
Katy
Just wanted to post - great video and I'm thankful you published all this info because I couldn't find it anywhere else. Had no idea these sort of microwaves existed until now.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for your wonderful note!!!
Katy
Beautiful. Very comprehensive and that's how review of products should be done.
Thank you so much! Your wonderful comment means so much to me! ❤️
Katy
Hi Katy. In my little part time job, I sell microwaves and people always ask "what is different about an inverter microwave?"
I have a similar explanation to yours in the video. And it's really great to hear someone else explain the differences in their own words.
As we both know, watts = heat = energy consumed. By using an inverter microwave, we can do a more efficient job of heating by actually putting more of the watts we are consuming into whatever we are trying to heat over a longer period of time.
Like driving a car, going faster costs more.
People might also be interested to know, a Bluetti EB3A is also capable of washing a load of clothes in a front load washer that is capable of adjusting the spin cycle. Spin is where the washer is using the maximum amperage / wattage draw from its power source.
SO even if a person doesn't use a power station to wash clothes, they can wash their clothes more efficiently if they can adjust their spin cycle from maximum to something lower.
Fewer watts = lower utility bill, too. (You're Welcome)
Hi Rich!
Thank you for your wonderful comment - such great information you provided!!!! I never knew the inverter microwave version existed until we needed to replace one. I was so happy to find it!
You have a neat job - being able to help people sort through their needs - I'm sure your clients must be so grateful for all your detailed explanations.
That is great information on the washer/spin cycle and overall efficiency! Really useful info especially for our winter outages - my arms and hands are already thanking you as well as my pocketbook!
Katy
Excellent, thorough review of this microwave that I didn't even realize existed. Thank you!
You are so welcome! I didn't either - I stumbled on to it when replacing a 20 year old microwave. I decided I needed to make a video on it to spread the word to our community.
Thank you so much for your comment!
Katy
Outstanding and practical analysis, great presentation - thank you!!
Oh Wow! Thank you so much!!!!
Katy
Katy, thanks for your excellent informational presentation. For boon docking, camping, or Ham radio, power management is always important in order to be sustainable (not running out of power). I own two Panasonic 1250 Watt Inverter microwave ovens, as well as a Bluetti EB70S and a EB3A solar batteries. You have encouraged me to test my larger microwave to see if a power setting of 1 or 2 would keep its power draw below 600 Watts. Great job!
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your kind note!
I would love to hear how it works out!
I got a ham radio for my birthday! I tinkered with ham radio many years ago (college days), and am excited to get all my gear up and running over the winter and get my license exams completed (the license I had was the entry level one that doesn't exist anymore).
Thanks so much!
Katy
Great information. Wish I had known about these microwaves a few months ago when I was looking for a new one.
I literally stumbled over them! Panasonic has the original patent which just expired so maybe they will become more obvious going forward.
I was really surprised to find them. I have done lots of research on microwaves since. People are working on a replacement for the magnetron also. That may not hit the market for a few years but it should be helpful too for energy reduction.
Thanks so much for your comment!!!
Katy
Thanks for sharing, I learned something today.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!! Thanks for your great comment!!!!
Katy
Great video, interesting! 2 weeks ago I purchased a watt meter and did a bunch of power testing for portable microwave, immersion heater, electric kettle, and induction, for off grid mobile cooking. I was unaware of this type of microwave. My results showed that microwave only actually delivered 35 to 42% of the energy used, into the water as heat. Electric kettle and immersion heaters were 100%, all energy used went into heat water. I posted a long writeup in Overland Portal in the cooking forum, if you are interested.
Thx, will purchase an inverter microwave from your link ;) Oh, and subscribed too.
Hi Dave!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
I stumbled across it when were looking to replace our failed microwave at home.
I was unaware of this forum and I will check it out! I think it is a great option for an overland setup. We have another version of the same microwave at home that I have also been testing. We do lots of off-grid camping as well and use our power stations for that as well as power outages here in New England.
I will check out the forum and your writeup!
I found the portal! Great writeup! I love all the details that you have in there! I have several other videos in the works from the planning stage to data collection and analysis. I have a couple of induction ccoktop videos also that use an Inverter for the induction cooktop, so it can be run at 600 Watts when needed.
I will attempt to become a member of the forum!
THANK YOU for subscribing and using the link! I really appreciate it!
Thanks so much!
Katy
So so so helpful for a new overlander🙏🙏🙏
Glad it was helpful!
I think it will be great for overlanding!
Thank you so much for your comment!
Katy
@@KatysCampKitchen thank you once again and all the best for your future endeavours! 🙏🔥
Excellent video, thank you
You are welcome! Thank for your wonderful comment!!! 😀
Thanks, This illuminated the exact solution for needing a microwave that can run off my 600 watt generator
Thank you so much for your comment! I was sooooo happy to find it!!!
Katy
Thank you for your in-depth descriptions of all 3 devices.
I remember watching a video over a year ago about a man using a 750w Panasonic microwave, not sure if it was an inverter one.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment and feedback !!!!😀
Katy
Hey this video is so informative and just what we need using power stations.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment!
It was very interesting to find these inverter microwave ovens! We needed to replace one at our base camp, and ended up buying an additional one for our camper after understanding how great it would be for boondocking with power stations! It had been 20 years since I last bought a microwave and had no idea these existed.
So nice of you to reply, here in Jamaica enjoying your channel.@@KatysCampKitchen
@@andrewboucher218 Fantastic! Jamaica looks like such a beautiful area!
Fascinating! Thanks for your hard work and valuable data..
We actually have a Panasonic inverter microwave which is more powerful. When we can afford a power station, I'll check if it can run at lower power levels.
Hello!
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment!
If you want to check your microwave before you get a power station, there are a couple of power meters linked in the description box of the video. The one I used in the video may be overkill (it is for EV charging tracking). I did link another energy monitor that I use a lot also (last link). It is the same brand, but has all the important everyday features. I have at least 5 different brands of meters and have found this one to be the one I reach for the most. (I should do a video on all those someday 😀 Here is the link for your convenience, in case you have a need for one of these. amzn.to/3QK8FWF
I truly appreciate your note!
Thanks so very much!!!
Katy
Thank you this video was very informative. God bless
Thank you so much! It was fun to explore!
Katy
Let's face it Katy. I am thankful you are a nerd 😅
That was intensive useful information!
While I don't camp anymore I am using solar and power stations throughout my house.
I just ordered the microwave after watching yours and a few other videos.
I hope you do some more cooking/recipe videos using the microwave.
Thank you for taking the time and effort for putting together such a useful video ❤
Hello and Welcome!!!!
Thank you so much for your very kind comment! I truly appreciate it!
I hope you will enjoy the microwave! Yes, I will be doing some other videos using the microwave. We liked the one in the camper so much, that we replaced a failed one here at base camp with another version of the same microwave. We are just waiting for our cabinet friend to install the and I will probably do a video on that one at some point as well.
We are so very glad to have you be part of our community!
Thanks so very much!
Katy 😀
Very informative❤
Glad you liked it! ♥️
Katy
oh that is interesting about the inverter microwave. I found I could use an induction much like this by just using the lower settings. Much depends on the initial peek power on various machines .
Hi! Thanks so much for your note!
Katy
Thanks, very useful information.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for your comment!!! New video tomorrow at 3 EST on another low power device!
very helpful
Thank you so much!!!😀
Terrific, Katy! I didn't know that there were two different types of Microwaves. I certainly will get one today and use my EB3a.
Hi Kevin!
Thank you so much for your comment!
I just stumbled on the inverter microwave when looking for a replacement at home. We liked it so much, that we bought one for the camper for boon docking.
I am amazed every time I use the EB3a. It is such a little power house!
I reach for it so much in my day-to-day for all kinds of things.
Katy
I just got one like yours and cooked a frozen corn dog with my EB3a on level 3. I will use it more and get familiar with level 3 and the extra time it takes. I was playing the time so I’m not sure but my guess is 2 minutes plus 30.
