If you’re a camper who likes spending time in the great outdoors, investing in a microwave for your RV is a smart move.
A microwave helps you reheat your food and enjoy them when warm.
I tested and reviewed different microwaves to figure out which is the best microwave for camping.
The key criteria I used to list these appliances are size, wattage, cooking time and much more. Here’s the list of best microwaves for campers.
How I Choose the best microwave for camping
A microwave is an essential kitchen appliance in our homes, campervans, and motorhomes. You can carry it with you as you go camping far from home. However, you must consider some factors.
Size
Microwaves are available in different sizes. You need to carry a compact and lightweight size unless your campervan is large enough.
The unit should fit the space that your caravan provides. Doing so will allow air ventilation and circulation and prevent overheating.
Most caravans don’t have a large amount of space. So, external measurements are of interest. A small unit will take up little space. It will be easier to store it.
Keep in mind the weight of a microwave. Let it be portable so that you can carry it around without having to use more effort.
Power consumption/wattage
Unlike your home, power is limited in a motorhome. Evaluate the amount of power your unit will consume. Remember that you also have other gadgets that need power.
Having a low-wattage microwave of at least 600W could be the best choice. It may cook slowly, but you’ll save much power that you can use to power other gadgets.
Easy to clean
For sure, whether you’re on the road or camping, you don’t have much water and time to clean up your appliances. Choose a unit that is easy to clean, especially a stainless steel microwave. You’ll find it easier to clean and maintain.
Best Microwaves for Camping Reviewed
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
This product from Toshiba is one of the best microwaves for camping. It has a 1.2 cubic feet size, which is an ideal yet flexible option for camping.
The smart sensors offer 6 auto menus for excellent cooking. This means that you can cook foods such as veggies, pizza, potatoes, and other popular foods with a touch of a button.
I use this microwave to cook vegetables and get great results.
These sensors automatically adjust the cooking temperature and time. So, you can expect optimal results.
Its large digital display with an easy-to-read control panel makes your cooking more practical.
This powerful 1100-watt microwave offers 10 power settings to choose one that suits your cooking needs. You will also find it with a clock and a kitchen timer that tells you the cooking time is over.
With solid stainless steel construction, this microwave will last longer. The inner cavity is quite large for easy cleaning. Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
It has a hard-to-wear material coating that makes it resistant to stains and scratches. Its energy-saving option makes this microwave for camping energy, cost-efficient yet environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Compactly designed to fit small counter spaces and save space
- The smart sensors and control settings make it easy to use
- Its powerful motor allows for faster and more efficient cooking
- It has a durable construction and is easy to clean for easy maintenance
Cons
- The powerful 1100-watt works best only on a 120V battery
AmazonBasics Microwave
This small microwave for camping is a reliable and affordable microwave for a fixed budget.
It comes with tons of unique features that make it distinct. Some of these features include auto-popcorn replenishment, instant cook voice presets, and more.
Pair it with an Echo device and a simplified keypad to control the microwave using voice. For instance, you can command Alexa to control the microwaving process and get your food without much effort.
The Alexa feature is getting better and smarter with new presets. So, you can live in your caravan and enjoy the comfort of a smart camping experience.
This 12-volt microwave is portable and will fit on small countertop spaces. It runs on a 700W power motor that gives 10 power levels, allowing you to cook all types of foods and get the desired cooking results.
Besides, the turntable eliminates the need for turning food every time, giving you uniform cooking results. And the child lock guarantees safe usage around the kids.
Pros
- It works with an Echo device to allow for easy control by voice
- The compact design allows for portability and saves on space
- As an Amazon product, you’ll find it quite affordable
- Its handy features allow for a flexible cooking operation
Cons
- It doesn’t come with an Echo device; hence you may need to spend a little more money
- Some users claim it is less powerful and heats food unevenly
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave is stylish thanks to its black stainless steel finish.
You’ll find it with a compact size of 0.7 cubic feet, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a camping microwave oven.
Its 700-watt motor offers you 11 different power settings. So, you can choose any level best for cooking your food.
