Highpointe Convection/Microwave Oven
Our 2009 Navion had a conventional microwave that worked just like you would expect. I had always thought it would be great to have the convection version and retro-fit. Now that we have a 2018 Navion...
Forum Discussion
The most important point is that that the problem is internal to the HighPointe Convection Microwave. The primary vent where water vapor would escape is blocked. This forces the water vapor to escape through the partially covered vent where the light is located. The control board, magnetron and power supply is located here and is exposed to the steam. The majority of owners are not inclined to open an appliance that is in or out of warranty and would never know of this design flaw. There are Torx cabinet screws to prevent casual entry by consumers. Of course, there is a fuse that is made inaccessible to the consumer.
The unit is essentially a table top appliance to be used with a minimum amount of open space surrounding it. There is a shroud/vent kit that is installed on the convection/microwave to allow it to be installed in an enclosed space. Presumably, venting is facilitated by the louvered facia above and below the appliance. However, examining how the shroud kit is installed, I can see how it is somewhat ineffective because it does not allow the cooling fan to create an airflow in and out of the enclosed space. Some sort of external fan would have to be added.
I do not know how much of a hand Winnebago has in the design of this appliance, but I would guess they get it off the shelf and build a space for it. Why would they ever have the need to open the appliance to find a potential problem? I would submit to you the issue of the Takata Airbag. This one supplier has caused big headaches for not just a single automobile manufacturer.
So, is this how it goes? You buy an RV and live with an appliance that does not live up to even the minimal expectation and when it ultimately fails, you replace it with a premium product at additional expense? We just accept this as just one of those things if you own an RV? Here is a possible exception to the rule. In our 2018 Navion 24G, the Truma AquaGo water heater is OEM installed as a standard feature. Part of the reason is the weight savings of not having six or more gallons of water in a tank. There is a switch setting that takes advantage of a recirculating system that delivers hot water to the bathroom and galley sink so that no water is wasted waiting for the hot water to flow from the tank. I can turn the single handle shower faucet to the desired temperature and I never have to change it. I am still in the habit of conserving water even with full hookups, so I use the shutoff on the shower head. When I turn on the shower again, the water is perfect; Goldilocks... not too hot, not too cold. After nearly eight weeks of use so far I still find it amazing. Maybe this is base on past experience of alternate freeze and scalding showers. OK, back on point: The control switch indicator light started to flash. That tells you to go outside and check the fault indicator light and note a pattern of short and long flashes. Checking the chart in the instructions, I did not find that fault code. I contacted Truma and I was told that it indicated a programming problem. I received a replacement control module which took all of three minutes to replace. I sent the original module back in the supplied packaging. What I am trying to say is that this water heater has so far performed beyond my expectations and when a potential problem was found, it was promptly addressed. I wish this was my experience with the RV in general. Sure, the Truma is more expensive than a conventional water heater, in my opinion, worth every penny. The microwave, not so much.
So far, after some additional tests involving actual cooking, the HighPointe Covection/Grill/Microwave seems to be doing ok. There seems to be enough cross flow ventilation in the oven to remove water vapor. Problem solved? Maybe, but what about all the other units rolling down the road?
The unit is essentially a table top appliance to be used with a minimum amount of open space surrounding it. There is a shroud/vent kit that is installed on the convection/microwave to allow it to be installed in an enclosed space. Presumably, venting is facilitated by the louvered facia above and below the appliance. However, examining how the shroud kit is installed, I can see how it is somewhat ineffective because it does not allow the cooling fan to create an airflow in and out of the enclosed space. Some sort of external fan would have to be added.
I do not know how much of a hand Winnebago has in the design of this appliance, but I would guess they get it off the shelf and build a space for it. Why would they ever have the need to open the appliance to find a potential problem? I would submit to you the issue of the Takata Airbag. This one supplier has caused big headaches for not just a single automobile manufacturer.
So, is this how it goes? You buy an RV and live with an appliance that does not live up to even the minimal expectation and when it ultimately fails, you replace it with a premium product at additional expense? We just accept this as just one of those things if you own an RV? Here is a possible exception to the rule. In our 2018 Navion 24G, the Truma AquaGo water heater is OEM installed as a standard feature. Part of the reason is the weight savings of not having six or more gallons of water in a tank. There is a switch setting that takes advantage of a recirculating system that delivers hot water to the bathroom and galley sink so that no water is wasted waiting for the hot water to flow from the tank. I can turn the single handle shower faucet to the desired temperature and I never have to change it. I am still in the habit of conserving water even with full hookups, so I use the shutoff on the shower head. When I turn on the shower again, the water is perfect; Goldilocks... not too hot, not too cold. After nearly eight weeks of use so far I still find it amazing. Maybe this is base on past experience of alternate freeze and scalding showers. OK, back on point: The control switch indicator light started to flash. That tells you to go outside and check the fault indicator light and note a pattern of short and long flashes. Checking the chart in the instructions, I did not find that fault code. I contacted Truma and I was told that it indicated a programming problem. I received a replacement control module which took all of three minutes to replace. I sent the original module back in the supplied packaging. What I am trying to say is that this water heater has so far performed beyond my expectations and when a potential problem was found, it was promptly addressed. I wish this was my experience with the RV in general. Sure, the Truma is more expensive than a conventional water heater, in my opinion, worth every penny. The microwave, not so much.
So far, after some additional tests involving actual cooking, the HighPointe Covection/Grill/Microwave seems to be doing ok. There seems to be enough cross flow ventilation in the oven to remove water vapor. Problem solved? Maybe, but what about all the other units rolling down the road?