@@kevinholland4156 Oh Wow!!!! Excited to hear about your adventures with it!!!!
I hope to cook something more healthy than a corndog, but it was my test subject.@@KatysCampKitchen
If I every need a new or additional microwave I’ll definitely look out for the inverter type. I currently have a very old 1000 watt microwave that I’ve been using for years and I got it secondhand from a relative so I think it must be pre 2000s so not surprised it behaves the way you described when on a lower setting. I would have thought that the design of the inverter type where it reduces the power rather than constantly switching on and off would be better for wear and tear on the unit. My portable induction hob does the same thing on low settings wonder if there’s a better product out there that’s truly adjustable power setting wise.
You had me the moment I saw the spreadsheet with all the data LOL 🤓
Seriously, though, I applaud you for your research and sharing the results. I JUST got the Bluetti EB3A, and the first thing I did with it was to see how well it worked with my rice cooker. (It worked, but drained the battery to 3%) Glad to know how useful this little power station can be!
I continue to be amazed how CZcams/Google always seems to know what information I need and suggests the right video. Interesting, huh?? 😎
HaHa - Data is everything!!!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
I really like the EB3A - it is such a great little power house. I use the EB3A in several of my experiments/videos!
Would you mind sharing the name, model/size of your rice cooker? I have a Dash Mini Rice cooker myself and may want to go to a larger size....
Thanks! So glad you found us! 😀
Katy
It's a shame that the EPA will not include any microwaves in the Energy Star program, since they are inherently inefficient, compared to resistive cooking, which is 100% efficient. But we know that in real life there's a lot of waste with resistive cooking, with heat that doesn't reach the food, and heat that continues during shutdown. Perhaps if they would have such a program there would be some variety, competition and innovation that would improve the performance of microwaves. I greatly enjoyed seeing your results and knowledgeable explanations.
I have read that research in ongoing to potentially replace the magnetron with more power efficient devices. Even a small change in power is important since microwaves are so prevelant and so often used.
Thanks so much for your comment!
Katy
Great information, Katy! I finally bought a power station, but watching this video makes me think that I should buy an inverter microwave. The microwave I have is a big one that came with my mobile home. And since I only heat up small meals in it, why keep using it?!? And especially if it's going to be using up all the energy from my power station. Thank you for ALL the info!!
Hi SandiRose!
That was my thoughts as well - we had to replace a failed old microwave and I wanted to be able to run it off of my power station if possible.
I hope you had a great holiday! :)
Katy
I bought two 100w 12v rice cookers that can plug in to the 10 amp cigarette lighter ports. These work with most of my power stations, even my 300 watt tiny Golabs. Cooking rice uses 20 to 25 percent of the Golabs` capacity and takes about 40 minutes. I got two of them so I can make lentils to go with the rice. I also go four of the 350w Dash mini griddles. One is their waffle maker. They make amazing biscuits. I can use them with my cheap 500w power stations and my Bluetti EB70s. I also like using the 12v 120w immersion cup water heaters. You can boil eggs in a cup with those or make tea and instant coffee or cup noodles. I got a 600w immersion bucket water heater for heating bathing and washing water in a 5 gallon bucket in my camper. By the time the water is warm enough my camper bathroom is warm but for extreme cold I got a 200w Lasko mini space heater. It has been nice to have in cold weather to blow hot air on me because I live in my camper and it can get cold even though this is Louisiana. I found out that my Bluetti can run my tiny Frigidare air conditioner for about an hour and a half but I got those for my freezer when power fails. My 500w ones power my dorm fridge. I use a large 300ah Ampere Time for my microwave and air conditioner.
Such Great Ideas!!!! I love the Dash appliances! I need to get a 12V rice cooker. I have one of the immersion heaters that I need to test....
I have seen you on Jasonoid Livestreams (I think)... Great to see you here!
Thanks for your great comment!
