12v Car Oven Road Chef "Big Bertha" vs Travel Buddy Part 1
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- In this episode of Lock your Hubs 4WDing, we review and test the performance of the new Road Chef "Big Bertha" 12v Car oven vs the Travel Buddy.
The Big Bertha also comes with a standard stainless steel baking tray! Though it's pretty shallow, I still think they'll be an market for a deeper tray or two.
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#LockYouHubs4WDing #TravelBuddy #BigBertha - Авто та транспорт
We just got our hands on this beauty !! ❤ it. It's going to be a real winner!
I think they're going to shift a lot of them.
You do very thorough reviews that answer all my question in on short video. Keep it up and please do as many different camping items as possible.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Personally I’ve been a owner, lover & defender of the Travel Buddy for over 5 years BUT if they don’t pull their fingers out & update it this year then I’m going to seriously consider purchasing the Big Bertha at Christmas 🎄
I would love to purchase a TB mark II. But Ive been waiting a while now.
Have had big Bertha in my house running 24 to 15v 30amp step down.
I run 100% off grid at home.
After 8 months of daily use I no longer have the bottom heating element working, unsure if it is the switch or the heating element itself.
I have just purchased a new one as they do a great job at 15v.
I figure if I get 8 months before losing an element again I will have a spare element to swap if need be.
I run the small travel buddy through a 12v to 15v 15amp step up in my mini camper van, no issue at all in 3 years.
I have the van setup off a dpdt switch so can run lithium battery voltage for slower cooking or 15v for crisping up things, works a charm
That's a great idea with the switch.
Fantastic review...straight into the dimensions! Brilliant. Accuracy....current....this is the BEST review I've seen...You'll do me son. I'm a subscriber now.
Thanks!
I have only just come across your reviews.
I have been extremely impressed with the way that you have conducted them, and feel that you have given honest and fair appraisals.
I especially like that you always try to put the Aussie stuff first, but are honest enough to tell it like it is.
I would have no hesitation in purchasing anything on your reviews.
You have/are doing a terrific job, please keep them coming.
P.S To any Aussie manufacturers reading these reviews, lets pick up the game, and keep our money and jobs where they belong here in Australia, I most certainly don't mind paying more for a better product.
Thanks mate, it's hard to hide the patriotism, but harder to hide the facts.
Great review Cobber, thanks!.. I'll be giving the Big Bertha a go I reckon.
They're a pretty good thing!
Fantastic review mate! Super interesting comparison and hopefully this causes Travel Buddy to create something new to compete!
We can only hope!
Well you love your vehicle ovens 😆 great review. Is the front door insulated? Guess I have to wait for the next review keep them coming 👍
Yes, the from door is insulated! Though with my testing with the TB aftermarket insulated door, they do work, but not a massive difference.
I enjoyed watching this video a lot
Thanks!
Great video
Thanks mate, appreciate it.
Thanks for all your reviews mate I've learnt a lot and before I didn't want to have one of these but now I'm working out which one I would like to have because I'm going to put the booster on it the 13.8 amp I think I will go just the Travel Buddy though because the other one maybe a little power hungry for me but the size is great for what my understanding seems to be your meal will be finished in 2 hours no matter what but I've got a battery setup just for the oven that's it a 170 amp battery with a 300 watt solar panel with a 13.8 booster I've even told a couple of my friends about the booster and they're putting there's on as we speak they didn't know about the buster either I told them they need to watch more UA-cam
Thanks, the 13.8v and even 15v step ups have turned what used to be ok but slow 12v ovens into something I never leave home camping without!
Great video! I looked for part 2 but couldn't find it. Having a boy look? lol
That looks very impressive
It does. Can't wait to cook a full sized roast in it.
I reckon I’ll be grabbing one of these. My TB has always annoyed me with the limited internal height. I can only fit two of my homemade pies in. No good when the missus wants one and I want two pies! ;)
If the TB was 20mm higher internally I’d live with it.
They are small, especially for families.
Loved your review, so much so that i have bought the Big Bertha. Any timeline on when part 2 is coming out with the dc boosters?
It's in the pipeline!
Great review - one thing missing for me - AH (or kWh) use - this is a measure of actual energy consumed from the battery bank and therefore in indicator of the effectiveness of the insulation.
Keep an eye out for that as part of the step up testing.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I wouldn't miss an episode unless someone paid me - a lot!
Thanks, I'm trying this year to release a video every week, and we're going to start including trips as well, so everyone can watch us bogged up to the door mirrors :)
Great review. Couple of quick questions.
