RV Pot-Luck!

As you know from the RVWranglers’ introductory video, at this writing we are in the process of downsizing for living life full time in an RV and are constantly looking for and evaluating products that will work well in our limited space in an RV or make life easier for us on the road.

It’s A Kitchen/Microwave grill called the RANGEMATE

The Rangemate is an interesting product designed to do things a microwave doesn’t normally do: grill, steam and bake.

I was first interested because most of the Class A RVs we were shopping had a convection/microwave combo unit, but not all of them were equipped with a conventional oven. My question was whether the Rangemate could provide a cooking solution that could let us consider RVs without a conventional oven. (We really need the oven space for a dishwasher, which seems like the perfect way to get my husband involved in doing the dishes!)

These come in two size/shapes. The rectangle version is larger, but the more basic version of the two. The cooking surface measures 7”W x 9.25”L and the grill comes with a lid and cookbook.

Rangemate Silicone inserts

The round version offers the ability to steam and bake using the included silicone inserts as well as the grill. Measurements: with lid, Grill Pan 10-3/4″ Dia. x 5-1/4″H; Steam insert is 8-1/4″Diam x 3/4″H; the Muffin Pan insert is 8-1/4″ Dia. x 1″H and also includes a lid and cookbook.

I have been testing these at least a few times a week from everything from grilled meat, grilled cheese sandwiches, steamed or grilled veggies and poached eggs, among other things. The round version offers the capability of baking things like muffins and cupcakes, although I haven’t tried that yet.

CARE NOTE: Although you can’t submerge the pan itself in water due to the vent holes in the bottom, it practically wipes clean or you can rinse with a little soap. The silicone inserts and the lids are submersible.

The Product’s Main Features Are:

Nonstick ceramic coating for extremely easy cleanup
For use in microwave cooking only
Microwave-safe up to 464°F or 350°F for Silicone inserts
Hand wash only
1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

4.5 on a Scale of 0-5

Jan's Ratings

Overall: I gave this product 4 ½ out of 5 campers (I seldom give a full 5 campers!) simply because there is a bit of a learning curve on how long food needs to cook for and it is fairly easy to go from perfectly cooked to overcooked food without in no time without experience with the grill. You do have to adjust for things like your microwave’s wattage and if something is frozen, semi-thawed or ready for the grill. Otherwise, this product is a hit whether you are in a tiny workspace or a gourmet kitchen!

Where to Buy?

The Rangemate is available through a number of sources online, but I found QVC.com to have the best selection of colors and a comprehensive return policy. Often they have offered an easy-pay solution that might come in handy if you’re on a tight budget.