The 8 Best RV Microwave Convection Ovens to Buy in 2022

The limited space within an RV means anything multifunctional is highly desirable. An RV microwave convection oven combo not only integrates two crucial kitchen appliances into one to save you a lot of space, it also offers a better cooking experience and results.

Thanks to such versatility and performance, getting the best RV microwave convection oven would no doubt be the best investment for your RV kitchen. 

If your rig is a recent model, it would most likely come with an RV microwave convection oven instead of the usual propane-powered oven. Otherwise, you might be considering an upgrade to a microwave convection oven for its tremendous benefits, or are seeking one to fit into your custom-built motorhome.

For whatever reason, you will be overwhelmed by the hundreds of models out there, but fortunately, you have come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you will find our handpicked list of the best RV microwave convection ovens on the market with an in-depth review for each so you can easily compare between models.

This list is supplemented with crucial information that will help you determine the best fit for your camping needs and budget: types of convection microwave for RV, how to use, the best food to cook with, important buying criteria, installation steps, plus pro tips on usage and maintenance.

The 8 Best RV Microwave Convection Ovens:

• Toshiba EC042A5C-BS – Best Overall
• Sharp R1874T – Best Value For Money
• KitchenAid KCO273SS – Editor’s Choice
• Cuisinart CMW-200
• Dometic DCMC11B.F
• Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS
• Contoure RV-185B-CON
• Half Time MC-300-BIS/B

The Best RV Microwave Convection Ovens

You intend to bring home a nice microwave convection oven for your next trip but have a hard time telling which model is of quality? 

If you happen to be a novice RVers that don’t know a single thing about kitchen appliances for recreational vehicles, your solution is here.

Below is our handpicked list of the best RV microwave convection ovens on the market based on their specifications, with the most important buying criteria in mind.

All of these models have a proven track record regarding functionality and durability, according to in-depth RV convection microwave oven reviews by verified purchases from seasoned campers.

If you don’t know what to look for in the best RV microwave convection oven, skip to the next sections to learn the different types as well as purchasing criteria, so as to determine your priorities and what would suit your budget.

	Product's name	Price	Key Features	More Info
	TOSHIBA 3-in-1 EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor,...	$$$$	Capacity: 1.5 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 21.73 x 21.38 x12.83 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 44.75 Pounds	See Latest Price
	Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet,...	$$$$	Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 15.4 x 29.9 x 16.3 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 71 Pounds	See Latest Price
	KitchenAid KCO273SS 12" Convection Bake Digital Countertop Oven - Stainless...	$$$$	Capacity: 12 Inches Dimensions: 15 x 18 x 13.875 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 20 Pounds	See Latest Price
	Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill	$299.95	Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 21.20 x 19.00 x 12.20 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 38 Pounds	See Latest Price
	Dometic DCMC11B.F Convection Microwave Oven, Black	$$$$	Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 15.6877 x 21.25 x 12.875 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 36 Pounds	See Latest Price
	Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS Convection Microwave Oven 1.0 Cu. Ft., 900W | Stainless...	$$$$	Capacity: 1.0 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 12.2 x 20.2 x 15.8 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 36 Pounds	See Latest Price
	Convection Microwave Oven - 1.0 Cuft. - Black RV-185B-CON	$$$$	Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 18.81 x 20.44 x 12.38 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 49 Pounds	See Latest Price
	3 in 1 Oven : 24" Built In Convection Microwave Oven w/Black Trim Kit...	$$$$	Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet Dimensions: 16.00 x 23.75 x 17.00 Inches (L x W x H) Weight: 49 Pounds	See Latest Price

1. Toshiba EC042A5C-BS – Best Overall

Why This Is The Best: 

Boasting modern built-in sensors that take the guesswork out of cooking, Toshiba EC042A5C-BS is held in high regard by numerous RVers. As the humidity of the food changes, the Toshiba oven is going to automatically apply adjustments to time and temperature. Hence, you don’t have to dedicate all of your attention which is undoubtedly a major plus while preparing meals.

In addition to that, Toshiba EC042A5C-BS offers a variety of menus so you should be able to whip up multiple dishes in a blink of an eye.

As it’s made from high-quality stainless steel, microwave convection oven of Toshiba could be cleaned without trouble. From time to time, you only need to take a damp cloth to give EC042A5C-BS thorough cleanings so maintenance is a breeze. The integration of hard-wearing materials in the cavity also makes Toshiba EC042A5C-BS resistant to scratch.

Last but not least, the oven uses up to 50% less power during standby in ECO mode. That feature would let you save energy and reduce operating costs at the same time.

For protection in transport, Toshiba covers the delicate keypad of EC042A5C-BS in a thin but rugged film. It’s necessary for you to remove the film before use to make precise inputs. 

We love this thing in our RV

Love it. Cooks perfect pizza. We use this full time in our RV. Love having an all in one for space saving. Here are a few tricks that will help when you first start to use.

