Last updated on July 25th, 2023 at 08:28 am

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If you are new to RVs, you may be wondering if your RV oven requires electricity in order to work. Perhaps you’re thinking about replacing your existing oven, or simply want to know how your RV oven works before making a final decision.

So, do RV ovens require electricity?

The answer depends on the type of oven that is installed in your RV. Electric ovens of course require electricity. While some propane ovens may not require electricity, your propane oven may still require electricity for LED displays, igniters, or oven lights.

But what are the different types of RV ovens, and how do you know which one will work best for you? And how do you know whether or not your RV oven requires electricity? 

Types Of RV Ovens

There are many different types of ovens for your RV, whether you’re buying a brand-new rig or updating a vintage one. RV owners have their preferences, but it can be difficult to know what your preferences will be if you’ve never shopped for an RV before.

Of course, even beyond preferences, some RV ovens are better than others, so it’s wise to do some research and look at what you want from an RV oven. Below are some different types of RV ovens, but I’ve you’re still not sure about installing one in your RV, maybe a propane grill would be a better fit.  

Propane

Propane ovens are a fairly common type of RV oven, both in new and old rigs. They operate fairly simply, with pilot lights and connection to your propane gas supply. Many propane ovens look like traditional residential stove tops, complete with two to four burners above your oven. Some propane ovens are more high-tech than others, offering LED dials as well as bright oven lights. 

There are a range of things to consider with a propane oven in your RV. The first should be that your propane regulator is up-to-date and functioning properly. Propane ovens are also tricky as they require your RV to be perfectly level in order to work. Why might this be? Propane is a very particular gas that will struggle or potentially send too much fuel to your RV oven if your rig is not parked on a level surface. 

That’s why it’s so important to keep your travel trailer level while you are trying to cook with your RV stove or oven, which can be hard if you’re parked on a sloped driveway! Being level isn’t just beneficial for an RV oven, though, as it also means increased comfort inside the RV and reduced chance of rocking or shaking.

Check out the video below to learn more about your RV’s propane system, so you can get clued up and confident!

Propane is an easy-to-transport, relatively affordable fuel source, typically available at most gas stations. It can be an easy solution for many RV appliances, especially when installed in campers perfect for boondocking. However, depending on the oven, propane ovens can be difficult to light. The pilot light is often located below the cooking surfaces of the oven and some RVers complain about having to reach the pilot lights every time they want to use their oven. 

Propane ovens sized for your RV can also be fairly expensive, difficult to install, and may not be as readily available as smaller stove-top convection ovens. However, many RVers swear by these types of RV ovens, including myself! 

Propane/Electric Combo

Some RV ovens offer a propane or electric stove combination option. This can mean a variety of things, and there may only be enough electricity present in the stove to turn on an oven light or light up your LED control dials or panel. However, some combinations may be more complicated, such as an electric oven with a propane stove top or vice versa.

These ovens are more expensive and rare, so they may not be your first choice if you’re looking to replace your old RV oven. Dual fuel appliances are always valuable to RVers because most consumers prefer the flexibility of multiple fuel options. What if you forgot to refill the propane tanks before you hit the road? Thank goodness your oven runs on electricity as well! 

Again, however, these styles of ovens are exceedingly rare and could break the bank if you are planning on installing them brand new into your RV renovation. But if you have the budget, and want the best of both worlds for cooking in your RV, a propane/electric combination oven may be the best way to go.

Electric/Convection

One of the most popular types of RV ovens these days is the electric or convection oven. These are available in a variety of sizes, capabilities, and budget ranges so it’s easy to find the exact appliance to suit every need, as well as your price range.

You can either purchase a larger convection oven that installs into your RVs wall, existing stove location, or elsewhere, or you can look at purchasing a smaller electric countertop oven.

This style of RV oven is readily available nowadays and therefore more often than not, suits everyone’s budget. You can purchase an RV oven perfectly sized for your rig, complete with a stovetop, or you can simply purchase a compact toaster oven able to do the job. The main thing to keep in mind when purchasing an RV oven that uses electricity as its primary fuel source is the number of watts or amps it needs in order to run.

You should keep this in mind at all times, and maybe consider purchasing a generator that suits the size of your RV as a trusty backup! Obviously, the type of electric oven you choose will depend on what you think you’ll need when cooking meals inside your RV. Many RVers enjoy cooking over an open fire or on a propane grill outside, so perhaps a smaller appliance will suit you best.

