Road trips, camping, tailgating – enjoying a hot, homemade meal is tough when you’re away from a kitchen. But what if you could bring a microwave along in the car? Portable travel microwaves plug into vehicle outlets and promise piping hot food on the go. But are these devices really worth purchasing?
In this post, we put top-rated travel microwaves to the test to evaluate convenience, performance, and ease of use in real on-the-road scenarios. We compare features like wattage for power, capacity for portions, safety features, and additional functions. We’ll help you determine when a portable microwave can revolutionize your travels and when you’re better off just sticking with the cooler.
Join us as we hit the open road and highways with travel microwaves to uncover if mobile microwaving is worthwhile. Let’s take this kitchen necessity on the go!
Travel microwaves are worth the purchase if you want to save money, time, and hassle on your trips. However, they also have some limitations, such as power, capacity, and safety.
How do travel microwaves work?
Travel microwaves are similar to regular microwaves in that they use electromagnetic waves to heat up food molecules. However, they differ in how they get their power. Regular microwaves plug into a standard wall outlet and use 110 volts of alternating current (AC). Travel microwaves plug into a 12-volt cigarette lighter socket or a power inverter and use direct current (DC).
DC power is less efficient than AC power, so travel microwaves have lower wattage and take longer to heat up food. For example, a typical travel microwave has around 300 watts of power, while a regular microwave has around 1000 watts. This means that a travel microwave might take 10 minutes to heat up a meal that a regular microwave can do in 3 minutes.
What are the pros and cons of travel microwaves?
Travel microwaves have some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying one. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros
- Convenience: Travel microwaves allow you to heat up food anywhere you have access to a 12-volt socket or a power inverter. You don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat or settling for cold or unhealthy food. You can also reheat leftovers or cook simple meals from scratch.
- Cost-effectiveness: Travel microwaves can help you save money on food expenses by allowing you to bring your own food or buy groceries instead of eating out. You can also avoid wasting food by reheating it instead of throwing it away.
- Time-saving: Travel microwaves can help you save time by reducing the need to stop for food or wait in line at restaurants. You can also heat up food while driving or parked, depending on the model and safety features.
Cons
- Power limitations: Travel microwaves require a lot of power to operate, which can drain your car battery or overload your power inverter. You might need to run your engine while using the microwave or invest in a high-quality power inverter with enough wattage and surge protection.
- Capacity restrictions: Travel microwaves are smaller than regular microwaves, which means they have less space and power to heat up large or thick items. You might need to cut your food into smaller pieces or use special containers that fit the microwave.
- Safety concerns: Travel microwaves can pose some safety risks if not used properly. For example, you should never use the microwave while driving or leave it unattended while heating up food. You should also avoid using metal utensils or containers that can cause sparks or damage the microwave.
Top 3 Travel Microwaves
Travel microwaves are portable devices that can heat up food in your car, truck, RV, or any other place where you have access to a 12-volt power source. They are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy hot meals on the go without spending too much money or time on restaurants or gas stations. However, not all travel microwaves are created equal. Some have more features, power, and capacity than others. Here are the top 3 travel microwaves that I recommend based on their performance, quality, and customer reviews:
1. Hologic Mini Portable Oven For Travelers
The Hologic Mini Portable Oven For Travelers is a compact and lightweight microwave that can fit in your backpack, suitcase, or glove box. It has a power of 500 watts and can heat up food in 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size and type of food. It can accommodate containers up to 8.75 x 6.75 x 2.5 inches and has a temperature range of 60 to 230 degrees Celsius. It also has a timer function and an automatic shut-off feature for safety. The Hologic Mini Portable Oven For Travelers is easy to use and clean and comes with a one-year warranty.
2. Max Burton 6910 Oven To Go 12v Portable Cooking Appliance
The Max Burton 6910 Oven To Go 12v Portable Cooking Appliance is a versatile and powerful microwave that can cook, bake, reheat, or warm up food in your vehicle. It has a power of 660 watts and can heat up food in 5 to 15 minutes depending on the setting and the food. It can accommodate containers up to 9 x 6 x 3 inches and has three temperature settings: low (140 degrees Fahrenheit), medium (225 degrees Fahrenheit), and high (300 degrees Fahrenheit). It also has a removable cooking tray, a glass lid, a carrying handle, and a power cord with a cigarette lighter plug. The Max Burton 6910 Oven To Go 12v Portable Cooking Appliance is durable and easy to use and clean and comes with a one-year warranty.
3. Aotto Portable Food Warmer Best Travel Microwave
The Aotto Portable Food Warmer Best Travel Microwave is a simple and convenient microwave that can warm up food in your car or office. It has a power of 45 watts and can heat up food in about an hour depending on the food. It can accommodate containers up to 8 x 5 x 2 inches and has a temperature range of 60 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has an indicator light, a zipper closure, a carrying handle, and a power cord with a cigarette lighter plug. The Aotto Portable Food Warmer Best Travel Microwave is made of food-grade materials and is easy to use and clean.
What to look for when buying a travel microwave?
If you decide to buy a travel microwave, there are some features and factors that you should look for to get the best value and performance. Here are some of them:
- Size and weight: Travel microwaves should be compact and lightweight enough to fit in your car, truck, or RV without taking up too much space or adding too much weight. You should also consider the size and shape of the food containers that you plan to use with the microwave.
- Power and wattage: Travel microwaves should have enough power and wattage to heat up your food quickly and evenly. However, you should also be aware of the power consumption and compatibility with your car battery or power inverter. You should check the voltage, amperage, and wattage ratings of both the microwave and the power source before buying.
- Safety features: Travel microwaves should have some safety features to prevent accidents or injuries. For example, some models have automatic shut-off timers, temperature sensors, locking lids, or cool-touch handles. You should also look for models that have UL certification or other quality standards.
- Ease of use and cleaning: Travel microwaves should be easy to use and clean. For example, some models have digital displays, preset functions, or removable trays. You should also look for models that are easy to wipe down or wash with soap and water.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel microwaves:
Q: How much do travel microwaves cost?
A: Travel microwaves vary in price depending on the brand, model, features, and quality. You can expect to pay anywhere from £20 to £200 for a travel microwave.
Q: Where can I buy a travel microwave?
A: You can buy a travel microwave online or in-store from various retailers that sell electronics, appliances, or camping gear.
Q: How do I use a travel microwave?
A: To use a travel microwave, you need to plug it into a 12-volt socket or a power inverter that is connected to your car battery. Then, you need to place your food in a microwave-safe container and put it inside the microwave. Next, you need to set the time and power level according to the instructions or your preference. Finally, you need to press start and wait for your food to heat up.
Conclusion
Travel microwaves are handy devices that can make your trips more enjoyable and convenient. They can help you heat up food on the go without spending too much money or time on restaurants or gas stations. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as power, capacity, and safety issues. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of travel microwaves and look for the best features and factors when buying one.
Meta description: Travel microwaves are small, lightweight, and convenient devices that can heat up food in your car, truck, or RV. Learn more about their pros and cons, how they work, and what to look for when buying one.
