Van Life Essentials How to Have a Microwave While Living in a Van

In todays video we take a look to see how practical it is to have a microwave in a van-it turns out it is easier than you think!
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Thanks for watching!

[@TS-rd7oy]

Bob's da bomb!🙂🙂🙂Thanks Bob, yours is the best channel regarding RV life.

[@rndmparker561]

Thanks Bob! You are so appreciated. There are so many things that no longer concern my thoughts and wonders. Because of all that you are putting out into this world for others, I have benefited from it greatly. Not matter what, I'm confident I can find a way to get by and LOVE every minute of it!

[@roundstone2020]

If you know a better human being than Bob Wells, I would like to meet him/her. Love you Bob!

[@frankmundo4300]

Rob green field is cool :) so is bob

[@janetwhitmore3993]

One in a million.

[@congerscott6064]

Excellent video, i bet Cody is going to love smelling microwave popcorn lol 👍.

[@billmccaslin4198]

Dear Mr Bob my hat is off to you and your crew, I say it all the time the tireless work that you all do we appreciate it. I am very blessed that I got to meet you before which was awesome but most of all thank you for all of your knowledge because we are still in our van living our dream and we are successful because of you thank you so much. Of

[@philiporourke7896]

Bob Wells and Curly Howard are my 2 favs, both great human beings.

[@fdm2155]

This is very interesting. BTW, I love Bob's 'sponsor announcement'. ❤️❤️

[@MrPaultile]

Bob is who inspired me to go fulltime in 2015. I will proudly recommend his video series for those who need advice. Thank-you Bob! I hope one day we meet.

[@mr.p3567]

Really great overview of the basics to large draw applications. Five stars all day.

[@darkdaze3860]

Another great video Bob! You always try to make it simple, informative, and entertaining!!

[@thizizliz]

Good stuff Bob. Everyone has their own idea of the best way to cook. You provide lots of options.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

Since I know a little bit about lithium batteries. They are more expensive but have many advantages. They last much longer than lead acid batteries. Approximately 3 to 5 times longer. They weigh about 1/3 of lead acid batteries. There are different types. The best for campers are Lifepo4. 4 cells match the voltage of a classic lead acid battery so all chargers and inverters and solar chargers can be used directly. I just built my own system for a mini van. It has 3.5 kWh of energy and can be charged on normal outlet, via solar or at an RV outlet within 2 hours.

[@patrickhagans238]

Don't Know if you know but if you turn on your microwave with nothing in it. It can burn out your microwave. I used to sell them.

[@2xsica]

I really like all the interviews/tours from other people's home on wheels you do. I would really like to see a tour of your van! As always, you do a fantastic job of helping people out and keeping them informed! Much love from Oklahoma ❤

[@MaxMiniTV]

My microwave is a lifesaver - I'm not much of a cook!

[@wendyannh]

Same here! Although I do use my broiler a lot, or pan fry things. They are almost always really simple, though, like just a steak or piece of fish. I have neither the energy nor the inclination to do much more very often. I go through long periods where I eat a lot of hearty soups or TV dinners, and there is nothing better than my microwave for heating those up in a jiffy.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

You really know your stuff... Thanks Bob! 👍

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I got so much out of it.

[@danthesquirrel]

