When it comes to RV living, having the right appliances can make all the difference in terms of comfort and convenience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which appliances are the best fit for your needs.
If you’re a new RVer just outfitting your RV or an old hat who wants to cook something different, you’re probably wondering, “What appliances can I use in my RV?”
The essential appliances include a refrigerator for food storage, a stove or portable cooktop for cooking and heating food, and a coffee maker for starting the day with a hot cup of coffee. Other appliances, such as a microwave, toaster, blender, and Instant Pot, can add convenience and enhance meal options, making it feel like home on the road.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the RV appliances that make life on the road more comfortable for you and your family.
Refrigerator
You’re RV is probably already equipped with a refrigerator. But portable refrigerators are also an option if you need more refrigerator storage. In our travel trailer, we have a 4 cubic-foot refrigerator. It works for most things, but our Dometic CFX 35 supplements our RV refrigerator. We especially love having it for cold drinks.
With another fridge, you will have increased food storage capacity, which is especially useful for longer trips or when traveling with a group. You can also use the additional refrigerator to store different types of food and drinks, allowing for better food organization.
Stove
Having a stove in can greatly enhance your cooking allowing you the ability to prepare hot meals and snacks no matter where you camp. With a stove, you can cook most anything from simple scrambled eggs to full meals.
Most RVs come with a built-in stove, while others may have a portable stove that can be used both inside and outside the RV.
Depending on the size and design of your RV, you can have various power options, including propane, electric, and even induction.
Oven
As a recreational vehicle owner, you may have found that your RV oven isn’t as convenient or efficient as a regular kitchen oven. There are a few tricks to using an RV oven.
If you’d like to learn some tips for baking in your oven, read the article we wrote.
Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops are a convenient and efficient appliance for your RV kitchen.
Induction cooktops work by using magnetic fields to heat the cookware, which means the top itself stays cool to the touch. This makes induction cooktops a safe and energy-efficient option for cooking in your RV.
They also heat up quickly and provide precise temperature control, for precise cooking. When shopping for an induction cooktop for your RV, look for compact and lightweight models as well as models that are easy to clean. Keep in mind that, with an induction cooktop, you’ll need specific pans.
The Cuisinart ICT-60 has two burners. It heats the food quickly and evenly, similar to a gas stove.
If you’d like to know more about induction cooktops, read the article that I wrote.
Microwave
Many RVs have a built-in microwave, but portable microwaves are also an option. Having an RV microwave provides several advantages for your recreational vehicle.
An RV microwave allows you to heat and cook food quickly and easily while on the road, eliminating the need for a full-sized stove and oven. Also, RV microwaves are compact in size, making them perfect for limited kitchen spaces in your RV.
While there are several advantages to having an RV microwave, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Some models may consume a significant amount of power. This can be problematic if you’re using your RV in remote locations where electricity is not available.
Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee drinker, and coffee maker is a no-brainer. Having a coffee maker in your RV provides the convenience of starting your day with a fresh cup of coffee without leaving the comfort of your RV.
This can help you save time and money since you won’t have to go out and buy coffee every morning. Having a coffee maker in your RV can add to your overall camping experience by making your mornings cozier and more enjoyable.
I like having a pod-style coffee maker because it makes for easy cleanup. I bought the Mixpresso coffee maker. I like it because its very small – the smallest I could find.
While having a coffee maker in your RV has many advantages, there are also some potentiato consider. Coffee makers can take up valuable counter or storage space in your RV, which may be limited. Also, you’ll need to have adequate power to run the coffee maker. You’ll either need to be hooked up to shore power or have a gebatteries sufficiente batteries to run the coffee maker.
Toaster Oven
Having a toaster oven in your RV has several advantages for your on-the-go cooking needs. If you don’t already have an oven in your RV, it can replace many of the oven’s functions. And a toaster oven takes up less space than an oven.
Toaster ovens often have multiple,e functions such as baking, broiling, and even roasting, allowing you to cook a variety of meals with just one appliance. With the ability to various meals and snacks, a toaster or toaster oven can be a convenient and essential addition to your RV kitchen setup.
If you’re looking for a small 12-volt toaster oven, I love the one that KickAss makes. If you’re looking for something more traditional, try the Black and Decker toaster oven.
There are also some potential drawbacks to consider when using a toaster oven in your RV. These appliances have limited capacity. When cooking for a large group, you may have to cook in batches.
Also, toaster ovens can generate heat and cause your RV to feel warm, especially in hot weather. Some toaster ovens may not be able to cook as evenly or consistently as a traditional oven, leading to under or overcooked food.
As with other RV accessories, toaster ovens require electrical power to run.
Convection Microwave Oven
When it comes to RV cooking, you may be considering a convection microwave oven as an option.
One of the advantages of a convection microwave oven is that it can serve the purpose of a traditional oven and a microwave. The circulating hot air helps to cook food more quickly than a conventional oven.
Additionally, the circulating air helps to distribute heat evenly, which leads to more consistent cooking results.
If you’re interested in a countertop option, the Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave option, if you’re interested in a countertop option is a good option.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using a convection oven in your RV. One of the main disadvantages is the cost. Convection microwave ovens tend to be more expensive microwaves, which can make them a pricier option for your RV kitchen.
Nevertheless, a convection microwave oven may be worth the investment if you are looking for a more efficient and effective cooking experience in your RV.
Blender
As an RVer, you may be considering incorporating a blender into your setup. Blenders allow you to make smoothies, purees, and other blended drinks and meals quickly and easily.
