Rubbish Oven

[giraffehappy]

Hi Team,
I moved aboard at last onto yacht Sarah Grace. I am the main cook, for a family of four. We have a plastimo Neptune two ring cooker with a small oven and grill. I have been mightily unimpressed by it's performance, as it leaves things stone cold at the front, and burns them at the back, and is generally not very hot.
I have seen a Nelson oven/cooker. Has anyone used one and are they any better? Am planning to live aboard for several years so think that it is worth having a good cooker.

 

[Benbow]

Ho Ho Ho

When I did my yachtmaster, I think I clinched it when the examiner watched me put the pies in the oven. I carefully arranged them all right at the front of the tray so the bl**dy oven wouldn't set fire to them. 'Hmm, you've done that before' he says! It was in the bag after that!

Not much help, but sympathy. It's a totally pants oven.

 

[snowleopard]

I bought a Smev because it has a thermostat. It has done the job well for us, including baking may loaves of bread, the ultimate test of an oven. The grill is pretty slow though.

 

[trevorr]

Hi, We have a Nelson and although we've only been using it in anger for a couple of months, we are really pleased with it.
The oven seems to be of even temperature. The only downside is the heat from the grill is quite narrow.

Cheers

 

[jerryat]

Hi Giraffehappy!!

I've just changed my old Vanesa for the Nelson Spinflo, and have only used it a couple of times so far, BUT can confirm that its oven cooked a Fray Bentos pie (internationally recognised as THE standard test for boat cooker ovens! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif) to perfection! Thermostatically controlled, with all the bells and whistles, we're delighted with it, but it is early days!

Can recommend it on this basis. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers Jerry

 

[Richard_M]

Hi
Just replaced my Plastimo Neptune for a Force 10. Huge improvement with oven. SWMBO cooked a medium sized chicken in the oven and it took the same time as it would have done at home. We will be living on board next year, hence reason for change. If you visit Portishead Marina, you are welcome to come and view.
Richard

 

[adelaidem]

Thats bad news i have just fitted one to my yacht but have not plumbed the gas to it! i was not happy with the oven door lock as it scratches the black surround and also the fact that there is to lock for the grilling tray gee but now u are saying it doesnt even cook a half decent roast!!!!! i wish u had posted this 1 month ago.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Been using a Nelson for a couple of years now. Great cooker, throughly recommend.

SWMBO bakes with it (not possible without thermostat), cakes, scones and bread are wonderful. On Sunday we had a full roast, the meat was perfect.

Basically, there is nothing so far we have not been able to cook on board that we do at home.

Worth the extra money absolutely!

 

[TigaWave]

Cant remember the make unfortunately, but beware of cookers where the oven handle gets hot, on a Sweden I sailed if you leant against the cooker wearing shorts you were left with a nice handle shaped burn!

If I was buying one I'd now like to see it running at full temp' in the shop first.

 

[jimboaw]

We just replaced our 3 burner Force 10 which was on the boat when we moved aboard 8 years ago>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>With a brand new Force 10!!!!

 

[chockswahay]

I too am looking for a decent replacement cooker. The majority of marine cookers seem to be no better than a camping stove. I think the Plastimo is appallingly made (just fitted and removed one!).

A force 10 is on my short list but the price seems to vary from £800 to £1200 for the same model from different suppliers !!!

I had wondered about Taylors but parafin !!??!!

I have come to the conclusion that marine cookers are NOT value for money and that you only get what you pay for.

So I have to spend a small fortune already !!!!!! ????????????

Chox

 

[Anonymous]

Get one with a thermostatic oven. Non-thermostatic ovens have burner outputs limited so that on max. flame the temp. will not exceed a design limit (around Mk6 or 7) but when you put food into it the temperature drops and as there is no thermostat the flame does not rise to compensate. A few sausage rolls don't affect it much, but try a roast with roast potatoes and you will find it very hard. We do manage, but with a lot of 'work-arounds'. A decent themostatic oven costs around £1000, I think?

 

[hlb]

Our oven was crap for years.Then we discovered that the wire to hold the door shut, was stuck behind it!!!

 

[milltech]

I second that, when I bought Baltic Air last year she had a less-than-one-season Neptune aboard and it is complete rubbish. Tacky construction so it rattles whenever the engines on, and, as you say, only parts of the grill ever get hot and the oven temperature is very uneven. The screws that keep the door on a straight keep coming loose, hopeless.