To get a convenient and efficient heating experience on the road, an RV microwave is the best. With its help, any RV becomes more comfortable as the range of options regarding the food increases.
An RV microwave uses around 1100 to 1500 watts if the cooking capacity of the microwave is 600 to 1000 watts.
In an RV, many appliances are used and the watts used by them decide the total number of watts used by the RV. The consumption of electricity in the RV depends on the weather conditions as well. It is higher if it’s too cold while energy consumption is less if it’s too hot.
The usage of electricity in the RV depends on the source of power also. More energy is used by the RV that uses electric energy as compared to the one that uses propane gas.
In the RV, many appliances are present that might be consuming electricity from the RV, and the energy consumed by them is different from each other.
Below is the list of appliances in the RV along with the watts consumed by them:
| Appliance In RV | Watts Consumed |
| RV Microwave | 1100-1500 Watts |
| RV Refrigerator | 500-600 watts for starting and 150-200 watts for running |
| RV Air Conditioner | 1900-3500 watts for starting and 600-1200 watts for running |
| RV Oven | 3000 watts |
| RV hairdryer | 900-1500 watts |
| RV TV | 200-300 watts |
| RV Water Heater | 1440 watts by a water heater with 6 gallons |
| RV Light | 12-20 watts |
| RV Water Pump | 50 watts |
| RV Washer or Dryer | 600-1900 watts |
Low wattage microwave options for RV
In an RV, it is convenient to use a microwave. Since other electrical appliances also use energy in the RV, it is best if a low wattage microwave is used.
It is good if you use a microwave that runs on 700 watts or less as these can be operated using a large capacity battery or a generator.
Below is the list of low-wattage microwave options for RV:
Sharp ZSMC0710BW Countertop Microwave Oven
It is a sleek and compact microwave and since it uses low wattage, it is ideal for hikers, campers, and motorhomes. It has a small footprint and low-wattage power output which helps you to get easy access to microwave meals and warm beverages whenever required.
It is easy to clean due to its glossy finish.
AmazonBasics Microwave
This microwave is ideal for camping as it is inexpensive, reliable, and of compact size. It has the feature of voice-control by an Echo device. It has got 10 power levels and a turntable and thus, all kinds of food can be cooked in it.
Whirlpool 0.5 Cu. Ft. countertop microwave
It comes in an extremely compact size and can fit easily into corners and therefore, maximize spaces in the camper van. It has 10-level cooking power controls with tap touch controls which are easy to use and easy to clean.
Nostalgia BSET300RETRORED 3-in-1 Family size breakfast station
This small and mighty microwave is another option for camping or RV that has a coffee maker that can brew around 4 cups of coffee at a time, a non-stick griddle for easy cooking, and a toaster oven for various uses.
This toaster in it can toast up to 4 slices of bread at a time and can heat leftover and frozen pizzas in no time. It is easy to clean as the oven tray is removable and has a non-stick griddle design.
Daewoo Retro Microwave Oven
It has a fun retro look that goes well with a vintage camper. There are 5 settings in it with around 700 watts of cooking power. It is compact and can be fitted on an RV countertop as the measurements inside this are less than one cubic foot.
RV microwave not working, what to do?
If the RV microwave is not working or there are some heating issues, below are the options you can try to fix:
1. Check power outlet
Before assuming that there is something wrong with the microwave, it is good to inspect the power source first. Check the power output on the outlet you use for the RV microwave for which a voltage tester or a multimeter is required.
If the multimeter shows no reading, then you need to fix the outlet. There may be damage to the wires or breakers that have become faulty.
In the meanwhile, you can try using the microwave by using an extension cord to power it from another outlet in the RV.
2. Check fuse
If you find no issue with the power supply, then you need to check the fuse of the microwave. In most microwaves, there are 2 fuses on the back of this appliance.
If the fuses are blown, you need to replace them and for this, the back metal cover has to be opened. Replacing the fuses is easy, you just need to take out the old fuse and put in the new one.
3. Repair/Replace RV microwave
Even after replacing the fuses, the RV microwave is still not heating or working then probably the internal circuitry is damaged. In most cases, this problem occurs after a power surge and if you do not have surge protectors installed, it can damage the circuits.
In this condition, you should take the microwave to a technician as it is not good to fix the internal circuits yourself unless you are a trained technician. In case the microwave cannot be repaired, the best option is to get a new RV microwave.
RV microwave vs home microwave
The main difference between an RV microwave and a home microwave is that the size of an RV microwave is smaller and performs at a low power level so too much space or electricity is not consumed. They use convection instead of radiation as is used in a home microwave.
The other points of difference between the RV microwave and a home microwave are-
1. Power
RV microwaves are built to operate with limited electricity and so have power levels below 1000 watts. This helps to avoid draining the RV resource.
A regular microwave can have a lower or larger wattage depending on the size. Normally, a standard home microwave ranges from 700-1200 watts.
2. Size
RV microwaves are generally compact and the size ranges from 0.5 cubic foot capacity to 1.5 cubic foot capacity. The size of a regular home microwave depends on whether they are meant for the countertop, over the range, or a built-in cabinet.
The internal capacity of this can be between 1 – 1.9 cubic feet.
3. Cost
RV microwaves cost slightly more than the regular home microwaves of the same size based on the requirements of the specialization and installation. Normally, RV microwaves cost between $100-$500.
A small home microwave can come under $100 whereas a mid-size microwave can cost you between $100-$200. But you may need to spend around $500 for a large microwave.
Can you use a regular microwave in an RV?
Yes, you can use a regular microwave in an RV. While selecting a microwave for the RV, it is good if it is of low wattage (700 watts). This will be easier to run on a generator in the RV. Also, such microwaves are smaller, compact, and cheaper.
A compact and small microwave can be fitted in the RV with ease. On the other hand, if there is an electrical hookup at the campsite, you can use a regular microwave of any kind.
RV microwave with Exhaust fan, is that available in Market?
Yes, RV microwave with an exhaust fan is available in the market. This is mainly an over-the-range microwave with an exhaust fan that vents smoke and odors out from the top or back whenever a vent is present. Or it can be a recirculating type in which the air gets recirculated for energy efficiency.
Given below are some RV Microwaves with exhaust fans:
- LG OTR RV microwave – 1000 watts – 1.7 Cu Ft – Stainless steel
- Greystone standard RV Microwave with Trim Kit
- Furrion Over the Range RV Convection Microwave
Conclusion
Microwave is a fast and easy appliance to cook meals while traveling in the RV. It is often compact and fits well in most motorhomes.
RV microwaves should have low wattage so that less energy is consumed from the generator from which energy has to be utilized by other appliances as well.
If the cooking capacity of an RV microwave is 60-700 watts, it uses around 1100-1500 watts of energy. It can be said that a microwave is a must for an RV which makes your travel comfortable and convenient.