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Top 5 Small Microwaves for Campers & Motorhomes (2024)

| Updated Jan 4, 2024

These Top 5 small microwaves for campers are the perfect fit and have the proper wattage for RV use and camping…

Microwaves often take up a lot of space and use a lot of energy. So, you need to consider several factors before buying a microwave for your RV, like size, wattage, and more.

We're going to tell you what you need to know, and give you 5 recommendations for the best small microwaves for campers.

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

Can You Take a Microwave Camping?

Yes, you can take a microwave camping if your campsite has an electrical hookup. So, even if you're tent camping and don't have an RV, you can take a microwave with you. The convenience of a microwave certainly makes camping easier, especially when traveling with kids.

Do RVs Need Special Microwaves?

While some Class A and large 5th wheels can accommodate standard microwaves, most RV microwaves have a compact design and lower wattage. Since RVers don't have much space and must be mindful of power consumption, a compact RV microwave oven is usually the right choice.

An important consideration is how the microwave vents. If you are replacing an existing built-in microwave, it's easiest to make a direct replacement that works with existing venting.

Another key difference is that many RV microwaves have a convection cooking feature and some are even a convection microwave oven combo. So, they're a multi-functional appliance that makes the most of the little space RVers have to work with.

Small Microwaves for Campers

Small Microwave Sizes

Regular microwaves have a capacity range of about 1.0 cubic foot to 2.2 cubic feet. A compact microwave ranges from 0.5 – 0.9 cubic feet. These capacities measure the interior space, and the outer dimensions depend on the type of microwave it is.

Here are the standard compact size dimensions:

  • Height: 10″-11″
  • Width: 15″-18″
  • Depth: 12″-16″

RV Microwave Wattage

A regular home microwave is 800-1,200 watts, whereas an RV microwave typically has 600 to 1,000 watts of cooking power. The higher the wattage, the faster your food cooks, but also the faster your RV battery drains.

RVers usually prefer a low wattage microwave, especially if they boondock and must regulate energy consumption. If you switch back and forth from shore power to battery, it's a good idea to get a microwave that has different power levels. That way, you can change cooking power levels depending on your current power source.

Countertop Microwave vs. Built-In Microwave

Many RVs have a new microwave built right into a kitchen cabinet or above the range. To replace these cabinet or range microwaves, you must take careful measurements and buy accordingly. You must also determine if you need to connect to existing venting or if a microwave with a built-in exhaust system will work.

A countertop microwave takes up counter space, which isn't ideal in an RV, but that's where compact options come in. Plus, countertop options can often be used in a designated microwave cabinet, which is usually a doorless cabinet with an electrical outlet.

5 Best Small Microwaves for Campers

So, for the purposes of this article, we are going to focus mainly on countertop microwaves. Many of these microwaves can be used inside a built-in microwave cavity as long as it has enough space to vent properly. You don't want the microwave's vent pressed up against a wall or the back of the cabinet.

But, we also include one built-in compact option at the end that is a popular direct replacement for Greystone.

1. Toshiba 6-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Oven Combo (0.9 Cu. Ft.)

Toshiba 6-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Oven Combo (0.9 Cu. Ft.) Small Microwaves for Campers

The dimension of this 0.9 cu ft microwave is bigger than most at 17.6″D x 19.47″W x 11.47″H. However, we've included it on this list because of its impressive versatility, and it still runs on only 900W.

It's a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, and Speedy-Combi. The Speedi-Combi modes speed up cooking with a combination of microwave, convection, and grill function.

It also uses inverter technology that heats the food evenly and consistently. All in all, this is arguably the best RV microwave if your RV can accommodate its larger-than-normal compact size.

2. Panasonic NN-SD372S with Inverter Technology (0.8 Cu. Ft.)

Small Microwaves for Campers Panasonic NN-SD372S with Inverter Technology (0.8 Cu. Ft.)

With a power output of 950 watts and a 0.8 cubic foot capacity, this Panasonic microwave delivers consistent cooking power with a compact design. It has advanced inverter technology that generates a seamless stream of power, speeding up cooking and defrosting times.

It also has a “genius sensor” that adjusts the power and cooking times according to the type of food. It has preset menu items, a quick minute timer, delay start, and a child safety lock.

All in all, it makes a great compact alternative to the popular (and bigger) Panasonic NN-SN models.

3. Commercial Chef with 10 Power Levels (0.7 Cu. Ft)

Commercial Chef with 10 Power Levels (0.7 Cu. Ft) Small Microwaves for Campers

Commercial Chef makes a budget-friendly option that is the perfect size for a small RV or campervan microwave. It has 700 watts of power and 10 power settings, including time cook, weight defrost, time defrost, express cook, and more.

It'll get the job done with minimal energy consumption and make the most of small spaces.

4. Commercial Chef Basic Microwave (0.6 Cu. Ft)

Commercial Chef Basic Microwave (0.6 Cu. Ft) Small Microwaves for Campers

This basic model is the perfect microwave for camping. So, if you don't have an RV, you can pop this little microwave in with your camping gear and hook it up at the campsite.

It foregoes the bells and whistles like an LED display and instant start button, but that's why it's ideal for camping. It's cheap, it'll heat food, and it's portable.

5. RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave (0.9 Cu. Ft)

RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave (0.9 Cu. Ft) Small Microwaves for Campers

This small built-in microwave comes with a trim kit and is a direct replacement for Greystone. It runs on 900 watts and has a touchpad with 10 power levels, 8 express cook options, and instant start.

This brand also makes a larger model, RecPro RV Convection Microwave, that is a direct replacement for Greystone and High Pointe. It's an over-the-range convection microwave that runs on 900W.

How To Use the Convection Oven in Your RV

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Do you know how to use the convection oven in your RV? So many RV people only use the microwave part of the ovens that come as part of their motorhome or trailer's galley. Most such appliances, though, are also convection ovens.

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Top 5 Small Microwaves for Campers & Motorhomes (2024) 1

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Don’t plan your trip to Upstate New York without it! 


Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Mike Wendland

Published on 2023-03-27

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

2 Responses to “Top 5 Small Microwaves for Campers & Motorhomes (2024)”

March 27, 2023at10:58 am, Amy Nichols said:

Thanks very much to you, Jen and Mike, and to Mary Jane Curry for this episode. I learned more about how to use another tool to make RVing even more fun!

Reply

March 28, 2023at9:33 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

So glad it was helpful! Team RV Lifestyle

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