FYI to all: A 700 watt microwave is the cooking power and it will draw at least 1100 watts from an outlet. Update 12/2/22: Since I have a 1,000 watt Pisfau brand battery source (about $500 on Amazon after clicking the coupon box) I decided to buy the lowest wattage microwave on the market: The 600 watt Commercial Chef. Using my kill-o-watt meter and the meter on the battery they both said it was drawing 975 watts and it has given me no problems for the last few weeks. This is the only microwave on the market that will work with a 1,000 watt inverter and buying it used like new on Amazon it was about $54. My Chulux pod coffee maker draws 720 watts also runs fine. Guess who's been enjoying coffee and breakfast while still in his bath robe: This guy! :) It is common to see lithium batteries with a 100 amp battery management system built-in which limits battery output to about 1280 watts. When you subtract out the 1100 watts for the microwave plus what the inverter draws plus the fridge plus the van lights and maybe charging a phone it is easy to see where a 100 amp BMS may not be enough for a 700 cooking watt microwave. If planning to run a "beefy appliance" as Bob calls them, it would probably be wise to invest in a battery with a 200 amp BMS that can deliver 2560 watts. I got my battery numbers off the Amazon Redodo brand page for a 200Ah battery with a 200 amp BMS currently going for $650. And to avoid an electrical fire with a beefy draw, a 12 volt system in a van will require much thicker wires between the battery and the inverter than a house needs in the walls using 120 volts. Random online sources seem to agree that a 1/0 AWG gauge battery cable is good enough to handle up to 3,500 watt draws and is the right size for a 2000 watt inverter. A person that didn't know better might be tempted to save $10 on a thinner cable and turn their van into a barbecue wagon.

[@katreilly3094]

How much does it pull on low and medium????

[@Bajachino]

If you can spend a little extra money there are some options I have an Ef Ecoflow Delta 1260 wh 1800W and it can run my Nuwave convection plate also my 700w microwave and the best part is that it can be recharged in about 2 hours from 0 to 80% . It cost about $1400.99 but by the time you buy 4 batteries and inverter I believe you are better of. The best thing is it recharge pretty fast. Also it can be moved from one vehicle to another . I also have a Jackery but it takes much longer to recharge. Just a good option. It is sold at amazon

[@JK-ns5dr]

Finally someone explained this in detail. Thank you Bob for everything you do.

[@justmona9647]

Although I don't use a microwave I have passed your video on to friends who are always asking questions about having a microwave. I've saved your video so now rather than trying to explain something I really don't know about I can just forward your video on microwaves. Thanks again Bob for your wisdom!

[@justmona9647]

@Kamper Ken I don't use any high draw items. I guess for being a tent camper for so many years (50+) I never felt the need to have such equipment which includes in my sticks & bricks when I'm in them. I realize I'm one in a billion who doesn't use those items although I've just never seen a reason for the equipment. I know you don't have to think it, I've been told before, I'm a weirdo😁

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Awesomeness, Brother Bob!

[@srrfounder1]

Congrats on 455K subs, Bob... GUESS I WON'T ME GETTING A MICROWAVE ANYTIME SOON!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Same! I have a cute vintage half pint I am using in my house now, but not sure I can swing 2K to power it, 😒

[@srrfounder1]

@@serenakoleno9338 Ditto!

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

They do make inverters now that are supposed to save on standby power. But they're also twice as expensive.

[@debm1889]

I have a Jackery 1000 and I bought RCA microwave from Walmart paid 70 Canadian dollars 700w.....I've been warming up my food maybe 2 or 3 minutes and its doing fine so far..then again I'm not a big cooker so it works for me

[@amandaladerer5618]

That was my exact question can I use a 1000 jackery ? microwave for a couple minutes to heat up water or heat up food so I don’t have to do an electrical set up

[@atouchoffunfashion1614]

That's the question I was waiting to ask as well. Glad you mentioned it. I can't get a clear answer as to whether or not you can use the Jackery 1000 to power your microwave in a van.

[@deionle9355]

harbor freight has jackery 1000

[@doidletp]

Bob sometimes gets confused between amps and amp-hours.

[@aimos5990]

Hi 🙋‍♀️ Bob and Cody from The Bolacks in MA. 😊

[@annag467]

Microwave requirements are helping me comprehend voltage vs. amps. By far, I love food, more than I love electricity science.

[@annag467]

UPDATE: 2 yrs after this video: I got a 600W microwave for the van. 1 min on medium high costs 1% power 🔋 40 seconds roasts the bejesus out of a tiny cookie 🍪

[@spencermoon1371]

cheers buddy been following you since i first went off-grid 5 years ago youve been a legend helped me loads im still loving it!