However, if you are a budding home chef, you may want the size and capability of a larger electric oven. Note that these work best with shore power rather than battery power, though it would be wise to purchase an RV battery made especially for boondocking, to help power a mighty oven and all the other gadgets in your rig! It’s also important to note, not all electric or convection ovens run on battery power.

This is worth considering if you plan on being disconnected from shore power for some time. Always make sure you purchase an electric oven that suits your needs best. You can always invest in upgrading your RV power system, such as getting an RV inverter and converter. You can learn more about what these do for your RVs electric system by reading our article all about them here. 

Microwave Oven

The most common appliance in newer RVs these days is the microwave oven. These are traditionally similar to a home microwave, one you might find in your current house. They are often more compact which usually doesn’t matter in a microwave oven setting. Microwaves often come installed in a new RV whether you want one or not, and they are often not loaded with an abundance of features.

However, they are easy to clean and operate and are familiar to most RV owners. The main thing to consider with microwave ovens is their anticipated power use. While microwave ovens don’t use as much as an RV air conditioner which sometimes needs a generator to work, they are usually the next biggest consumer of your RV’s electricity.

If you plan on going off-grid, you might not be interested in a microwave oven for this reason. You may consider replacing it if you already have one installed in your RV. It often takes up more space than it’s worth if you don’t plan on using it. However, if you are a casual cook and plan on being connected to shore power, an RV microwave may suit you just fine. This is especially true if you are camping with a busy family of five and just want a familiar form of cooking!

Installing An Electric RV Oven

Depending on your existing RV oven location and setup, installing an electric oven in your RV may be pretty easy. If it’s a traditional 110V oven, you’ll simply plug it into a nearby outlet and it’s ready to go! However, if it’s a 12V oven, this might be a bit more difficult to set up given the location of 12V wires in an RV kitchen.

You may need to run more wires and hook up your oven differently than you were expecting, leading to a more complicated installation. If you’re converting your propane oven to an electric oven, things can get even more complicated. You’ll need to completely cover your existing propane lines and be sure these lines aren’t leaking as propane can be dangerous. 

It’s essential to have the correct tools available for the safest RVing experience, and this generally translates to suitable gas alarms such as propane detectors, and when working with electrics, an RV multimeter. If you’ve purchased a countertop electric oven, these will be the easiest for you to install. You’ll simply put them on your countertop and plug them in. Again, your overall electricity usage with one of these appliances is key to consider. 

Given most countertop ovens require a dedicated amperage of at least 10 amps, you may have to get creative with your RV extension cords. Always be aware of potential extension cord fire hazards, and check out our top picks for RV fire extinguishers just in case. 

Propane Or Electric Oven: Which To Choose?

Choosing between a propane or electric oven for your RV is a tough decision! You may already have a good idea of what you might prefer, but let’s go ahead and summarize the pros and cons of both appliances first.

Pro: Propane Is An Affordable Fuel Source

A propane oven may be expensive up front, but the fuel source overall is not a very expensive option. This is also a preferable fuel type for RVers hoping to dry camp or boondock. Propane is portable and able to work without any other hookups besides your standard propane hookups, so there’s no need to stay tied down to the campground.

Con: Propane Oven Installations Can Be Complicated

However, installing a propane oven if you don’t have existing propane hookups can be very complicated. It’s recommended you seek professional assistance should you be attempting to do a renovation such as this. Installing an electric RV oven can also be complicated, though, especially if you don’t have existing wires or electric cables where you plan on installing the oven.

It may be a good idea to call the professionals for some guidance if you need to have additional wiring installed in your RV, as electrics can be dangerous, and it’s important to prevent shocks and injury wherever possible! 

However, if you have experience with RV wiring, such as installing your own RV tank heaters, you may feel comfortable installing an RV oven. An electric RV installation is only complicated if you need 12V power rather than 110V standard outlet power.

Pro: Electric Countertop Ovens Are Easy To Install

Having a countertop electric oven is extremely easy to install, as you simply plug it in when hooked up to shore power. But if you are planning on camping while disconnected from shore power, this style of oven may not suit your preferences as it needs a heavy amount of electricity to run.

Con: Electric RV Ovens Are Expensive

Your budget should also be something to consider when you look at purchasing a new RV oven, whether or not it requires electricity. Many RV-specific appliances cost more than you think, and this could limit your options, but electric ovens especially tend to have a higher price tag.

No matter the decision, you can always replace or renovate in time. Every RVer has their preference, and it will depend on how you prefer to travel. If you always pull into an RV site or campsite with shore power, you can rest assured your electric oven will work. 