First off this the outside is much deeper than and average microwave. It most likely won’t fit in a built in space for a microwave.
After you select temp on oven feature you have to hit start twice to turn on to start pre heat.

In our experience it typically takes about 5 mins more added to time for most recipes.

We have not found a way to add more cooking time at the end without having to go back through the preheat process. So if need more time I suggest check food fast and restart so you don’t have to wait to long for preheat.

You have to open and shut the door after preheat before it will let you set cook time.

If you counter is not perfectly level the door will swing at you and possibly cause burn as you try to pull out your pan. I usually a coffee cup or something glass in front of the door if I need two hands to pull out what is in the oven.

If you just cooked something using the oven feature then use the microwave feature your items will get hot fast. This includes the dish you used to cook in use a oven mitt. I learned this the hard way lol.

Also the turn table has to rotate while using the oven feature. So you will not be able to use a pan bigger than and 8×8 for anything. If I am making a large casserole I just make two 8x8s.

I know some people will read this and think well that is common sense. I just think it helps to habe a few tips when using a new product.
But in all we love this thing. And again this thing make perfect pizza and cakes!!!

Shared by Angie

2. Sharp R1874T – Best Value For Money

Why It’s The Best Value:

Today, once it comes to range-top cooking in recreational vehicles, few microwave convection ovens truly outperform Sharp R1874T. Featuring a top-notch integrated exhaust system, R1874T delivers three venting options to users: horizontal, vertical and ductless recirculation.

Moreover, the powerful Sharp microwave convection oven for RV packs an interactive display that shows helpful cooking instructions as well. Therefore, it should be a piece of cake to put together your favorite dishes in most of the cases if you own Sharp R1874T.

In terms of installation, the robust design of the Sharp oven means that the setup process is fast and straightforward. So you would be able to get Sharp R1874T up and running before long.

Like many of its competitors on the market, R1874T incorporate countesses cooking programs that facilitate meal preparations while traveling. While the cooking capacity of the Sharp model is unexceptional, it’s still an RV microwave convection oven that everyone could put to good use.

Regarding post purchase support, Sharp backs R1874T with an attractive 1-year warranty that covers parts as well as labors. Thus, RVers that purchase the oven should have peace of mind since Sharp is going to give them free replacements if they run into issues.

I love this appliance. We are full-time RVers. We purchased our 2004 motorhome in 2013. I had never used a convection oven before, but quickly learned to like this combination oven. When it needed replacing a month ago, we researched other “RV- friendly” micro/convec combo ovens. It didn’t take long to realize that we wanted the exact same type that had been original in the motorhome. It microwaves wonderfully and bakes beautifully.

Shared by Mary & Doug

We replaced our convection oven with this Sharp model and couldn’t be happier! It’s sleek sharp look fits great into our modern RV and once you have a convection oven in a RV, you can’t ever go back to just a microwave. We spent a little more for this unit but with the quality and warranty you just can’t lose. We’ve had other Sharp appliances and it’s products just lasts not like the brands who’s appliances are like buying disposable products that you have to replace every other year. After using this in our RV I had to have one in our home too! I highly recommend & give this oven 10 stars!!! Thank you!

Shared by Akaempf

3. KitchenAid KCO273SS – Editor’s Choice

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

You desire a high capacity convection microwave for RV that comes at an affordable price? If that is so, KitchenAid KCO273SS is for you. With an impressive cavity of 12 inches, the KitchenAid model is capable of taking in full-sized pizzas, cornish hens and so on without much difficulty.

Utilizing the latest heating technology, KCO273SS keeps the heat fairly consistent throughout cooking cycles which lead to delicious results. Thanks to the non-stick coating, cleaning the oven is a walk in the park.  

Packing a wide range of programs, KCO273SS receives lots of praises from RV convection microwave oven reviews for being a flexible and versatile model. By turning the control knob, you would be able to cycle between the cooking programs.

A timer feature is available too so you could set the oven to notify you if a dish is finished. That gives you plenty of time to focus on other dishes you have in mind. In order to reassure people about the build quality of KCO273SS, KitchenAid presents an agreeable 1-year free replacement warranty.

After buying KitchenAid KCO273SS, aside from the oven itself, the manufacturer is going to give you multipurpose pans, broiling racks, cooling racks, dip trays, … Because of that, the convection microwave of KitchenAid is essentially usable out of the packaging.

This is just what I was needing! We live in an RV and it came equipped with a convection/microwave as our only oven source. Did not work well as an oven for many reasons, so I had been looking for something that would fit in our rig and be lightweight so I could move it around. This is perfect! Does not heat up the entire rig, doesn’t draw many amps, bakes evenly and consistently, and is easy to use. Does not shut off every time you open the door. I highly recommend!