[@stevenpeaslee8113]

Hey Bob! Saw you camping near Quartzsite in December almost stopped and said hi. I will next year. If anyone is interested of what I run for power and what works for our usage in a Sprinter full time. It really does depend on your needs. Lithium is fantastic! The upfront cost is a Iittle high but the savings is way cheaper after replacing 4 lead acids twice in 5 years I bit the bullet and got the Battleborns and have been using them flawlessly for 7 years running a 1750w microwave, refrigerator Max Air fan electric induction burner, lights projector all cell phone charging through 400 amp hours of Battleborn lithium batteries. (10 year warranty) but most likely 20 years The peukert effect is almost completely eliminated with lithium batteries. The batteries are half the weight of lead acid batteries and 80% of battery capacity can be used without premature degradation.(even if you do run them completely down continually your still have 80% A lead acid battery can only use 40% if you go over that you will begin to cause heavy damage the lead plates in the lead acid battery. I have 200w of solar but most of the charging is from a DC to DC charger connected to the starter battery that delivers 60 Amps of charging while at idle or driving plus about 10 amps through the solar. Hope this helps someone. Safe travels to all and keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

[@56fordthunderbird]

thanks bob for info

[@humanity941]

hi from australia

[@markwolf9721]

Very good point a microwave should have it's own dedicated inverter why waste power to be on standby same thing for tv and home stereo system plug these into a power strip and shut off when not in use yes I know it's gonna take the tv about 5 minutes to reboot but eliminating standby power is worth it Thanks Bob Legacy Wells 💞😃👣🐾🚐p.s.My Nomadic lifestyle is on standby for a year lol😵😂🤣

[@markwolf9721]

@@Zymurgest Hey buddy thanks for the info I wasn't aware of this good to know you're very knowledgeable I appreciate you sharing your helpful tip Happy Holidays and God Bless You 😃✌️👍

[@markwolf9721]

@@Zymurgest Hi yes you are helpful I appreciate it are you a full time nomad? hopefully 11 months to go for me 😃✌️👍

[@markwolf9721]

@@Zymurgest Thanks for the reply this is our last cold winter Happy Holidays 😃✌️👍

[@offairhead]

I need a microwave and an air conditioner. My interest in vanlife isn’t about camping or roughing it but just the mobility and ability to travel.

[@ZiggZagg11]

I find that microwaves with spinning glass discs are a pain in the butt in a mobile vehicle... It must be put back on its center spinning hub every time you stop moving and want to use the microwave... With a bit of research a regular nonspinning disc microwave can be found... (a side note, the microwave still has a spinning device in it that stirs the microwaves)...

[@thisorthat7626]

ZiggZagg11, good point for people who want to consider using a microwave.

[@craftymulligar]

Or use 100 amp hour or more lithium. Use higher c type. Put out more amp than usual.

[@MattExzy]

I was thinking about this very thing considering if I were to jump into vanning. If you could only afford say 2x 100ah AGMs, I'd be inclined to wire them (and panels) in series for a 24v system (24v inverter and controller of course) to lessen the current drain. The amp hours will be the same as a single battery, but the available *power* is still effectively double of a single battery. Wiring gauge thickness could also be less heavy duty. And I'd say for anything over 100w of panels, an MPPT would be a must over a PWM, especially if you're pulling loads like a microwave. I've also looked at lithium (LiFePO) and it seems the more sensibly priced ones aren't as capable of the current draw as AGMs are - so they might need to be in series as 24v anyway. Although I probably couldn't justify the expense. Just my 2 cents.

[@1shirleynewman]

Thanks for sharing.

[@pincus321]

Lithium will not drop to 11v it stays at 12v for most of is capacity and you can drive it greater than half your capacity without damage provided you can recover straight away. You should look at UPS these run at 24v. The closer your input voltage is to your output the greater the efficiency is. 12v to 120v is a big ask in inverter technology. UPS could be cheaper than larger inverters. They cannot run for long periods of time but they do contain their own batteries, and often are thrown out simply because after years of sitting in computer rooms their batteries have failed.

[@gregoryg.campbell3874]

I will fire up the Honda 2200 for five minutes and Call it good

[@1shirleynewman]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@crawford323]

Why don’t you run your engine during the brief time you zap something.

