-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Dubnoff [mailto:sdubnoff@circlesys.com]
I don't know about efficiency, but, be warned, the Panasonic NB-G100P
Infared toaster oven will not run on a pure sine wave inverter.
Because
of the fancy electronic controls are in there, it must be used on shore
or
generator power.  Mine ended up at home -- the stone-age Black and
Decker
is on the boat.

REPLY
Interesting!  That was one of the models I looked at today.
Which sine wave inverter did you test it on? The trace SW2512 isn't a
true sinewave despite claims to the contrary.

Arild

The following is not directed at the ardent minimalist that prefers a
dinner consisting of a can of beans heated over a hiker's sterno stove
hung from an overhead beam.
Trawlerites tend to be people who enjoy a certain measure of creature
comfort as they make their way at leisurely hull speeds instead of a
bone jarring 25 knots in five foot seas.

Understandably some people are not happy with propane on board. So lets
not get into that thread at this time. Cooking while under way can be
problematic regardless of what heat source is used.

The new generation of electric counter top cooking appliances are much
better because they form a nearly closed container for the hot food
while cooking. Slow cookers can prepare a large quantity of soup, chili
or stew  while secured by a bungee cord which incidentally keeps the pot
secured to the counter as well. In fact you can probably sit it in the
sink if you prefer. Slow cookers typically have a low wattage element
which can easily be powered by even a modest sized inverter. If you
prepare the ingredients before getting under way the meal will be ready
by the time you arrive. Most stock alternators can provide enough charge
current to power the inverter as long as the engine is spinning.

Toaster ovens, and even those electric grills with a lid that close clam
shell fashion over a steak, hamburger or piece of chicken, contain the
food on a pitching boat under way.

While shopping for counter top appliances I was surprised at the number
of specialized cooking devices now available. Almost all of them provide
a really secure hold of the hot foodstuff. Sandwich makers, toasted
pannini, waffle makers and grilles come in every imaginable size from a
single sandwich to feeding a whole crowd.

The advantage being these devices concentrate the heat right into the
food without wasting a lot of heat on empty space surrounding the
appliance and the food. America's love affair with BBQ grilled
hamburgers and steaks extends to the look of the grille seared into the
meat surface. Health conscious recipes that advice not to eat fat
saturated meats  and choose grilling over pan fried, means that a grille
that allows the fat to run off is preferred. The latest generation of
electrical grills  duplicate this by having raised ribs which hold and
sear the meat while allowing the fat to run off into a catch basin
container..

You can get every imaginable type of cooker, bread maker, drink
fabricator or juicer that plugs into a 120V 15A outlet. Best of all,
when not in use, you can pack it away thus freeing up the limited
counter space for other things.
Obviously, it isn't possible to have a full scale gourmet galley on
board a limited size boat.
However it doesn't mean you can't serve gourmet meals.

The secret being you buy food items that do not require refrigeration
prior to opening.
Spices and condiments do not require refrigeration. Many meats can be
bought canned or vacuum packed.

We recently picked up a cook book titled Three or four ingredient
cookbook by Jenny White and Joanne Farrow. Simple meals but very
appealing. Just the ting for boat use.

Cheers

Arild

among of the most useful cooking  appliances i have are te Lean Mean Grill
machine which comes in different sizes. We have a big one with 2 lids,
digital temp control and top compartment to warm bread.

the other one, is a non stick hamilton beach electric gridle.  it's about
10x20" and great for breakfast ! eggs, potatoes, bacon, pancakes, etc....
Kids love pancakes (well, me too...) and it's nice to be able to do 6
opancakes at a time...

Best of all, both run on the inverter (freedom 30)...  they do pull quite a
few amps judging by the remote's LEDs but  since they are not on for long,
it barealy dents the reserve in the 8 golf carts batteries.

no more firing up the genny for breakfast....

pascal
miami, fl
70 hatteras 53MY

-----Original Message-----
From: Pascal Gademer

among  the most useful cooking  appliances i have are the Lean Mean
Grill
machine which comes in different sizes. We have a big one with 2 lids,
digital temp control and top compartment to warm bread.

REPLY
My local Wal-Mart had these for sale as a bundled deal. You get the
grill plus a folding stand so it works like an outdoor BBQ.
Wife wanted one for going camping, in wilderness camps ... no less!
Her rationale was it does bacon and pancakes which she has trouble doing
on the regular gas BBQ.
Guess I'm installing an inverter in the truck camper. <grin>

Glad to know the timer on the George Forman grills work okay on
inverters.

Rita's, mine too, favorite underway cooking device is a 12VDC slow cooker.
Marine and camping stores sell them for about $30. Typically they are
6"x6"x12" (from memory), shaped like a black, smallish tackle or tool box.
Because of insulation the internal volume can prepare a hot meal for the two
of us. I have seen her do hotdogs, stews, baked potatoes, corn bread,
leftovers, ... .

Although it could be used at anchor without the generator or inverter, it is
a great device underway when you have time and "free" 12VDC power.

-- Jim

Jim & Rita Ague
M/V Derreen, Monk 36