This 12v camping oven offers multiple cooking options like express cooking, pre-programmed cooking for popular foods, and more.
I did cook, defrost, and reheat my foods using this incredibly featured small microwave. And I got sweet and tasty food.
Need no disruptions with all the microwave beeps? Well, the mute button allows for a quiet cooking operation.
Moreover, its large digital LED display is bright for easy reading and control.
It features a clock function as well and can display the kitchen timer. Now you can turn the LED display off to save energy with a click of the eco mode button.
When it comes to cleaning, this microwave will impress you. That’s because the 10-inch removable glass turntable included makes your cleaning process easy and fast.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile thanks to its multiple cooking options
- The one-touch control buttons make it super easy to use
- Its small size makes it portable and best for small spaces
- The silent mode allows for quiet operation
Cons
- A less powerful 700-watt motor takes a longer time to heat up and cook or warm foods
- Relatively small in that even a full dinner plate may not fit in
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven
Just like Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven, this digital microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons for easy control.
I found it pretty easy to cook popcorn, pizza, potatoes, beverages, and frozen vegetables with this microwave oven.
What makes this microwave for camping unique in this list is that it comes with advanced technology.
That’s why it offers uniform heating and defrosting features for excellent cooking results without overcooking.
It has a push-door release button that gives you easy access to put in or get out your food.
The 900-watt motor features 10 different power settings that let you choose one that suits your food.
The kitchen timer and clock included in this microwave’s design remove the guesswork of cooking your food.
And the 30-second express button enables you to add more time to cook your food if needed.
With a generous size, this professional-style microwave for camping is space-saving. This means that you can carry and use it in compact spaces.
As in the AmazonBasics Microwave oven, this unit has a child lock feature, making it safer for children. Its interior light enables you to monitor the food as it cooks.
You’ll find this 12v microwave oven with a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable. This means that you won’t have trouble cleaning it up after cooking.
Pros
- It has an advanced technology that ensures even cooking, hence highly efficient
- The compact size of 0.9 cubic feet makes it space-saving and portable
- This oven is versatile as it offers 10 power levels to choose from and 6 reheat functions
- Its inner design and the removable turntable make this unit easy to clean
Cons
- The 900-watt power makes this microwave weaker and slower to cook foods
- It is pretty small and may not accommodate large dinner plates
Commercial Chef Small Countertop Microwave Oven
If you like camping more often, you’ll need to check this microwave oven for camping. It features a small yet compact design making it super portable and even fits on small countertop spaces.
This small microwave for camping has mechanical dials that make it easy to operate. Turn the dial, and this unit will do the rest of the cooking process for you.
It boasts 6 cooking power levels with about 600 watts of power. This means that you can use it for various cooking tasks.
Whether you want to quickly reheat leftovers, defrost vegetables, or prepare frozen dinners, this small microwave adjusts easily to meet your desires.
Unlike any other camping microwave on our list, this unit has an incredible 30-minute timer.
This means that you can easily cook, defrost, or reheat at intervals ranging from 1 to 30 minutes.
Just turn the dial, and this great 12v microwave will switch off automatically once the timer is complete.
Similar to the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven, this unit has a removable turntable glass.
This glass holds various microwave-safe containers, bowls, and plates for cooking. At the same time, it allows for easy cleaning and is dishwater-safe.
Pros
- It has six power levels that make it ideal for multiple cooking tasks
- The ultra-compact design makes this unit save on space and fits in limited countertop spaces
- Requires less maintenance as the removable turntable allows for easy cleanup and lacks electric control features to malfunction
- The mechanical dials are straightforward to use, and anyone, including seniors, can use them for cooking foods
Cons
- The 600 watts of power consumption makes it slow to cook foods
- Time intervals are in minutes only, making it hard to add 10 or 20 seconds when cooking, just guessing
Conclusion
I can’t stress enough how good it is to carry the right microwave for camping.
Ensure the unit you carry is lightweight, portable, and features the power capacity that your motorhome can provide.
All our top picks are great at their price point. Pick the one that meets your cooking and energy needs.