Shared by K. Bowers

4. Cuisinart CMW-200

Why We Love It 

Using a combination of brushed stainless steel and dark tinted glass window, Cuisinart CMW-200 is known as a tough, good-looking RV microwave convection oven. Aside from the gorgeous profile, CMW-200 possesses a brilliant cooking capability that proves to be unmatched in its price range.

As it boasts a superb mix of preset functions, RVers would be able to prepare tasty meals free of hassle. From meat to vegetables, the oven of Cuisinart could process all sorts of ingredients in your fridge effectively and efficiently.

One interesting feature of Cuisinart CMW-200 is that it supports multi stage cooking: the oven automatically shift functions based on a predetermined pattern that is customizable. Hence, it’s possible for you to make dishes that require complicated preparations by pressing a single button on CMW-200.

As for frozen foods, the Cuisinart model provides you with two choices: weight and time. So all you have to do is to select the method that suits your preferences. Due to the LCD interface, it’s a breeze to regulate operations of Cuisinart CMW-200.

As Cuisinart CMW-200 absorbs zero odor, it’s considered to be the best RV microwave convection oven for RVers that tend to travel extensively. Additionally, the open design of the Cuisinart unit allows people to clean it thoroughly without requiring considerable time and effort.

5. Dometic DCMC11B.F

Why We Love It: 

Being a solid small convection microwave oven for RV, Dometic DCMC11B.F is relatively well-liked by people that want to conserve counter space. Though the humble size of the Dometic oven means that its capacity is so-so, DCMC11B.F remains capable of preparing various dishes in a short period of time. Since the oven packs adjustable power levels, you could conveniently make a wide range of recipes that add much-needed diversity to the daily meals.

In use, the glass turntable of DCMC11B.F rotates the foods so heat sip through equally on all sides. Thus, you never need to worry about slightly uncooked foods on the road if you buy the model of Dometic. 

In addition, the turntable is removable, therefore, you should be able to take it out of the oven to clean. As for control, the keypads and the LCD display of Dometic DCMC11B.F would let you dictate all the cooking functions of the oven. The setup process is somewhat perplexing but it’s by all accounts a minor flaw. 

Accompanied by a trim kit, the Dometic unit could put together meals for a family of 4 people out of packagings. For its price, Dometic DCMC11B is indeed the leading RV microwave convection oven money can buy on the market in terms of cost-effectiveness. 

6. Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS

Why We Love It 

Employing an innovative honeycomb cavity, Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS manages to increase cooking performance by 15% compared to the average models. As it contains assorted power levels, the model of Daewoo comfortably matches the ideal cook times of plenty of food.

Following the trend, KOC-9Q4DS offers RVers auto menus that accelerate the cooking processes. By pushing buttons, you can confidently leave the processing of ingredients in the hand of Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS and take care of other tasks.

After usage, the cooling fans of KOC-9Q4DS start up on its own so you don’t have to manually cool down the cavity. Furthermore, the presence of stainless steel in the cavity of the Daewoo oven guarantees that cleaning would only take minutes. In case you have a hard time removing stubborn creases, grimes and so on in the oven, the steam clean function of Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS should come in handy. By using the power of steam, the oven is able to lift up unwanted materials in the cavity for users to remove as they like.

For RVers that travel alongside children, Daewoo KOC-9Q4DS is a fine RV microwave convection oven to have around thanks to its safety features. Upon engaged, the feature is going to lock the door of the Daewoo oven which keeps curious kids on your rig from getting into trouble.

7. Contoure RV-185B-CON

Why We Love It

Due to the integration of the “jet” thawing setting, Contoure RV-185B-CON excels at processing assortments of frozen ingredients. As the setting works based solely on the weight of the foods, you don’t have to make additional inputs. Aside from that, RV-185B-CON boasts a lot of auto menus, all have pre-set time limits and heat settings, for you to choose. If you like to cook manually, the oven of Contour uses adjustable heat settings that allow you to prepare whatever dishes you have in mind.

Similar to CMW-200 of Cuisinart, Contoure RV-185B-CON features customizable multi stage cooking as well. As a result, you could put food into RV-185B-CON then let the unit run through a predetermined course. It’s also worth noting that Contoure RV-185B-CON offers a timer feature too so it’s possible to take care of other tasks. That is why the Contoure model is received favorably by RV enthusiasts that must prepare various dishes simultaneously before mealtime.

Once you purchase RV-185B-CON, you need to get the trim kit required for installation which is sold separately. Regarding post-purchase support, Contoure confidently back the oven with a limited 1-year manufacturer warranty.

8. Half Time MC-300-BIS/B

Why We Love It

Coming at an expensive price, Half Time MC-300-BIS/B contains a number of quality features that match its cost. Able to cook up to 50% faster than gas/electric models, the Half Time microwave convection oven saves power and time.

Moreover, the user-friendly digital display of MC-300-BIS/B makes navigating its cooking functions a breeze in most cases. Last but not least, the auto steam clean feature of Half Time MC-300-BIS/B would get rid of stubborn leftovers of ingredients without trouble.

