The RV microwave/convection oven is a dual-method cooking appliance. Users can prepare foods using the microwave oven, the convection oven, or a combination of both. Shore power, the generator or the inverter supplies the 120 Volts AC power required to operate the RV microwave/convection oven. When dry camping without back up generator power, the inverter will convert battery power to the amperage required for operating the microwave/convection oven. To conserve available battery amps, run the generator while operating the microwave/convection oven during periods that the RV is not hooked to shore power.

Microwave energy is useful in cooking because the heat can transfer through glass, paper and plastic to be absorbed by foods. Liquid is an efficient microwave absorbent, which is why foods high in liquid content cook so quickly in a microwave oven. Always insure that there is food inside of the microwave oven when running the appliance to allow the microwave energy the opportunity to absorb.

Contrary to popular belief, microwave ovens do not cook foods from the 'inside out.' Instead, food and liquids absorb and convert the energy to heat. If food explodes inside of the microwave during heating it is likely because liquid within that food has turned to steam and built up pressure - which is why it is always important to vent foods and liquids during microwave preparation.

Liquids that have been heated inside of the microwave oven may appear undisturbed, but can erupt when adding items (i.e. tea bag or a spoon) or even by simply moving the dish. Always use caution when handling liquids that have been heated inside of the microwave oven. When stirring or adding ingredients to microwave cooked liquids, place the object inside of the RV sink and stand back a safe distance to avoid burns.

Foods can cook unevenly in the microwave oven. Cut food into small pieces for uniform cooking. Arrange foods evenly in the baking dish, placing thicker portions around the outside. Use the turntable for even distribution of heat, or stir foods during cook time. Bones in meat can create uneven heating. Remove bones or pay particular attention to doneness of bone portions. Microwave ovens are not recommended for cooking stuffed poultry, as the size and density do not allow for proper removal of bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to determine when microwave cooked meat is adequately prepared.

Completely defrost frozen foods to prevent uneven cooking, but avoid over-defrost by setting the oven timer.

Use only Microwave Safe cookware and covers. During food preparation always leave room for steam to vent. Avoid metal cookware during microwave use. Do not recycle plastic trays originally designed for microwave convenience foods and risk burns or spills from inferior cookware. Containers originally designed for other food items should not be converted into microwave cookware and risk harmful chemicals from these containers transferring to foods during microwave cooking.

The convection oven works similar to standard electrical ovens, but cooks foods faster and at a lower temperature. Fans are utilized inside of the convection oven to circulate hot air around the food as it cooks. Motion of the air increases the rate of which heat is transferred to the food. A common rule of thumb when determining whether to use microwave or convection is to use microwave cooking for foods with high liquid content, and convection for everything else.

Operating the convection oven will require the user to press corresponding keys on the number pad to enter specific temperature and cook time preference, and then by pressing the START/TOUCH ON button to engage the oven. Step by step cooking operating instructions, as well as individualized menu items, can be found in the oven manufacturer's operations manual.

Consider the shore power supply when determining the necessity of preheating the convection oven. To conserve power by bypassing the preheat cycle of convection cooking, place the dish in the convection oven during preheat, and carefully watch foods to determine doneness. To use the preheat cycle of the convection oven, press Preheat, Temperature and START/TOUCH ON. To check current oven temperature during preheating, press CONV.

Standard baking recipes can be converted to convection oven use by reducing oven temperature and preparation time by approximately 25%. Time and temperature reductions may vary from oven to oven, but 25% will give you a starting figure.

Tiered cooking of baked goods will produce better results in the convection oven due to air circulation. Adequate airflow using racks will produce foods that are uniformly brown. If an oven rack is lost or broken, contact the oven manufacturer for a replacement. Place bake ware in the center of the convection oven for efficient overall cooking. Metal cookware is appropriate for use during convection cooking. Allow the convection oven to cool following bake times before putting plastic dishes into the oven for microwave baking.

Broiling is a feature available through the convection oven that will require careful attention to determine appropriate temperature and time settings for the preferred doneness of meat. Start slowly and work up when learning to broil meats in the convection oven.

Slow Cook allows the user to cook foods for an extended period of time, similar to the countertop crock pot method, and will require an ample supply of shore power to operate.

Combination, or 'Mixed' cooking allows the user to use both the microwave and the convection oven to prepare foods utilizing the speed and efficiency of microwave with the browning and doneness of convection. Combination cooking utilizes the microwave and the convection ovens alternately, not simultaneously, and can cut baking time in half. Hi-Mix provides a higher boost of microwave cooking and is recommended when preparing meats and casseroles. Low-Mix, which provides for a more gentle microwave boost, works well for eggs, cheese, breads and cakes.

Glass cookware is preferred for Mixed cooking to prevent metal pans from interfering with the microwave process, and plastic cookware from melting during convection cooking.

Additional features of the RV microwave/convection oven include Minute Plus, which will allow the user to extend cooking time by one minute intervals, Auto Start to engage the oven at a preset time of day, Child Lock to prevent oven operation by small children, and Touch On to quickly heat small food items. Compu Broil, Compu Roast and Compu Bake allow the oven to automatically estimate cook temperatures and times by simply referencing the number pad, pressing the corresponding food to be prepared, and following the prompts that will appear on the oven display.

Never use the microwave/convection oven if the door will not securely close. The microwave/convection oven will operate most efficiently when kept clean. Remove food residue from the oven cavity and touch pad using a soft, damp cloth. For baked on spills, heat one cup of water in the microwave prior to wiping clean to loosen grime.

To gain the maximum benefit from the RV microwave/convection oven, take the time to thoroughly read and understand the manufacturer's operations manual.