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Do RVs Need Special Microwaves? Your 7 Best Small Options

Do RVs Need Special Microwaves? Your 7 Best Small Options

An RV microwave is a game-changer for cooking on the road. But finding one that doesn’t take up a lot of space can be challenging.

We’ve identified the best small options on the market to make your search easier. Keep reading to learn if RVs need special microwaves and find one that fits your camper.

Do RVs Need Special Microwaves?

A regular microwave works in an RV. However, some household versions are rather large and would take up too much space. If you have solar power on your RV, you’ll want a microwave with low wattage. In addition, campers often opt for a microwave with a convection oven to use as a multifunctional appliance. 

How to Use a Convection Microwave (With Confidence) || Fulltime RV Living

What Size Is an RV Microwave? 

An RV microwave’s size differs depending on the available space in your unit. First, consider whether you need a built-in microwave or a countertop version. Built-in microwaves are typically large, ranging from 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. You’ll want to measure appropriately if you go with a built-in to ensure your RV cupboard can support it.

A countertop version is more common for adding a microwave to an RV shelf or to set on your counter. Most models range from 24 inches wide to 18 to 22 inches deep and are between 10 to 18 inches high.  

Pro Tip: Uncover all you need to know about your convection microwave with our Complete Guide to Your RV Microwave Convection Oven.

RV Microwave
Cook up a quick meal in your RV by installing a microwave.

How Many Watts Is an RV Microwave? 

When connected to 30 or 50-amp shore power, you could technically have a microwave of any wattage. However, you might trip a breaker if you’re running multiple appliances and a high-wattage microwave. For those running solar, you’ll want to look for a low-wattage unit comparable to your inverter’s size. 

RVs typically have microwaves with a cooking capacity of 600 watts to 1,000 watts. Less is better regarding wattage for RV cooking, especially if you’re fluctuating between being hooked up to shore power and boondocking.

Your 7 Best Small Options

We found seven of the best small options for an RV microwave. We’ve included an overview and our favorite features. Each is an excellent choice for cooking in an RV.

travel trailer kitchen
Always consider whether or not your ideal microwave is a built-in or on-the counter model before you buy.

1. RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave 1.0 cu ft. With Trim Package EM925AQR-S

About: The RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave 1.0 cubic feet is a 900-watt built-in unit. Its dimensions are 19.1 inches wide by 14.7 inches deep and 11.3 inches high. The microwave has eight express cook options: popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, soup, dinner plate, fresh vegetables, and frozen vegetables. Additionally, it has a 30-second instant start. 

Our Favorite Features: We like that the unit is stainless steel and easy to clean. The eight express cook options are also extremely convenient.

RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave 1.0 cu ft....
  • WITHOUT Trim Kit External dimensions – 19.1” W x 14.7” D x...
  • 8 Express Cook options (Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Beverage, Soup,...
  • Instant Start (30-seconds per touch)

2. Furrion 1.5 cu.ft OTR Convection Microwave Oven

About: Furrion’s 1.5 cubic feet OTR Convection Microwave Oven is a countertop model and universal fit. It’s a speed bake convection oven and microwave with multiple settings, including defrost and various power levels. In addition, it has a two-speed, 300-CFM venting system that removes smoke, steam, and odors. The dimensions of the RV microwave are 99 ½ inches long by 19 ⅛ inches wide and 8 ¼ inches deep.

Our Favorite Feature: The convection oven capabilities of the Furrion model are one of our favorite features. It’s an excellent alternative to using an RV oven. 

Furrion 1.5 cu.ft OTR Convection Microwave Oven -...
  • Multi Microwave Convenience Cooking Controls, Makes operation...
  • Defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or...
  • Speed Bake Convection and Microwave cooking combine to deliver...
Furrion microwave installed in RV
Enjoy easy and convenient cooking while camping in your RV.

3. SMETA Small Microwave Countertop Microwave Oven Compact 0.7 Cu. Ft/700W for RV

About: The SMETA compact 0.7 cubic feet, 700-watt RV microwave is perfect for any size camper. It’s 17.56 inches by 12.72 inches by 9.57 inches. It weighs 21.2 pounds. The unit has 10 power settings, a clock and timer, and a bright digital display. It also has six pre-programmed foods: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, beverage, and reheat. In addition, it has a defrost option that you can set by time or weight.  

