Sitable Microwave ovens for use with generators

[johnparker5]

I need to replace my microwave oven on my boat but have been told that only some types are compatible with standard generators. Is this true, and if so can anybody explain what type and why?

 

[Fresh_Prince_of_Belair]

I need to replace my microwave oven on my boat but have been told that only some types are compatible with standard generators. Is this true, and if so can anybody explain what type and why?

That would depend on the microwave and / or the genny. If your genny is a "full sine-wave" genny, then it will operate any microwave up to the rated wattage. If not, then the M/W needs to have a switch-mode power supply inside it, or it won't work. A full sine-wave genny is a most useful tool but more expensive, unfortunately.

 

[Gumpy]

Simple dial timers are the ones to go for they work on anything even msw inverters.
The more complex the electronics the more fussy they are.

 

[vas]

I need to replace my microwave oven on my boat but have been told that only some types are compatible with standard generators. Is this true, and if so can anybody explain what type and why?

odd, maybe they meant inverters, as in some microwaves would need a pure sine inverter?
I'm not aware of something not being compatible with a generator (other than generator not big enough for the load...)

cheers

V.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

If your "standard generator" produces a True (or Pure) Sine Wave then any microwave will work (though they draw much more power than the quoted wattage which is actually the microwave output). I wouldn't expect any microwave oven to work on a Modified Sine Wave but you may be lucky. It's not just the timer electronics that like a nice smooth sine wave.

 

[Gumpy]

Well the microwave that I have in the lockup, dont use it anymore**, worked faultlessly on a MSW inverter for years.
Magnatrons seem to cope relatively well with MSW although the RF frequency shifts a bit it still cooks.
It really is just the timers that are a problem.


** inverter on the new boat is to small and no room in the galley.

 

[johnparker5]

If your "standard generator" produces a True (or Pure) Sine Wave then any microwave will work (though they draw much more power than the quoted wattage which is actually the microwave output). I wouldn't expect any microwave oven to work on a Modified Sine Wave but you may be lucky. It's not just the timer electronics that like a nice smooth sine wave.

thanks for your help. My generator is a Kohler 6.5kw. I am not sure about the Sine wave but as it is 2001 vintage would presume it is not Pure. presumably I need to look for a microwave with the old clockwork controls.

 

[Anthony]

thanks for your help. My generator is a Kohler 6.5kw. I am not sure about the Sine wave but as it is 2001 vintage would presume it is not Pure. presumably I need to look for a microwave with the old clockwork controls.

I think you wil find it is pure sinewave, most generators are as the produce the output the same way a power station does, i.e. rotating a wire in a magnetic field at a constant speed hence the AC sinewave. Some cheaper / low power generators can have unstable output voltages and frequencies (espically when the load suddenly changes) but a 6.5KW kohler should be fine. I have the 5KW Kohler ( a bit new but not latest model) and have no problems running an electronic microwave, and the voltage and frequency seem pretty stable even with other large loads cutting in and out.

Ants