We couldn’t use the old oven and cooktop. It was gas, there were no indications that the Jeffersons had ever turned it on, and it was just too risky. I like my eyebrows. I have no desire to singe them off. I didn’t want to be scared every time I needed a grilled cheese– which is all the time. So we started looking for RV oven/cooktop combos, and just like everything, they didn’t come cheap. In our true cheapo live little fashion, we started thinking about alternatives.
Could we make it with just a microwave and an infomercial burner? Could we just use a toaster oven and a coffee maker? How about two sticks and panini press?! After much Amazon research, we settled on a double burner and a small convection oven. It hasn’t been the easiest change. I had an amazing four burner gas stove and oven in my last apartment, but I’m learning to be more mindful of my timing and I’ve been making things in smaller batches.
The biggest change has been the no microwave situation. It has forced me to slow my cooking down, but I didn’t want to sacrifice the space for a microwave. It also freaked me out to have all that microwave radiation bouncing around in my tin can of a house.
In terms of appliances, we also have a blender, a french press and our biggest unnecessary space hog, an electric food dehydrator. Our blender is a Blendtec and it’s pretty much amazing. It was a total splurge from before I went on a saving spree, but I love it and it blends like a dream. The french press is a total necessity. It’s smaller than a coffee maker and makes a delicious cup of joe. Coffee is my life blood. I sing a song that I used to sing in church as a kid when I make coffee. Not kidding. It’s a religious experience for me.
And then there’s the dehydrator. It may seem kind of ridiculous to have a food dehydrator when you don’t have room for a microwave, but George and I got as a (joke) wedding gift and we love jerky. At least I know when the zombie apocalypse happens, we’re going to plenty of dried food to subsist on. Just keepin’ it real.
love,
melanie
Love your cooking setup, have to say I couldn’t make it without my microwave, or I don’t think I could anyway.
It’s been a challenge, but I’m making it work. Thanks for stopping by!
That’s a real nifty idea, Melanie. I’ve been wanting something a little different also as I don’t like ‘forgetting’ to refill tank 1 when I switch to tank 2. Slips my mind every time, and I remember when it’s time to cook! I did purchase an electric skillet for multi-purpose use and am currently looking into a bigger of the smaller ovens, such as yours I do have a microwave but I never use it. Thanks for sharing your project!
S
Yeah, propane is a pain. I’m jealous of your microwave, though!
I’ll be more than happy to donate to you 🙂
Haha, I wish we had room!
Speaking of room, let me tell you what I miss. I miss the tub, that big long thing you can fill up with all the hot water it can hold and a big bottle of bubble bath. Stretch out and get out the next morning. I’ve even been thinking that it might be possible, if I left the microwave go! 🙂
omg. yes. maybe we need to collaborate on a post about what we miss most about traditional home life!
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