[@rodneybynum8104]

We have 2 Walmart deep cycle battery's $69 each and run our microwave at night and can run a small electric heater for 6 hours at night after the microwave is used .

[@RichardsWorld]

Well...how about topping off your batteries using your van's engine and alternator?

[@mariaruiz7318]

Very informative! Love learning from you ... So generous sharing your knowledge. Greatly appreciated!

[@woggs1]

Bob, you should look into lithium batteries (LIFEpo4), since they last over 10 years they are cheaper in the long run than golf cart batteries that you have to replace every 2 or 3 years.

[@friendoftellus5741]

!!!

[@gino_colucci]

A quick question I think I missed it in the video but what is the minimum size inverter I would need to run a small microwave like that? I currently have a 1,000 watt inverter do you think that would be enough?

[@thisorthat7626]

1000 watt inverter should work if your small microwave is 600 watts or less. Your inverter should have a peak usage that is much higher than 1000 watts. Check the literature that came with it or look on the inverter.

[@gino_colucci]

Thank you!

[@LifeandDarknessAura]

I've learned so much with your videos.

[@philcastora6564]

Love your videos and knowledge. I want to transition to. Van life someday. My biggest question is about a/c . Best bang for the dollar. Best way to set up. I live in Florida

[@beckyspindler2153]

Move north! Florida is too hot 90% of the year

[@lindasunderlin6936]

Phil, I think the reason Becky said this is because all boondockers learn that unless you own a hybrid vehicle you will never have cheap, easy 8 hours of air conditioning. And that is why the retired folks who are boondockers simply must live a lifestyle with focus of chasing locations where weather is under 80°F. Learning to ascend and descend mountains is your new reality. FYI, people with high blood pressure have altitude struggles.

[@grannieannie1371]

If I had a dollar for everytime I saw someone ask that question I would be at least $20 richer lol. I'm not an expert but the answer is you need a LOT of solar, I think Bob did a video with someone who ran one. It was around a 1000watts of power and 500 amps of useable batteries, so about 1000 amps or 12 000 watts of deep cycle AGMs. Bob's recommendation at the time was but a generator and use that to power your air conditioner. My advice would be do a lot research both here on KZbin and on the internet. I think the window style ones are the most efficient.

[@philcastora6564]

@@grannieannie1371 I agree about window units that was my plan. Little bits I heard over years was get one that didn't have a huge power draw at the start.

[@thisorthat7626]

@@philcastora6564 That is true to keep start up draw low. The big thing with an a/c is that is runs for hours at a time. So you will need enough solar/generator/shore power to keep up with the demand on your batteries. If you have shore power it will be easy. Generators work well but are noisy, heavy, and need refilling. Solar will require enough panels and batteries to keep power coming. Here's your homework. :). Find a small window a/c and see how many watts it uses (use google). Then calculate the size of the solar panels, batteries, and inverter you will need to run the a/c for the desired amount of time. If you need to run it at night you will need enough battery capacity to do so. Then determine the cost involved. Have fun!

[@sylvialmartel]

♥ALWAYS BE SAFE AND BLESSED♥

[@gpriceco]

Good info on battery/inverter/high energy draw. Thanks

[@gale8246]

Would a 1000 watt Jackery run a 650 watt small microwave without problems? I would have maybe a 30 quart fridge/freezer and small electronics such as a cell phone, a Kindle and a frequently used laptop to charge. I have a Vitamix blender which pulls 1400 watts, which is too high, even though I only run it a few minutes at a time. I may get a small blender instead.

[@lenurban]

Excellent guidance as always.

[@ytfeverguy8367]

lookin good Mr. Wells. Thanks for all of the great offgrid content!

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

Did you install the inverter yourself? Any recommendation for an outfit that installs inverters and batteries in AZ? I have a small travel trailer that I’d like to get an inverter for to power microwave and my electronics.

[@genevieveinez7]

Soo much good info. I always learn so much from your videos. You never fail to amaze me Bob 😄 thank you.

[@dewayneavery5097]

Great video. I understand u should only buy M/w that is analog like the one in ur video. Not one that is digital. Not over 750 watts

[@tzerbs]

Great video. The voltage is correct but is load dependent. Its not a measure of remaining capacities.