Our Favorite Feature: The microwave has a detachable glass turntable which is convenient for cleaning or taking to prevent the banging noise when driving down the road.

SMETA Small Microwave Countertop Microwaves Oven...
  • Microwave small size(W*D*H): 17.56*12.72*9.57 inches, internal...
  • 0.7 cu ft/700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen...
  • Pre-programmed small microwave menu for 6 popular foods like...

4. TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven

About: The TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven is a countertop unit. It has a maximum cooking power of 700 watts and features an LCD display and child lock for safety. And it has six auto-cooking programs, including defrost and cooking by weight function. In addition, there’s a removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.

Our Favorite Feature: The microwave is specifically designed for trucks, as it’s vibration resistant and durable. And it easily fits in most truck or RV cabinets. 

TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven...
  • FOR YOUR COMFORT: Preparing a quick meal or snack when you’re...
  • WORKS WITH POWER INVERTERS: Please keep in mind that our...
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: This countertop microwave oven is made with...
RV microwave
An RV microwave is perfect for making some popcorn for the ultimate camping movie night.

5. Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven

About: Farberware’s Classic FMO07AHTBKJ 0.7 cubic feet 700-watt microwave oven is compact for countertops or RV cabinets. It has 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking and six one-touch cooking programs. You can also defrost by weight or time settings. The dimensions are 12 inches by 11.9 inches and 8.2 inches. The turntable diameter is 10.6 inches.

Our Favorite Features: It has express cooking and a press-and-go speed with a memory function to store your most-used settings.

Farberware Classic Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft.,...
  • QUICK & EASY: Prepare meals and snacks in a snap with this...
  • CONVENIENT: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave oven is the ideal...
  • COOK EASY & POWERFUL: The microwave offers 10 power levels with...

6. Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro 0.7 Cu Ft 700-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven

About: The Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro 0.7 cubic feet 700-watt countertop microwave oven is aqua with a fun vintage look. It has 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay time, and express cooking options for popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more. It also has an LED display, a digital clock, and a rotating glass carousel. 

Our Favorite Features: We like the simple turn-and-push program dial. And most of all, we love the retro vibe and splash of color this countertop microwave adds to an RV.

Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro 0.7 Cu Ft 700-Watt...
  • 700-watts cooking power: At 0.7 cubic feet, This microwave...
  • Convenient cooking controls: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings,...
  • Digital clock: Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital...
interior of convection microwave
An RV microwave is worth the investment for your RV kitchen.

7. GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, 700 Watts

About: The GE Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cubic feet capacity unit is 700 watts. It has a glass turntable and simple one-touch express cooking controls. And it has a kitchen timer, child lock controls, and cooking alarms. The defrost times and power levels can be programmed or set manually. Its dimensions are 17.31 inches by 12.75 inches by 10.18 inches.

Our Favorite Features: We like this RV microwave’s slick and compact design. And that it comes in three color choices to match your RVs decor, white, black, and stainless steel.

Pro Tip: Make your RV kitchen complete by having these 33 Must-Have RV Kitchen Accessories on hand.

Cooking & Eating While Full Time RV Living On The Road | Mondays with the Mortons

Is an RV Microwave Worth It?

An RV microwave is worth it for easy and convenient cooking while camping. From heating up leftovers to popping popcorn, a microwave is nice to have. Small countertop units tend to be the best for RVs that don’t have a place for a built-in model. And remember, getting one with lower wattage will mean you can simultaneously run other high-wattage appliances in your RV.

Would you prefer to have a toaster oven on your RV countertop instead of a microwave? Check out the 7 Best Small Toaster Ovens to Use in Camper Vans and RVs.

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About Mortons on the Move

Tom & Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers.
They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV.
Now, they are Discovery Channel & PBS TV Co-stars of The RVers, producers of “Go North” on Amazon Prime, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide.

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