FAQs About Electric Vs Non-Electric RV Ovens

Do you still have questions regarding your RV oven requiring electricity? Here are some frequently asked questions, answered all about this common RV appliance!

How Does An RV Oven Work?

The way an RV oven works is different between the various styles, however, they tend to work similarly to a residential oven. It’s possible to cook pretty much anything in an RV oven, as long as it’s small enough to fit inside!  

Propane RV ovens run off a propane hook-up and sometimes require electricity if they have LED dials or an oven light. They may also need electricity if the propane ignitor is electric as well. RV ovens running entirely on electricity work with either 110V shore power or 12V battery power. Some RV ovens run on both, but this style of oven is rare and can also get expensive to install or purchase upfront. 

No matter what, RV ovens of any style are programmable to a certain temperature, enabling you to cook food just as you would at home. This is beneficial to many travelers, especially those of you choosing to rent your RV off of Outdoorsy or RVShare. 

Are Camper Ovens Gas Or Electric?

It will depend on the camper. Camper ovens can be either propane gas or electric, and both have their pros and cons. A camper van conversion may even have a wood stove you can cook on, and you can check out some of our favorite wood stoves by clicking here. The most common camper oven feature will be its size.

Most RV campers are compact, and anyone looking to purchase a camper will be looking for space-saving features such as compact cookware. This is especially true if you’re looking to purchase a vintage-inspired aluminum travel trailer. Some of these may not even have ovens, given the space and overall kitchen storage capacity. 

Why Do Some RVs Not Have Ovens?

Not all RVs have ovens, and there are many different reasons for this. While RV ovens were a mainstay in vintage rigs such as mine, they have since fallen to the wayside primarily due to the introduction of the microwave oven. A traditional residential oven is often too large to fit inside an RV.

Even if you find a fifth wheel or travel trailer that has two bathrooms, the kitchen is often neglected or outfitted with RV-specific appliances such as compact toaster ovens. Why might this be? Many RVers have very different expectations and ideals while they are camping or otherwise on the road. Many are looking for convenient meals, or if the weather is nice enough, they lean more toward outdoor cooking. 

Ovens are often too inefficient for many RVers looking to camp entirely off-grid. Propane ovens are expensive to manufacture and install, so many RV manufacturers have opted for just microwave ovens and a simple stovetop. 

While you may prefer having a more residential kitchen inside your RV, know before you shop, this is not the norm. You’ll no doubt have a microwave installed, and some hot plates or induction cooktops, but ovens are not usually a standard feature. 

Can I Run My RV Oven On Solar Power?

If you have an RV oven requiring electricity, it’s possible to run it on solar power! Running an RV oven on solar power does require a significant amount of energy, usually more than most RVers expect! However, it may be a good option for those looking to camp off-grid and rely on their powerful solar setup. 

RV ovens aren’t the only appliance able to be powered by solar, as it’s possible for an RV fridge to run off glorious sunrays too! The hardest part will be figuring out how many solar panels you’ll need to run your specific fridge! Given the average amperage needed to run convection ovens, you’ll need quite a few panels to make it happen, but it’s more than possible.

You won’t have to worry about solar power if your RV oven is propane-based. Even if it has LED displays or an oven light that requires electricity, the amount of electricity needed is negligible and solar panels should have no trouble powering these features. 

Can I Use My RV Oven To Heat My RV?

It’s never recommended to use your RV oven to heat your RV. This is because it often ends up being a waste of electricity or propane, and the hot surface of your oven often poses more of a danger than it’s worth. Always make sure your RV heater is operational before you hit the road, especially if you’re planning to camp in winter in a travel trailer or RV. 

If you find your RV heater is broken when you arrive at camp, you can use your RV oven to warm up your RV in a pinch. However, you should never leave your RV oven unattended or on for an extended period of time.

This is why it’s always best to be prepared before you set off on a camping excursion. I like to pack ample amounts of clothing suitable for all weather conditions – you never know how the weather will turn out while you are camping! 

Can You Bake In An RV Oven?

Of course, it’s possible to bake in an RV oven! I can attest to this, as baking is something close to my heart, and a part of my full-time routine on the road! Baking goodies in an RV oven isn’t too dissimilar to using a residential oven, you may have to adjust recipes a little or experiment with cooking times but overall baking in an RV oven is easy!

Final Thoughts

RV ovens may require electricity, even propane-fueled ovens. You may want to consider a reliable RV battery for these appliances, especially if your RV oven is primarily powered by electricity. There are many different oven options available, so do your research, and pick the one that fits inside your travel trailer or motorhome!