[@larrysouza5213]

Bob,have you ever used a inverter generator?. Is it such a sin using one two hours or so a day?

[@rvquiltquest7062]

Such helpful information. I am looking at your classes on skillshare as I prepare to hit the road soon. :) CAN'T WAIT!! :) Love you Bob.

[@hawaiidogs9277]

Ty sir

[@cineskies114]

Hey Bob, while I watched the video, I was wondering, since I have a battery isolator on my main van battery. When I run my van at night(anytime) it charges my solar 100ah Renogy battery. I will have to think about how that would help to help supply power when using a microwave. I’ve always wanted a microwave in my van, but always thought it was too big of a draw. I have 2 x 100w solar panels down to 100ah battery, isolator as extra help. Always thought I’d like to add 3 more batteries, I still have room on roof for 2 more panels as well. Thx for the video, I gotta sit n think of o can do it and what I should add to make it fully functional. 👏✌️🌬🚐💨

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

These videos are phenomenal! I'm so glad I found your channel. When I do hit the road, it won't be an epic fail now. BTW you do look like Santa 🎅. Adorable!!! 😉

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I have a 900 watt Microwave and run it off of 2 - 100 AMp Hour Lithium batteries with a 1100 watt inverter. Works fine with 480 Watts of solar on the roof.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Thanks for defining the separate inverter’s. Makes sense to have a lower draw inverter to charge smaller items. All the best ☮️

[@katreilly3094]

What jackery could power it on medium?

[@JJHDZ68]

I'm really thinking about getting rid of the $1500 mini studio here in California and joint the Nomad movement. It would be cheap living and peaceful I think. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge sir. May the lord bless you Bob. 🙏🙏

[@garychristison5773]

Thumbs up for the easy to understand explanation. For those that want to get out the calculator, It's all about I^2 times R power loss. Keep those batteries close as absolutely possible to the inverter and as Bob says, use thick wire, double up wire in parallel if possible for 12V connections.

[@victorhex6380]

Bob is everyones cool uncle

[@harpomianre6228]

Never heard of Skillshare. I have used Udemy before. Would one of the new air fryers ovens work? I was thinking of getting a Dodge Grand Caravan or a Ram Promaster City. I will check out Skillshare and Udemy.

[@dougt8215]

I have one of those 1000W solar power stations and I tried a 0.7 cu. ft. 700W cooking power Walmart microwave with it and it failed within 30-seconds because the microwave needed too much power (1100W input). Then I ordered one of those 600W Commercial Chef microwaves on Amazon and that worked fine (only needed 950W input).

[@olepickle5366]

Hello, im having a problem running my 700watts microwave using my 300watts inverter thru my 1500 promaster main battery(12v 95 Ah 800a). I used this set up with my tundra and I never had an issue before. Please help and thanks in advance

[@coagulateblue]

For anyone running their own microwave load tests: put something (e.g. a glass of water) in the microwave - don't run it empty. The energy has to go somewhere, and you can cook to microwave components if you don't have something to absorb the energy. You will probably get away with it, but just a friendly tip from someone who has witnessed what can happen if you run it too long empty. Great video

[@kiwigomes1722]

Never in a gazillion years did I think I would push the subscribe button ... but I just can’t help myself 🤷‍♀️... I keep on coming back for more. I do see this being my future and I am learning SO much! Thank you! New subscriber now ... 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelwhite1119]

Does using the microwave for let's say, 5 minutes, drain the battery down 50% (let's say)...which would count as a cycle??? What about direct connection to my van's alternator and isolator?

[@ThinkDifferentish]

I'm looking for information on if it should be vented, and how the heat/steam/smells effect the interior of the van. I had a non-vented microwave/range hood at home and hated it! Every time my wife seared a steak the smoke detectors went off. I vented it, and that does not happen anymore. Her steaming/cooking on the burgers has caused the paint in the kitchen to start to bubble. Venting (actually venting, not back into the space!) solves all that.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

Great video as always. Two things I would note. A pure sine inverter has a higher idle draw but overall it is much more efficient. Having a sine Wade makes all appliances you connect run more efficiently. A 'modified sine wave' makes any appliances work less efficient thus they will draw more power from the inverter to compensate. If you were to measure the power drawn from the battery, you would see that running any appliance on a pure sine wave inverter will use less energy from the battery than a 'modified sine wave' inverter.