This can be especially useful when you’re trying to make healthy choices. Additionally, blenders can save you money as you won’t have to purchase pre-made drinks or stop at a juice bar to get your fix.
However, blenders also come with some drawbacks. They can be quite bulky and take up valuable storage space in your RV. Furthermore, they require access to electricity, which can be an issue when boondocking or camping without hookups.
Cleaning the blender can be a hassle, especially if you’re using it frequently. Also, the blades and motor of a blender can be loud and disruptive, which may not be ideal for peaceful camping or RVing.
Portable blenders like the Magic Bullet save space and conserve power. We carry a Magic Bullet in our RV just for that reason. Battery-powered options like the BlenderX Blender may be better if you frequently find yourself boondocking.
Instant Pot
As an RV you may consider using an instant pot while on the road. There are several advantages to using an instant pot in your RV.
It can help you save time and effort in the kitchen. With an instant pot, you can cook meals quickly and easily, without having to spend a lot of time. Since the Instant Pot is so versatile, it can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. For example, it can be used for slow, pressure, sautéing, and more. This means you can cook a wide range of meals with just one appliance.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using an instant pot in an RV. Instant Pots can be quite bulky and take up valuable storage space in your RV. Additionally, they require access to electricity, which is an issue when boondocking or camping without hookups.
Still, the Instant Pot is a popular cooking appliance for RV travelers.
If you’re looking for an Instant Pot – Air Fryer Combo, I love my Ninja Foodi. They make a smaller Ninja Foodi in a 6-quart size which is a better size for RV travelers. Some people like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 quart.
Crockpot/Slow Cooker
If you’re an RV enthusiast looking for an easy and convenient way to cook your meals, a slow cooker might just be the perfect kitchen appliance for you. Slow cookers are great for RV living as they allow you to prepare meals while relaxing and enjoying your surroundings without constantly having to check on your food.
However, slow cookers also have their drawbacks. For example, they can take up valuable counter or storage space in your RV. Additionally, slow cookers require an electrical source, so they may not be suitable for off-grid camping trips.
Electric Skillet
If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient cooking appliance for your RV, an electric skillet might be just what you need. One of the biggest advantages of using an electric skillet in your RV is its versatility. You can use it for a variety of cooking tasks, including frying, sautéing, and even baking. Another advantage is its compact size, which makes it ideal for small kitchens and saves valuable counter space.
On the other hand, electric skillets require an electrical source, which may not be available on all camping trips. They may not be as efficient as other appliances. Electric skillets can take longer to heat up than other appliances, which can be a disadvantage for time-sensitive cooking tasks.
Air Fryer
Air fryers are the latest craze in appliances and have quickly moved into the RV space. Air fryers have become a popular RV appliance for good reason. The most significant advantage of using an air fryer in your RV is that it allows you to cook your favorite foods with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier option for your meals.
If you’re looking for an air fryer for your RV, he Dash Compact Air Fryer takes up less counter and storage space.
However, air fryers also have their disadvantages. For example, they require an electrical source, which may not be available on all camping trips. They also have a smaller capacity than other kitchen appliances, so you may need to cook in feeding a large group.
Electric Hot Plate
You may consider using a hot plate in your RV for your cooking needs as it is a convenient pact option. One advantage of using a hot plate in your RV is its portability, allowing you to easily pack it away when not in use and take it with you on your travels. Additionally, hot plates are also known for their versatility, as they can do a variety of cooking tasks, such as boiling water, frying eggs, and making soups.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, hot plates can be less efficient than other cooking appliances, as they may take longer to heat up and may not distribute heat evenly. Hot plates can also be a fire hazard if not used properly.
Electric Water Kettle
You may consider using an electric water kettle in your RV for your hot beverage needs. One advantage of using an electric water kettle in your RV is its speed, allowing you to quickly heat up water for tea, coffee, or in electric; electric water kettles are also known for their safety, as they are equipped with automatic shut-off features and stay-cool handles for easy handling.
Still, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, electric water kettles can be less durable than other appliances. They may be more prone to damage from traveling electric; electric water kettles may consume more electricity than other heating methods. Essential important to consider your power source before using one in your RV.
Espresso Machine
Consider an espresso machine for your RV if you enjoy fancy coffee drinks at home. One advantage of using an espresso machine in your RV is its convenience, as you can enjoy a nice foofoo coffee drink at any time, without having to stop at a coffee shop. Additionally, espresso machines also offer a variety of drink options, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos, allowing you to customize your coffee experience.
But there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, espresso machines take up more space than other coffee-making appliances. Also, espresso machines can be more expensive and take up more space in your RV, so it’s essential to weigh the cost and convenience before making a purchase.
Generator
With all these new appliances, you’re probably considering a generator to run them all. A generator provides a reliable and convenient source of electricity when you don’t have RV hookups. One advantage of using a generator in your RV is its versatility, as it can power various appliances. Generators are also known for their portability, allowing you to take them with you on camping trips or tailgating events.
Still, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, generators can be noisy and emit fumes, disrupting your outdoor experience. Also, generators can consume a lot of fuel, so it’s essential to factor the generator’s cost into your budget. Before choosing a generator, consider your power needs and compare the available options to find the best fit for your RV.
If you’re unsure which generator will meet your RV needs, read this article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when outfitting your RV with appliances, there are many options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. From air fryers and hot plates to electric water kettles and espresso machines, the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. With the right appliances, you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient RV experience, no matter where your travels take you.