While the "spice racks" have served us well (and those are literally spice rack baskets. I'm not using hippetty-hop street talk), it was time for a shelving solution with a bit more class and pro look. Out with the old and in with the new. The STC "Appliance Shelf" (aka "Microwave shelf") will likely never have a microwave on it in our rig, but nice to have the option. And now that inverter microwaves are readily available, the option is even more palatable. Inverter microwaves use an inverter circuit to provide a steady amount of power at the desired setting, rather than 100%on/100%off, in various time periods, to heat at less than 100%. But not here to talk about microwaves...
The appliance shelf bolts to the kitchenette L-Track, so that is a prerequisite for installation. After we unboxed, clicked a couple pics, and gave it a quick wipe, it took me about 10 minutes to remove my homemade rack and install the appliance shelf. The small seat cushion is removed and the rack positioned in that location, between/around the actuator and galley counter. Shelf is aluminum, light weight, and with all the bends and shaping, is fairly elaborate, making the $400 MSRP even more reasonable. There is no aluminum bottom so the nice camper carpet makes the base for the lower shelf. We'll use the same sized baskets that we are using in the lowest shelf of the galley cabinet.
There are vent openings, to allow some of that heat vent's air to pass through, and there is enough space one can still reach the inverter button and plug/unplug into the inverter outlet.
So far, I've used this on a two night trip and found it a convenient place for our water boiler, which we typically set out as part of making camp. This frees up counter space. And, still room for all charging devices to sit on top shelf rather than on the countertop, freeing up even more space.
There are slots where a strap can pass through to secure a microwave, or other item(s), on top. I've seen a reasonably sized microwave strapped down and there are no issues with the soft top fabric folding inward when the top is lowered.
Obligatory photo dump.
These are after immediately unboxing and before wiping off, so excuse the packaging dust.