[@alakani]

Yep, he's running a pure sine inverter. Another thing to note is that while some microwaves might run on MSW, the sharp edges of the square wave make the magnetron grid rattle around a little, making heating very slow and probably reducing the life of the microwave

[@annag467]

I got a 600W microwave for the van. 1 min on medium high costs 1% power 🔋 40 seconds roasts the bejesus out of a tiny cookie 🍪

[@maureenblutekraus3561]

I have a grill cheese maker. Hamilton beach. How many watts will it draw

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

A simple way to figure out battery size and inverter size: multiply battery voltage with capacity. For example 12 Volt * 200 Ah = 2200 kWh of available energy. Half of that is the maximum inverter size you should use. So in this example a 1000 Watt inverter is the largest you should use.

[@mcdowell356]

I wonder how much solar you would need to run a deep submersible well pump . 220 volt and 1/2 hp .

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

I was able to run my microwave with 2 lithium batteries and 180 watts solar.

[@OneHeartMinistries]

Do you have a video link on this?

[@kazansky22]

I wish quality 12v microwaves were a thing

[@cake3291]

could a big jackary power this? and how .much power/% might it take? : )

[@iasimovscientist4981]

You’re getting two technical on your last couple of videos. Can you refer me to a post that’s more simple?

[@offairhead]

What is the difference between a 12 volt battery and a golf cart battery and why do you prefer golf cart batteries?

[@Hookahitter]

I have a old Cobra 850 inverter and love it, you wont find them anymore.

[@adequatebus8280]

thanks, Bob. good balance of tech and practice. -C

[@simplysandy3288]

Great video! I did understand you can run a microwave in a van lol 💜

[@simmonsfamilyfarm1650]

I love these how to videos!

[@monsterboymom]

Just got more confusion.....

[@richardcoady1167]

"Veterans and Gold Star families will be given free lifetime entry into national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11" of 2020.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

That’s wonderful!

[@pathappycamper2843]

What about with a Jackery 1000? Can that handle a small microwave?

[@susanclark5532]

Can I run a 600 watt microwave on a 1000 jackary?

[@bradheal2697]

Why not just run an inverter off starter battery with engine running for microwave.

[@rositagarcia805]

Hi Bob, you say you have 2 inverters. Are both inverters connected to the solar control. Or just the big one, and the smaller is connected to your 12v fuse box using the lighter port to get power for smaller stuff.

[@expressvanlife1859]

all inverters must be connected directly to the batteries

[@billhuman448]

FROM the HUMAN GUY !!! mikka saki shireba choujya Roughly, in English it means: “If you can see three days into the future, you’ll become rich.”

[@harryward6915]

Was thinking about buying a wind turbine and carried on the road to set up produces 6000 watts of power what do you think about this is this a good idea

[@expressvanlife1859]

great idea do it and let us know how it goes

[@harryward6915]

Thanks Bob. I appreciate your input

[@davet7663]

Good information Bob. So what would be the pros and cons to having a 2000-2200 watt inverter generator be compared to your system. I know I’ve had 3 different inverter generators over the years and they sip gas. Especially if you’re running it 10 or 15 minutes at a time. My Honda was around $1000 but I had a champion that was$400 and a Pulsar $500 there are several that have very good ratings in the $500 range.

[@circusyahoo3746]

I've found short period high draws are easier than long period low draws. Just run the engine for a little while. Been using an inexpensive 1200w inverter under my seat for twenty years. Use it for coffee, chain saw, pressure washer, microwave etc by using 300 amp welding cable to the inverter, just the starter battery and having the engine running. Full disclosure: Microwave is a thirty year old 400w Samsung. Bought when people would ask "who's that?"