Will any microwave work on a "modified wave" Inverter?

[River Bank]

Hello Tugnuts

I've been trying for months now to get my small 700 watt microwave to work with my ProMariner 1500 Inverter.
Is there a microwave out there that will operate on a "modified" sine wave inverter like mine?

If so please tell me the make and model as I'm now at the point where im prepared to scrap my new non-functioning microwave or scrap the inverter and purchase one that will produce a pure sine wave.

Bob

 

[bluestreak]

From what I have learned, microwave ovens do not like the MSW inverters.
I have always been told the PSW are what you will need for a microwave to run without damage.

 

[Spinner]

Hi, Bob! Unlike my Nespresso Pixie espresso maker, the microwave oven that came on my 2013 R-29 works just fine with the pro mariner 2500 watt quasi sine wave inverter!

I don't recall offhand what the brand or model is, but I can get that info the next time I am on my boat....

Did you solve the issue of the batteries?

Sue P
Spinner

 

[abcandjrc]

Can't name a brand, but the simpler the device, the more success you will probably have with MSW inverters. A lot of the time it is not the device's functional parts that don't like the wave form, but the more fussy electronic controls. If you can find a microwave with a mechanical timer, for instance, you will probably always have full function. The same for coffee makers, etc. If it has a toggle switch, it will most likely work. If it has a "Ready in the Morning" electronic panel, it may not.

 

[River Bank]

Thank you for your thoughtful responses.

I'm at a stage now that I have to scrap my brand new ProMariner 1500 Inverter (it produces a Modified Sine Wave) apparently very bad news for microwaves.

I will now purchase another inverter probably a Xantrex 2000, which produces a Pure Sine Wave and should be acceptable to my fussy $54.00 Wal-Mart Danby microwave.

At this point I dont know whether to buy an inverter with a charger built-in (doubles the cost), but cuts in half the recharging time of the batteries. I'll make that decision sometime next week.

Oh yes, one other thing, I'm installing and additional two batteries (now sitting idle in the garage) in the lazarette just forward of the battery compartment. They will service the "thrusters" and the "starter" leaving the original four batteries to serve as "house."

Thanks again for your responses.

Bob

 

[knotflying]

why not see if Contoure sells a free standing model or if not make a nice outer sleeve for one. This is the microwave that came with our R-27 and it works like a gem. Probably not $54.00, but less expensive than a new inverter.

 

[JamesTXSD]

If the only thing that doesn't get along with your inverter is the microwave, wouldn't it be less hassle and expense to just fire up the generator when you need the microwave?

Jim B.

 

[River Bank]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm at a point where I might just give up this particular quest.

It's become something of a fool's errand, especially for someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

It's been interesting and expensive, maybe time to move on and enjoy what I already have.

Cheers, Bob

 

[Newtugnut]

Read everyone's comments with interest plus comments on other posts on the numerous issues people are having with their inverters.

For the immediate term, a dedicated 1000W true sine wave inverter can be be bought for about 250$ from Canadian tire. It should power a small micro-wave (check wattage first), plus most sensitive electronic loads. A dedicated outlet could be set up for this.

Longer term consider the following (more expensive, hardet to retrofit but an ideal solution)

Replace existing inverter/charger with say a Xantrex 2000-2500 watt try sin wave inverter. Or an appropriate size fog largest load that might be powered. Ensure that charger part of the system is sized properly - this may steer you to a larger inverter than necessary.

Wire the inverter up properly. The only thing the inverter should power are the ac outlets and microwave

Split the ac distribution bus such that on section 1 are the outlet breakers and the microwave breaker. Section 1 is powered from the output side of the inverter/charger

For section 2 it powers all the heavy loads charger, HW tank, ice maker plus maybe one strategically placed outlet ( more on this later)

Without a diagram it's hard to describe further. I could draw one up and post as a jpeg

The above system offers the following advantages

The inverter can never power the heavy loads

You can never get caught in the trap of an inverter supplying a battery charger which will cause something to smoke

Everything works fine when on the gen set or shore power as the inverter acts as a pass through connection by virtue of its internal voltage sensing relay detecting dock side voltage

Should the inverter go south on you, you've lost all power to the micro, ac outlets. Hence, the single proposed ac outlet for the section 2 ac bus

 

[fairweather]

I like the idea of a split ac bus and can't visualize it, sort of. Think you should do a diagram. Love to see it.
Thanks,
Marc

 

[CORPSVET]

Thank you for your thoughtful responses.

I'm at a stage now that I have to scrap my brand new ProMariner 1500 Inverter (it produces a Modified Sine Wave) apparently very bad news for microwaves.

I will now purchase another inverter probably a Xantrex 2000, which produces a Pure Sine Wave and should be acceptable to my fussy $54.00 Wal-Mart Danby microwave.

At this point I dont know whether to buy an inverter with a charger built-in (doubles the cost), but cuts in half the recharging time of the batteries. I'll make that decision sometime next week.

Oh yes, one other thing, I'm installing and additional two batteries (now sitting idle in the garage) in the lazarette just forward of the battery compartment. They will service the "thrusters" and the "starter" leaving the original four batteries to serve as "house."

Installing extra "HOUSE" batteries is a good idea for those who anchor or just do not hook to shore power all the time. The thing is that you should use DEEP CYCLE batteries or (not as good) dual purpose batteries. These are designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly (hence DEEP CYCLE) and not shorten the battery life! Standard batteries (starter) are NOT designed to be CYCLED (discharged) repeatedly, doing so drastically shortens their life! Extra cost at the beginning, but cheeper in the long run. Have you concidered the effects of the extra weight on boat performance? This is a real factor on the Cutwaters.

Thanks again for your responses.

Bob

 

[River Bank]

My ordeal is now over.

I purchased a 2000 Xantrex Prowatt Pure Sine Wave inverter to replace my nightmare 1500 ProMariner Modified Sine Wave Inverter. These Modified Sine Wave units simply will not run microwaves.

The extra costs involved are $465 for the Xantrex and $350 for installation.

Headed for the trash heap is my bright and shiny 1500 ProMariner, which cost $650 and about as much to get it wired in and tested.

One would think that my electrician or the store where I bought the ProMariner would have helped me avoid thisrather stupid purchasing mistake, but neither did.

I'm feeling a little better now that I got the darn thing (microwave) working, but it will be awhile before forget this rather expensive and unnecessary experience.

Bob

 

[Spinner]

Hi Bob, you can probably sell that shiny new inverter!

 

[River Bank]

Hi Sue

The vender has offered to take it back and they will resell it for me on consignment!

My question would be who would buy a Modified Sine Wave Inverter?
It won't run any electric/electronic equipment with any degree of sophistication.

I don't see it after the experience I've had.

Regardless, I'm happy now that things are working as they should.

Bob

 

[RProffer]

I keep an inverter in my pickup. It has battery charger type clips on the cables that attach to the battery. I have it in case I need to run a drill or something away from home. It is also useful to recharge the battery on my camper in an emergency. Of course I run the truck engine while recharging the camper so I don't get stuck with a dead battery on my truck.