New and seasoned RVers understand spending endless amounts of time in the kitchen preparing meals is one of the least favorite or the last task you want to perform when RVing. Having a fully-capable microwave in your travel trailer or camper can reduce the amount of time in your kitchen, putting you back into nature, on the beach, or more time you can spend on scenic trails.
While most RVs come standard with microwaves installed at the factory, many models either are not sold with microwaves or if it is a previously-loved or used RV, you may want to upgrade the current RV’s microwave to a smaller lower wattage countertop model or a new, higher-wattage built-in, multi-functional microwave.
This guide for purchasing a new microwave for your recreational vehicle will help you determine that wattage, functions, and countertop versus built-in options you can consider when upgrading this useful kitchen appliance.
Things to Consider When Purchasing A Microwave for your RV Kitchen
How Many Watts Does My RV Microwave Need to Be?
Watts matter when speaking about appliances in your RV or travel trailer. Campers have a finite limit to their electrical systems. Unlike your home that is equipped with a larger electrical service feed and electrical panel with dedicated circuits for larger power-hungry kitchen appliances, like microwaves, cooktops & ovens, dishwashers, clothes dryers, etc.; an RV depending on its electrical system is limited to 20, 30, or 50 Amps of power.
The microwaves we are suggesting for your consideration in this guide range between 700 Watts for most of the countertop models and 1,350 Watts for the larger, built-in microwaves. The 700 to 1,350 range in wattage is roughly the sweet spot for meeting your cooking needs versus time required to cook.
Microwave Cooking Time and Different Power Levels
Another feature to consider when purchasing a new microwave for your camper is the power level vs. cooking time. With RVs, there is the balance of low wattage appliances to keep your power consumption and usage down versus merely getting the cooking job done. A lower wattage microwave typically will take a few minutes longer to prepare or heat the food items you’re cooking. Whereas, a higher wattage microwave – similar to what is found in people’s homes – will take less time or will be closer to the estimate times provided on most microwave meals, etc.
Your RV’s Electrical System and Shore Power
Unless your RV is fully equipped with a dedicated, on-board generator, portable generator, or a robust house battery management & electrical system, you most likely will be powering your RV’s microwave when you are hooked-up to shore power. Whether your camper has a 30 Amp or a 50 Amp electrical connection, either should be more than adequate to power the microwaves – both built-in and countertop – we feature in this guide.
Built-In Microwaves vs. Portable Microwaves For Your RV
The question, should we purchase a built-in microwave or a portable, countertop microwave for our recreational vehicle is valid. However, there are many factors that may automatically determine this choice for you. First, the size of your camper or rig’s kitchen or kitchenette space will be a big factor driving these options. Second, some RVs have more countertop space vs. available or open cabinet space for a built-in microwave to fit into – therefore, a countertop option would be better. Lastly, most built-in RV microwaves have a higher wattage use and demand on your camper’s electrical system vs. smaller, countertop microwaves – something to consider if you’re goal is to keep your kitchen appliance electrical consumption at a minimum.
1. RecPro RV Stainless Steel Microwave 1.0 cu ft. With Trim Package EM925AQR-S
When touring RVs and travel trailers, you will most likely see the RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave 1.0 cu ft. With Trim Package installed. This model is a solid option for RVers looking to upgrade their current microwave or if you have the available cabinet space install this model. With the higher wattage of 1,350 this compact microwave comes well-equipped and will most certainly meet your cooking desires when traveling.
RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 11.3″ H x 19.1″ W x 14.7″ D
- 8 Express cooking modes
- 30-second instastart feature
- Trim kit is stainless steel
- 1,350 Watts
- 29.92 Interior capacity
- Safety lock
- Built-in installation
What We Like About the RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave
We can attest after owning two different travel trailers with the RecPro RV Stainless Steel Microwave 1.0 cu ft. installed from the factory, we never had any issues with either and it met all of our cooking needs when our trailer was hooked up to shore power or our generator.
2. Furrion 1.5 cu.ft OTR Convection Microwave Oven
With a brand like Furrion, you are certain their 1.5 cu. ft. OTR Convection Microwave Oven is built to last in a constantly jostling and going down the road in your camper or RV. This microwave is designed to be permanently installed in your RV either over the cooktop or in a dedicated cabinet. The additional convection oven feature makes it viable and more than capable cooking appliance for your RV
Furrion 1.5 cu.f.t. OTR Convection Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 16.5″ H x 29.9″ W x 15″ D
- Over-the-range, two-speed 300 cam exhaust fan
- Vibration resistant
- Defrost mode
- Multi-stage cooking options
- 900 Watts
- 1.5 cu. ft. interior capacity
- 120 V / 60 Hz
- Weight: 73.85 pounds
What We Like About the Furrion 1.5 cu.f.t. OTR Convection Microwave
Long-time RVers know that travel trailers, fifth wheels, and even some RVs are bouncy environments with a lot of road vibration on travel days. The Furrion 1.5 cu.f.t. OTR Convection Microwave will not only meet all of your cooking needs when traveling, it will also stand the test of time as Furrion products are made for the road.
3. Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
The Faberware Classic 700 Watt microwave oven is an all Stainless Steel, fully loaded, and compact microwave option able to meet your camping needs.
Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 10.14″ H x 17.3″ W x 12.99″ D
- Features 1-6 minute express cooking function
- 6 Pre-programmed cooking settings
- Includes defrost mode
- 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking options
- 700 Watts
- 0.7 cu. ft. interior
What We Like About the Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ Microwave
The sleek and simple look of the Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ Microwave is perfect for the RVer who simply needs a well-equipped and solid countertop microwave to assist their cooking needs while on the road or camping at their favorite destination.
4. Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro 0.7 Cu Ft 700-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven
If retro is the theme of your RV’s decor, or you’re looking for something more fun to sit on your camper’s countertop, then we highly suggest the fun and highly functional Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro countertop microwave oven. This small, but option ladened microwave is built for countertop use and will look great in the kitchen of your rig!
Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro Countertop Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 10.25″ H x 17.5″ W x 13.5″ D
- Weight: 23.2 pounds
- Colors: Old Aqua, Aqua, Black, Blue, Orange, Red, and Yellow
- 700 Watts
- 12 pre-programmed cooking settings
- Delay timer
- Digital LED clock and display
What We Like About the Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro Countertop Microwave
We love how fun and option-filled this retro microwave comes equipped with. With seven Mid-Century Modern inspired colors to choose from, this will not only meet your cooking needs while on the road, it will most certainly be a conversation piece with your camping neighbors.
5. SMETA Small Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft/700W for RV
For those looking for a compact, countertop microwave for their RV, then we suggest the SMETA Small Countertop Microwave. With 10 power levels, a child safety lock, a smaller form-factor but with the cooking power of 700 Watts, this is an ideal microwave for adventurers with smaller RVs, travel trailers, or campers.
SMETA Small Countertop Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 9.57″ H x 17.56″ W x 12.72″ D
- Interior compartment dimensions: 7.95″ H x 12.17″ W x 11.73″ D
- Color: Black
- Defrost function
- Detachable glass turntable
- Child lock
- 6 Pre-programmed cooking functions
What We Like About the SMETA Small Countertop Microwave
The great feature about the SMETA countertop microwave is how small, but powerful it is. If you own a smaller travel trailer or overland vehicle but want the cooking convenience of a microwave – and countertop space is a premium – this is a great option.
6. TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven
Though the TUNDRA MW Series 120V microwave oven is marketed to long distance truck drivers, this also makes a great portable option for campers and RVers looking to outfit their homes on wheels. Rated at 700 Watts – with a max at 1,100 Watts – and at a relatively small size, this will fit perfectly on your RV’s or campers countertop.
TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 10.4″ H x 17.9″ W x 14″ D
- 20L / 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 6 cook functions
- 10 power levels
- LCD display
- Vibration resistant
- Color: Black with Stainless Steel accents
- Weight: 23.4 pounds
What We Like About the TUNDRA MW Series – 120 Volt Truck Microwave Oven
We like and showcased the TUNDRA MW microwave for two main reasons. First, it’s built tough to be put in moving vehicles such as tractor-trailer trucks or RVs. Second, if required in your rig setup, this microwave is designed to be run off an inverter – required in many tractor-trailer trucks – which makes this a perfect fit for your camping adventures.
7. Samsung – 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave with PowerGrill
The 1.2 cu. ft. Samsung Countertop Convection Microwave is a multipurpose that can quite literally perform all the major functions you would need in a kitchen appliance, including a grill/fryer option. The flexibility of the convection oven option is something to consider for RV’s or campers that either do not come with a standard LP oven or if you’re looking to replace your propane oven.
Samsung – 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 15 7/8″ H x 23 7/16″ W x 18 8/16″ D
- Interior compartment dimensions: 8 5/8″ H x 15 3/4″ W x 15 5/8″ D
- 900 Watts
- 14 Amps / 120 Volts
- Weight: 62.8 pounds
- Convection, defrost, and grill
- 10 Preset programs/ power levels
- Color choices: Black only
What We Like About the Samsung – 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave
We love the three-in-one options in this small, countertop style microwave that would be perfect for an RV or camper that has an electrical system capable of supplying the 1,650 Watts of power it potentially can consume on its highest setting. The higher wattage is the only downside we see with this model.
8. GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, 700 Watts
The 700 Watt, 0.7 cu. ft. GE Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent option for RVers who are in the market for a lower wattage microwave oven that is smaller in size to fit on your camper’s or travel trailer’s kitchen countertop. Though this may not have a convection oven option, like others we are highlighting in this guide, the GE Countertop Microwave will meet all your basic cooking necessities.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven Specifications
- Product dimensions (outside): 10 3/16″ H x 17 5/16″ W x 12 3/4″ D
- Interior compartment dimensions: 12 1/4″ H x 7 7/8″ W x 11 5/8″ D
- 700 Watts
- 9.3 Amps / 120 Volts
- Weight: 22.4 pounds
- Defrost mode
- 10 Preset programs/ power levels
- Color choices: Black or Stainless Steel
What We Like About the GE Countertop Microwave Oven
The small form-factor and lower wattage this microwave consumes, makes it a great choice for owners of small RVs that do not currently have a pre-installed microwave from the factory.