- When heating the pies I assumed you used both elements? Would be interesting to use just one element to get a like-for-like comparison with the Travel Buddy.
- Similarly when cycling and holding temperature I assumed you used both elements?
- Would get good to see the current and total energy used when heating the pies. Does having two elements actually double the total power consumed?
Using just 1 element didn't get it up to pre-heat after 2 hours, so I didn't test just one element. Both elements were used for all temp readings except where noted. I'll be looking at current consumption with various voltages and a comparison with the travel buddy in the third video.
If you are buying from new, the Road Chef would be the pick. Just value for money and both made from China parts anyway.
I had the Travel Buddy for 4 years now, and zero issues and very happy. Wouldn’t replace it as the gains is not material. That’s why if buying from new just go the Road Chef for the value.
It's hard to go past the value.
The one negative that's not considered, is it's much larger size than the Travel Buddy. In my case, space is a premium. My Travel Buddy does the job well, and doesn't take up much room, when compared to the 'Big Bertha". I think it's bigger size is it's a disadvantage, not an advantage. Also, I'm a believer in the old adage, "if it aint broke, don't fix it". Other than insulating the Travel Buddy door, it doesn't need anything else, and does it's job very well. Bigger is not always better.
If space is at a premium, like in a smaller car, size might be a consideration.
Though, other than height, it's not considerably larger externally.
With the big swing to upright fridges could you do a video comparing
Engel
Bushmans
Dometic
Brass monkey
Put them in a heated room to simulate a hot car or canopy.
While we haven't planned any upright fridge testing as yet, we're in the middle of hot weather testing Engel covers. Back of ute and back of 4WD. So keep an eye out for that episode, it's coming up soon.
Surprised it didn't hold the temp better when cooking with double the power. I don't mind the depth and width of my marine. 10mm of extra height for each rack would make it easier to fit some brands of foil trays in. Maybe 20 more watts on the bottom element and a 75w top element to get the heat more even. That would be my ideal travel buddy.
Considering the increased volume of the Big Bertha, I think it did ok.
Awesome vid mate. Do you know how hot they both get externally when in use? and where the hot spots are?
Thanks, keep an eye out, we'll be covering the external temperatures in the third video about step ups.
Awesome
I think the travel buddy is the go
Support Australian
Its a little disappointing no fuse on the big Bertha
My question is is the door insulated on the big Bertha 🤔.
Yes! Missed that... Though in my testing of the aftermarket insulated door on the TB, it does make a difference, but not a lot.
If there is two different Amp draws depending on using one or two elements I don't think it wouldn't be possible to have a standard inline blade fuse?
@@MrLittlelukey the purpose of a fuse primarily is to protect the line and sized for the load. That's why it should be located as close to the supply as possible.
The rule of thumb is 20% above maximum constant load. So for a 20amp load, a 25amp fuse is a good choice.
Page 2 of the Big Bertha Instructions under 'power supply' states: "The oven is fitted with an internal fuse, if the fuse does blow then there is most likely a problem that you should diagnose and rectify before replacing the fuse""
Do a tear down and add a second element to the top of a travel buddy and double the top insulation.
You would have a great 12v oven then, for the I'm impatient crowd .
I tried to buy an element from TB, they wouldn't sell me one!
Get a ptc heating element
Doesn't the resistance of the element chsnge as the temp increases?
Hi Very interesting video. Question is what can you fit in the Big Bertha oven and how does it cook e.g. a small chicken roast? a small loaf of bread? a cake? i.e. the utility of the oven.
Is it safe to operate the oven in a canopy while driving given the heat may heat up the canopy where Li-ion batteries maybe installed? I.e. what temperature would a canopy rise to during operation?
Anything you can cook in a conventional oven, you can cook in the Big Beth's, or the Travel Buddy for that matter, you'll just need to adjust the cooking times.
If your canopy is well sealed, it will raise the internal temperature, as to how much, it depends on the canopy itself, your ambient temperature, how much stuff you've got in the canopy, and plenty of other variables.
The best way to check it out is to actually test it, if the ambient inside your canopy is too hot, you might need to look at ventilation.
I didn't realize blundstones were now made overseas, thank you for pointing that out, appreciate it, I'm with you on that one..I go through 2 pairs a yr... Not any more, pricks.
I usually wear RMs (Stockyards) because they're still OZ owned and Oz manufactured, but unfortunately they stopped making steel capped boots.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Redback boots for me. Aussie made, light and well priced.