About installation, MC-300-BIS/B could be set up in three ways: wall cabinet, under the countertop and slide-in. Because of that, the adaptability of the Half Time unit is truly outstanding: you should be able to get it to work in variable settings.

The cooking capacity of Half Time MC-300-BIS/B is usually adequate for four people. From full course meals to light snacks, the Half Time oven possesses the ability to prepare practically everything you desire.

As proof of quality, Half Time provides users of MC-300-BIS/B with a 2-year warranty that speaks volumes about the performance of the model. The shipping expense would also be taken care of by the manufacturer l which is nice.

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RV Convection Microwave Oven Basics

How does an RV convection microwave oven work?

RV microwave convection ovens are two appliances in one and to choose either, you just have to change to settings. With the microwave setting, a microwave convection oven will work as a regular microwave for reheating food and drinks or for defrosting. The convection setting will allow you to use it just like a standard kitchen oven. 

Convection microwave ovens offer all the cooking features of traditional and grill microwaves. So how does this combo cook differently from regular microwaves and ovens? 

In comparison, traditional microwave ovens use a metal box to direct electricity toward food and, in the process, heat it up. For the oven part, conventional ovens heat up thanks to coils located at the top and bottom of the appliance. Due to this mechanism, even the best ovens have a downside—that is uneven heat distribution. 

Meanwhile, what really makes the microwave convection oven for RV different is the convection oven mode. Instead of merely blasting heat into the oven cavity like regular ovens, a microwave convection oven combo takes that heat and circulates it with fans.

This creates a better cooking environment: heat moves around, under and over the food to cook it faster and more evenly than a typical oven. You do not get hot spots and your food still crisps up and stays moist and typically cooks faster letting you bake and roast food with home-cooked results. 

You can check this using an oven thermometer, and you’ll see that a regular oven will have hot and cold patches, which means you have to move your dishes around throughout the cooking process, while a microwave convection oven distributes heat evenly throughout the space.

Another simple test is to bake multiple trays of cookies at once. With a regular oven, you’ll easily see uneven browning between the lower and higher shelves, as well as between the cookies at the center and the edges of the same tray. Bakers who use microwave convection ovens often praise how they don’t need to rotate the trays mid-way through the baking cycle to achieve even doneness and browning. 

That said, an RV microwave convection oven is a great investment, given that you do actually use both the microwave and the oven function for cooking. Understandably for a two-in-one appliance, these things cost more than a typical microwave. They are the best RV microwave indeed.

You can expect that this technology requires you to do things a bit differently, but it’s no hurdle. Reading the manual will help you grasp how to operate the appliance. Since most of us are already familiar with using both the microwave and the oven, using a combo should be pretty intuitive. 

Temperature and time settings differ between units so keeping the manual nearby in a drawer will help you get comfortable the first few times you cook with this handy combo.

While you cook, do note that some adjustments are needed when upgrading from a regular oven to an RV microwave convection oven as well if you want to achieve the same results, so make sure to regularly check the food while it’s cooking for the first few trials.

There are a few things you need to know when using microwave convection oven on the road:

• Because different brands have different settings and options, make sure to read your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, most can be found online by searching your model number which can be typically found inside of the machine. The microwave’s settings are pretty straightforward and it’s going to work like most of the microwaves you’ve used in the past. 
• When using convection oven mode, make sure to use the oven racks that came with your unit. It’s important because the hot air needs to circulate all around the food for even cooking
• Because a convection oven is using a heating element and not microwaves, you can usually use regular bakeware, however you’ll want to choose bakeware which has lower sides,  nothing too deep or tall so that hot air can circulate all the way around the food. 
• Because it is circulating all the way around the food, it typically cooks faster, so you may want to reduce your cooking time and temperature by 20%. But again, check your owner’s manual!
• Convection microwaves are great for pies and cookies. And they’re also especially great for roasting or reheating foods that were roasted in the oven. Specifically, we’re talking about meats and veggies here, which will get crispy skin or caramelized exteriors.

Advantages of an RV Convection Microwave Oven

Space

As a two-in-one appliance, getting a small convection microwave oven for RV means you get to utilize the large oven area for storage space. This is why this appliance is hugely popular with small rigs and small homes.

Make great-tasting food

In the microwave mode, a microwave convection oven uses radio-frequency energy to cook and a fan to circulate hot air. The food cooks from inside out and has a much better flavor because it retains all its moisture. The best models often feature sensor cooking to detect doneness and automatically adjust cooking time to ensure food is not undercooked or overcooked.

Cooks food more evenly

Thanks to the addition of a fan that evenly circulates heat throughout the entire chamber, these  microwave-oven combos tend to cook food more evenly for both better tastes and better appearance.

