theksmith
Explorer
A lot of members at Offroad Passport use the 12v "lunch box" style ovens for hot lunches (or other meals). I recently converted from an engine oven (manifold cooker) to one of these handly little things and so I wanted to cross-post my thread on experiences/tips for them:
(The full original thread can be found here: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4715):chef:
Which one & where to get it
Both the RoadPro and Koolatron get good reviews. I went with the RoadPro simply because it has an integrated cord storage area. You can find them at Amazon (RoadPro or Koolatron), or many truck stops.
The RoadPro Slow Cooker and the Max Burton Digital 12v Stove also get good reviews, but I think their odd shapes would make them more difficult to use (since you can't use a loaf pans).
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Pans & such
Standard 2 lb (8.5" x 4.5" x 2.5") disposable loaf pans work perfect in these stoves with quite a bit of room left over so you can even heap in a tall portion. Note that the larger 9" x 5" pans will NOT fit.
You can simply cover the pan with aluminum foil and pinch down the edges so things don't slosh out.
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What to cook & for how long?
I'd really like to hear more on this topic from our members... so far everything I've cooked needed about 45 to 90 mins depending on the portion size. With my old engine (manifold) warmer, I would just leave a meal in it for the entire morning and it would be good for lunch - these little 12v ovens get much warmer!
They are rated for 300* F, mine will get just shy of that at 293*. I've only reheated stuff so far - I don't trust it to actually handle raw meat. Usually frozen pre-made meals at the grocery store will say somewhere "fully cooked" if they are, or of course homemade casseroles are a great option. What have you cooked?
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Use a spacer to prevent scorching
Sometimes the food in the bottom of the pan would get burnt by the time the rest was completely warm. I first tried a silicone trivet rated at 400* to allow some air between the foil pan and the bottom of the oven - that took forever to cook though.
What did work was taking a loaf pan and folding it loosely into a flat shape to use as a spacer. This still conducts some heat directly into the pan holding the food, but also allows a bit of air underneath - same theory as a hollow cookie sheet. This might add 10 or 15 minutes to your cook time, but your food will be more evenly heated. I have to credit this tip to Offroad Passport member defectivemonk; he suggested using crumpled up aluminum foil.
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Power concerns
The RoadPro version specifies a current usage of 12 amps... Keep in mind that is continuous usage the entire time it's plugged in. One of these stoves could kill an already weak battery if used with the vehicle not running.
If you're battery is in good shape then it should be fine to cook a meal with the rig off - however, I wouldn't try to cook multiple times without starting it up for a bit to re-charge.
Cigarette lighter style plugs don't make the best connectors in the world, so you might consider wiring in something like a Hella socket or the small (30 amp) Anderson PowerPole connectors. If you've already run a large gauge wire from the battery for a fridge, then just tap into that for your new connector.
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Bonus tip for JK Unlimited owners!
These stoves wedge perfectly under the middle of the rear seat so that they don't go bouncing around if you're cooking on the trail!
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So, what's your experience with these handy little stoves?
(The full original thread can be found here: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4715):chef: