From my experience, older RVs tend to have very inefficient microwave convection ovens that take an unreasonable amount of time to heat up your food.
Fortunately, replacing the microwave in your rig can be a simple process, and doing so can make it much quicker and easier to reheat your meals.
Just like many forms of technology, the best RV microwave convection oven choices have become much more efficient over the last 20 years.
So if you have an RV that’s more than 15 to 20 years old, you should really consider replacing your existing model with a newer, more efficient microwave.
The tricky part about undertaking this type of DIY project, however, is that it involves electrical wiring.
Many RV owners are happy to tinker with almost anything on their rig other than the electrical system.
Luckily for you, though, we’ve included all of the essentials you’ll need to be aware of in order to safely replace your convection microwave.
And we’ve also reviewed the best RV microwave convection oven combos to make it easier for you to choose the model that’s best suited for your RV and personal cooking preferences.
The 5 Best RV Microwave Convection Oven Reviews in 2024
While these RV convection ovens perform a very simple task, they differ on some important features and specifications.
So I’ve reviewed each thoroughly to help you make sure you choose a microwave that’s going to be compatible with your RV.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best Microwave Convection Ovens for your RV:
1. Best Overall: RecPro EM925AQR-S Steel Convection Microwave Oven For RV
I chose the RecPro RV EM925AWR-S as the best overall RV microwave convection oven because it has a stylish design and lots of useful cooking and safety features.
And despite its higher-end performance, it actually has one of the more reasonable price tags of all the models I’ll be reviewing here.
The external dimensions of the convection microwave itself are 19.1 inches wide by 14.7 inches deep by 11.3 inches high.
That said, it requires installation dimensions of 20 inches by 14.125 inches by 13.375 inches high due to the included trim kit.
You’ll notice that the biggest difference here is the height, which is because the microwave is vented above and the trim kit comes with a vented plate to keep the microwave from overheating.
This model is rated for a power input of 1350 watts and a 900-watt output. It has a total oven capacity of 1.0 cubic feet and it requires a 120-volt AC power connection.
The unit weighs a total of 27.5 pounds and the turntable inside measures 12.4 inches in diameter.
This microwave is considered a direct replacement for older Greystone and Highpointe microwave models, but I know for a fact that it has been used to replace other microwaves in the past.
It features a total of eight express cook options and allows you to choose between ten distinct power levels.
Other useful features on this RV convection microwave include an instant start button that provides 30 seconds of cook time per touch, time defrost options based on weight or time, multi-section cooking, a child lock setting, a four-digit LED display, and more.
One other feature that I think is important to point is the push-release door paddle, which adds a layer of security if you’re traveling with smaller children.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
2. Best Budget-Friendly: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Convection Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is easily the most budget-friendly RV microwave convection oven combo on our list.
But despite it having an extremely affordable price tag, it doesn’t slack on performance the way you might suspect.
It’s actually rated for a maximum power output of 1100 watts and requires a 1550 watt input, which makes it slightly more powerful than the RecPro microwave.
This convection oven, however, is designed for countertop use and it has external dimensions of 20.5 inches wide by 17.1 inches deep by 12.8 inches high.
The dimensions of the interior space measure 13.07 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 9.5 inches high. This results in a total oven capacity of 1.2 cubic feet.
The RV convection microwave unit weighs a total of 34.6 pounds and the diameter of the turntable inside is 12.4 inches.
It requires a 120-volt AC power connection and it will give you the ability to customize your cooking setting using up to ten different power levels.
It also has a pre-programmed menu for easy cooking of popular foods, including popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more.
There are two different defrost settings that allow you to program defrost by time or food weight.
And the large digital display makes it easy to dial your settings in right every time.
It also includes a power-saving mode that helps to improve the microwave’s efficiency and reduce its overall power consumption.
The only thing that I question about this microwave is the lack of safety features. Because it’s a countertop model, it will most likely be set up lower to the ground.
So the fact that the door handle simply pulls open without the use of a push-button release is a little troublesome.
And, in addition, it doesn’t come with a child lock feature that allows you to prevent it from being turned on accidentally.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
3. Best With Grill: Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
If you’re looking for a new rv convection oven and some added cooking inspiration, the Cuisinart CMW-200 comes with its own recipe book alongside an easy-to-follow user’s manual for proper installation and use.
It’s a countertop microwave convection oven, so you’ll need to have enough counter space to set it up and keep it in place.
With 1.2 cubic feet of oven capacity, it’s also among the larger microwaves on the market, even if that means the unit itself weighs 41.3 pounds.
The external dimensions of this RV microwave measure 21.2 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 12.2 inches high. It’s rated to provide a 1000-watt power output and it requires a 120-volt AC power connection.
I personally do like the exterior appearance of this convection microwave. It has a brushed stainless steel finish with (of course!) the embossed Cuisinart logo at the top.
And the dark, tinted-glass window prevents your RV guests from assessing the cleanliness of your microwave if it’s been a minute since you wiped it down.
But on a more functional level, the stainless steel interior of this camper microwave prevents it from absorbing odors and also makes it super easy to wipe down.
It comes with a 12-inch rotating cook tray and a reversible grill rack for proper cooking of different foods.
And the touchpad control features nine different preset cooking options and an additional grill function for vegetables or meats.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
4. Best Compact Dimensions: Advent MW912BWDK Built-in RV Microwave convection Oven
The Advent MW912BWDK RV microwave convection oven combo is designed for over-the-range applications and it comes with some of the most compact dimensions of any oven on our list.
The exterior of this rv convection oven measures 19 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 13.375 inches high without the trim kit.
With the trim kit, the measurements increase to 23.375 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 15 inches high.
The recommended cutout dimensions for this camper microwave are 20.5 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 14.375 inches high.
The microwave itself weighs only 30 pounds so it won’t be too heavy to be installed over your existing gas range.
Because of its smaller dimensions, it does boast a smaller oven capacity of 0.9 cubic feet.
It’s also rated to provide a 900-watt output, which is lower than some of the other microwaves on our list.
The practical result of this could be extended cook times for some, if not all, of your favorite foods.
That being said, that lower wattage can result in reduced power consumption, which means that this could be a better option for off-the-grid RVers.
It does offer a total of six pre-programmed cooking settings for your favorite foods, including pizza, popcorn, or frozen entrees.
The included glass turntable inside rotates for more even cooking and one-touch controls make it easy to make adjustments to both time and power level.
Like most microwaves, it requires a 120-volt AC power connection and the included trim kit makes it easy to complete a polished-looking appearance, almost as if your new microwave was always there!
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
5. Longest Warranty: Sharp R1874T Over The Range RV Microwave Convection Oven
If you’re looking for a over-the-range RV microwave convection oven from a company that stands firmly behind its product, then you’ll love the Sharp R1874T oven.
Sharp provides a free 10-year warranty on all the major components of this microwave when you make a purchase, which means you can rest easier knowing they’ll help you repair or replace it if things go awry.
The Sharp R1874T microwave oven is designed for over-the-range applications.
With a maximum power output of 850 watts, it can be a great option for RVers that travel frequently and want to avoid a microwave that’s going to draw too many watts from their generator.
The exterior dimensions of this microwave oven measure 29.9 inches wide by 15.3 inches deep by 16.3 inches high.
It should be noted here that these dimensions are much larger than the other over-the-range ovens on our list, so you should be careful to make sure it will fit in your RV if you’re using it to replace an older model.
The interior dimensions of the microwave measure 17.2 inches wide by 13.8 inches deep by 8.2 inches high.
This results in a total oven capacity of 1.1 cubic feet and it boasts a turntable with a diameter of 13 inches inside.
It’s also a very heavy microwave with a total weight of 71 pounds, so you should be sure that the compartment in which you plan to install it can support that weight.
Like most RV microwave convection oven combos, it requires a 120-volt AC power connection.
But unlike some, it boasts up to 11 different power level settings and it comes with two removable round racks so that you can clean and store one while replacing it with the other.
It also includes a built-in exhaust system and hood light for installations directly over your gas range.
Because this oven is made to be installed directly over a gas range (instead of in a compartment above the range), it doesn’t come with a trim kit.
And it’s more unique setup may require a more careful installation in order to ensure the weight it properly supported once you begin driving your RV again.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best RV microwave convection ovens
The hard part about these ovens is deciphering the features and specifications that really differentiate one from the other.
In our Buying Guide, we’ll cover all of the important factors that will help you get a better understanding of why certain microwaves are available for a little more than $100 while others come with a price tag in excess of $500.
Types of RV Microwave Convection Ovens
RV microwave convection ovens can be separated into two major categories: countertop models and over-the-range ovens. Let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of each type.
Countertop Microwave Convection Ovens
Countertop models tend to be a bit larger than over-the-range varieties.
They also differ from over-the-range models in that they typically come with rubber legs to reduce sliding or vibrations from movement.
They also don’t come with a trim kit that is required to complete an over-the-range installation.
In addition to all the standard features of a traditional microwave oven, a convection oven uses a heater and fan to cook any type of food.
Traditional microwaves use a metal box to direct electricity toward food and, in the process, heat it up.
Convection ovens, on the other hand, create a better cooking environment by using a fan to circulate heat more evenly.
Over-The-Range Microwave Convection Ovens
Over-the-range microwave convection ovens are designed to be mounted above the gas range in your RV.
Many RVs come with this type of setup as a stock option, so these ovens can be more common for RV use because they’re designed for smaller kitchens.
They also typically come with a range hood to help ventilate the gas range and stove beneath them.
Oven Capacity and Size
Oven capacity is typically advertised in cubic liters. And although there’s not much difference in size between the microwave convection oven models at the top of the market, the difference between 0.8 and 1.2 cubic liters will certainly impact what you can fit inside to heat up.
The size of the ovens you’re interested in should also be compared to the size of your existing RV cookware and the area in which you intend to set or house the microwave.
Most ovens advertise both their interior and exterior dimensions.
The interior dimensions will tell you whether your existing microwave-safe bowls and plates will fit inside and still allow the heating plate to spin effectively.
The exterior dimensions will tell you whether the oven will fit in place of your old one (in the case of an over-the-range model) or take up too much space on the counter (in the case of a countertop model).
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.
The first step in deciding how many watts your new microwave should be rated for is to research the wattage of your old microwave.
Fortunately, most microwaves have a sticker inside that will tell you their wattage rating (as well as other unique specifications).
But if you can’t find it there, you’ll need to consult your RV owner’s manual (provided the microwave came stock and hasn’t been an aftermarket installation by a previous owner).
The electrical system in your RV includes multiple switches and breakers. And, as you know, you have multiple appliances that make RV living easier and more comfortable.
All of these appliances have their own power rating, which means that replacing an old microwave with a new model that draws a much higher wattage can have cascading effects on the rest of your appliances.
In most RVs, you’ll need to run on the generator or be plugged into a reliable 30 or 50 amp power supply in order to use your microwave.
So you must also be careful that your generator or onboard power connection can supply enough wattage to power the new microwave you’re considering installing.
Generally, this is not a problem if you’re only running your microwave and no other appliance is on at the same time.
But if you already have the A/C or a fan running somewhere in your RV and you go to turn on the microwave, you may sometimes overload the system and cause a breaker to pop.
Additionally, you’ll want to know that a higher wattage generally means faster cooking times.
This is why many older models with low wattages tend to take forever just to heat up a cup of coffee in the morning.
In some cases, more expensive models give you the ability to pick your own convection temperature and microwave power level when cooking different foods.
This isn’t always the case with more affordable ovens that come with a preset power level or convection temperature.
So, if you enjoy the freedom to customize your cooking settings, you’ll want to go with a slightly more pricey option.
Cooking Settings
A microwave with various cooking settings can be useful if you’re not always sure how long to cook different foods.
Some examples of these specific cooking settings include buttons design for reheating baked potatoes, popcorn, frozen foods, water, and many other food types.
These quick-cooking settings make it much easier to cook different foods properly on your first attempt.
This eliminates the pesky nuisance of having to keep popping your food back into the microwave over and over again because you just can’t seem to get it warm enough for your liking.
In turn, these settings will help you utilize your microwave convection oven more efficiently.
Additional Features
Many of the best RV microwave convection oven models include additional features that come in handy.
Some microwave convection ovens have built-in humidity sensors that analyze moisture content in food in order to provide more even cooking.
This is important because these microwaves function by activating the water content in food, which causes it to steam as it cooks.
Thusly, by analyzing the humidity inside the microwave, these sensors detect when your food is sufficiently cooked.
They then automatically shut the microwave off so that your food doesn’t come out undercooked or overcooked.
Oh, and another useful setting to look for is an automatic cleaning feature. This will reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do by hand to keep your microwave looking fresh.
Trim Kit or No Trim Kit?
A trim kit is really only necessary if you’re buying an over-the-range microwave convection oven.
And, fortunately, most of the ovens of this type will come with a trim kit to aid in the installation process.
If the model you’re looking at doesn’t, just know that you might have a little more work on your hands to clean up and finalize the installation process.
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.
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.
Safety
The most important feature to look for on the safety front is a child-lock. This feature allows you to lock the microwave so that small children (or anyone else that’s unfamiliar with the microwave’s specific operation) can’t turn it on accidentally.
Just note that this feature typically won’t be activated by default when you install the microwave and plug it in. You’ll need to activate it manually for it to function to your liking.
And please be aware that, on some models, this feature can be activated by mistake is a specific combination of buttons is pressed too many times.
So we feel like the best policy is coaching young kids that a microwave is an adult-only appliance until they’re ready to learn how to operate it safely.
Efficiency
Power consumption is an important consideration for all RVers. Unfortunately, microwave ovens are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in all RVs, aside from your air conditioning unit.
And, in general, a unit with a higher wattage rating is going to consume more electricity every time you turn it on.
If you live mostly on-the-grid and you’re connected to an RV electrical stand for the vast majority of the time you’ll be using your microwave oven, you probably don’t have to worry too much about over-consumption.
This, of course, is true unless you’re a full-time RVer who is paying by the kilowatt-hour for the electricity you pull from the grid.
But if you’re primarily traveling in your RV and relying on your battery storage or a solar panel configuration, you have to be even more careful to make sure that the microwave oven you choose isn’t going to overtax your RV’s electrical system and deplete your energy storage.
Pricing
Finally, these ovens can largely be broken down into two price categories. There are those that fall in the $100 to $400 range and those that are priced between $400 and $800.
While there are, of course, a small number of outliers to these price ranges, the vast majority of models will fall into one of these two categories.
There are many lower-priced ovens on the market that are manufactured by trusted brands like RecPro, Toshiba, Cuisinart, Panasonic, and Waring.
Although they have a friendlier price tag, some of them even offer high-tech features like Alexa-compatibility for hands-free operation.
But the ovens in the higher-price category are going to boast more high-tech features and often come with a more durable, stainless steel design.
Some examples of these additional features include a child safety lock, auto defrost, sensor cooking, and other safety protections.
These higher-priced ovens also tend to come with longer and more complete warranty options.
So, Which Is Best For You?
The RecPro RV EM925AQR-S is our pick for the best overall RV microwave convection oven because of its clean look and affordable price.
It has a stylish, contemporary stainless steel finish and a host of features that make it super-safe and easy to cook with.
And I can personally vouch for the usefulness of the Instant Start button for a quick 30 seconds of cook time to reheat coffee or other small food items.
But if you’re in search of an even more budget-friendly option, we’d highly recommend the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave.
It still boasts an 1100-watt power output and a large oven capacity of 1.2 cubic feet. And even in spite of its lower price, it boasts a power-saving mode that makes it more efficient and reduces its overall power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, I understand that’s already quite a bit to unpack, but there are a few more things I need to mention here.
So let’s take a few extra minutes to address some of the most frequently asked questions about RV microwave convection ovens.
What are the advantages of a microwave convection oven versus a conventional microwave?
On average, microwave convection ovens cook food more quickly than a conventional microwave.
In some cases, they can even reduce cooking times for certain foods by as much as 75 percent.
Another advantage is that they tend to cook food more evenly because they included a fan that evenly circulates heat throughout the entire microwave chamber.
When comparing a microwave convection oven to a gas oven, however, cooking times for baked goods won’t change all that much.
Even though they require a smaller space to be heated up, microwave convection ovens aren’t capable of sustaining the high temperatures that a traditional gas oven can, so bake times will remain comparable to those suggested for a gas oven.
How do I clean a microwave convection oven?
The first step to cleaning a microwave convection oven is waiting until it is completely cool. It’s like trying to check the coolant in your car.
Don’t do it until it’s cooled down! But once it is, you can usually just use a damp dish towel to wipe down the interior.
If there’s gunk hardened onto the walls or ceiling, however, you may need to use a more powerful cleaning agent.
Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner will usually work to break down any food debris that becomes caked on the inside of your microwave.
And it has the added benefit of being useful for cleaning the exterior of your microwave as well.
But in the worst-case scenario, you may have to utilize a sponge with a more abrasive surface to remove debris that requires a little more elbow grease.
Do I need special cookware to use safety with my microwave convection oven?
Yes! But, generally speaking, you should avoid placing any cookware inside a convection oven if you wouldn’t normally place it in a traditional microwave oven.
Thankfully, most plates and bowls these days are clearly labeled as ‘microwave-safe’ on the bottom. If they’re not, avoid them!
But in terms of other cookware, it’s best to avoid metal in any microwave convection oven.
Even though metal pans can be used in a traditional gas oven, metal can prevent microwaves from reaching your food.
As a result, this type of cookware will compromise the effectiveness of a microwave convection oven.
Additionally, be careful with any plastic trays or silicone molds if they aren’t clearly labeled as microwave-safe.
As a rule-of-thumb, we recommend erring on the side of caution if you have any doubt as to whether specific cookware can be used in your microwave convection oven. But yeah, ceramics are almost always a safe bet.
What size microwave oven do I need?
If you’re replacing an over-the-range style microwave in your RV, you’ll need to pay close attention to the exterior dimensions of the new microwaves you’re considering.
It’s actually best to pop your old microwave out so you can get accurate measurements of the opening before you settle on a new model.
But if you’re interested in a countertop design, you’ll simply need to make sure that the exterior dimensions will leave you enough space surrounding the area in which you plan to set the microwave.
One popular location for these microwaves is on the dining room table of your RV, which is often fine if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
But if you have a larger family, this can eat into valuable dining space that you need so that everyone isn’t knocking elbows while trying to shovel the next piece of steak into their mouths.
Also, you’ll need to consider the interior dimensions of the microwaves you’re interested in.
In the simplest terms, your existing cookware and baking dishes must be able to fit inside the microwave if it’s going to work for you!
How to install and replace an RV microwave convection oven?
Obviously, the process is much simpler if you’re buying a countertop microwave convection oven.
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.
For starters, it’s a good idea to locate the breaker that provides power to your microwave appliance.
This breaker usually supplies power to other appliances and/or electronics 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.
But if you really want to double-check, just go ahead and try turning it on. If it turns on, you probably chose the wrong breaker. If it doesn’t, it’s time to proceed to the next step.
Most over-the-range microwaves have a trim kit around their outer edges to make their appearance look prettier.
This will need to be addressed first by removing the obvious screws that you can see when looking at the exterior of the microwave. Now that they’re loose, remove any trim pieces and proceed.
This is where things can get a little tricky, as microwaves can differ in how they are mounted inside their compartment.
If screws or other mounting hardware isn’t obvious to the naked eye, consult the owner’s manual before proceeding with pulling or tugging too hard on anything.
Once you do get your old microwave loose, however, you’ll need to 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.
But, 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.
And now that your old microwave is out, you’ll simply need to follow the specific installation instructions that came with your new microwave in order to replace it.
Be careful not to simply reverse the process you used to remove your old microwave, as your new model will most likely require different steps for a proper (and secure!) installation.
Conclusion
Now I know that some people are still a little wary of microwave technology. But even if you prefer to do most of your cooking on your gas range, having an efficient microwave convection oven is simply convenient.
The chances are reasonably high that you’re going to use it to quickly reheat leftovers at some point.
Replacing the microwave convection oven in your RV will make it much more efficient to reheat meals when needed.
And it can also make your rig safer by getting rid of an older piece of electronic equipment that has already seen its glory days come and go.
I hope you’ve learned something new in this piece and I wish you the best of luck in all of your future ‘meal-reheating’ endeavors!