Cooks food faster

On average, RV microwave convection ovens cook food more quickly than a conventional microwave and can cut down cooking time by up to 75 percent in some cases. With the oven setting, it’s generally agreed that a microwave convection oven combo can cut down cooking time by up to 30% compared to regular ovens. When you bake, baking times are comparable, though.

Doesn’t Heat-up Your Entire RV

One big, big downside of cooking with a stove or oven is it will spread the heat around your RV and in the summer, cooking can make your RV a motorized sweatbox. In comparison, an RV microwave convection oven doesn’t have this issue. It will keep the cooking process enclosed inside its chamber and won’t heat up your entire RV. 

Notes

• Power consumption: The only downside is that RV microwave convection ovens use a lot of electricity; or maybe not, since both regular microwaves and standard ovens are very energy hungry too. Just remember that if you enjoy boondocking on solar power, you’ll have to ensure you have an adequate system. That said, on the bright side, microwave convection ovens won’t deplete your propane tank cause they don’t use any.
• Baking: Even though microwave convection oven combos require a smaller chamber to be heated up, baking times for baked goods are comparable to those when baking in a gas oven. This is because microwave convection ovens cannot sustain the high temperatures that a traditional gas oven can, so that cancels out the benefits of a smaller chamber. 
• Cooking time may vary: Convection ovens are smaller than home ovens and therefore their cooking times may not be as consistent as when cooking in a gas oven. It’s best to monitor the food you are cooking to make sure it is fully cooked, especially during the first few times when you’re trying to adjust to your newly purchased microwave convection oven. One way to reduce the risk of overcooking is to reduce the temperature by just a little.

Types Of RV Microwave Convection Ovens

RV microwave convection ovens can be separated into two major categories: countertop ovens and over-the-range ovens. Let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of each type. 

Countertop RV Microwave Convection Ovens

These are straightforward: just place it on your countertop and make sure it won’t slide while you’re on the road. They don’t require complicated installation like their over-the-range counterparts, so they don’t come with a trim kit that is required to complete an over-the-range installation. 

Countertop models tend to be a bit larger than over-the-range varieties. They typically come with rubber legs to reduce sliding or vibrations from movement. 

Over-The-Range Microwave Convection Ovens

Over-the-range microwave convection ovens are specifically designed to be installed over a stovetop. Designed for smaller kitchens, they are usually mounted on the wall and can be installed above any range. Many RVs come with this type of neat setup as a stock option, thanks to this type’s design and compactness.

Over-the-range models combine the microwave and the ventilation unit to make the most of your limited kitchen space in the RV. They typically come with a range hood to help ventilate the gas range and stove beneath them. 

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How to Choose the Right RV Microwave Convection Oven

The market for RV microwave convection ovens really offers a vast variety with an array of convenient features, smart design and at different price points. If you have a specific budget, it’s natural that you might need to compromise in some cases. 

That said, which model is the best really depends on your camping needs on top of budget, which are affected by how many companions you travel with, what recipes you often cook, whether you need many additional features, and how your camp and whether your power sources can support the unit. Determine your priorities based on this factor, and keep in mind the following key buying criteria before starting to browse and compare different models. 

Capacity 

In layman’s terms, the cooking capacity of a convection oven would determine the quantity of food it’s able to process in one go. This usually varies between 0.6 to 2.0 cubic feet. 

In the case you only need to prepare meals for yourself plus possibly a few family members, it’s fine to settle for standard models. On the other hand, if you must feed a lot of people at mealtime, get a unit with at least 1.2 cubic feet. 

In addition, if you’re comparing models, you should also check the size of the racks and the height of the interior. These are as important as the overall capacity, as they affect what dishes you can comfortably cook with the unit.

Power Rating

Wattage is the primary metric used to measure the power of an RV microwave convection oven. In general, you’ll find most units with a power rating somewhere between 650 and 1950 watts.

A model that possesses a high energy rating tends to accelerate the cooking process but it also consumes lots of power. So if you don’t wish to see a hefty utility bill at the end of the month but still like to whip up dishes fast, make some calculations in order to decide the apt power rating for your microwave convection oven. 

Higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Many older models with very low wattages tend to take forever just to heat up a cup of coffee in the morning. You can find some more expensive models that give you the ability to pick your own microwave power level and convection temperature when cooking different foods. 

Sadly, this handsome feature isn’t always available with ovens in the affordable category. They typically come with a preset power level or convection temperature. So, if you enjoy the freedom to customize your cooking settings for the best results, you’ll want to go with a unit with more advanced features, albeit for a slightly more expensive price tag.  

You’ll need to take a few things into consideration when choosing the right power rating so as not to overload your rig’s electrical system; more on this right below. The first step in deciding the optimal wattage rating for your new RV microwave convection oven is to find out the wattage of your old microwave, given that the microwave came factory-installed and is not an aftermarket installation by a previous owner. 

Most microwaves have a sticker inside that will tell you their wattage rating as well as other technical specifications. But if you can’t find it there, you’ll need to consult your RV owner’s manual. 