Katy
I think Jasonoid is where I saw you and subbed. A lot of channels don`t show up in searches so I always find new ones in livestreams. Not sure if I mentioned this but the various 12v cookers can be connected directly to solar panels and used that way too. I bought the wiring and connectors to do this but haven`t tried it. I need to test polarity of everything. Some said the 12v cigarette lighter plug I got with MC4 cables is wired backwards. So it may be best to wire one up in a DIY thing. I love running my Onite LED light bulbs and USB fans directly from my high wattage folding panels. Their USB ports work even on very cloudy days and even in the shade. I`m in hurricane country and obsessively declared total war on power outages. LOL!@@KatysCampKitchen
Cool sharing😁💜
Thank you so much!!! ♥ You have lots of great videos!
@@KatysCampKitchen aww mighty hugs you lots for your encouragement🤗💜
Have you try the 3qt instant pot I think it draws about 700w when it pressurized it use very little power to maintain temperature
Hi! and Welcome!
Yes, and I love te 3qt IP! I have one and use it several times a week and always carry it in our camper.
I did a video on the IP a few months back....
Here's the link if you are interested!
czcams.com/video/Ri9IIfvwNJQ/video.html
Thanks so much for your comment!
Katy
Hi - I have a work van with a 700w inverter in the back (need to keep the van running so it doesn't cut out)
Do you think an inverter microwave will run off this inverter?
I have alternatively been looking at getting a power station too
Hi! Just getting back to you now that I can check my detailed data....
Some of this is shown around Time marker 2:10 in the video and then later.
With a 700 Watt Inverter, you should be able to run power levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. Power Level 3 is Low and PL 4 is medium-ish. I have reheated many meals with that level. It is like setting a regurlar microwave to medium so that the food can cook through versus cooking the outside only and the inside being cold. Power level 3 and 4 can also be used to defrost.
Around time marker 8:10, there is a listing power Power Level versus Power needed. The Pink column is the power level and the Blue column are the Watts needed to run at that power level. Using this, you can estimate the power level that could be achieved if you decide to get a power station or another inverter....
FYI, in the video, I had showed that an EcoFlow River has a 720 Watt inverter - that is in error - it has only a 600W (this information is in the video description also). The 720 Watts of the EcoFlow River is when it is on boost and it would only run a few seconds there. I have the later model EcoFlow River 2, and it works great for the microwave and will go up to power level 5.
I have run the microwave with the EcoFlow River 2 Pro and the Bluetti EB3A quite a bit and both work well in the small power station area.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if this is the information you were looking for and if you have any other questions!
Thanks,
Katy
@KatysCampKitchen thanks Katy - my message is recent so thanks for replying so soon on an older video!
I just purchased a inverter microwave and up to power level 5 it seems to be okay with the engine running. I am looking at getting a power station to assist/allow myself to run at full power but I'm happy to finally possibly be able to use a microwave on the go!
So glad to hear that it is working for you! Thanks for let me know!!!
I do my best to answer comments on all my video, so feel free to leave them on any other videos as well.
All the Best,
- Katy
@KatysCampKitchen keep up the good work!
I ended up purchasing a 1000w/716wh power station, hopefully this and the microwave work well to allow me to get some decently heated meals!
I've wanted to use a microwave for so long on the go, I nearly ended up buying a generator but so glad I looked more into these stations
What if you use a 600 watts traditional microwave? I found one.
Hi! Thank you for your great question!
The short explanation:
The 600 Watts is probably the cooking power of the microwave. To deliver that 600 Watts, roughly 1400 Watts peak and between 1000W and 1100 Watts nominal power consumption, will be needed. To operate with a power station, I would shoot for a 1400 Watt inverter (without knowing the specific microwave model).
The long explanation is below:
Typically, microwave manufacturers state the Watts in Cooking power (front of the box), instead of how much wall-plug power it takes to run the microwave. This "power" is listed differently than any other type of appliance, so that people could better figure out how much to adjust the cooking time. For example a 600W microwave will require a longer cook time than an 1000W microwave. Often on the frozen dinner package, the times are listed with the microwave power adjacent - for example, "Cook 4 minutes in a 1000W microwave".
