First family break - all good but microwave is a gonner

[Andygee70]

Hi all,

Had a lovely first break with the wife and kids in Blakemere Holiday Park near Northwich. But unfortunately the Sanyo micro gave up the ghost after a pop, smoke and no signs of life.

I’ve been able to take the Sanyo out, no problems, so I’m now looking for replacements. Read a few suggestions and have decided to go with a bog standard ‘residential’ microwave - 700w and pretty much the same size.

I’m assuming this is okay because the one I took out which seems to be the original is nothing special, just a standard domestic microwave. Even says it on the back info sticker.

No pitfalls that I need to avoid before taking the plunge?

 

[borderbilly]

As you say, bog standard, straight swap will keep my fingers crossed for you

 

[RogerL]

Make sure you measure the old one and get one the same physical size - otherwise it's a PITA to adapt the housing to suit the new one.

 

[Andygee70]

As you say, bog standard, straight swap will keep my fingers crossed for you

Thanks billy - BTW, TV worked like a charm 😂

 

[Andygee70]

Make sure you measure the old one and get one the same physical size - otherwise it's a PITA to adapt the housing to suit the new one.

It’s bang on width and height just slightly longer, but I’ve measured it so there is an allowance 👍

 

[Buckman]

Hi all,
I’ve been able to take the Sanyo out, no problems, so I’m now looking for replacements. Read a few suggestions and have decided to go with a bog standard ‘residential’ microwave - 700w and pretty much the same size.

There is no such thing as a microwave made especially for caravans so you will be okay withe residential one.

 

[birdman101]

The main thing with Microwaves in Caravans is to ensure adequate ventilation around them when in use ,such as leave cupboard doors open each side of it

 

[JTQ]

The main thing with Microwaves in Caravans is to ensure adequate ventilation around them when in use ,such as leave cupboard doors open each side of it

A very valid point as IME if you read the installation instructions for these it often states the side rear and top "clearances" they "need". So, not just will it physically fit but have you the room to install as specified.

In our caravans that simply is not provided.
I had the issue in a domestic install and after a lot of deliberation decided that their reasoning must be a heat related one so opted to mitigate my unavoidable no compliance with improvements in the natural ventilation flow I could provide. Now about a decade in it has worked.
Two points to take from this;- download the manual from the microwave manufacturer before purchasing, then if there is a potential non compliance with the correct installation requirements how you can mitigate this.
In my case I cut away the deck on which it sits leaving enough to support it but massively increasing the air feed compared to being sat on a counter surface.

 

[Andygee70]

There is no such thing as a microwave made especially for caravans so you will be okay withe residential one.

As I thought, especially when it says it on the back of the Sanyo micro I took out of the caravan! It’s all a bit of a con when suppliers are charging £200-£300 for ‘replacements’ 😵‍💫

 

[JTQ]

There is no such thing as a microwave made especially for caravans so you will be okay withe residential one.

I would say thank goodness there is not!
Infinitely preferring to take something that can carry all the extensive product development and production cost, and benefit from the savings from the massive relative supply and retailing infrastructure of mass market domestic products.
Better chance of being reliable and cheaper.

 

[Bluetonic]

I had the same issue a few years ago, buy a replacement from Bailey for £230 or buy a cheapo from Aldi for £40.
The original Dawoo (I think) microwave was just screwed in with 4 self tappers so I did the same on the Aldi unit. The Aldi one has now lasted longer than the original one.
Total rip off if you buy a Caravan specific one.

Oh, the Original one died IMO because there was not enough air flow around it and it would thermo cut out if you tried to cook 4 jacket spuds. The Aldi one has slightly less height , so although it does not look as built in, it functions cooler