If your rig is custom-built, you will need to sit down and take some time to estimate your average daily power consumption by adding up how many wattages your electrical appliances will draw at any given time, consider the power supply of your power sources, and whether or how long you would like to boondock or dry-camping at a place, in order to find a way to make sure adding a microwave convection oven will not overload your system. More on this further below.

Cooking Settings

Anything with multiple functions and settings is a gem when you’re living on the road. Just like with a multifunctional cooker, a microwave with various quick-cooking settings will be extremely convenient since it allows different foods to cook at different temperatures and different times for the best results. So you won’t have to monitor the food all the time to make sure it’s not undercooked or overcooked, or take it out to rotate for even doneness. 

Some examples of these specific cooking settings include reheating meat, defrosting and cooking frozen foods, cooking vegetables, making popcorn, and many other common simple dishes. These settings will help you churn out delicious meals without too much hassles. 

Additional Features

Assuming that you know what needs to be done ahead of mealtime, it’s a breeze for you to prepare meals using microwave convection ovens. But you should keep an eye out for extra features while assessing options on the market these kinds of days. Many of the best RV microwave convection oven models include additional features that come in handy.

Some of the best RV microwave convection ovens pack pre-programmed cooking menus that allow you to make your favorite dishes by simply pressing some buttons. Others boast precise built-in humidity sensors that detect and defrost frozen ingredients within minutes. This is important because these microwaves function by activating the water content in food, which causes it to steam as it cooks.

Thus, by analyzing the humidity inside the microwave, these sensors detect when your food is sufficiently cooked. They then automatically shut the microwave off to avoid overcooking or undercooking the food. Really, this is as good as it can get. 

Another useful setting to look for if you’re willing to invest a bit more in a truly fuss-free model is an automatic cleaning feature. This will reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do by hand to keep your microwave looking and smelling fresh, thus avoiding the chance that the accumulated odor will ruin your freshly made meals. 

Another interesting high-tech feature that many home cooks find handy is Alexa integration for hands-free operation. Some affordable models do offer this handsome feature, too. 

Safety Features

If you have young kids on board, it might be worth looking for models with a child-lock feature, the most important feature to look for on the safety front. This feature allows you to lock the microwave so that small children can’t turn it on accidentally.

Just note that this feature typically won’t be activated by default. You’ll need to activate it manually when you install the microwave and plug it in. Also be aware that this feature can be activated by mistake on some models if a specific combination of buttons is pressed too many times. So in short, consult your manual and keep it close by.

Energy Consumption

Power consumption is an important consideration for all RVers, especially if you often camp away from RV parks and campgrounds that offer electrical hookups. Unfortunately, microwave ovens are one of the most energy-intensive appliances, aside from your air conditioning unit, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner and hair blow dryer. As above, a model with a higher wattage rating consumes more electricity. 

If you have access to an RV electrical stand at campgrounds for the most of the time while camping, you probably don’t have to worry too much about power over-consumption when adding a RV microwave convection oven into your rig. However, this does not apply if you’re a full-time RVer who is parking at a place long-term and paying by the kilowatt-hour for the electricity you pull from the grid. 

In addition, if you’re like to boondock in your RV or often visit hard-to-get places with no services, you will be relying on your battery power plus a generator, and probably some solar panel configuration on top to top off your battery. If so, you need to be very careful when deciding which model to buy to make sure that the microwave you choose isn’t going to overtax your RV’s electrical system and deplete your battery storage, leaving you stranded. 

In most RVs, even if you travel alone with not too many electrical appliances to power, you’ll need to run the generator or plug your RV into a reliable 30 or 50 amp power supply in order to comfortably run your microwave. Of course, the more companions you travel with, the bigger your motorhome is and the more power-hungry appliances you have on board, the more you need to make sure that your generator is powerful enough, or the onboard power connection can supply enough wattage to power the microwave you’re considering, on top of everything else you need to use on a regular basis. 

If you’re in a pinch, try running your microwave only with no other major appliance on at the same time. But if you already have the air conditioner on, turning on the microwave would likely overload the whole system and cause a breaker to pop.  

(For your information, the electrical system in your RV includes multiple switches and circuit breakers. A circuit breaker is a type of electrical switch that is automatically operated by the current. It’s designed to protect the electrical circuit from damage that happens when a circuit becomes overloaded. 

So what this means is, if you are replacing an old microwave with a new model that draws a much higher wattage, this can have cascading effects on the rest of your appliances.)

How to calculate your total daily power consumption

To assess your daily total wattage drawn, you need the wattage drawn from every single electrical appliance that you often use on a daily basis. The running wattage and starting wattage of every electrical device is marked on its label somewhere. Look at the labels of all the devices and appliances you plan to run at a given time and add up the wattage. 