I'll stick with my travel buddy. Works fine for me over here in NZ. Cooks everything I need as well as can be expected. Interesting vid if you were purchasing one for the first time however. Is bigger in this case better? Each to their own.
I suppose it depends on how many you're feeding as well. If it's you and the family, it's probably a no brainer. But if it's just you and the betrer half, maybe not.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yes amount off food is a big consideration. Good to see innovation. If i do understand the origin of the travel buddy (in a shed) i do understand perhaps the (lack off) development. but hey. competitions healthy. Great vids. Always worth the watch. Thnakyou
Nice one, Been looking a maybe a change to the larger one. Hows the performance you reckon if only using the lower element? do you think heating suffers much over the smaller unit ? I tend to only use mine when running, so the power usage isn't much of an issue.
On driving voltage (14.2) with only the lower element running I couldn't get it up to 180C. Though I loves 15V with both elements (Draws near 22A though)
I've had a little trouble with the element selector switch, and I think it's time to pull the thing apart, fix that and mod it with a constant on. (Like the TB)
@@LockyourHubs4WDing ok that's food for thought, I have to pull the front off mine to fix the bloody led but am also thinking of modifying it with a 3 way switch to allow an always on position. That's been the only downfall of the road chef as far as I can tell. I would have stayed Aus but they didn't have stock back when I picked up the RC. I'm also starting to get into smart devices and have a dedicated wifi network in the car. So as per your suggestion, could rely on automating the power supply to the unit rather than worrying about a timer. would also be great to stick a pie in before going into work, have it switch on a few hours before finish and come out to a hot breakfast. mmm ideas.
G'day mate, can you do a video on which is more energy efficient - Heating my lunch up in a travel oven, or 4 minutes in a microwave (on an inverter)? :D Cheers
That could be very interesting! It's on the list.
How about the 4 pie test using only top element and then bottom element as comparison to travel buddy
With only the top or bottom elements, the oven wont get up to temperature because of the extra volume.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing roger that !
Buy Australian made. Keep Aussie manufacturing alive. Go Travel Buddy! But I agree with many comments here, they need to innovate or they'll start losing loyal customers. Engel is in the same boat. Engel needs to update their fridge designs, others are leaving them behind.
While Engel is in a different boat, manufacturing overseas, I agree with the setiment, both companies are resting on their reputations as opposed to maintaining their position in the market with constant innovation.
Steam ovens are all the rage in home rennos these days so I guess you could just connect one directly to a Nissan TD42.
Haha!
Can you run a Tupperware/plastic container in there to reheat food? Or does it get too hot?
Too hot unfortunately, though silicon oven trays should be fine.
Hi mate good vid but would you tell me the price of the big bertha, i have had my buddy for awhile now very happy cheers terry.
They retail around the $400 mark.
I like to buy Aussie as well. But it is disappointing that you can buy a superior product for less money. Travel buddy need to improve their product.
They've been dragging their heels for a while. Let's hope the TB2 is just around the corner.
Travel Buddy for me. No need for something that draws that type of current for my use.
It does pound through batteries, no an issue if you're driving, but if you're parked up, you'll need a serious setup to keep up.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing not really....don't forget you still have the option to choose to only use ONE element if need be, so you'd be on the same footing as the TB. However, when driving (or if you have a good battery set-up), you have the OPTION of using twin elements in the Big Bertha. I can't see a downside to it really, other than it's made in China. And when you think about it, the actual COMPONENTS of the TB are probably made in China too.
Simon, when you pull Big Bertha apart, it might be wise to address the only downside to it....the lack of a "RUN" option on the timer. This would be as simple as adding a by-pass ON switch to the facia beside the timer.
@@billroach2393 As I'm pulling it apart and throwing the warranty out the window! I may as well fix that issue while I'm there. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@billroach2393 The iron ore and coal is dug up in Australia, I'm not sure about the actual stainless steel manufacture - probably most is made in China. The sheet metal bending and assembly is where the real difference is. Fasteners, insulation, switches, wiring, & thermostat all made in China I suspect.
@@billroach2393 The 'run' option on TB is not a good one, as I found out when I went to my truck to find the leisure battery at 0v after the oven being switched off.... and beyond onto the 'on' position and left like that for two weeks while the truck was parked up. This was a costly error as the battery was literally a few weeks old and couldn't be brought back from the dead. The 2 hour timer is your battery's best friend, it takes only a seconds to dial in another 2 hours if needed
Wow!! near on 20 amps.