There are really three power numbers to consider for a microwave.
1. The cooking power (likely 600 Watts in the traditional microwave found)
2. The power consumption (probably 1000ish -1100ish Watts for the 600W cooking microwave). This is usually listed in a specification and should be on the back of the microwave (though it may say Amps instead - multiply the Amps by 120 Volts to get the power in Watts)
3. The maximum power consumption, likley not listed anywhere - is probably 1400ish Watts for a 600W microwave ). This max power is the one that will determine if the microwave will work with a certain power station. This is a peak (max) power consumption occurs when the microwave is first turned on. One can find this out by using an Power Meter that has a Max function on it, or by watching a traditional energy meter and hope to catch the max reading. Manufacturers typically don't list this number because the traditional place microwave ovens have been used is tied to the electrical grid where the spike didn't matter like it does when using a power station.
One way to find clues is to search the question block on reviews of the microwave. Good search topics are Watts, Wattage, power, power consumption, etc. There will sometiimes be a question in the Q&A regarding power readings that someone took with a meter. Hopefully they will also cover the max power.
For any particular power station, the inverter that I am referring to is the base inverter number (not with power lifting mode, etc.)
Summary:
Geez, that was pretty long winded.... Feel free to ask any follow up question! I wanted to try and explain fully (the old teacher in me).
I would be happy to assist in looking through the specifications if you would like to share the name and model number of the microwave you located - it may be one that works!
I hope this helps - it can be confusing since microwaves are specified differently than any other appliance, since they work differently than other heating devices!
Thanks so much for your comment! I really hope this helps!
Katy
@@KatysCampKitchenThank you. This information was so useful to me.
Most microwaves built in the last 10 years are inverter, at least the cheap ones.
Hi!
Thanks so much for your comment!
Are there any you would recommend?
I appreciate the information!
Katy
Sorry, but there's one thing that has been bothering me. When the touch pad on my traditional Panasonic microwave breaks, I will definitely be replacing it with an inverter model, but . . . I say that the Panasonic graphic at 14:00, comparing the heating patterns of traditional and inverter ovens, is deliberately, and unnecessarily, deceptive. I have no specific knowledge about the technology, but just using common sense, they are comparing apples to oranges. The traditional microwave is running at full power and the inverter at reduced power. The basic tech is the same, so if the traditional microwave were run at a lower power level, such that the average power was the same as the inverter microwave's setting, I'd expect both to heat evenly, or I should say, with similar patterns. And while I'm writing, let me remind folks that the old advice about not using metal in a microwave is not correct. What you mustn't do is use very small pieces of metal, like staples, since they will overheat and possibly catch something on fire. I routinely use my stainless steel mixing bowls in the microwave to soften cream cheese, for example. The bowl doesn't get warm.
Hi,
Thank you for your comment.
Regarding the Panasonic graphic, I will contact Panasonic and attempt to get more information on their data set from their microwave engineers.
For the power levels and combinations that were used during testing , I did not observe any significant hot or cold spots in the food using this inverter microwave. However, I used only lower power levels when cooking since I have only smaller power output devices. I will do some additional testing at higher power levels(using wall plug). I have ordered another microwave like the one tested as our camper is in storage for the next 6 months
Independently, I am in the midst of procuring infrared test equipment to perform some additional tests.
I will provide an update once I have the manufacturers data and the additional data that I will be taking. It will potentially take a few weeks, but I will provide the additional data that is gleaned.
Thanks so much for your note!
Katy
Excellent tutorial video. I was searching for just this example so I know what's possible. I have the Bluetti EB3A, but I just got the Bluetti AC180 for more power. This video really set me right in my van life. Your doing a great service to many. I salute your detailed description given in this video. 🫡💯🤎🤲🏽
Thank you so much!!!!! I like to find appliances that will work with smaller inverters and the EB3A - it is such an awesome unit!!!!
I really appreciate your comment!!!
Katy