Microwaves have changed the way we prepare meals, providing a quick and convenient solution for our daily cooking needs. Truck drivers who spend extended periods of time on the road find having access to a microwave to be a game-changer, allowing them to heat up their meals or snacks without stopping at restaurants or truck stops. With advancements in technology, microwaves have become more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, making them a practical choice for any trucker. However, not all microwaves are suitable to be used in semi-trucks due to their unique power requirements and the limited space available inside the cockpit, so choosing the best microwave for truck drivers might be a challenging task.
This article takes a closer look at the best microwaves for semi trucks, examining their features, advantages and drawbacks.
Contents:
- How to Choose the Best Microwave for Semi-Truck?
- Best 12V Microwaves for Trucks
- Best Portable Microwave for Trucks
- Best 110 Volt Microwave for Trucks
- Conclusion
How to Choose the Best Microwave for Semi-truck?
When choosing the best microwave for truck, consider the essential criteria, such as size, controls, power, ease of cleaning, noise level, safety and durability. We strongly recommended checking the reviews and scores of other users who had had a chance to evaluate the appliance from a practical point of view.
Materials
The internal chamber of a microwave oven can be made of various materials:
- stainless steel;
- acrylic;
- enameled steel;
- ceramic.
Enameled and stainless steel are the most common options, with the stainless steel option costing significantly more. Ceramic, being relatively inexpensive, carries a lot of extra bonuses, such as ease of cleaning and antibacterial properties. Acrylic is quite rare on the commercial market.
Size
A microwave for truck drivers should be compact enough to fit in the limited space available inside the truck cabin. Therefore, it is essential to measure the available space before purchasing a microwave. Choose a microwave that fits securely in the designated area and does not move around during driving.
Controls
Controls are another important factor to consider when choosing a microwave for a semi-truck. The controls should be easy to use and should not become a distraction while driving. Choose a microwave with simple and intuitive controls that can be operated with one hand.
Power
The microwave's power should be adequate for heating meals quickly and efficiently. A microwave with 800 to 1200 watts of power is ideal for a semi-truck. Some semi-trucks may have limited power capacity, so choosing a microwave with a lower power output may be necessary to prevent electrical issues. Microwaves for trucks typically operate at 12 volts, the standard voltage for an onboard electrical system in most trucks. This means that microwaves for trucks usually consume less energy than typical household microwaves, which operate at 120 volts. It is important to check the specifications of the microwave before purchasing it to ensure it is compatible with the truck's electrical system.
Energy Consumption
When choosing the best microwave for your truck, you should consider energy efficiency along with power and voltage. This can help to avoid problems with the battery and the vehicle's electrical system.
Ease of Cleaning
To ensure that the microwave stays hygienic and functional even with limited access to cleaning supplies and resources on the road, the truck driver should consider the models with removable trays and easy-to-clean interiors. A semi-truck microwave can come with a self-cleaning function, which can be very convenient for drivers who do not have the time or resources to clean their microwaves regularly.
Noise
A noisy semi truck microwave can be distracting and annoying, especially during long hauls. Choose a microwave with a low noise level to ensure a peaceful and comfortable driving experience.
Safety
Look for a microwave that has an automatic shut-off feature in case of overheating or other malfunctions. Proper ventilation is important to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Make sure that the microwave has sufficient ventilation and that it does not obstruct any existing vents. Look for a microwave that is certified by a recognized safety organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, to ensure that it meets safety standards.
Durability
The microwave should be rugged enough to withstand the vibrations and bumps of the road. Make sure that the hinges and locks on the door are sturdy enough to handle opening and closing many times without breaking or going loose.
Brand Reputation
Look for brands with a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable microwaves.
Additional Features
Additional features such as defrost, cook, and reheat options can make a microwave more versatile and convenient to use. Consider these features when choosing a microwave for your semi-truck.
Best 12V Microwaves for Trucks
The first 12V microwave for trucks on this list is the Wagan 12V Personal Cooler/Warmer. This microwave is a versatile appliance that can keep food cold or hot depending on the truck driver’s needs. With a capacity of nine liters, it can hold up to 12 cans. It can heat up to 140 degrees and cool up to 32 degrees below the ambient temperature. It plugs into the truck's 12V outlet and features a carrying handle for easy portability.
The second option is the Aotto Portable Oven. It can be used with a 12V or 110V connector inside the truck. Suitable for cooking food or warming pre-cooked meals, it can accommodate large containers of up to 9" L x 6.75" W x 3.5" H.
The Whirlpool WMC20005YD Microwave is designed to operate on both standard household power and 12V power, making it an ideal option for use in semi-trucks. It has 0.5 cubic feet of capacity and 750 watts of cooking power. The control panel is easy to use, featuring six cooking presets and a defrost function. The compact size makes it easy to fit it into a tight space.
Best Portable Microwave for Trucks
Let us take a look at the RoadPro 12-Volt Portable Stove portable microwave for trucks. It is compact and light, making it easy to carry and store inside a truck or even a car. It has a heating range of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with a five-foot power cord that plugs directly into a semi-truck's 12V power outlet.
Best 110 Volt Microwave for Trucks
Most modern semi-trucks are equipped with power inverters, and having one begs the question: why deny yourself the comfort of home? With that in mind, truckers have decided that the extremely popular Black+Decker EM720CB7 should be the 110-Volt microwave oven that they want. Not only it is ultra-compact (17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”), but it’s perfect for the tight space of a shelf in a sleeper. It has pre-programmed buttons for dinner plates, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and more. You’ll also have an express cooking option and a timer. In short, you get all the options and ease of use you enjoy at home.
You can use the Eleckfun Electric Lunch Box food heater anytime and anywhere, just switching the power supply between 12V, 24V and 110V. The flagship model is updated with all the top features, such as 60W power, 1.8L large capacity, a food-grade 304 stainless steel cavity and a leak-proof design.
The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Oven is compatible with most flat-bottom containers made of glass, plastic, metal or aluminum foil, and can accommodate containers sized up to 8.75" W x 6.75" L x 2.5" H, or 1.5 quarts of food. Once a meal is placed inside, the truck driver just needs to plug the microwave in, and the device will do the rest. There is no need to keep an eye on the process, so the driver can keep doing his/her job, and enjoy the hot meal whenever ready.
Conclusion
Portable microwaves offer a convenient solution for truck drivers who want access to hot and fresh meals on the road. Choosing the best microwave for a semi-truck requires careful weighing of several factors. By considering the size, controls, power, ease of cleaning and some others, the trucker can choose a microwave that meets their specific needs and requirements during even the longest of drives. If you are interested in other cooking equipment for truck drivers, then you should check out our article about it.
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