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Old 09-19-2019, 09:00 AM   #1
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Microwave: built in or cabinet?

The built in microwave is nice looking, but I'm wondering how much trouble it will be to replace it down the road when/if the original appliance dies. Better to get the microwave ready cabinet that offers more flexibility in replacement options?
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Old 09-19-2019, 09:03 AM   #2
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I have the ETI microwave. I like it. BUT, I should have gotten the door for the cabinet and didn't. I don't know what the future will bring. Maybe I won't want a microwave at all. But I do now. Any microwave that fits the space is a replacement option. Now or later, it's still the same space size.
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Old 09-19-2019, 09:03 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by Sands View Post
The built in microwave is nice looking, but I'm wondering how much trouble it will be to replace it down the road when/if the original appliance dies. Better to get the microwave ready cabinet that offers more flexibility in replacement options?
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...tml#post251916
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Old 09-19-2019, 09:33 AM   #4
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In our 17 we had the microwave and the door that closes over it that has a mirror as the center panel.
The microwave is in the basement of the house.
The cabinet and the mirror and the ac plug in the cabinet still gets used regularly.
Yes get the cabinet microwave ready, to get the ac socket at the back and get a door on the opening but skip the microwave itself unless you are always plugged in to a power pole when you camp.
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Old 09-19-2019, 09:42 AM   #5
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In our 17 we had the microwave and the door that closes over it that has a mirror as the center panel.
The microwave is in the basement of the house.
The cabinet and the mirror and the ac plug in the cabinet still gets used regularly.
Yes get the cabinet microwave ready, to get the ac socket at the back and get a door on the opening but skip the microwave itself unless you are always plugged in to a power pole when you camp.
I have the inverter and use the microwave more than the range. Everyone's different. Some can't do without the oven - we have to have a microwave. Reheating leftovers, breakfast sandwiches, baked potatoes, etc. - how can one live without a microwave!
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Old 09-19-2019, 09:48 AM   #6
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we have to have a microwave. Reheating leftovers, breakfast sandwiches, baked potatoes, etc. - how can one live without a microwave!
Sounds good, I agree.
We just never had one when camping so we don't miss it.
I have seen a 12volt one on Youtube and have thought about it...
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:05 AM   #7
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I got the microwave and have no regrets. I don’t know what they charge now, but in 2014, it was quite inexpensive. I never camped with a microwave, refrigerator/freezer or AC, but appreciate each one! Sure beats tent camping in this stage of my life.
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:14 AM   #8
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I replaced my microwave (With an inverter version suggested by Tom - tif-texas). The biggest problem is the hold down brackets Escape uses. Unless they have changed their mounting method since 2017, they pop rivet a right angle bracket to the case of the microwave. If you use the same method, you will need to insure the rivet does not interfere with the insides of the new microwave when mounting.
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:34 AM   #9
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Thanks! I'll ask ETI about the riveted mounting bracket, but think at this stage I'll get the cabinet-ready version and put in my own microwave.
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:36 AM   #10
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Totally agree... 'roughing it' has a very different definition than it used to!
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:37 AM   #11
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Thanks for the instant feedback everyone!
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:44 AM   #12
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- how can one live without a microwave!
I do.
Don’t even have one at home. And am still alive
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Old 09-19-2019, 11:04 AM   #13
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The biggest problem is the hold down brackets Escape uses. Unless they have changed their mounting method since 2017, they pop rivet a right angle bracket to the case of the microwave. If you use the same method, you will need to insure the rivet does not interfere with the insides of the new microwave when mounting.
Or you can get a microwave which is available with a mounting frame, but instead of using that frame, screw the Escape brackets (or similar) onto the threaded holes intended for the mounting frame.
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Old 09-19-2019, 11:19 AM   #14
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Or you can get a microwave which is available with a mounting frame, but instead of using that frame, screw the Escape brackets (or similar) onto the threaded holes intended for the mounting frame.
I was really tempted to do that as it gives the installation a polished look. Most of the smaller microwaves that would fit don't have factory trim kits available. Here is a source for custom made trim kits.

Microwave Oven Trim Kits - Custom Microwave Kits - Micro-Trim, Inc.
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Old 09-19-2019, 11:25 AM   #15
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I ordered the trailer without the microwave so I could get the door and use it elsewhere. Then purchased a microwave that fit all the way in the hole and was more to our taste.
You can read all about it here http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...tml#post266564
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Old 09-19-2019, 03:46 PM   #16
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Taking a 700watt microwave to ETI next week. Cost $45. Putting microwave in the cabinet below 2-burner stove. We had to pay extra for the outlet. Mounting microwave with L brackets to a custom sized piece of plywood.
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Old 09-19-2019, 04:51 PM   #17
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For our 2019 Escape 21, we ordered the microwave, but asked ETI to not attach the brackets. We also had them install a door on the microwave cabinet (hinged at the top).

This works well for us. When we are boondocking, we simply leave the microwave at home. When we camp with hookups, we bring the microwave in the cabinet. We also use a spring loaded bar to keep the microwave in the cabinet while going down the road.

As for the cabinet door, we attached a light-weight mirror.

We have grown to like this arrangement. Having an extra cabinet when boondocking has been useful. It will also be easy to replace the microwave in the future if needed.

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Old 09-19-2019, 06:21 PM   #18
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Nice solution! We'll be full timers, so no place to leave the microwave when not needed/wanted.
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Old 09-19-2019, 07:31 PM   #19
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I grew up without a microwave and I'll die without one also....
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Old 09-19-2019, 07:35 PM   #20
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I grew up without a microwave and I'll die without one also....
Then you may have grown up without a computer or cell phone either. It's nice to be able to choose the technology we want to go without. I'm just amazed at the technology available to us.
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