Note that microwave convection ovens, air conditioners, fridges and dishwashers typically have a much higher starting wattage than running wattage, since more power is needed to get the motor up and running. For instance, an average RV microwave convection oven starting wattage might be up to 2,200 watts, while it only needs up to 625 watts to keep running.

Therefore, it is safest to have a generator that is powerful enough to supply at least the total starting wattage of your appliances, or else you’ll just have to make sure to turn on only one appliance at a time. Start your calculations with the most energy-intensive appliances, that is your air conditioning unit, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, and blow hair dryer.

Allow for the fact that you’ll probably never run everything at once, but don’t underestimate by too much. You don’t want to lose power while in the middle of cooking the moment someone turns on the bathroom light.

Ease of Use

Life on recreational vehicles often presents a wide range of worries which is why you should do yourself a favor and get a user-friendly model. Even if you want one with many handy features to quickly cook a variety of food, this doesn’t mean it should get complicated to use. Nothing is as vexing as a complex oven that refuses to start up once you need to cook something to put into your empty stomach. 

Therefore, prior to purchasing a particular model, it’s a good idea to read the instruction manual to see if you may grasp its operations. In addition, take a close look at reviews of customers as they offer excellent insights into functions, handling characteristics, and maintenance.

Trim Kit

A trim kit is really only necessary if you’re buying an over-the-range microwave convection oven (more on what this type is further below). A trim kit will help you make your new convection oven appear as if it’s been in place forever. You won’t have to worry about cracks or openings around the edges of the microwave that look unsightly.

Most over-the-range microwave convection ovens will come with a trim kit, but just check to make sure what you buy will come with everything needed for installation. Do note that it’s always harder to match a trim kit that’s sold separately to your oven than to simply purchase an over-the-range model that comes with a compatible trim kit. If the model you’re looking at doesn’t, say you’re buying a used one, just know that you might have a little more work on your hands to install the unit and then clean up. 

Size

Microwave convection ovens come in two types and a myriad of sizes. You’ll need to consider how much kitchen space you can afford to give up in your RV. 

Another important thing worth considering is the size of the oven door. This is what the novices often overlook. Wide-opening doors make it a lot easier to remove heavy and hot dishes. Some units even have drop-down doors that can hold hot dishes when open.

Price 

RV-oriented microwave convection ovens come at a variety of prices so suitable models exist for virtually every shopping budget. Nonetheless, to get your money’s worth, it’s necessary that you think everything through. If you choose dirt-cheap ovens to save a couple of bucks, it’s highly likely that you would have to spend more on replacements.

For your reference, the vast majority of models will fall into one of two price categories, with a small number of outliers: $150 to $400 range and $400 to $800 range. 

• $150-$400: Although this is the lower price range, you’ll still find many RV microwave convection ovens made by renowned brands like Panasonic, Cuisinart, and Waring. If you look hard enough, you will even find some models with Alexa integration for hands-free operation.
• $400-$800: Pay up to double the price of the previous range and you’ll have a handful of convenient features like auto defrost, child safety lock, safety protection, and sensor cooking. What you’re also paying for is superior reliability and durability. Most of the ovens in this class are mostly made of stainless steel, and their lengthy warranties are proof of their long lifespan. This class is more popular with full-time and life-long RVers. 

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Major RV Microwave Convection Ovens Brands

Toshiba

A testimony by not just a majority of campers but also a majority of home cooks is that Japan produces the most user-friendly, functional and durable consumer electronic products, with microwave convection ovens included.

This is true, and Toshiba is one of the familiar names that you can trust. It is one of Japan’s oldest manufacturers of consumer electronic products, and to these days still makes affordable but perfectly functional and long-lived microwave convection ovens like the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection, a prized product for RVs and small apartments alike.

Sharp

Sharp is another name you will come across often when researching which RV microwave convection ovens to invest in, along with a myriad of other consumer electronic products. This Japanese multinational corporation designs and manufactures a wide range of products, from solar panels to refrigerator to televisions to microwave convection ovens and more, literally everything you might need to equip your precious home on wheels. 

Like Toshiba and many other Japanese makers, Sharp microwave convection oven for RV is known to be durable, user-friendly and has great features. Like the majority of Japanese consumer electronic products, Sharp and Toshiba make energy efficiency plus intuitive designs their trademarks. 

LG

If you want something a bit more affordable than a Japanese model, but do not want to compromise on quality, LG might be an ideal choice. LG offers many microwave convection oven models with raving reviews for their great value for money, useful features and decent durability. 

Farberware

Farberware is a big name and a household favourite, but it is more widely known in the West. This Russian brand is best known for its high-quality yet extremely affordable cookware as well as kitchen appliances. Founded in 1897, it has a proven track record in everything that it makes. 

A hugely popular model is Farberware Microwave Oven with Air Fry & Grill/Convection. Like most things manufactured by the brand, you get great value for your money and a good many years of use from Farberware microwave convection ovens. Of course, depending on how much you pay, you might not get the most fancy and durable in the world, but you are guaranteed to get great value for your money.

