Microwave ovens

[Ian_374359846]

It seems that more and more manufacturers are fitting microwave ovens to caravans. These are generally fitted at a high level in place of a cupboard. Now, I have a wife who is just five foot tall and she cannot see into them to check the contents.

A much more serious aspect of the ovens being fitted up high are the health and safety issues involved when a short person trys to lift a boiling dish out of the oven which is above their head.Who will take the responsibility when some one gets seriously injured?

The manufactures are I suspect selling some thing not "fit for the purpose" so would have to face the consequences.

 

[Zbungle]

Whilst I appreciate the problems you are pointing out, don't you think that the world is full of potential dangers and we all have to take some responsibility for personal safety? Just driving to a caravan site is rather hazardous if you look at traffic accident statistics. Carrying gas cylinders, sitting in the sun, plugging in electrical appliances in the middle of a field... they're all potentially dangerous if basic safety procedures are not followed.

Although I am exposed to the same dangers as you and your wife I am prepared to accept the element of risk, having to do a mental risk assessment (nothing written down, just some thoughts) every time I do anything in the caravan, from lighting the oven (it might explode) to bending over to wind down corner steadies (I could injure my back). Life is a risk but somehow, by using the best safety device I ever had - my common sense - I seem to have survived the past 58 years.

All your points are valid and I think that the caravan makers will, eventually, tweak the interior design of their vans and mount the MWO lower down (and no bad thing). But in the meantime I think we ought to balance obvious convenience and clear advantages against possible risk and potential danger and if, like me, you come down in favour of the former, simply enjoy.

 

[Del_374232870]

I would agree that some manufacturers seem to be fitting the microvaves in the space formerly used by a cupboard which results in the microwave being almost at roof height.

On our Delta the micro wave is at eye level on the n/s and has a space between the top of the microwave and the cieling of approx 6 ins , this means that the microwave is at the right height for both my wife who is 5ft 2 and myself 6ft. Also the gap in the space has a vent behind it so excess heat can escape.

 

[Froggy1]

I have often read similar points of concern regarding MWO at "eye level" and have to wonder how we get through life!

In our homes we have kitchens with potential hazards, such as sharp knives, electric kettles, stoves with hot pans etc. Street filled with fast moving vehicles and such.

Do we ask someone else to take responsibility for us there?

Why would owning a caravan present more or greater hazards? Why do we not just say "This does not suit me" or "I feel that this is a situation I do not want to be in" and take responsibility for ourselves?

After all, we have managed to get by for some millenia now!

Let's just put things in perepective and live life and stop worrying about where the kitchen appliances are!

 

[Parksy]

I agree that the fitting of microwave ovens at high level is not ideal and the potential for accidents is higher than it would be if the microwave was fitted in a more sensible position.

SWMBO is less tham five feet tall and she uses the microwave to make porridge for breakfast. Normally she adds the ingredients to the bowl in the way that she prefers and I do the lifting in and out.

She would have difficulty reaching the top lockers were it not for the small light plastic step that she keeps in the caravan.

This type of step is available from 'pound stores' and is smaller than the plastic entrance step supplied by caravan manufacturers and dealers.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Ian,

Taking your point regards a product not being fit for service. Realistically I don't think you would have a chance of making that one stick. The reason is that the the caravan will be well detailed in the sales brochure, you will have seen photos and they will I guess include pictures and a description of the microwave in its fixed position. I assume you will have seen a caravan in the flesh prior to you placing your order. Thus the position of the microwave has not been hidden, and you will have been well aware of it before you placed your order.

So you have made an informed decision to purchase this caravan with the microwave in its normal position. By agreeing to purchase you have accepted the layout including the position of the microwave.

There may be two possible cases where you might have some redress:

Firstly if the manufacture of the microwave specifically states in its instructions a maximum height above the floor floor its appliance or if there is a regulation applicable to caravans that states a maximum hight for a microwave, and the caravan manufacture fixes it at a higher level.

And secondly if the microwave was an optional extra, and you instructed the dealer to fit one but specifically requested it to be at a suitable working height for your wife. If it was then fitted too high, it would be breech of contract.