Weak alternators need not apply!
Hi @Lock your Hubs 4WDing, do you know is it normal the temperature on top surface of oven get very hot (say around 60-70 degree) during use?
While I haven't measured it, it's not hot enough that I can't hold my hand on it. The front door however, is a decent amount hotter.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing ah damn, looks like I need to talk to the seller. I just acquired my last Friday, test running it on pre-heat but within 5 mins, top surface is reaching 70+ degree and does have excessive burning smell. :(
Thank you for your reply too @Lock your Hubs 4WDing
My Travel Buddy is a few years old now and still smells a bit during the preheat.
Great Video. You hit the nail on the head with innovation. Travel buddy is stale, haven’t changed much if anything since they began. I hate to buy imported goods, how ever there is a time and place.
I really wish TB would release version 2, it's well overdue.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing yes totally agree.
Success is innovation. Does the sides of the big Bertha get really hot from your experience. I’m hoping to build the travel oven into an enclosed rear draw system
@@conellisgreatadventure8864 Mainly the top generates some heat, not so much the sides.
How about a comparison using the 15v step up? Did you test that at all :)
It's coming!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Any update on the comparison?
Still missing that constant on instead of timer
It does, though most haven't found it to be an issue.
Lift your game Travel Buddy. We all want to buy Australian but you're giving us a XE Falcon when there's multivalve BMW's to choose.
Unfortunately you're right.
today is the day we ditched our travel buddy and installed the big bertha
You're going to love it!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing we took our travel buddy on trip in our land rover into the arctic circle to the most northern tip of Europe, we crossed 8 countries on the way and we used the oven almost every single day, the travel buddy was great, but it needed the add on aftermarket mods to be truly great. With a growing family The extra capacity of the big bertha is what appeals now and the 'out of the box performance' of the Road Chef products puts travel buddy to absolute shame and into a firm second best contender place... We are the importers of this product to the UK and despite the origins of these ovens, I like to support the Australian business thats behind it. Australia and the Australian people were very good to me when I travelled and lived there.... Good on you for making these videos, with your thorough and honest testing. Keep up the good work..!
Price between the two?
$260 for the standard marine TB and $399 for the Big Bertha. Though no doubt the BB will come down in price soon enough.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Thank you Sir !
What's your choice, Big Bertha or the Travel Buddy?
Definitely travel buddy.
Other than Aussie made (which is a bloody good reason!) Why?
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I am completely off grid. Twice the current expenditure for the same cooking time of things like the 4 pies as you showed is unfortunately too taxing on our daily usage.
Even if TB brought out a bigger unit. The TB fits our needs for size and current usage. As a side note the Aussie made version is important to us if we have a choice.
Thank you for the good review. Only data logging I would add to the 4pie test is to use total WattHour usage for the session.
I’ll be sticking Travel Buddy. One big thing for me is that I don’t have the space in the FJ to fit an oven that big. Performance looks good though!
@@BakedInMyCar unlike your good self, I am a man of simple cooking needs, and I can see buckloads of nachos in my immediate future!
Aussie made any day of the week. travel buddy any day
I understand the sentiment, I'm all for Aussie made, but Travel Buddy have been sitting on their hands for way too long.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing thanks for the reply. would you say its like engel with their simple design over the years thats proven top work? I hear the owners of travel buddy are two blokes out in Vic.
The Engel brand has innovated a lot, from just fridges, to fridge/freezers and a new range has not long been released, digital controllers etc., they're evolving to stay the market leaders.
The Travel Buddy of today has zero extra features over one purchased 10 years ago. I want to see them innovate and thrive, but for some reason, they don't.
The company is based in Bendigo Victoria, I purchased mine from John many years ago.
They can ship to US? that's sad
Not sure.
Just the fact it used near on 20amp to cook 10 odd degrees hotter compared to the TB, that's a fail in my book mate
It's a much larger oven, so you would expect it to use a lot more power.
Whos gunna tell him the bad news about RM's?
Isn't the company back in Aussie hands now?
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Aussie owned in name only. HQ overseas, manufacturing overseas.
Interesting but not for me. Fruit doesn't need cooking.
Meat does though!
What is it with you guys and your pies?
Every video I have seen from down under about these ovens all talk mainly about pies.
Is it because you are upside down or what?
Come up here to the top where we cook a large variety of foods, not just pies.
But of course that's a joke because we know we are all on top of this plain.
Hahaha, well I do enjoy a pie, but today for lunch is ribs!