Cuisinart

Now we’re starting to venture into the higher class of consumer electronic products with two big names. While Bosch is well known both in the East and the West, Cuisinart is more popular in the West, and often hailed as the dream brand that most housewives would want to own in their kitchen. It is also a brand loved by professional chefs. 

Like most things from the brand, Cuisinart microwave convection ovens do not disappoint. That said, not every camper or home cook is willing to invest that many dollars in one. 

Bosch

Bosch’s microwave convection ovens are more widely available in the East than Cuisinart. Being a more luxury brand than our Toshiba or Sharp, Bosch’s models are well-rounded, so you have nothing to worry about on the functionality and durability fronts, and on top of that, come with typically sleek, cool-ass designs that would fit right in the interior of a luxury motorhome’s kitchen.

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How to Use an RV Microwave Convection Oven

Cooking with an RV microwave convection oven should be intuitive, since it should not differ significantly from using standard microwave and home gas ovens.

Choose the microwave setting and you can use the unit just like a normal home microwave for reheating food and drinks and defrosting. Or select the convection setting and adjust the temperature, and the unit works just like a standard kitchen oven.

What Dishes are Suited to Cook in RV Microwave Convection Ovens

To get the best results, it’s recommended that you use the convection setting when you’re cooking or baking with low-sided dishes such as a roasting pan or cookie sheet. Some dishes that will yield the best results when cooking with an RV microwave convection oven are lasagna, spaghetti, grilled meatballs, and cookies. Cooking with low-sided dishes with a large surface area will expose the surface area of your food to the circulating air as much as possible, thus achieving fast and even cooking. 

Just remember, the convection setting creates a drier environment, while a conventional home oven is more humid. Thus, with baked goods, microwave convection oven baking should only be used for baked goods that require little moisture like cookies. 

The combo is not suited for delicate and moist baked goods like flans and cakes, especially sponge cake and chiffon, which requires a lot of spring and moisture for the fluffy, soft texture. The hotter and drier environment accelerates crust formation in cakes, which will make the cakes rise less, thus denser and firmer.

Cookware

In general, treat these combo units like how you would with regular microwaves and gas ovens. That means you can’t use metal while the unit is in microwave mode, just like with a regular microwave. Plus, avoid anything that is not marked “microwave safe”. 

Other than that, you can use anything in the oven mode. Lots of cool new bakeware can be used in this appliance, like silicone cookie trays and cupcake pans, in addition to metal sheets and pans and ceramic cookware.

Recipe Adjustments

Cooking with RV microwave convection ovens means making a few minor adaptations to your favorite recipes due to different heat distribution, faster cooking time and a drier environment. Worry not, it’s a straightforward process. Once you get to know the quirks of microwave convection oven cooking times and settings, you will enjoy the results as well as the convenient cooking process.

However, keep in mind that the lack of a direct flame source on food like that in a gas oven means you won’t usually get that quick char-broil crispy texture and browning on top.

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How To Install An Over-The-Range Microwave Convection Oven

If you’re buying a countertop microwave convection oven, you won’t have to do anything. Simply find the right space for it and make sure to put some sort of anti-slip cloth beneath it so that it doesn’t slide around while you’re driving. But if you’re installing and replacing an over-the-range RV microwave convection oven, the process is a bit more technical.

To make things easier, the first step is to locate the breaker that provides power to your current microwave appliance. This breaker usually supplies power to other appliances as well, so it’s good to plan for at least an hour or two of “maintenance mode” when those other appliances and electronics aren’t needed. 

You’ll be able to check that there’s no power to your microwave simply by looking at whether the display LEDs are lit up or not. To double-check, just go ahead and try turning it on. If it turns on, you probably chose the wrong breaker. 

After locating the right breaker, you’ll need to remove the trim kit of your old microwave. Most over-the-range microwaves have a trim kit around their outer edges to make them look neater. Remove the screws to remove the trim pieces. 

This is where things can get a little tricky, as microwaves can differ in how they are mounted inside their compartment. If you can’t easily see the screws or other mounting hardware, consult the owner’s manual before proceeding with pulling or tugging too hard on parts. 

Once you have successfully got your old microwave loose, make sure it is unplugged before pulling it out of the compartment entirely. The outlets used for most microwaves will be on the sidewall of the compartment so that it’s easier to reach. In some cases, you may need a second set of hands to support the weight of the microwave as you tip it forward enough to get your hand behind and unplug it. 

Removing the old over-the-range microwave is actually the most tricky part when you install a new one. Now that your old microwave is removed, be careful not to simply reverse the process you used to remove your old microwave, as your new model will likely require different steps. Simply follow the installation instructions that came with your new microwave for a safe and secure installation. 

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FAQs About RV Microwave Convection Ovens

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